Kids Archives - MobiSpirit MobiSpirit Sun, 12 Jun 2022 14:13:32 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.5.2 Russian Artist Decorates Kids’ Bedrooms With Inspiring Murals https://mobispirit.com/russian-artist-decorates-kids-bedrooms-with-inspiring-murals/ Wed, 15 Jun 2022 08:36:00 +0000 https://mobispirit.com/?p=25975 Most kids view their bedrooms as some kind of sanctuary. It is not only the space in which they sleep or learn but also the place where they feel safe to dream big things and work on their ideas. With this in mind, Russian artist Darina started doing charming hand-painted murals on the walls of […]

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]]> Most kids view their bedrooms as some kind of sanctuary. It is not only the space in which they sleep or learn but also the place where they feel safe to dream big things and work on their ideas. With this in mind, Russian artist Darina started doing charming hand-painted murals on the walls of kids’ bedrooms to inspire them.

Darina, who is based in Moscow, aims to evoke imagination with her artwork. She uses a soft color palette to paint dreamlike scenes of animals in their habitat and colorful landscapes that create a peaceful and stimulating surrounding for young minds. This includes koalas and monkeys playing on the trees, whales swimming in the ocean, and trains traveling through snowy mountains.

Darina’s works are not only pleasant for the eye but also educational. Her murals teach children the basics of geography, the animal world, and even science. For example, one of her murals shows the map of the world that highlights the natural habitats of animals like zebras, elephants, penguins, and kangaroos. Other has a rocket traveling to space surrounded by satellites, astronauts, and planets.

Enjoy more of her whimsical murals below and don’t be surprised if they encourage you to re-decorate your children’s bedroom.

The post Russian Artist Decorates Kids’ Bedrooms With Inspiring Murals appeared first on MobiSpirit.

]]> Introduce Your Children to Author and Illustrator Lisa Stickley https://mobispirit.com/introduce-your-children-to-author-and-illustrator-lisa-stickley/ Mon, 04 Jan 2021 13:42:31 +0000 https://mobispirit.com/?p=25318 Experts agree that reading with babies and children promotes brain development and imagination, develops language and emotions, and strengthens relationships, amongst other advantages. The importance of reading cannot be underestimated, as it benefits both their wellbeing and mental health. More importantly, reading with your child can be great fun. This holiday season, we recommend purchasing […]

The post Introduce Your Children to Author and Illustrator Lisa Stickley appeared first on MobiSpirit.

]]> Experts agree that reading with babies and children promotes brain development and imagination, develops language and emotions, and strengthens relationships, amongst other advantages.

The importance of reading cannot be underestimated, as it benefits both their wellbeing and mental health. More importantly, reading with your child can be great fun.

This holiday season, we recommend purchasing your young ones a good book. Award-winning designer, author, and illustrator, Lisa Stickley should be on top of your list. Trained at Central Saint Martins and the Royal College of Art, her titles include The Wobbly Waitress, Bernard Makes A Splash! and Dress Like Mummy.

According to Stickley, her inspiration is found close to home. Inspired by her daughters’ everyday musings, her stories are told from a fresh untainted view of the world that children can relate to.

“The thing I love about children is they observe the tiniest stuff,” observed Stickley in an interview with Books with Baby. “We grown-ups are so busy nowadays, with work and social media.”

She also acknowledges the importance of encouraging children to enjoy reading as much as possible. “Before doing my books, I hadn’t drawn people for years,” she explains. “I was scared of it. So I sat down and had a proper look at artists and designers I loved, and tried to put myself in their shoes to get started. It freed me up and now I love it!”

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]]> This Illustrator Makes Us Feel Nostalgic https://mobispirit.com/this-illustrator-makes-us-feel-nostalgic/ Thu, 20 Aug 2020 12:01:00 +0000 https://mobispirit.com/?p=25074 Describing her style as playful, colorful and imaginative, Taiwan-based illustrator and animator Hsinping Pan is all about those good vibes. Her illustrations, based on geometric shapes, simplified features, and solid color blocks, speak to our inner child, which makes sense, judging by the fact most of her work is aimed at children. With clients as […]

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]]> Describing her style as playful, colorful and imaginative, Taiwan-based illustrator and animator Hsinping Pan is all about those good vibes. Her illustrations, based on geometric shapes, simplified features, and solid color blocks, speak to our inner child, which makes sense, judging by the fact most of her work is aimed at children.

With clients as big as Nickelodeon, Cartoon Network, and Disney, chances are you’ve seen her work without even realizing it. “A typical Hsinping Pan-illustration features bright colors and fun characters,” she further explained in an interview with Flow Magazine. “I also love geometric shapes, and really like to add a face on the objects.”

Her work ranges from book covers and children’s books to commercials, movies, and music videos. “Drawing is a way to express and entertain myself,” says Pan. “So, when I don’t have any commissioned projects, I work on my own projects, because drawing is so much fun.”

But though her images might seem simple, they’re anything but simplistic. With a Master’s degree at the University of Southern California in Animation and Digital Arts, Pan’s films have been played at festivals worldwide and received the first prize at Taiwan’s international animation festival, and her illustrations have won the bronze prize of 3×3 Magazine.

You’ll want to check her out.

The post This Illustrator Makes Us Feel Nostalgic appeared first on MobiSpirit.

]]> Looking for Creative Ways to Keep Your Kids Busy? Start Here https://mobispirit.com/looking-for-creative-ways-to-keep-your-kids-busy-start-here/ Thu, 07 May 2020 06:24:00 +0000 https://mobispirit.com/?p=24865 Crafter and content creator Jodi Levine turns everyday rubbish into an inspiring landscape of experimentation and play. Her Instagram page has become a gathering place for young parents looking for creative (and cheap!) ways to engage in arts and crafts with their children. Based in Brooklyn with her husband and two sons, Levine has become […]

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]]> Crafter and content creator Jodi Levine turns everyday rubbish into an inspiring landscape of experimentation and play. Her Instagram page has become a gathering place for young parents looking for creative (and cheap!) ways to engage in arts and crafts with their children.

Based in Brooklyn with her husband and two sons, Levine has become a staple in shows like The Today Show, MARTHA, NY1, CBS Morning Show, and The View, where she shares her tips and tricks.

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Hey all! This Sunday’s New York Times (print edition) includes their brilliant #NYTforKids section and it is mostly dedicated to coronavirus’s impact on kids and advice for dealing with life in isolation. For example, if your craft supplies are running low, the paper itself will provide all you need for this fun, meditative origami project. I’ve always loved using newspaper for oversized paper crafts and was thrilled to make these GIANT origami cranes! Painting the newspaper not only looks pretty but also makes the paper stiffer, helping you get crisper folds. Photo by @blobbybloherty Thank you thank you @dbishopme @caitlinr @roryannaw @williaqj @simplylovia @nalghadban @miameredith ❤ 📰🗞 @nytmag

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“The world has changed so much since I was in school and the word ‘craft’ was perceived very negatively,” she observed in an interview with David Stark. “The whole design/DIY/craft world has exploded which is great for those of us that like to make stuff and dabble with lots of media and don’t fit neatly into the art school categories.”

Levine knows what she’s talking about. Having studied painting formerly in RISD, she admits she felt a little lost during her school years. It was only after graduating that she switched gears, having landed a job in the Craft Department at Martha Stewart Living. The rest was history.

Take a leaf out of her book:

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Here are a few recycled crafts-that-require-no-crafting from around our kitchen! The items (vases, planters, and organizing containers) are plucked from the recycle bin and used pretty much as they are, so, no real crafting!! (Unless you count label-removal…and by the way, Goo Gone and very hot water work well for this!)I had collected LOTS of colored plastic containers a couple of years ago for a recycled craft story for #NewYorkTimesMagazineLabs Kids section, which I then turned into animals. I couldn’t part with the extras, so they are slowly making their way around the house! This group was perfect for serving as vases or planters in my kitchen window. 🌿🍃I also love + save metal tins (SWIPE👉🏼) like this pizza sauce can and dried mustard can, perfect for holding small brushes and metal cocktail straws…or an anchovy tin with blank notecards. ✏ UPDATE: Just realized…its Earth Day tomorrow, so…a perfect timing to take a fresh look at what you can reuse from your recycle bin! 💚🌎♻ #earthday #earthdaycrafts #earthdaycraft #earthdayeveryday

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Have you used up all your toilet tubes from all of the crafting? 🙃 If not, make a menagerie with your littles! These creatures are from our book but I just put the instructions on the site (link in profile, search “tube animals”). Making them is a lesson in restraint, planning out your designs before cutting (which I’m not great at!). That is, if you want to make it from one piece, with minimal glued-on appendages. Once your kids make these and see how many ways there are to cut cardboard tubes, they will come up with tons of ideas of their own! Create a habitat for your animals by cutting paper or felt watering holes and cardboard trees. *Swipe for more!* And for more recycled tube ideas, see @amandakingloff (about 10 posts ago), or @suzyultman ‘s post today! 😍 photos by @amygroppforbes #stayhome #staysafe

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]]> 10-Year-Old Boy Practices Tattoos on His Family Members https://mobispirit.com/10-year-old-boy-practices-tattoos-on-his-family-members/ Sun, 12 Apr 2020 12:29:00 +0000 https://mobispirit.com/?p=23297 How many times have you heard the question “What will you be when you grow up?” An actor, astronaut, ballerina or maybe a doctor? Well, this 5th grader dreams of becoming a tattoo artist, and he practices every day. Michigan-based Thomas Spring also known as Bubba comes from an artistic family, his father is a […]

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]]> How many times have you heard the question “What will you be when you grow up?” An actor, astronaut, ballerina or maybe a doctor? Well, this 5th grader dreams of becoming a tattoo artist, and he practices every day.

Michigan-based Thomas Spring also known as Bubba comes from an artistic family, his father is a musician and drummer, whilst his mother is a fine art and fantasy photographer, so his passion for art came naturally.

“Along with making comics and face painting, I think tattoos are another way for him to create by also making other people happy,” Thomas’s mother Katie Eklund said in an interview with Bored Panda.

“One day, he came home from school and said, ‘Mom can I give you a tattoo?’ I agreed. And then we set up a station for him with gel pens and a tip jar, where he charged me 50 cents for each tattoo I got. Then his siblings all wanted one.”

After she made a post about her son’s work, the reaction from people was more than amazing. From tattoo artists wanting to collaborate with him, to kind people writing him letters and supporting his passion.

Scroll down and check out his tattoos below.

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]]> Introduce Your Children to the Animal Kingdom With These Illustrations https://mobispirit.com/introduce-your-children-to-the-animal-kingdom-with-these-illustrations/ Sat, 04 Apr 2020 10:18:00 +0000 https://mobispirit.com/?p=23994 Looking for clever, amusing ways to pass the time with young kids, while in quarantine? Children’s books are always recommended, but especially now they serve a well-needed break from tablets and phones. With a growing fanbase on Instagram, children illustrator and author Katrin Wiehle is worth looking into. “I have always been drawing and ‘creating’ […]

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]]> Looking for clever, amusing ways to pass the time with young kids, while in quarantine? Children’s books are always recommended, but especially now they serve a well-needed break from tablets and phones. With a growing fanbase on Instagram, children illustrator and author Katrin Wiehle is worth looking into.

“I have always been drawing and ‘creating’ things and never really wanted to do anything else,” said Wiehle in and interview with Lake. “I think I would be completely terrible at an office job.” On top of her work as a freelance illustrator, and having written 10 books so far, Wiehle is also a founding member of Paper Ghost Studio, a small illustration studio and gallery space in Candler Park, Atlanta, where she has been organizing art shows for the last two years.

Based in Atlanta, GA, she admits to drawing inspiration from her childhood in Germany, where she was raised in an old farmhouse in a tiny village. Being surrounded by sheep, horses, and chickens, it comes as no surprise that animals, in all shapes and forms, make a constant appearance throughout her work.

“I still travel back to Germany as much as I can,” says Wiehle, “so I can spend time with my family and friends and get my fill of the German breakfast and riding the train around Europe.” Her illustrations might provide you with more insight into her favorite environments.

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Bears! #bear #tinybear #illustration

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]]> Mo Willems Helps Kids in Quarantine Have a Good Time https://mobispirit.com/mo-willems-helps-kids-in-quarantine-have-a-good-time/ Sat, 28 Mar 2020 10:22:00 +0000 https://mobispirit.com/?p=23739 It didn’t take long for the coronavirus to completely alter our societal structure. Lockdowns all over the world mean that hundreds of millions of children don’t get to go to school, the playground, or on playdates—they stay home and have to find some way to entertain themselves and continue learning. Some folks out there have […]

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]]> It didn’t take long for the coronavirus to completely alter our societal structure. Lockdowns all over the world mean that hundreds of millions of children don’t get to go to school, the playground, or on playdates—they stay home and have to find some way to entertain themselves and continue learning.

Some folks out there have decided to step up, and help kids pass the time, and to help their parents with the load of parenting, especially authors, artists, and illustrators.

Mo Willems, an artist, illustrator and bestselling author has come up with a genius scheme—he teamed up with The Kennedy Center to create a new weekly show on YouTube: Every Monday he shares a video on his new YouTube channel, Lunch Doodles with Mo Willems, where he teaches young kids to doodle and create. Mo also accepts letters from kids and he reads them and answers questions on each episode.

Each episode is about half an hour-long and it’s the type of things that can turn these trying times into something positive. It’s heartwarming to know that even now, there are grown-ups out there that know how important it is for kids to get to be kids.

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]]> It’s All Sunshine and Rainbows With Poppekins https://mobispirit.com/its-all-sunshine-and-rainbows-with-poppekins/ Sat, 15 Feb 2020 11:25:00 +0000 https://mobispirit.com/?p=21452 Alongside the birth of her first child, Carla van der Meer’s also conceived her brand, Poppekins. “I designed her birth announcement and I really loved working on the illustrations,” she later explained in an interview with the Printed blog. Now a proud mother of two, her brand is still going strong, catering to both children […]

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]]> Alongside the birth of her first child, Carla van der Meer’s also conceived her brand, Poppekins. “I designed her birth announcement and I really loved working on the illustrations,” she later explained in an interview with the Printed blog.

Now a proud mother of two, her brand is still going strong, catering to both children and children at heart. Based around colorful designs and naive, playful characters, Poppekins’ features an array of paper goodies and other delights, ranging from prints and cards to custom made birth announcements, party invites, and portraits.

“My first illustrations were mainly colorful animals, personalized name prints and cartoons,” van der Meer relayed in an interview with the Printed blog. A fashion designer by trade, creativity comes easy for her. But when she needs the extra push she turns to her children for inspiration.

“They inspire me every day with their curious outlook on life and all the funny things they say,” she says. “Their colorful toys and books give me so much inspiration too,” she went on to say, adding that Dick Bruna is one of her favorites, as well as all the bold colors and patterns of the ’70s. 

Follow her Instagram for a spot of fun.

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It’s @justacard #indiefriday!! 🌈 Forget about Black Friday go indie! ❤ I’ve got some great deals in my shop atm that I’ll highlight here for you 😊😊 🌈❤ Matching tray and 2 coaster sets in 3 designs £20 🌈🧡 Mix and Match 2 tea towels for £20 🌈💛 Faversham prints to celebrate I’ve lived here for 3 years now £10 / £15 🌈💚 And last but not least, all Christmas cards in my shop £10 for £10. Limited stock on certain designs so please check w me! Thanks so much for shopping indie this weekend!! ❤❤❤ – – – – – #justacard #colourfulfriday #rainbowfriday #shopsmall #shoplocal #shopindependent #besthandmade #shopindependentthischristmas #wemakecollective #makersformakers #wearethemakers #supportlocal #supportthemakers #sharinghandmadejoy #indieroller #indierollercoaster #prettycreativestyle #prettycreativelife #seekinspirecreate #handmadeisbest #incolourfulcompany #colourmyeveryday

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Keep going! 🌈💖 After 8 weeks of doing a little hour here and there, I feel I’m getting a bit of Poppekins/me time back! It’s hard to stay motivated when you can’t find the time to finish certain projects and it feels like there are so many loose ends, but Fenna is settling into reception well and Freddy’s back in nursery today too, so expect to see a bit more of me again on here and if you’re expecting a reply from me please keep an eye on your inbox / DM or message me again to harass me please! 😘😘💖 – – – – – #keepgoing #makeithappen #indieroller #ihavethisthingwithrainbows #rainbowismyfavouritecolour #incolourfulcompany #colourmyeveryday #indierollercoaster #onedayatatime #wfhm #wahmlife #ourcolourfulkids #motherhoodthroughig #motherhoodunplugged

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]]> Vibeke Flatman Created a Book About a Bird and His Adventures https://mobispirit.com/vibeke-flatman-created-a-book-about-a-bird-and-his-adventures/ Tue, 11 Feb 2020 09:41:00 +0000 https://mobispirit.com/?p=21165 Vibeke Flatman is a Danish artist with a background in landscape architecture who has always loved doing arts and crafts in her free time. She has been living in Suffolk, UK since 2003 and is currently creating art and poetry for children’s books. Her latest creation is a bird named Alvin, the main character in […]

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]]> Vibeke Flatman is a Danish artist with a background in landscape architecture who has always loved doing arts and crafts in her free time. She has been living in Suffolk, UK since 2003 and is currently creating art and poetry for children’s books. Her latest creation is a bird named Alvin, the main character in a children’s book titled At The End Of The Rainbow.

“Alvin is a busy little chap and does not only feature in children’s literature but also goes traveling, runs Saturday Parkrun, hangs out with friends, goes to the office and explores nature. If you don’t know Alvin already, it really is about time you do,” the artist wrote on Bored Panda and added that her target audience is children from age five to nine.

Check out the gallery below and have a glimpse of Alvin’s adventures. You can also follow Flatman on Instagram for future updates.

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Alvin hanging out amongst his favourite books…⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ For more information re his book 'At the end of the rainbow' please see link in bio…⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ #kidsreading #kidsillustration #kidsillustrator #kidsbooks #kidsillustrations #kidsliterature #kidsbookshelf #childrensbookillustration #childrenbookart #childrensbooks #children_illustration #childrensillustration #childrenbook #newbooks #newbook #teachersofinstagram #publisher #publishingcompany #naiveart #naive #naiveartist #artistsoninstagram #acrylicpainting #painting #paintings #naivepainting #naïve #illustration #illustrator #illustrations

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]]> Laura Hughes’ Illustrations Capture the Essence of Being a Child https://mobispirit.com/laura-hughes-illustrations-capture-the-essence-of-being-a-child/ Fri, 03 Jan 2020 09:10:52 +0000 https://mobispirit.com/?p=19620 When it comes to illustrations for children, Laura Hughes’ creativity and playfulness knows no end. Using inks, gouache paint, and crayons, with digital finishing touches, her creations have adorned children’s books like There’s a Pig Up My Nose, Daddy’s Sandwich, and The Birthday Invitation. Aside from those, her artwork is also featured on greetings cards, gift-wrappings, packaging, and […]

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]]> When it comes to illustrations for children, Laura Hughes’ creativity and playfulness knows no end. Using inks, gouache paint, and crayons, with digital finishing touches, her creations have adorned children’s books like There’s a Pig Up My Nose, Daddy’s Sandwich, and The Birthday Invitation. Aside from those, her artwork is also featured on greetings cards, gift-wrappings, packaging, and stationery.

“Most of the illustrations start with an urge to draw a particular thing,” she told Love Print Studio, explaining her creative process. “I’ll make a few drawings of the subject, sometimes 2 or 3, sometimes even more! Then I scan the drawing or painting and clean it up on the computer.”

“Children’s books are an endless source of inspiration and wonder for me and I love the current trend for more ‘arty’, interesting styles,” she relayed. “Though my work is very ‘illustrative’, I often look to painters and fine artists for inspiration. I think it’s good for illustrators to look beyond their peers in order to keep their work looking fresh.”

Having studied illustration at Kingston University and graduated in 2005, she now resides in Walthamstow and is represented by Arabella Stein at The Bright Agency. But you can also follow her progress online, through her Instagram page.

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]]> ersion="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?> Kids Archives - MobiSpirit MobiSpirit Sun, 12 Jun 2022 14:13:32 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.5.2 Russian Artist Decorates Kids’ Bedrooms With Inspiring Murals https://mobispirit.com/russian-artist-decorates-kids-bedrooms-with-inspiring-murals/ Wed, 15 Jun 2022 08:36:00 +0000 https://mobispirit.com/?p=25975 Most kids view their bedrooms as some kind of sanctuary. It is not only the space in which they sleep or learn but also the place where they feel safe to dream big things and work on their ideas. With this in mind, Russian artist Darina started doing charming hand-painted murals on the walls of […]

The post Russian Artist Decorates Kids’ Bedrooms With Inspiring Murals appeared first on MobiSpirit.

]]> Most kids view their bedrooms as some kind of sanctuary. It is not only the space in which they sleep or learn but also the place where they feel safe to dream big things and work on their ideas. With this in mind, Russian artist Darina started doing charming hand-painted murals on the walls of kids’ bedrooms to inspire them.

Darina, who is based in Moscow, aims to evoke imagination with her artwork. She uses a soft color palette to paint dreamlike scenes of animals in their habitat and colorful landscapes that create a peaceful and stimulating surrounding for young minds. This includes koalas and monkeys playing on the trees, whales swimming in the ocean, and trains traveling through snowy mountains.

Darina’s works are not only pleasant for the eye but also educational. Her murals teach children the basics of geography, the animal world, and even science. For example, one of her murals shows the map of the world that highlights the natural habitats of animals like zebras, elephants, penguins, and kangaroos. Other has a rocket traveling to space surrounded by satellites, astronauts, and planets.

Enjoy more of her whimsical murals below and don’t be surprised if they encourage you to re-decorate your children’s bedroom.

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]]> Introduce Your Children to Author and Illustrator Lisa Stickley https://mobispirit.com/introduce-your-children-to-author-and-illustrator-lisa-stickley/ Mon, 04 Jan 2021 13:42:31 +0000 https://mobispirit.com/?p=25318 Experts agree that reading with babies and children promotes brain development and imagination, develops language and emotions, and strengthens relationships, amongst other advantages. The importance of reading cannot be underestimated, as it benefits both their wellbeing and mental health. More importantly, reading with your child can be great fun. This holiday season, we recommend purchasing […]

The post Introduce Your Children to Author and Illustrator Lisa Stickley appeared first on MobiSpirit.

]]> Experts agree that reading with babies and children promotes brain development and imagination, develops language and emotions, and strengthens relationships, amongst other advantages.

The importance of reading cannot be underestimated, as it benefits both their wellbeing and mental health. More importantly, reading with your child can be great fun.

This holiday season, we recommend purchasing your young ones a good book. Award-winning designer, author, and illustrator, Lisa Stickley should be on top of your list. Trained at Central Saint Martins and the Royal College of Art, her titles include The Wobbly Waitress, Bernard Makes A Splash! and Dress Like Mummy.

According to Stickley, her inspiration is found close to home. Inspired by her daughters’ everyday musings, her stories are told from a fresh untainted view of the world that children can relate to.

“The thing I love about children is they observe the tiniest stuff,” observed Stickley in an interview with Books with Baby. “We grown-ups are so busy nowadays, with work and social media.”

She also acknowledges the importance of encouraging children to enjoy reading as much as possible. “Before doing my books, I hadn’t drawn people for years,” she explains. “I was scared of it. So I sat down and had a proper look at artists and designers I loved, and tried to put myself in their shoes to get started. It freed me up and now I love it!”

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]]> This Illustrator Makes Us Feel Nostalgic https://mobispirit.com/this-illustrator-makes-us-feel-nostalgic/ Thu, 20 Aug 2020 12:01:00 +0000 https://mobispirit.com/?p=25074 Describing her style as playful, colorful and imaginative, Taiwan-based illustrator and animator Hsinping Pan is all about those good vibes. Her illustrations, based on geometric shapes, simplified features, and solid color blocks, speak to our inner child, which makes sense, judging by the fact most of her work is aimed at children. With clients as […]

The post This Illustrator Makes Us Feel Nostalgic appeared first on MobiSpirit.

]]> Describing her style as playful, colorful and imaginative, Taiwan-based illustrator and animator Hsinping Pan is all about those good vibes. Her illustrations, based on geometric shapes, simplified features, and solid color blocks, speak to our inner child, which makes sense, judging by the fact most of her work is aimed at children.

With clients as big as Nickelodeon, Cartoon Network, and Disney, chances are you’ve seen her work without even realizing it. “A typical Hsinping Pan-illustration features bright colors and fun characters,” she further explained in an interview with Flow Magazine. “I also love geometric shapes, and really like to add a face on the objects.”

Her work ranges from book covers and children’s books to commercials, movies, and music videos. “Drawing is a way to express and entertain myself,” says Pan. “So, when I don’t have any commissioned projects, I work on my own projects, because drawing is so much fun.”

But though her images might seem simple, they’re anything but simplistic. With a Master’s degree at the University of Southern California in Animation and Digital Arts, Pan’s films have been played at festivals worldwide and received the first prize at Taiwan’s international animation festival, and her illustrations have won the bronze prize of 3×3 Magazine.

You’ll want to check her out.

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]]> Looking for Creative Ways to Keep Your Kids Busy? Start Here https://mobispirit.com/looking-for-creative-ways-to-keep-your-kids-busy-start-here/ Thu, 07 May 2020 06:24:00 +0000 https://mobispirit.com/?p=24865 Crafter and content creator Jodi Levine turns everyday rubbish into an inspiring landscape of experimentation and play. Her Instagram page has become a gathering place for young parents looking for creative (and cheap!) ways to engage in arts and crafts with their children. Based in Brooklyn with her husband and two sons, Levine has become […]

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]]> Crafter and content creator Jodi Levine turns everyday rubbish into an inspiring landscape of experimentation and play. Her Instagram page has become a gathering place for young parents looking for creative (and cheap!) ways to engage in arts and crafts with their children.

Based in Brooklyn with her husband and two sons, Levine has become a staple in shows like The Today Show, MARTHA, NY1, CBS Morning Show, and The View, where she shares her tips and tricks.

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Hey all! This Sunday’s New York Times (print edition) includes their brilliant #NYTforKids section and it is mostly dedicated to coronavirus’s impact on kids and advice for dealing with life in isolation. For example, if your craft supplies are running low, the paper itself will provide all you need for this fun, meditative origami project. I’ve always loved using newspaper for oversized paper crafts and was thrilled to make these GIANT origami cranes! Painting the newspaper not only looks pretty but also makes the paper stiffer, helping you get crisper folds. Photo by @blobbybloherty Thank you thank you @dbishopme @caitlinr @roryannaw @williaqj @simplylovia @nalghadban @miameredith ❤ 📰🗞 @nytmag

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“The world has changed so much since I was in school and the word ‘craft’ was perceived very negatively,” she observed in an interview with David Stark. “The whole design/DIY/craft world has exploded which is great for those of us that like to make stuff and dabble with lots of media and don’t fit neatly into the art school categories.”

Levine knows what she’s talking about. Having studied painting formerly in RISD, she admits she felt a little lost during her school years. It was only after graduating that she switched gears, having landed a job in the Craft Department at Martha Stewart Living. The rest was history.

Take a leaf out of her book:

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Here are a few recycled crafts-that-require-no-crafting from around our kitchen! The items (vases, planters, and organizing containers) are plucked from the recycle bin and used pretty much as they are, so, no real crafting!! (Unless you count label-removal…and by the way, Goo Gone and very hot water work well for this!)I had collected LOTS of colored plastic containers a couple of years ago for a recycled craft story for #NewYorkTimesMagazineLabs Kids section, which I then turned into animals. I couldn’t part with the extras, so they are slowly making their way around the house! This group was perfect for serving as vases or planters in my kitchen window. 🌿🍃I also love + save metal tins (SWIPE👉🏼) like this pizza sauce can and dried mustard can, perfect for holding small brushes and metal cocktail straws…or an anchovy tin with blank notecards. ✏ UPDATE: Just realized…its Earth Day tomorrow, so…a perfect timing to take a fresh look at what you can reuse from your recycle bin! 💚🌎♻ #earthday #earthdaycrafts #earthdaycraft #earthdayeveryday

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Have you used up all your toilet tubes from all of the crafting? 🙃 If not, make a menagerie with your littles! These creatures are from our book but I just put the instructions on the site (link in profile, search “tube animals”). Making them is a lesson in restraint, planning out your designs before cutting (which I’m not great at!). That is, if you want to make it from one piece, with minimal glued-on appendages. Once your kids make these and see how many ways there are to cut cardboard tubes, they will come up with tons of ideas of their own! Create a habitat for your animals by cutting paper or felt watering holes and cardboard trees. *Swipe for more!* And for more recycled tube ideas, see @amandakingloff (about 10 posts ago), or @suzyultman ‘s post today! 😍 photos by @amygroppforbes #stayhome #staysafe

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]]> 10-Year-Old Boy Practices Tattoos on His Family Members https://mobispirit.com/10-year-old-boy-practices-tattoos-on-his-family-members/ Sun, 12 Apr 2020 12:29:00 +0000 https://mobispirit.com/?p=23297 How many times have you heard the question “What will you be when you grow up?” An actor, astronaut, ballerina or maybe a doctor? Well, this 5th grader dreams of becoming a tattoo artist, and he practices every day. Michigan-based Thomas Spring also known as Bubba comes from an artistic family, his father is a […]

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]]> How many times have you heard the question “What will you be when you grow up?” An actor, astronaut, ballerina or maybe a doctor? Well, this 5th grader dreams of becoming a tattoo artist, and he practices every day.

Michigan-based Thomas Spring also known as Bubba comes from an artistic family, his father is a musician and drummer, whilst his mother is a fine art and fantasy photographer, so his passion for art came naturally.

“Along with making comics and face painting, I think tattoos are another way for him to create by also making other people happy,” Thomas’s mother Katie Eklund said in an interview with Bored Panda.

“One day, he came home from school and said, ‘Mom can I give you a tattoo?’ I agreed. And then we set up a station for him with gel pens and a tip jar, where he charged me 50 cents for each tattoo I got. Then his siblings all wanted one.”

After she made a post about her son’s work, the reaction from people was more than amazing. From tattoo artists wanting to collaborate with him, to kind people writing him letters and supporting his passion.

Scroll down and check out his tattoos below.

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]]> Introduce Your Children to the Animal Kingdom With These Illustrations https://mobispirit.com/introduce-your-children-to-the-animal-kingdom-with-these-illustrations/ Sat, 04 Apr 2020 10:18:00 +0000 https://mobispirit.com/?p=23994 Looking for clever, amusing ways to pass the time with young kids, while in quarantine? Children’s books are always recommended, but especially now they serve a well-needed break from tablets and phones. With a growing fanbase on Instagram, children illustrator and author Katrin Wiehle is worth looking into. “I have always been drawing and ‘creating’ […]

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]]> Looking for clever, amusing ways to pass the time with young kids, while in quarantine? Children’s books are always recommended, but especially now they serve a well-needed break from tablets and phones. With a growing fanbase on Instagram, children illustrator and author Katrin Wiehle is worth looking into.

“I have always been drawing and ‘creating’ things and never really wanted to do anything else,” said Wiehle in and interview with Lake. “I think I would be completely terrible at an office job.” On top of her work as a freelance illustrator, and having written 10 books so far, Wiehle is also a founding member of Paper Ghost Studio, a small illustration studio and gallery space in Candler Park, Atlanta, where she has been organizing art shows for the last two years.

Based in Atlanta, GA, she admits to drawing inspiration from her childhood in Germany, where she was raised in an old farmhouse in a tiny village. Being surrounded by sheep, horses, and chickens, it comes as no surprise that animals, in all shapes and forms, make a constant appearance throughout her work.

“I still travel back to Germany as much as I can,” says Wiehle, “so I can spend time with my family and friends and get my fill of the German breakfast and riding the train around Europe.” Her illustrations might provide you with more insight into her favorite environments.

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Bears! #bear #tinybear #illustration

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]]> Mo Willems Helps Kids in Quarantine Have a Good Time https://mobispirit.com/mo-willems-helps-kids-in-quarantine-have-a-good-time/ Sat, 28 Mar 2020 10:22:00 +0000 https://mobispirit.com/?p=23739 It didn’t take long for the coronavirus to completely alter our societal structure. Lockdowns all over the world mean that hundreds of millions of children don’t get to go to school, the playground, or on playdates—they stay home and have to find some way to entertain themselves and continue learning. Some folks out there have […]

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]]> It didn’t take long for the coronavirus to completely alter our societal structure. Lockdowns all over the world mean that hundreds of millions of children don’t get to go to school, the playground, or on playdates—they stay home and have to find some way to entertain themselves and continue learning.

Some folks out there have decided to step up, and help kids pass the time, and to help their parents with the load of parenting, especially authors, artists, and illustrators.

Mo Willems, an artist, illustrator and bestselling author has come up with a genius scheme—he teamed up with The Kennedy Center to create a new weekly show on YouTube: Every Monday he shares a video on his new YouTube channel, Lunch Doodles with Mo Willems, where he teaches young kids to doodle and create. Mo also accepts letters from kids and he reads them and answers questions on each episode.

Each episode is about half an hour-long and it’s the type of things that can turn these trying times into something positive. It’s heartwarming to know that even now, there are grown-ups out there that know how important it is for kids to get to be kids.

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]]> It’s All Sunshine and Rainbows With Poppekins https://mobispirit.com/its-all-sunshine-and-rainbows-with-poppekins/ Sat, 15 Feb 2020 11:25:00 +0000 https://mobispirit.com/?p=21452 Alongside the birth of her first child, Carla van der Meer’s also conceived her brand, Poppekins. “I designed her birth announcement and I really loved working on the illustrations,” she later explained in an interview with the Printed blog. Now a proud mother of two, her brand is still going strong, catering to both children […]

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]]> Alongside the birth of her first child, Carla van der Meer’s also conceived her brand, Poppekins. “I designed her birth announcement and I really loved working on the illustrations,” she later explained in an interview with the Printed blog.

Now a proud mother of two, her brand is still going strong, catering to both children and children at heart. Based around colorful designs and naive, playful characters, Poppekins’ features an array of paper goodies and other delights, ranging from prints and cards to custom made birth announcements, party invites, and portraits.

“My first illustrations were mainly colorful animals, personalized name prints and cartoons,” van der Meer relayed in an interview with the Printed blog. A fashion designer by trade, creativity comes easy for her. But when she needs the extra push she turns to her children for inspiration.

“They inspire me every day with their curious outlook on life and all the funny things they say,” she says. “Their colorful toys and books give me so much inspiration too,” she went on to say, adding that Dick Bruna is one of her favorites, as well as all the bold colors and patterns of the ’70s. 

Follow her Instagram for a spot of fun.

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It’s @justacard #indiefriday!! 🌈 Forget about Black Friday go indie! ❤ I’ve got some great deals in my shop atm that I’ll highlight here for you 😊😊 🌈❤ Matching tray and 2 coaster sets in 3 designs £20 🌈🧡 Mix and Match 2 tea towels for £20 🌈💛 Faversham prints to celebrate I’ve lived here for 3 years now £10 / £15 🌈💚 And last but not least, all Christmas cards in my shop £10 for £10. Limited stock on certain designs so please check w me! Thanks so much for shopping indie this weekend!! ❤❤❤ – – – – – #justacard #colourfulfriday #rainbowfriday #shopsmall #shoplocal #shopindependent #besthandmade #shopindependentthischristmas #wemakecollective #makersformakers #wearethemakers #supportlocal #supportthemakers #sharinghandmadejoy #indieroller #indierollercoaster #prettycreativestyle #prettycreativelife #seekinspirecreate #handmadeisbest #incolourfulcompany #colourmyeveryday

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Keep going! 🌈💖 After 8 weeks of doing a little hour here and there, I feel I’m getting a bit of Poppekins/me time back! It’s hard to stay motivated when you can’t find the time to finish certain projects and it feels like there are so many loose ends, but Fenna is settling into reception well and Freddy’s back in nursery today too, so expect to see a bit more of me again on here and if you’re expecting a reply from me please keep an eye on your inbox / DM or message me again to harass me please! 😘😘💖 – – – – – #keepgoing #makeithappen #indieroller #ihavethisthingwithrainbows #rainbowismyfavouritecolour #incolourfulcompany #colourmyeveryday #indierollercoaster #onedayatatime #wfhm #wahmlife #ourcolourfulkids #motherhoodthroughig #motherhoodunplugged

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]]> Vibeke Flatman Created a Book About a Bird and His Adventures https://mobispirit.com/vibeke-flatman-created-a-book-about-a-bird-and-his-adventures/ Tue, 11 Feb 2020 09:41:00 +0000 https://mobispirit.com/?p=21165 Vibeke Flatman is a Danish artist with a background in landscape architecture who has always loved doing arts and crafts in her free time. She has been living in Suffolk, UK since 2003 and is currently creating art and poetry for children’s books. Her latest creation is a bird named Alvin, the main character in […]

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]]> Vibeke Flatman is a Danish artist with a background in landscape architecture who has always loved doing arts and crafts in her free time. She has been living in Suffolk, UK since 2003 and is currently creating art and poetry for children’s books. Her latest creation is a bird named Alvin, the main character in a children’s book titled At The End Of The Rainbow.

“Alvin is a busy little chap and does not only feature in children’s literature but also goes traveling, runs Saturday Parkrun, hangs out with friends, goes to the office and explores nature. If you don’t know Alvin already, it really is about time you do,” the artist wrote on Bored Panda and added that her target audience is children from age five to nine.

Check out the gallery below and have a glimpse of Alvin’s adventures. You can also follow Flatman on Instagram for future updates.

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Alvin hanging out amongst his favourite books…⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ For more information re his book 'At the end of the rainbow' please see link in bio…⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ #kidsreading #kidsillustration #kidsillustrator #kidsbooks #kidsillustrations #kidsliterature #kidsbookshelf #childrensbookillustration #childrenbookart #childrensbooks #children_illustration #childrensillustration #childrenbook #newbooks #newbook #teachersofinstagram #publisher #publishingcompany #naiveart #naive #naiveartist #artistsoninstagram #acrylicpainting #painting #paintings #naivepainting #naïve #illustration #illustrator #illustrations

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]]> Laura Hughes’ Illustrations Capture the Essence of Being a Child https://mobispirit.com/laura-hughes-illustrations-capture-the-essence-of-being-a-child/ Fri, 03 Jan 2020 09:10:52 +0000 https://mobispirit.com/?p=19620 When it comes to illustrations for children, Laura Hughes’ creativity and playfulness knows no end. Using inks, gouache paint, and crayons, with digital finishing touches, her creations have adorned children’s books like There’s a Pig Up My Nose, Daddy’s Sandwich, and The Birthday Invitation. Aside from those, her artwork is also featured on greetings cards, gift-wrappings, packaging, and […]

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]]> When it comes to illustrations for children, Laura Hughes’ creativity and playfulness knows no end. Using inks, gouache paint, and crayons, with digital finishing touches, her creations have adorned children’s books like There’s a Pig Up My Nose, Daddy’s Sandwich, and The Birthday Invitation. Aside from those, her artwork is also featured on greetings cards, gift-wrappings, packaging, and stationery.

“Most of the illustrations start with an urge to draw a particular thing,” she told Love Print Studio, explaining her creative process. “I’ll make a few drawings of the subject, sometimes 2 or 3, sometimes even more! Then I scan the drawing or painting and clean it up on the computer.”

“Children’s books are an endless source of inspiration and wonder for me and I love the current trend for more ‘arty’, interesting styles,” she relayed. “Though my work is very ‘illustrative’, I often look to painters and fine artists for inspiration. I think it’s good for illustrators to look beyond their peers in order to keep their work looking fresh.”

Having studied illustration at Kingston University and graduated in 2005, she now resides in Walthamstow and is represented by Arabella Stein at The Bright Agency. But you can also follow her progress online, through her Instagram page.

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