Boxy the Robot

Hi there, I am Boxy the Robot!

 

They made me out of boxes, egg cartons, Makedo connectors,  floral wire and they even some Christmas led lamps into my head.

P also made me a trunk to carry his Teddy Bear friend we had visiting from his kindergarten.

Friends.

Hm...Do I dare?

Villa Carton City Blocks product review and a giveaway

Anybody who ever read this blog knows I am a little bit obsessed with cardboard toys. This tiny obsession of mine seems to have been passed on to my son(s). That, and re-creating the obvious:)
I first met Villa Carton through their flip dolls and I soon realized majority of their products is actually made of cardboard.Imagine my luck when they asked me to review their City blocks. Also try to imagine P. when we were handed over the big package by the postman. His question: Mommy, is this something for me to play with so you can write it on your blog? was precious...as his face as I tried to take photos.

 Set we received has a Hospital design on one side and a Fire Station design on the other. It contains seven blocks with a print on most sides. What I lover the most is that these blocks are actually boxes. Not boxy blocks! They are made like boxes that can be opened and closed whenever you want, without ruining the toy.

 

And just when I was happily plotting how this is totally cool, because I can also use it to store their smaller toys we are always stepping on, P decided he had a much better idea and asked me to cut out the doors on both sides of the biggest block, so he could park his cars inside.

First I was reluctant to do it, after all, we just got it...no sense in ruining it immediately, but when he patiently explained to me how it should be done and along which lines I should cut, I just had no argument left. And he was right! I mean, this is what this toy is all about. You can use it as is, but there are numerous possibilities for kiddos to practice their creativity.



























They can, for example, color it green...

or white...

Looks like this when big boy is playing:

and like this when the baby takes charge:

To be honest, I was worried how it will work with curious baby boy around, I was afraid he will ruin it in no time, but these blocks are sturdy enough for some baby roughing it around (he even sat on it several times). Baby test passed too:)
All in all, I think this is a perfect cardboard toy. I love the design, it is super practical because you can use it as storage as well as just fold it back flat when they get bored and put it away for a while since it is constructed that way. I personally love them monochrome but I can imagine how much fun it could be for bigger kids to personalize them. City blocks are also available as City/Shops and Western/Farm pairs and you can buy them here.

To read more about Villa Carton, check out this interview.

You can also win one set here by going through the Rafflecopter tool below:


a Rafflecopter giveaway

Good luck everybody! And thanks to Villa Carton for having us test this super cool toy! 

Cardboard Xmas tree

As a big fan of cardboard I was really happy to see JULMYS Christmas tree by Ikea. It is not the most beautiful design in my opinion, and choice of color is also not my cup of tea, but I loved the idea. We never spend the holidays at home, so we rarely do any holiday decoration. In fact, last year was the first for one for us. With baby I being only a week old at Christmas, we were unable to travel, so we had Christmas brought to us by granny and grandpa.

This year we are back to our normal selves, packing up our bags, presents and saying bye, bye to Budapest for a while. But, with kids in the house, it is a little bit weird not to do any Christmas preparations, because lets face it...this Christmas craze starts earlier and earlier every year. That said, there will be some light decorating on my part. And we will have a Christmas tree, and it will be cardboard!

Cardboard Christmas tree is exactly what we need!

It is only two 70 x 62 cm corrugated cardboard pieces and a circular stand. Simple design, INCLUDING decoration you can really use in various ways. For me cardboard is the best in its natural color, so I will probably let P only scribble on decoration, but possibilities are endless. I also already bought a super cheap STRÅLA light chain with 10 bulbs which is battery operated and LED, so we can use that too.

Isn't this tree just perfect?

Make Great Together

 Are you entering the challenge?





We just sent in P's first entry:) THE CROCBOX!

 Instagram #MiniMakeGreatMakedo 

Come join in the fun!! (there are some great prizes too)

Blood type, zodiac sign toys? Yes!

What is your blood type? How about your Chinese zodiac sign?

I am a 0 and a dragon!

 Free downloads available at toxicpaperfactory.

Check out my Free printables pinterest board!

Trzy Myszy exhibition (Budapest)

A couple of weeks ago, as part of Budapest Design Week, Trzy Myszy (Three Mice toy factory) exhibition opened at the Polish institute. We've been there several times since. If you are regular on this blog, you might know I am a sucker for cardboard toys, bought and home-made alike. It is not a 'look but don't touch' kind of exhibition and my kids have a blast every time we go there.

As you can see, cars are the absolute favorites.

For those in Budapest, the exhibition can be viewed until November 9 (and it is free) when a a Tea Party with Three Mice will take place as the closing event.
For those of you further away, browse the toys on the website. I am loving the colour scheme.

Cardboard camera

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Ever since we did the tutu photo-shoot P has been asking for a big camera with a lens cap and a display. So we made one during one of the rainy afternoons we had recently.

My Space by Liya Mairson

No time for words today, and no words to describe how much I LOOOVE this so just watch the video and sigh (when unfolded this 'play room' is bigger than my kids room...

Makedo a boat

Way back in March, after we made out cardboard plane I was sent a precious package by Makedo to try out. We've been friends ever since. Some of our creations were lost for good when Daddy formatted the memory card with our photos on, but this weekend we had some serious fun making a boat. I say serious fun, because:
 1. It is always fun to create something from nothing
2. P finally started taking initiative, he had some great ideas and he was really into the whole thing all the way

What you need is a pack of Makedo connector system, a 3 year old full of imagination and some cardboard.

And you can  paddle:

fight the croc

 paddle some more

and then quickly turn on the motor to run away

Check if there are any more crocodiles coming your way

Now that the danger is over, get some rest:

You have a big day tomorrow pulling your brother around in a box

For more on Makedo, visit their cool website, or like them on facebook or twitter for daily inspiration and some great projects from around the world.

Also, dont forget to enter a Pappet giveaway , where you can also win a great toy boosting your kids iimagination.