Finished writing MHC article...

I'm happy to have finished my article for Modern Handmade Child Magazine's (MHC) Summer issue on friendship skills in the context of camp. I really enjoy the challenge of bridging my parent training work with crafting activities. Now I need to finish a felt bag I am making that ties in with the theme of the MHC article. I am using fusible webbing, felt, and a waterproof layer for the inside. Then, one of my hand-made felt appliques (I'm doing my Petite Fish applique for this bag), and kids can have a fashionable and durable way to store supplies at camp. I will also go to www.etsy.com to locate some additional handmade products to pair with my article, such as camp tees, friendship activities, luggage tags, etc.

Check out Modern Handmade Child Magazine for a sample of products and articles that I am inspired by.

Petite Fish

So, The Crafty Shrink is a writing expression, a nod to my profession, with a crafty twist. I write about child development and ways parents can teach their child(ren) important life skills, using crafting and handmade goods. I am also a "Dear Crafty Shrink" columnist and contributing writer for the most amazing magazine on the planet - Modern Handmade Child.

Petite Fish, on the other hand (pardon the unintentional pun) is my handmade expression, a nod to my inner crafting addiction. I make swimmingly good attire for little fishies. Check out my special boutique children's garments on my Petite Fish website at www.petitefish.etsy.com.

Crafty Shrink quote

"Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist when we grow up." - Pablo Picasso

As parents, we can model the importance of creativity by showing our child(ren) that we carve out time in the hustle and bustle of our lives. Leave out a project in the corner of the dining room table. Have a basket of knitting supplies next to the couch. When you drop your little fishie off to the playdate, announce proudly, "while you are having fun, I will be having fun with my art supplies at home". Then show her what you are working on. These trails of evidence will help to preserve the child artist within as she grows up.

Etsy Kids

I have recently begun building a lovely connection with Etsy Kids: an on-line collective of handmade artisans. In particular, I have enjoyed conspiring with Shannon (The Clever Kitty) and Gretchen (Chichiboulie), talented women who are leaders and innovators in the small business handmade industry. Check out EtsyKids by clicking on the link below to see a special world of children's products:


Visit EtsyKids

Crafty Shrink answers questions!

I am delighted to tailor my Crafty Shrink tips if there's an interest for readers. No need to give me too many details, just the gist of your question, and I'd be happy to offer a crafty idea for how you can teach a skill or highlight an important value in a fun way for you and your child.

To be honest, most of the information in my tips can be found on the internet... but here I give my special Crafty Shrink twist.

Sample questions:

"My 9 year-old boy can sometimes be a sore loser. Any tips?" - Rita, New Jersey
"Sometimes my 4 year-old daughter just refuses to clean-up. What can I do? -Katie, MN
"My husband often travels alot for work. The kids can get really moody. Any ideas to make it a little easier? -Maya, CA

I look forward to hearing from you!

Modern Handmade Child Magazine

I'm happy to be a contributing writer for Modern Handmade Child Magazine. My first Crafty Shrink article was featured in this beautiful issue honoring Mother's Day. I wrote about an important child development lesson, titled 'Self-expression'. Click on the magazine below, peruse the whole thing - it's a really impressive magazine - there is none other like it. And be sure to check out previous issues to see amazing writings and products, all honoring the pride of handmade.

You lookin' at me?

At lunch today, my little fishie (almost 1 year-old son) snatched up a fist full of chopped broccoli and smooshed it into his mouth with vigor. He then proceeded to take those green spotted, slimy hands and rub his eyes. So then those green broccoli sprinkles dotted his brow and it reminded me... kids often don't know what others see on their faces. They often just have a feeling (i.e. getting sleepy)... and express it. We are the ones who have the pleasure (or burden) to interpret what our child is communicating.

A crafty shrink activity that my nanny thought of is to get a hand mirror and show the baby or child what we see on their face. At first, it could be fun to do when their face is naturally messy with food. Show them the hand mirror and comment on what you both see (if they are verbal, ask them to comment). In this case "I see you have green brocolli on your eyebrow where you wiped your eye." Then, take a wet paper towel and wipe it off to show messy vs. clean, and say "I see you don't have any more green on your face. What else do we see?" Then show happy face vs. angry face. Sad face vs. surprised face.

And let me know how it goes...

Yellow Fluffles and ditto-bugs, please!

My 2.5 year-old nephew's favorite things right now are yellow fluffles (flowers) and ditto-bugs (lady bugs). Oh and choo-choo's (trains). He says "yellow fluffles. Happy."

A Crafty Shrink thought: this is the first Spring when he is mobile and verbal at the same time. Major developmental accomplishment! Last year, he could point to things he liked and we could guess what he wanted. Now, he can use language to communicate, share, and express his delight at all the new Spring things he is experiencing. A crafty way to reinforce the VALUE of HIS new discoveries - have Mom, Dad, Nana, whoever - go on bug hunts and fluffle hunts together.

Meet and Greet

Hi! I'm happy to announce the birth of my blog, The Crafty Shrink. Isn't it awesome? Such a fun blend of my profession, my calling, and my crafting. This was an easy birth - much like my son once I got that epidural. I'm still in the infancy stage with this blog thing. Where my son is awkwardly learning to stand, I am bumbling along figuring out how blogs work... so please let me know what you think.