The Very Awesome Dallas Clayton--More Free Stuff

You can read An Awesome Book of Thanks by clicking here.

Thank you, Dallas Clayton for sharing your beautiful books with kids.

Paper Swing--Another Art Room Freebee

I had a why-didn't-I-think-of-that moment when I saw this because it looks so simple.  It's called the Paper Swing, and it's used to dispense rolled paper.  The paper swing was developed by a Swedish design company that specializes in children and child development.  It resulted from watching children drawing activities in a kindergarten room where kids were drawing on large sheets of paper.  So much fun for the kids, economical for the classroom.  But doling out the paper is not so convenient, and the kids can't help themselves.  Add a dowel and a rope and the problem is solved.  According to the description, the swing hangs stable on the table by the weight of the paper alone where it is ready when needed and easily accessible.  Tiang Tang is sharing the design for free and you can see the details by clicking here .  

Kind of reminds me of the way paper is rolled out in the doctor's office.  Makes me want to try it just to see how it works.  I have a drill.  I know I can find a dowel and a piece of clothesline.  I already have the rolled paper.  So this project really is free.  

Free Download at Foldschool

My two favorite words in the English language "free stuff".  I love it.  I cannot pass by the free box at anyone's tag sale without peeking in.  Truth is, I've found some very cool things in free boxes over the years, but this post makes me want to spill out the stuff and take the box, because even better than free stuff,  is free stuff you can make with and for kids. 

Nicola Enrico Staubli is the Swiss-based designer behind Foldschool  furniture.  His design philosophy is to move design back to what he consider's its original mission:  to provide a product at an affordable price through a smart manufacturing process, and by jove, I think he's done it.    Foldschool has posted three FREE downloadable patterns for modern folded cardboard furniture.  Let the kids loose with the paint and they will have a personal piece of furniture handmade by you.  What's not to love?  When the child has out grown the furniture, dispose of the cardboard with clear conscience.