The Handicrafter

As a member of the Etsy Twitter Team it is with great pleasure that I introduce you to the very first “Shop of the Week”. Each week a different Etsy Twitter Team member will be featured.

 The very first Shop of the Week is Flying Zoo Toys. With everything from flying ladybugs to flying fish, this shop is filled with handcrafted fun! Each of the flying wood mobile toys has wings that flap when set into motion via a tug on a string. 

The artist, Monika Mrozkova, originally from Czech Republic, has been making these wooden mobiles for more than 15 years. She is a full time artist whose work can be seen in galleries across the USA. She has been selling on Etsy since April 2008.  Currently, she only ships to the US and Canada.

To receive your purchases for Valentine’s Day, order by February 6th. 

Everything in Flying Zoo Toys is 15% off for this week. A refund will be issued through PayPal after completion of your purchase. Take advantage of this offer – you won’t be let down by the magic of these toys. 

(Photographs © Flying Zoo Toys/Monika Mrozkova) 

Looking for a craft to teach your children?  A craft which will result in quality, usable products?  A craft which will teach them to focus, to set goals  and give them a sense of  accomplishment  and pride as well as to teach them design planning and follow through?  Sounds like a tall order, right?  Nope, the answer is as simple as teaching them to crochet or knit.   

Crocheting 

Crocheting is a great place to start, particularly for younger children, because it uses a single blunt needle called a hook. Children as young as four can be taught to crochet. Required supplies include: 

o Size J hook

o Favourite color worsted weight yarn

 o Beginner pattern   

Hooks come in a variety of materials from metal to plastic.  Lighter weight hooks are often easier for small hands to use effectively.  It’s easier to teach a child to crochet if you’re sitting side by side so a couch is ideal, just make sure the television is off or they won’t be paying attention.  It is important to note whether your child is left handed or right handed as the pattern directions will vary.    

Beginner patterns are usually scarves, blankets or placemats.  Remember to start small, be prepared for frustration in the beginning and set a mental time limit or create a goal – for example, let’s start with a 4X4 square so they feel like they’ve accomplished something when they finish. 

Before beginning any project it’s important to master a few knots, practice them, and make your yarn skein into a yarn ball.   

Knitting

Like crochet, knitting is a great way to teach children focus, give them a sense of accomplishment, and is a great way for children to keep busy as an alternative to a television, computer or video game.   

Knitting supplies:

o Size ten knitting needles

o Yarn, preferably wool

o A knitting pattern or project 

Easy knitting patterns include a scarf, a potholder, or a hat.  Begin with your child sitting next to you somewhere comfortable.  Sometimes it helps to have your child sitting in your lap so they can emulate your hand motions.   

Like crochet needles it helps small hands if the needles are larger and if they are lightweight.  Additionally, choose needles which have rounded tips rather than sharp pointed ones.   

Patience is required when teaching knitting or crocheting.  Knots can be difficult for small hands to master.  If you become frustrated they will too.  Knitting and crocheting are a fantastic way to bond with your child and to teach them the joy of crafting, the joy of creating something with their own two hands that will last a whole life long.