In celebration… I decided to create this very functional and FUN centerpiece for the island in my kitchen. I saw something similar to this in the Rachael Ray magazine this month… I don’t normally look at this mag as cooking isn’t my thing (see last post!!) but my mom was in town and she loves it. this was something that they showed for a dinner party w/ kids… that you could line the table w/ butcher paper and let them color during dinner etc. well, I decided that it would be the perfect cure for boredom for my kids. They love to sit and draw, write and color. Nothing is more inspiring than a whole bunch of art supplies and a stack of white paper! I bought this serving tray at target, along w/ the plastic cups, new markers, pencils and crayons… and well, I had to buy the gobstoppers cause they looked so cute with the dots on the tray. I think it’s important that the kids practice math, journaling, spelling… that kind of thing. I am trying to come up with a ‘routine’ that even I can stick with that will include some constructive activities…
But when all else fails… quincy quiet for ½ hour coloring is golden! Easy enough.
I am loving the bright colors! Just had to share…
Way cool idea, I am copying it ASAP. Much cuter than the shoe box with everything mixed up and broken, and missing lids that I usually have around.
Posted by: Leah | May 25, 2007 at 10:04 AM
Very cute idea!
I saw that adorable tray at Target this morning.
Hope you and your family have a fabulous Memorial Day weekend!
Jamie ~ Alabama
Posted by: Jamie | May 25, 2007 at 11:44 AM
That is SUCH a fabulous idea! That whole polka-dot/candy line at Target has me drooling every time I see it. Going to buy this tonight & do it for my little ones (and okay, myself, too!). :)
Posted by: Raven | May 25, 2007 at 11:49 AM
Hope you and your family enjoy your Dream Dinner meals. We don't have DD's around here but we have other places that are the same thing. Let me tell ya. They are a total lifesaver. My hubby and I are always getting food from there. It's so quick and easy. Well worth the $$. Enjoy!
Tam in Tx
Posted by: Tam | May 25, 2007 at 01:28 PM
I am so doing this for a birthday present for a little girl next month! Thanks for sharing all your fabulous ideas!!!
Posted by: Crystal | May 25, 2007 at 02:45 PM
wow loved this idea it is absolutely fabulous....mine is already set up and my kids havent left the table for over an hour ....i added the cute candy placement under the tray off to the side a little so you can see how cute the candy and polka dots look and of course had to put candy necklaces in one of the cups....heidi you are awesome thanks for all your heart and soul you put into your work and products !!!!!!!
Posted by: kimberly | May 25, 2007 at 06:11 PM
Oh so cute. I love this idea for me, but I'm going to set it up in my department (I manage a Creative Service department) -- I want to get them away from their Macs and get their hands dirty! Thanks Heidi!
PS Of course, I'll have to make this for my own studio! haha
Posted by: Karen K | May 25, 2007 at 10:48 PM
Gotta love the smarties in there and yummy candy.~hee
Great set up......love it! So full of color and looks like so much fun. TFS!
Posted by: Paul-ene | May 26, 2007 at 12:35 AM
itsa paradise island!!!
cool!
Prolix
{ThE fReNcH tOuCh}
artsy english-français blog
http://prolix.typepad.fr
Posted by: PROLIX from la Normandie | May 26, 2007 at 04:35 AM
Hah! Brilliant! Especially for living in AZ and needing some indoor downtime activities! Thanks!
Posted by: Laura | May 26, 2007 at 07:10 AM
Love it! I am going to be doing this also. I have all our stuff hidden in the closet and with the hot AZ weather, it's nice to have something fun out at all times. Thanks for the great ideas. You are a fabulous person, keep it up!
Posted by: Marilyn | May 26, 2007 at 09:14 AM
This is a fabulous idea...I may have to copy!!
;) Thanks for always having something cute to share!
Posted by: Ashley | May 26, 2007 at 04:54 PM
I love it! Thanks for posting this, how inspiring!
Posted by: Kristina Lewis | May 27, 2007 at 07:34 AM
I am totally going to Target to copy your centerpiece!!
Your new garage doors ROCK - they are so elegant looking, I really love 'em.
Are you keeping your baby boy's name a secret??? I'm dying to know what it is. I love, love, love the name Capri. . . Okay, and if you *are* keeping it a secret, you can just send me an e-mail and I promise not to tell. ~ Gosh, I am really not some crazed Heidi Swapp stalker. =)
Posted by: kerry davis | May 28, 2007 at 05:18 AM
Ha, I almost bought one of these trays to alter as a gift for your B-day...glad I didn't now. We must B on the same wavelength! Great idea!
Posted by: LenaS | May 28, 2007 at 05:57 PM
That is so much fun!
Posted by: Brooke | May 29, 2007 at 10:45 AM
Hmmmmm, lovely pens and sweeties, what a fab combination!!!
Samm
http://samm-l.blogspot.com
Posted by: Samm | May 31, 2007 at 12:28 AM
I love that idea for the island!! How creative - I know my kids will totally enjoy it! Guess I'm off to Target to get some supplies - thanks for sharing this awesome idea!!
Posted by: Sara | June 08, 2007 at 10:17 AM
So cute!!!!!!
Posted by: sara's art house | July 15, 2008 at 04:53 AM
That would look GREAT in my new school room. Thanks for the inspiration.
Posted by: Deb | July 15, 2008 at 05:44 AM
I love this - and I think my daughter would love it too. When I first saw it, I thought it was on a Lazy Susan - that way you could just spin it around to get what you want. :)
Posted by: Michie | July 16, 2008 at 07:49 PM
I love that idea. I did something similar for my art stuff. I just bought a lazy susan and put my art supplies just like that in cups. I love it b/c everything is right at my reach.
Posted by: apple | July 18, 2008 at 11:33 AM