Featured Artist: Andrew's Reclaimed Wood

Andrew uses reclaimed wood and reworks it beautifully in simple and practical designs of items for your garden or home.

I especially love the succulent planter boxes made from old-growth reclaimed lumber which Andrew tells us has tight grain, nice patterns and colour finely sanded with a beeswax finish.  The holes are just the right size for easy transplant from a standard small pot. Looking at the products of his labour you can really tell he loves his work.

Andrew and his wife Melissa run the business from Seattle in the USA and they have an Etsy store where you can check out all the designs from beehives to pencil cups, soap containers, shelve and woodpecker feeders. "We build almost everything here using woods we source by dismantling and re-milling ages-old piers, fences, barns, and other structures slated for demolition."
See their blog for latest specials and more about this enterprising team.

Barking Boys Toys

These guys make all natural wooden toys and use non-toxic, eco friendly paints, sealed with shellac. All of the items are handmade and they even use all recycled materials in our shipping.

This Tree of Life wooden puzzle has eight pieces in bright fun colors, perfect for little hands.

This adorable real 4 leaf clover pendant is on a hemp cord with wooden beads and a loop and bead closure. It is handmade for children by Christine, who likes the natural, rugged quality of hemp, at

IdahoHempWorks      She found the 4 leaf clover herself - special!

Great new apron idea

Help make a difference in the kitchen and the environment! Keep little hands clean while baking, and use no paper towel. A unique tear away tea towel is attached for both purposes.

Also, can be used to keep hands clean at craft time. Simply wet the tea towel so kids can wipe gluey hands all by themselves! Again, you eliminate paper towel usage and keep kids clean.

For the adventurous boys... or tomboys! This apron has a Camo panel cover. Has black trim.
Ties in the back.  Size small (ages 2-5 approx). See more at Lootz Designs.

If you are in Vancouver, Canada, Shop Cocoon 3345 Cambie Street is having a can drive for the Greater Vancouver Food Bank Society and will give you 10% off any apron.

eco products for creative kids

Stubby Pencil Studio offers eco friendly kids art materials and school supplies like crayons made from soy - not petroleum; stationery, greeting cards, sketchbooks and journals made from 100% post-consumer recycled paper - not virgin trees; pencils made from sustainably harvested wood and recycled newspapers - not dying forests.
You'll find unique gifts for children, non-toxic toys, classic games, educational books, children’s craft kits, and reusable bags.

Looking for art ideas to do with children? At early play you can find free fun techniques for young kids.

Looking for recycled craft ideas? Try Recycled Crafts Box or Green Crafts for Children