Awhile back I posted about the arts and crafts area we set up in our living room. A bit of history: way back when, when we very first set up an art center, it was set up in the bedroom of Princess of the Universe. It was a huge success. She spent many hours creating and crafting.
Then we remodeled her bedroom, the art center came down, and it was not put back up right away. Other things crowded in and took its place. I thought I could live with it in the living room, but it was just too much. And yet, I think little girls and boys need a place to do crafty things.
So last night we began the process of rearranging her room and setting up her new art center. (I’m allowed to work at it also!) 
It is simply two plastic storage-drawer units with wheels under them, so the entire “desk” rolls easily in case we want to pull it out and have someone work from the other side of the desk. (Me.)
The little doll clothes chest we painted not long ago is the perfect seat for the desk. The top of the desk is a very smooth 1/2″ piece of board we got at Home Depot for 5 dollars. The drawers are filled with all kinds of craft materials.
We had to move the furniture around somewhat to accommodate the new art center. And, the play kitchen that Princess of the Universe has outgrown (wiping back tears) is being moved outdoors to a covered area where the neighborhood children can play with it together. They’ll have so much fun with it that way!
Goodbye little kitchen. You’ve served us well.
The art center is set up not far from our dollhouse so we can create things for the dollhouse and test them out right away! It’s going to be so nice.
There are plenty of pens and markers, lots of paper, crafty items such as buttons and pipe cleaners, glue, and we will be adding more when we make a trip to The Scrap Exchange this week. (Everyone needs a Scrap Exchange!)
Princess of the Universe keeps her doll house so neat and tidy. I really think there’s a lesson in having a girl do that.
Our verse this week is from Proverbs 14. Verse 15:
“The simple believeth every word: but the prudent man looketh well to his going.”
I have noticed that with the multitude of neighborhood children riding bikes and playing and talking, sometimes an argument of some type arises. I hate to say it, but there is one child in particular who seems to always be at the bottom of it. Sometimes some of the children feel the need to then gang up on that child and ban him from play. The child is a long way from his home, so there is little parental involvement when it comes to him. I do know, however, that it would be prudent for my children to come home and talk to me, avoiding any type of “correction” that the other children are trying to implement. In addition, sometimes things that happen get talked up and turned into a mountain when they are really just small things and probably because the boy needs attention.
I want my children to learn to stop and think and look well to their going. I want them to learn the difference between simple and prudent. We’ll be talking about the definitions of these words this week. And I”m sure the dolls may have a lesson to teach. More later…
Lynn
for you to leave a comment, but you can also e-mail me at lynn AT thehealthyhomeschool.com
Hi Lynn,
I think the arts and crafts center is so cute.I like the coffee cup mugs you are using for pencil and ink pen holders.
Also noticed the antique dresser in there,I love that.I love anything that is old or antique!!
I am curious though,do you know the name of the pink wall paint you are using in there? I want to paint the extra bedroom I have with pink,but can`t make up my mind what shade of pink!!
I have turned that room into a vintage little girl`s room.But the walls are a boring antique white,and I want some color in there.I love pink,pink,pink!!!
In fact,I am using pastel pinks,yellows,greens ,aquas and whites all through my house,except the kitchen.Trying to use the 40`s or 50`s look in there.
Have fun creating in there!!
Good morning Lynn
We have a child like that in our neighborhood too. The parents are there physically, but not “there”, if you know what I mean and the girl runs around as she pleases. It causes friction with Annie and me because I have to reel her in and tell her that she can’t do the same things that the other child is allowed to do.
Your daughters room looks cute! I miss the kitchen toys too.
I looked at all your other posts that I missed and your gardens look amazing. It almost looks as if you live in England and I love it
rue
Vicki, the can is marked Sherwin Williams SW0034 and it’s something my husband had mixed. On line I searched and get Roycroft Rose. I love my daughter’s room and could just hang out in there.
Rue, thank you! I love flowers. My entire front yard is packed with them, though many did not come back this year after last year’s drought. My goal has always been an English cottage garden look, though lately I’ve been interested in Japanese gardens. My house is a 1921 farm house, though, so I’m sure the English garden would fit better.
Will be over to visit you later today!
Lynn
What a clever way to make a desk!! That is way too cute…looks like everything has a place!!
Isn’t is bittersweet getting rid of those lil kitchens and stuff…you know they’ve poutgrown them but its so sad to see them go….
Have a great day!
Hugs,
Robin
I agree that children need a place to sit and create! Creating things, whether they be crafts and projects or even just quiet spaces and good memories, does good for the soul.
I have a desk from the in-laws in the garage waiting to become a workspace for my husband. He loves tinkering with electronics and I want to build him a space that inspires him and encourages him. I would be very out of place with a honking big black metal desk, but I think he’ll enjoy a retro-technology corner of his own, with our steel lamp and his soldering iron and all his little gadgets. Adults love craft areas, too!
Robin, it turned out great! Thanks! The board stays very much in place and stays stable for work. The storage units underneath can be facing front or out to either side. I like the latter better but Princess likes them facing the front. I also like the desk pulled out from the wall, but she likes it up to the wall. It’s okay. It’s her room. I’ll try to be quiet.
Pamela, you are so right. I love my sewing table with my vintage sewing machine. It is MY space and it inspires me. Your husband will love his work space! My husband certainly has created a work space for himself. Come to think of it, he’s there a lot.
Lynn
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