Another lovely illustration from Flora Douville...This would be nice to hang on the wall where someone walks close by to see each one of the goblins different expressions.  Sometimes Miss M has a couple of these looks on her face.

With the new year just around the corner...it is time for a new calendar.  This lovely is from artist Flora Douville...it is available in French and English.  So simple and so sweet...

Thanks to Simply Modern Mom you can have these sweet gifts tags...download, print and cut!


Grazie a Simply Modern Mom anche voi potrete avere questi bellissime etichette da regalo...scarica, stampa e taglia!

and these lovelies from Camilla Engman...download, print and cut!


anche questi adorabilli di Camilla Engman...scarica, stampa e taglia!

DAS  made for one fine day!  Miss M and I have been busy rolling, stamping and later today painting.  The  modeling clay took overnight to dry close to the radiator.  These will be hung on the tree with care.
(images by J. Whipple)

In Piazza Galvani  you can find the same modeling clay ...

 

Oh, this is good! I think this is more on my wish list than Miss M's :)

Making Ice Baubles

You will need: 

• plastic disposable plate (reuse afterwards for paint projects)
• water
• an object or sticker...something your little one chooses (Miss M chose the frog sticker and a small bicycle)
• string
• cold weather!

Place the object of choice in the center of the plastic plate, cut a piece of string and loop it at the top of the plate (for hanging from a tree or hook on your terrace), pour the water over the top and hope it gets cold enough overnight.  Simply pop it out in the morning and hang it...Miss M and I are waiting for it to get cold again so we can show everyone a picture of the finished product.  Have fun!
(image by J. Whipple)

(image by Megan Muse Photography) 

Little Bo Peeps 
at Biblioteca Sala Borsa
 in Sala Bebè 

will return on the 12th of January at 10am
It was a great end to the year last Wednesday 

with the melodies of the ocarina and a great singing group!  Looking forward the New Year 2011!
We will still be here on Little Peeps posting our winter adventures!
So stay tuned...

Little Bo Peeps 

ritornerà nella sala bebè della Biblioteca Sala Borsa 
il 12 Gennaio alle 10:00
L'anno è finito splendidamente lo scorso mercoledì, con la melodia dell'ocarina e il bellissimo coro! Ora
aspettiamo il 2011! Nel frattempo, potrete trovare le nostre avventure invernali su Little Peeps,
seguiteci....

This beautifully written and illustrated book continues to delight Miss M.  This was a gift from an amazing woman, daughter, wife, mama, traveler, artist of photography---creator of Megan Muse Photography--- just after Miss M was born.  Last night we read it again snuggling close, as I remembered the day Papa and I said, "We are so glad you've come!"

Here are a couple little travel tips from Miss M and Mama...for this holiday season 2010 or whenever you decide to scratch that travel bug itch.
I made sure that everything was new.  Not in the sense just bought, just something Miss M had yet see- It was fun putting together a carry-on full of wrapped treasures I had made.
A string of felted wool and beads.  Stringing them together, making necklaces or just hearing the small little jingle jangle was fun for both of us. 
Don't use any precious gem stones...a few of them will roll without a doubt.  But, that in itself can make people smile when they find them...return them and forget that the one you love the most just pooped...
(image by J.Whipple)

Postcards are something most tend to keep.  It is one thing I do and I am so glad I did.
I compiled for Miss M a medium sized envelope titled "People, Places, Art and Interesting Things" (as if the later aren't interesting) for the last long over seas journey we made.
Inside contained postcards from friends, family, adventures prior to family, art exhibits, museums, historical monuments...etc etc.  In total about thirty two-
Miss M loved opening the envelope...and maybe interested in each post card...but, the different writing on the back and the colors that each post card contained held her captive for about...twenty five minutes...we did go back to them again later in the flight.  Every minute counts keeping the one you love the most happy, quiet and ready for the next 8 hours.
(image by J.Whipple)

See everyone tomorrow at Little Bo Peeps!
Looking forward to hearing the sounds of the ocarina again

Yesterday Miss M and I joined friends for holiday songs and decorating gingerbread cookies...as fast as we decorated we gobbled them up!  This is a really lovely idea if you have a large enough mug to prop them on...I am not sure how they would work on the side of a cappuccino cup. 
(image by Not Martha)

This recipe is from a little book from Parma translated into English by Giuliana Magnani.  I think this sounds good for a cold winter day.  I will try and roast the macaroons... just a little before adding.  click on recipe to enlarge

  These personalized portraits from NanLawson would be a nice change from the traditional family photo...say cheese. 

Another awesome template from Made by Joel.  Having a holiday get together and want something for kids to do... this is perfect. I think I want to make a garland after Miss M and I get done coloring and decorating them.  If you would like this template click on the link above and Joel will guide you. 

Mercoledì 8 Dicembre è festa....

Little Bo Peeps 

ritornerà il mercoledì successivo, 

stesso luogo, stessa ora....vi aspettiamo!

Wednesday 8th of December is a holiday...

Little Bo Peeps 

will return on the following Wednesday

  Same time and place...see you all then!

What a sweet holiday DIY ornament tutorial from Creature Comforts using puzzle board shapes.  

This would be fun to go in search of at a flea market or vintage rummage sale.

(holiday card 2006 by J. Whipple)

(holiday card 2006 by J. Whipple)

What a special surprise today at Little Bo Peeps!  A very talented Papa (with daughter) serenaded us with the Ocarina (a traditional instrument from Budrio, BO) This is the first time I have heard the sound of this instrument...a kind of honey to the ear.
A good time was had by all.-  Grazie!

(image from the official site of the Ocarina of Budrio)