our instagram challenge

Posted on July 30, 2013 by rudyandthedodo

We LOVE instagram and we know a lot of you do too! So, each week in August we are giving away a $50 gift voucher for our little store to the winner of the best photo posted to instagram using the #rudyandthedodochallenge hashtag.

We are all about kids making and doing, rather than spectating.

We want to see photos of your kids off the couch, exploring and creating, questioning and building, pretending, painting, playing and learning.

Simply upload your photos using the #rudyandthedodochallenge hashtag. If you happen to include any products purchased from our store (not compulsory – totally optional!) be sure to include the brand hashtag eg #seedling #djeco #janod

Each week after selecting our favourite and most creative entry, we will post the winning photo on our blog.

Here are some of our own favourite shots to help get you inspired!

Happy snapping!

Oh,PS … Here are the nitty gritty terms and conditions

Entrant must reside in Australia
Photos must be posted using the #rudyandthedodochallenge hashtag
Entrant can enter more than once (as many times as you like, actually!)
Entrant must be 18 years or older
The best photo will be selected each week and the image will be posted on www.rudyandthedodo.com.au (in the blog)
Winner must follow rudy and the dodo on instagram
Winner has 24 hours to respond to Julia@rudyandthedodo.com.au to claim their prize.
Participation in this competition indicates authorization for rudy and the dodo to share your images on our facebook page as part of the promotion.

Competition closes each week as follows;
Week 1 – 8th August
Week 2 – 15th August
Week 3 – 22nd August
Week 4 – 31st August

weekend project: mounted animals

Posted on July 27, 2013 by rudyandthedodo

If you love the array of mounted animals that are so popular in kids decor, you will love this weekend project!

The first one is this cute bear head.

The clever clogs mama over at Mer Mag blog made hers from styrofoam covered in ‘stiffy’ – a decoupage fabric stiffener.

Another method uses newspaper. You can follow this tutorial from cute blog One More Mushroom. Don’t you just LOVE this pink squirrel she made?

Whichever method and whatever little critter you choose I hope you and your little ones have a terribly fabulous time creating. Happy days. x

meet a mama – andrea from kawaii kids

Posted on July 24, 2013 by rudyandthedodo

I love to find quirky clothes and accessories for my little guys. I have been shopping at Kawaii Kids for a couple of years now so thought it was high time I shared them with you. Andrea, is the fabulous mama at the helm. You can meet her here …

Tell us a bit about you, fabulous you!
My name is Andrea and I work at a fun little kids clothing shop called Kawaii Kids. We have retail shops in Horsham and Birchip, as well as a sweet little online shop. I live with my partner Dan and 3 kids Connor, Imogen and Anieka (6,5 and 2 years) in Birchip which is a small farming town (of a whole 800) located in the Mallee, Vic. Dan works on the farm and I work almost every day in our Birchip shop with my pretty awesome friend Fiona. I talk a lot, drink a lot of coffee and work is pretty much my life: if I am not working, I am talking or thinking about it. Around the kids of course …!

Who inspires you?
There are many people that inspire me on lots of levels however for my business, Cotton On was my inspiration when I started and in many ways, still is.

What can’t you live without?
Lip balm and coffee.

Do you have a favourite blog/s?
I honestly don’t have a lot of time to read blogs other than this (awesome!) one and {KID}independent so up for any suggestions you’d like to throw my way.

How do you like to spend your spare time?
I love to read, and read my Kindle most nights no matter how late I get to bed. Any spare time I have is usually spent with the kids and Dan, however I do love to go away for the odd weekend and shop.

Best time saving or sanity saving idea/tip for mamas?
A time saving item would be a dishwasher: we got one less than a year ago and I seriously don’t know why we waited so long! I am also rather organised and the house has to be in order before I go to bed and before I leave the house: every thing put away, beds made, dishes done and toys picked up (getting the kids to help every time). I find that this makes me feel better when I get up in the morning and home after work, so definitely sanity saving!

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
Work wise, running 5 retail shops along with a big online store and manufacturing much of my own lines. Personally, to have built a new house with the room to work from home once again and running around after the kids … I am not sure that this ever ends?!

What is your favourite quote?
Fiona is the queen of inspirational quotes however I probably say ‘one day it will be worth it’ at least every other day …

Where can we find you (website/facebook/twitter etc)?

Website
Facebook
Instagram

handy tips – patching knees

Posted on July 24, 2013 by rudyandthedodo

Hey, do your kids plough through the knees of their pants? My little men folk are constantly shredding theirs up through over zealous play and knee slides down grassy hills.

Instead of just throwing the pants away (or cutting them down into shorts) check out these fun monster patches! I’m going to give them a go!

You can follow the tutorial here.

Enjoy!

creative kids – milk carton lantern

Posted on July 13, 2013 by rudyandthedodo

As we call ‘lights out’ on another day for our little darlings, I just had to share this terribly fabulous lantern idea.

Simply cut out shapes of windows and doors (little ones may need some assistance with this) then place your carton over the top of a flameless tealight candle (available from the Hot Dollar shop).

If you want to add more dimension to this project kids can decoupage or paint the outside of their building too. Imagine how great these would look all lined up for an outside dinner? LOVE. x

craft express – make a paper boat

Posted on July 10, 2013 by rudyandthedodo

Just follow these 6 simple steps to make your own paper sailing boat.

Want more? We have stacks of paper toy making kits available over in our little shop. Check it out.

creative kids – diy storage jars

Posted on July 8, 2013 by rudyandthedodo

These storage jars are AWESOME and oh-so-simple to make!

Step 1: Raid the toy boxes for favourite figurines – think animals, superheroes, princesses, whatever makes the kids’ hearts sing!

Step 2: Raid the recycling for cute jars or boxes

Step 3: Remove lid and attach figurine with glue

Step 4: Spray paint in your favourite colour/s and allow to dry

Step 5: Fill with goodies, add lid, stand back and admire!

(All images sourced via pinterest)

creative kids – bead making

Posted on July 5, 2013 by rudyandthedodo

Straws beads are an easy, peasy way to keep little hands and minds busy. Simply cut up plastic or paper straws, grab some string and start threading. (Image courtesy of I Am Momma Hear Me Roar)

If you’d prefer a more permanent end result, check out these fab beading kits over in our little store.

creative kids – on the floor

Posted on July 3, 2013 by rudyandthedodo

These two fab ideas help them (and you!) get down on the floor and get creative.

This cityscape is drawn onto a cheap shower curtain, taped to the floor. For all the tips and tricks, see the tutorial from blog Filth Wizardry.

Any big box will suffice for the basis of this self contained city. Just let your imagination freeeeee with the design and inclusions. Like this little one, you can add dimension with blocks and cars! (Image sources: Pinterest)