Sunday, March 29, 2009

better, no?

My big project today was rearranging the boys' little play area. I dream of having an inspiring play area for them, but for now I just wanted to "use what I have" to open up the space a bit. Later, hopefully, I can add more art and color. We are lucky to have good light and nice floors--I am ever mindful of that. I just wanted to make the space a little less cluttered--specifically I was waiting for some inspiration so I could move their white Target dressers to somewhere else in the house. This morning I figured out they could change places with a bookcase that has children's books anyway, and voila:
I think it's much more open and visually appealing. I also set up a little art area on the table. I'd tried that once before and the boys were completely uninterested.

But today, presto! A drawing boy! I was delighted. He drew several pages worth. He balked at first because these Ikea pencils are so hard to draw with, but when I explained that you have to press hard to get the color to show up, something clicked and he went to town.
The weekend flew by. March is fast and furious with no breaks or holidays. I'll be glad to slow down a bit in April. Saturday we were in the hospital briefly with Rainer--he needed some platelets--but he is doing so well, and is very very close now to the end of this course of chemo. Hooray!

21 comments:

One Crafty Mumma said...

It's such a lovely play space, I especially love the big bookshelf and art corner :)

Rachel said...

Your play area looks great, and I love the way you have their pens and crayons stored in tin cans!
:)

Michaela said...

It looks so nice. Can I come over and play?:) Glad to here Rainer is doing well.

Joy said...

That looks great! Very warm and inviting to play. :)

Arrica said...

Love to read your tender blog. It is very sweet and touching. Praying for you and your family. Glad to hear your babe is doing better.

hsing3kinder said...

It's a beautiful space!
You might want to look for
some Prismacolor pencils.
The have stunning colors & are
very easy to use.

Nancy said...

I so need to do this! It definitely seems like the kids play more inventively, and longer, when I manage to clear the 'extras' out.

Thanks for your blog, I've been enjoying it for a while. I've been meaning to try the gelatin stickers, and one of these rainy days we'll get around to it.

Lisa said...

That is a great play area. My kid's rooms are an overwhelming splash of color and chaos. Where did you get that storage table in the last picture?

christina said...

The play area looks lovely! you have such wonderful lighting in your house! So open and bright.

I too store my kids art mediums in cans. They work perfectly!

Anonymous said...

I've been reading for a short while but your latest blog reminded me to get into Canadian Blood Services to do another platelet donation. Thanks for the nudge and all the best to your whole family. Elsie

Anonymous said...

I like the idea of using old soup cans for pencil holders..did you have to use one of those can openers that removes the entire top rim? Mine always leaves a jagged edge. Also, what type of form did you use to make the square crayons?

Melissa said...

It's so beautiful! I love your tables-- where did you get the round one, the rectangular coffe table type and the bookshelf? Please say Ikea and they cost $2.

Thanks for sharing!

maya said...

It's perfect. I'd love to play there, myself. Congratulations on the drawing boy, how gratifying. Sending love to Rainer...

et lille oejeblik - a little moment said...

it's a beautiful and inspiring play area: of course he had to draw :))

Mary Beth said...

Lisa--it is from Ikea in their Trofast line. It's very functional.

Elsie--I am so touched that you've been inspired to donate platelets. Hooray!

1urbanmom--just a regular can opener, but the opening, at least on this can, is very smooth. The crayons came as blocks. You can find them at Nova Naturals Toys. Their lovely--made of beeswax.

Melissa--the roundish table is from Ikea (which is currently being used for drawing), the bookcase is from the Levenger catalog, and the low shelves are from Ikea.

Thanks so much to everyone for the kind words and feedback.
Mary Beth

Cheryl Arkison said...

What a great area!

Amy said...

What a great space you have! It looks so open and inviting. Thanks for sharing.

Samantha S said...

Hi there I am new around here. What is that lovely book you have on the table?

Mary Beth said...

Hi Samantha. Thanks for visiting! Welcome! The book is Charley Harper's ABC book.

Celia said...

SO good to know about Rainer! I am so happy he's doing fine! Enjoy Easter!!!

Nova said...

ohh gorgeous! i love the furniture too, i wish we had ikea here!