SuperForest

Hello Superforesters!

I have a question for you:

If there was a custom-made painting hanging in your room that you felt represented you, what would it look like? What colours would be used? What images? How would you feel when you looked at it every day?

Well, I know someone who knows exactly how to create such a custom painting. Superforesters, I would like to introduce to you my very talented sister — Wendy Heagney-Bakewell of Tiny Brushstrokes!

Growing up with two amazing older sisters was a childhood to remember — my other sister Andrea was (and still is) a strong, compassionate and protective older sis; while Wendy was (and still is) a creative, artistic and thoughtful older sis — how lucky am I to have such fine older sisters? I am very grateful.

L to R: Heather, Andrea & Wendy rocking some fab ’80s swim attire

Every day with Wendy was pretty much a creative game and art-related extravaganza, as she began painting and drawing passionately from a young age. Now, through her business, Tiny Brushstrokes, Wendy is making the most amazing, detailed and personalized paintings and painted objects that anyone can enjoy! She does focus on artwork for children, but she also loves creating paintings for people of all ages. I asked Wendy to share some of her thoughts on her art, creativity, music and the environment with all of us here at Superforest:

Superforest: Did you always know you were going to be an artist?

Wendy:Yes! I always wanted to do something artistic and although I have explored different creative paths along the way, I think that I have found the best way to share my artwork. For me, the focus on artwork for children was natural — I love teaching art to kids and allowing them to explore their own talents and imaginations. I hope that in the future I can incorporate that element of art instruction into Tiny Brushstrokes.

Superforest: What are you working on right now?

Wendy:Right now I’m working on a custom order for a 2-year old girl. A great friend of mine started a tradition of ordering a little birthday painting for her daughter from me each year that reflects what she is “into” at the moment. This year she has a new baby sister, so I am incorporating them both into my design. Other current projects include: new paintings, new coaster designs and handmade collage greeting cards — on recycled cardstock! I also would like to make some fun stickers (colouring book-style) to go along with my A to Z Organically alphabet book set.

 You can find out more about this book here

Superforest: What is something you hope to accomplish through your artwork?

Wendy: Through my artwork, I want to:

• celebrate the hand-drawn, painted image and provide accessible paintings (not prints) for kids to enjoy on their walls as they grow up
• share and encourage creativity and imagination
• promote handmade, customized, Canadian products for my clients
• show how easy and gratifying it is to give a personal, memorable gift

This one was for Orla, a little girl born in Brooklyn

Superforest: How can someone who doesn’t think they are artistic start to explore their creative side?

Wendy: Well, generally I think that every person has at least the tiniest little bit of artistic talent, even if it may be buried deep down there somewhere! I would say that the best place to start would be to just explore whatever you may be interested in — drawing, photography, painting, sculpting, design, music, dance etc. Take a class or try it on your own! Just go for it — have fun and see what happens! Art appreciation is another way to explore your creative side. Go to a museum, art gallery, play or performance. Supporting the arts is important and can be another type of experience in which to connect with your creative side. If all else fails, sit down with a 5 year old, some paper and crayons and I am sure you will be inspired to express your creativity!

the artist as a young girl…

Superforest: What was one of your favourite custom projects thus far and why?

Wendy: I have a lot of favourite custom projects, but the ones that stand out most in my mind are those with little stories attached to them. A recent favourite was for a little 1-year old boy in Calgary. His Mom contacted me to discuss getting a custom painting for his room, inspired by one of my Animal Friend paintings. She had a specific idea in mind, and I was totally enthusiastic to bring her idea to life! She decorated his nursery in a “great white north” theme, and thought that a larger version of my Canadian Friends painting would be a perfect finishing touch.

the inspiration…

 …the custom painting!

Once the painting was completed; the polar bear, moose, beaver and owl were on their way to Calgary to complete the nursery in celebration of his 1st birthday. His Mom emailed me upon opening the painting with the most wonderful message describing how her son went right over to it and gently touched each of the animals. His bedtime and morning routine now includes greeting each of the four animals! Also when he is on the floor, he looks up and reaches toward the painting with a big smile — I couldn’t have asked for a better response than that!

 Superforest: Do you listen to any specific types of music while you paint?

Wendy:I listen to a variety, depending on my mood — anything from ipod mixes to the radio and cds. I am lucky enough to have a very diverse music collection. I will often listen to everything I own from one artist, giving myself “concerts” as I work. One mainstay is always rock music: old, classic, hard, new and timeless.

Superforest: Your maps are awesome! Do you have any more in the works?

Wendy: Yes, actually! I have sketches for upcoming maps waiting in my sketchbook. I’ll be bringing more animals into my maps and I have a poll on my blog right now where you can vote for which group of Animal Friends will get to star in my next illustrated map!

One of the things I like most about the maps is that they are somewhat ageless. They are cute in a  baby’s room, but they can also live alongside the child and spark their imagination as they grow. I’ve even had some adults proclaim that they would love one in their space! I suppose my work is for the young, but also the young at heart!

Superforest: Here on Superforest, we talk about the environment as “everything that disappears when you close your eyes”. We want to start with our own environments and improve those, and go from there. What are a few things that you do in your daily life to improve the environment?

Wendy: I use a stainless steel canteen for my drinking water on the go, and I use public transit and walk around the city. In our condo there is no green bin program yet for composting, but we do recycle. We also started growing our own herbs this year and we have plants in the condo as well. I always participate in Earth Hour, and I try to buy from local vendors and promote handmade products where possible. When shopping for food, I try to purchase local produce wherever possible and I try to avoid foods with lots of packaging, or are in non-recyclable containers.  I always bring along reusable tote bags for shopping — my favourite one is from Lu Prints (in B.C.) — it’s the perfect size, I love the design and it rolls into a little pouch.

With Tiny Brushstrokes, I use recyclable kraft paper to wrap all of my work and I use stretch canvas that was made in Canada for all of my paintings. A goal of mine is to try to find a good quality, eco-friendly acrylic paint, so if there is anyone who can suggest one, that would be great!

I’d like to thank Wendy for answering our questions! If you’d like to take a closer look at her work or you’re looking for a great gift idea, head on over to Tiny Brushstrokes, and you can keep in touch with Wendy’s projects on her blog of the same name.

G’day SuperForest,

Natalie and Ben Mason started Rebound Books after realising they could make wonderfully unique stationery out of pre-loved hardcover books and 100 per cent recycled paper. I love their stuff. Check it out:

Bookmarks made from book spines.

Photoalbum made from a LIFE book

A sketchbook made from a history book

Peace,
April

PS As a child (and even young adult) I would confuse the spelling of “stationery” and “stationary” (not moving), until a friend pointed out his method of remembering: Just think stationery with the “e” always refers to envelopes, etc.

Heres a comic strip courtesy of XKCD :

We all have our reasons to protect our bodies… but once we’re gone, maybe we can help others protect theirs.

jaell

I, for one, have never been a huge Valentine’s day fan, despite my superhero identity as a ‘hopeless romantic’.  I watch a lot of teen soaps and have arguably unrealistic expectations for love and intimacy.  Still, I know what its like to have someone think of you on this holiday… a holiday that can make those without a valentine (like myself) feel a little less than loved.

So, the other day I came across one of the sweetest Valentines Day presents (or a present for any day, really) I have ever seen.  A little ole’ place in NYC called Heart Art Creations makes handcrafted pieces of {he}art… that are individually given attention so that when your loved one receives it… they know just how special you think they are.

Heart art’s mantra, “Hoping to change the shape of the world one heart at a time.” really speaks to our little SuperForesty way of life here.  We try to disseminate positivity through words, and Wendy Isaacson of Heart Art Creations does it through hearts you can hold in the palm of your hand.

“At a very young age, Wendy would create fanciful figures from plastic eggs, greeting cards and potholders to sell door-to-door. Born in Massachusetts, Wendy moved to New York City to study design at F.I.T. The culture, excitement and the vibe of the city won her heart and she never looked back. For nearly two decades Wendy has been fulfilling her life long dream of creating handcrafted art that has a special meaning to each owner. She does this through Heart Art Creations™. Whimsical, thought provoking or touching, each heart brings a smile to its owner. She hopes that her work continues to be shared, treasured and en”joy”ed.”

So if you ever have trouble finding a gift for someone you love… you can go to Heart Art Creations, and give them a little piece of your heart.  AWWWWW.

Happy Valentines Day, loves!

Jaell

Good Morning,

“A MESSAGE FROM THE MAKER, SLAWOMIR….
The idea of making shoes came to me when my first child a son was about one year old. As soon as he started to take his first steps, my wife and I wanted to buy him his first pair of shoes. We were convinced that his first pair of shoes should be comfortable, let his feet develop naturally, and, what’s more, make walking easier. To our surprise, we couldn’t find any shoes that met these criteria. As a matter of fact, they were exactly the opposite of what we were looking for – tough soles, too narrow, made of hard leather or other materials which didn’t give enough comfort for the little feet of a toddler.

At that time, I was a student of the Academy of Fine Arts in Krakow, Poland, in the department of Industrial Design. I decided to design good shoes for children as a year long project, and my idea was accepted by my professor. Those days, I had no idea about shoe construction and treated the topic in an artistic way instead of a professional way.

I finished my project on time needed the objective opinion of professionals, so I went to the biggest institution dealing with the whole shoe industry in Poland – the Central Laboratory of Shoe Industry – to get their opinion. The result from this visit was the proposal of undertaking the job in this Institute.

I was sent to the best school of shoe design in the world – Ars Sutoria – in Milano, Italy, to obtain the professional education in shoe construction and design.

After returning, I was sent to many factories in Poland as a shoe designer. At the same time, I was forced to make Gucio prototypes for my friends’ children and their friends. I wanted to make other companies interested in my product, but they treated my unusual design as a strange thing which they would not be able to sell. They didn’t treat my suggestions seriously when I told them that my friends and many other people like the shoes and children want to wear them (they take off other shoes and want only these.)

This lasted a few years until I had the opportunity to start my own business and produce Gucio shoes in larger quantities. I decided not to make a lot of models, and that I would concentrate on just one perfect design.

Gucio shoes are still changing in many “invisible” details to reach this perfection and make first steps for all children easier and more pleasant.”

These shoes are made using pre-World War II non-electric sewing machines.

They are available at I’m Still Me.

I’m in love with these. They have a very soft sole. The Makers (and many medical experts) believe that barefoot is best, but when you need a little protection, their soft soles are the next best thing for the health of your feet. I can’t wait to get the winter boots! I think these shoes make great gifts and you can even design your own pair and choose from loads of fun colors. They also make a line of Vegan Shoes.

I wish I knew the name of every person who made all my shoes.

In case anyone needs some new shoes for a little ones growing feet, I highly recommend these.

Hey Everyone,

Just a quick little heads up on these amazing toys.

We were given this cute truck as a present and I was surprised I had never heard about this company before.

“Pastel Toys are “special toys made by special people”. Kishorit is a kibbutz-like, non-denominational, non-profit community location in Western Galilee, where 120 developmentally disabled adults work and live in a friendly and supportive village, growing organic vegetables and creating high quality collectible toys. There is a feeling of nostalgia when playing with these simple toys made from all natural materials that meet the quality and safety standards of the Israeli Standard Institute. The pastel colors made with lead-free, water-based paints create a calm and relaxed mood where a child’s imagination can flourish. Converted from blocks of wood by hand, all of the Pastel Toys have moving wheels.”

Now this is a company to support. This is amazing Environmentalism.

All these toys can be purchased at Wild Dill. Another great resource for kid goodies.

Have a great day!
Niki

Good Afternoon!

Apparently, my little one likes to steal toys away from other kids at the sandbox. Who taught him that? I was thinking we could make him sand box toys out of discarded yogurt containers, egg containers etc…but well…ok, I got lazy. I just bought him these:

All Green Toys products are made from recycled milk containers (HDPE, to be specific) in the good old US of A. Every step of their process, from milk container recycling to production and final assembly, occurs in California. And, of course, no BPA or Pthalates.

So, I guess I am still using discarded containers! Rad!

They also make other toys, including an indoor gardening kit:

I bought the set at Sons and Daughters. A great store in the East Village. If you are in NYC, check them out. I think they are one of the best kid shops in city. They always have unique items from all over the world, that you will never find at BuyBuyBaby. (For example-I bought a little hat there that was knit by women in Afghanistan). They also have a comprehensive website if you can’t stop by the store.

So, if your little one is becoming a kleptomaniac at the sand box, think about getting one of these and supporting Green Toys! It also makes a great summer gift!

Play Safe!

Niki

Good Morning All!

Yesterday, Jackson and I took a lovely tour of the EastVillage and Lower East Side to see some of the great shops that have been popping up.

Sustainable NYC
147 Avenue A (at 9th street)
They’ve got great gifts and knick-knacks that are made out of recycled materials that are fun and creative. And they also have practical items, like light bulbs and household cleaners that everyone can use. They are a great addition to the neighborhood. A one stop shop for sustainable products.

Organic Avenue
101 Stanton Street
On a hot day, stop here for their great juices! I got a deliciously tangy lemonade and I was initially shocked at the price, but we were able to bring back our glass containers, as soon as we chugged it down, and got $2 back. They also have food, beauty products and clothes!

Kaight
83 Orchard Street
I have heard about this shop for a while now, but have never visited. Maybe because it’s south of Delancey, but it is worth the trip. It isn’t a hippy haven for hemp clothes that look like your wearing a potato sack. They have luxurious and fashionable clothes that just happen to be made by people that care about our environment. I was super impressed and I even picked myself up a pair of earrings that are made from Bamboo!

EarthMatters
177 Ludlow Street
When it’s time for lunch–go to EarthMatters for some yummy food! Earth Matters has been around for a while-it’s a great place to pick up some groceries, eat, read and hang with other locals.

If you are in New York this weekend, check them out and support these shops that are doing great things!

Enjoy!
Niki