Kid Baltimore | Family Activities with Children in Baltimore, Maryland

Our Very Own App

2012-01-28T07:00:00-05:00

I've been working on this project, secretly, for months now. I am so excited to finally be able to share it. PrestoBingo SHAPES is our new ipad app for kids, ages 2-6. This project started with a simple idea: the world is full of shapes. In my illustration work, simple shapes are my focus more often than not, so it made perfect sense to make an app that played with that idea. This app teaches kids to identify basic forms of geometry: circles, ovals, diamonds, semi-circles, squares, trapezoids, triangles, and rectangles. I'm very lucky to have a small, but dedicated...

Why We Are Getting Chickens

2012-01-21T11:14:04-05:00

I've been threatening to get chickens for many years now. But this is the year. It just didn't seem practical until now, given that with three kids, and a busy studio, our plates were pretty full. But I've decided I'm over-thinking the whole thing. First of all, the kids are older now. They handle a lot more responsibilities. And second, we are talking about a handful of chickens. People used to have chickens around all the time. When did we get so removed from this part of living? And third. I just like chickens. Look at these gorgeous eggs my...

Kid-Decorated Dishes

2012-01-04T07:17:39-05:00

Every year I try and fit in a project for the kids to make as Christmas gifts. Here's what some (I think rather lucky) family members got this year — hand-decorated dishes. I bought a stack of serving trays from Target. Mugs work well too. And some Porcelaine Paint Markers from Dick Blick. After cooking, the drawings will be permanent and, fingers crossed, dishwasher-safe. 1. Wipe down the surface of the dish with rubbing alcohol. 2. Draw on the dishes to your hearts content. These are paint markers, and they take a little gentle coaxing to get them started. I...

Why I Love Work

2011-12-07T07:12:37-05:00

I've been having entirely too much fun at work lately. I've been illustrating a project for McGraw-Hill publishing and I am thrilled to share the first part of the series, The Little Red Hen. Over the years, I find my illustrations have become less and less serious, so children's publishing has become a wonderful match. And who can be stressed when your work-day consists of drawing farm animals? I also love that my work is extremely portable. I can (and have) put together illustrations in the carpool line, at swim lessons, or on stay-at-home sick days with the kids. When...

Good Things from my In-box

2011-11-15T22:14:44-05:00

More things-to-do keep filling up my in-box. I wish I had time to do them all, but here are a few that sound particularly appealing. If you have a kid-friendly event, or favorite place to share, I encourage you to post on the Kid Baltimore Facebook page. I love seeing how many people are posting events there and hope it becomes a good resource for what is happening around town. On to my in-box... Charm City Kids Charm City Kids Club is a new children's enrichment center that recently opened in Lutherville. They not only have a play town area...

Longwood Gardens

2011-11-04T10:54:00-04:00

Longwood Gardens is every bit as beautiful as I remembered. I lived nearby as a teenager, but I haven't been back there for way too many years, so recently, on a visit to see family, we stopped by. I am amazed that at this time of year, just a couple of weeks ago, the gardens were so lush. This waterfall caught me by surprise. The conservatories are my favorite part. They look like postcards. My photo doesn't do it justice, but trust me. I foolishly tried to get the kids to pose for a photo. I'm pretty sure Rapunzel lives...