Christmas Countdown

December 9, 2009 by AuntLinda

Dear Friends,

Do the days seem to be rushing by as Christmas approaches? So much decoration to do! So many cookies to bake! So many cards to send! So many presents and gifts to buy! And we’re approaching the “last-minute shopping” period!

Personally, I’ve been super busy planning a big Whimsmoore open house. What helps keep me in the spirit of Christmas is all the wonderful music I play as I decorate, bake, and clean house. That and reviewing all the great gifts we’ve made available for kids at Whimsmoore.com.

If you find yourself stressed out from all of the holiday activities, why not take a break right now, sit yourself down in front of that nice warm computer, and let your fingers do the shopping! Here are some suggestions to make your gift recipients spirits’ bright:

The Elf Toy of the Month for children ages five through seven. December’s package includes a tin of mini-cookie cutters, a mini rolling pin, an Elf Cookies recipe and our own, Elfery Storybook™. We’ve extended the shipping date for this gift through December 18th. You may choose this as a one-time gift or as a creative present your child or grandchild will receive every month for a year. For more details and to order, go to http://whimsmoore.com/ETOM.html

A Playtent is just the thing to put up indoors during the rainy/snowy days of winter. We carry seven models, from a TeePee to a Princess Castle and more. Great entertainment at Grandma’s house! See our entire selection at http://whimsmoore.com/play.html

What’s Christmas without a new doll? We at Whimsmoore like to keep our toys simple and fun and very high quality. That’s why we’re especially pleased to offer the Lennon Sister’s Best Pals Dolls inspired by the rag dolls the Lennon sisters, Janet and Kathy, cherished as children. Each “Best Pals” doll is part of a numbered and limited edition. You’ll love the detail in their vintage-style clothing! Go to http://whimsmoore.com/doll.html

Both the Lady Bug Tea Set (on Sale!) and the Children’s Tin Tea Set will delight any little girl or boy. These are available while supplies last at http://whimsmoore.com/kitchenacces.html

We have a wonderful selection of Christmas and Winter kids books. Here are a few of my favorites: Stopping by the Woods on a Snowy Evening by Robert Frost. I absolutely love the “frosty” velum cover and the art work inside. Other favorite picture books are Bear’s First Christmas and Santa Claus. The former is sweet and quiet like falling snow. The latter is boisterous, fun, and full of surprises like Santa himself. Speaking of quiet, Christ’s birth is told lovingly in the glowing colors of Room for a Little One. And it’s my humble belief that every family that celebrates Christmas ought to have a Night Before Christmas book. Jan Brett’s and Mary Engelbreit’s illustrations are both treasures! http://whimsmoore.com/kidsholidaybooks.html

So sit yourself down and order today. Then breathe a sigh of relief as you check off several items on your gift list.

Whatever your activities today and in the coming couple of weeks, I wish you all, blessings of the Season!

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Best Natural Toys of 2009

November 12, 2009 by AuntLinda

Imagine my delight when I picked up Mothering magazine yesterday and saw that a couple of products Whimsmoore carries are included in their “Best Natural Toys of 2009″ feature. Those toys are Dolly’s Changing Table and a Playstand with Arch. Both are handmade in the USA of quality materials and smooth, natural finishes, features we consistently look for.

The perfect center for dollplay, Dolly’s Changing Table includes storage for clothes, a space for changing diapers and clothes and even a swing for after dolly’s clean and dry. PeaPod, the elf, says she’d love to play with this.


Our Play Stand is from a different manufacturer than the one featured in Mothering. We believe ours is a even better value! Made of the finest quality materials and craftsmanship, and superior design, it will provide hours of imaginative play for little boys and girls alike. As an “open ended” toy inspired by the Waldorf learning philosophy, it can be transformed by imagination to a house, a store, a fort, etc. Comes with optional silk canopy.

These are just two of our carefully selected imagination-inspiring toys. Come take a look! You’ll be pleased by your choice of finishes and prices.

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Whimsmoore is Shrinking!

November 10, 2009 by AuntLinda

Have you ever heard the phrase, “Less is more?” It means that volume and/or many details do not make a product or other entity better. Simplicity is often the best choice.

Have you ever been to a large market stuffed with many booths offering many, many items for sale, and found it overwhelming? I don’t know about you, but my eyes begin to glaze over and my feet begin to tire. I might not purchase anything because I’m so overwhelmed. Either that or I overdo it.

And what about all that’s available on the Internet? Talk about overload! So we at Whimsmoore have decided to cut out those products that can be found almost everywhere, and offer a selection of children’s toys, gifts, books, and playhouses with the very best quality and most unique features available. And we’ve added a few (just a few!) new fabulous finds … many of them handmade right here in the USA.

Take a look at our Kids Crooked Houses. Just one look and you’ll want to be a kid again. Even better, we’re the only place on the planet that offers soft and colorful floor tiles with which to furnish them. These whimsical houses are made in Maine.

We’ve added several Kitchen Play and Doll Play items by Elves and Angels, also out of Maine. These will stimulate hours of creative play for your kids. Run your hand over the smooth, sanded surfaces and you’ll feel the quality.

And there are the unique play kitchens, kids’ tables and chairs, and the charming “Log Cabin” from Little Colorado. You have the choice of ordering them finished or unfinished so you can decorate them with your own unique designs.

All three of these companies design their play items to encourage kids imaginative and safe play. And all three of these companies work very hard at being “green.”

And don’t you dare forget our own unique Elf Toy of the Month! You won’t find it any place else. Each month’s gift contains a simple, classic-type toy and a companion Elfery Storybook™ designed to help you stay connected in a fun way to those children or grandchildren who may live far away. Our elves do the packing and shipping for you. Nothing could be easier!

So take a gander at our new selection. It won’t take you long to find the perfect gift for your child or grandchild.

Together, let’s invite our children’s and grandchildren’s imaginations out to play!

Aunt Linda's Signature

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Trolls: Be They Giants, Shrunken Men, or … ?

July 20, 2009 by AuntLinda

To describe a Troll is to grasp at a plume of smoke. One second, you think you’ve captured it, the next second, it has escaped you. Are trolls short? Are they extra large? Are they shy? Are they bold? Are they mean? Are they kind? Throughout history and across countries, different peoples have known trolls in different forms and personalities.

Trolls are only mentioned in one commonly known fairy tale today: The Three Billy Goats Gruff. This troll hangs out under a bridge, He is bad, he is ugly, he is mean. In a loud and harsh voice, he threatens to eat up those billy goats. Fortunately, for them, this troll is not very bright.

Despite the wild variation of troll descriptions, this troll shares several characteristics with other trolls. His hair is wild and long. His head seems to sit directly on his shoulders, his neck being extremely short. His fingers are long and grasping. His clothes are shaggy skins from animals he’s slaughtered. This particular troll is shorter than most men … maybe from living under a bridge all of his life.

Older troll tales describe them as giants. Over the years, many artists have shown them to have large noses and ears, and long, hairy arms. Some would say trolls resemble Cro-Magnon man. Indeed, perhaps that is their origin.

Our troll’s habitat is another similarity to many troll tales; he lives under the bridge. Trolls are commonly thought to live under boulders or under mounds, although some are also depicted as living hidden in the deep, dark forest.

Scandinavian trolls are thought to respond toward humans as they are treated. They are not necessarily evil. They can even be jokesters, turning invisible and stealing food from a person’s plate.
Recently, trolls have been depicted in fantasy literature and role-playing games. We shiver in delight and horror at meeting up with one of these creatures. We love rooting for our hero to outwit this fearsome creature and banish him from our nightmares.

Here’s to more whimsy in your life!

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What Disney Dwarves Don’t Tell Us

July 15, 2009 by AuntLinda

As much as I loved Disney’s Snow White and the Seven Dwarves movie, and going on that ride at Disneyland, I must tell you that those dwarves have been sanitized. A “real” dwarf is a much rougher character, more like Tolkien’s Gimli. As the Wickipedia describes him “He was an honourable, wise, and stalwart warrior, favouring the axe as his weapon.”

Like Gimli, dwarves are short (about three to four feet tall) and muscular. Most of the adult male dwarves have substantial beards and coarse, long hair. They are masters of metalwork and are fierce fighters, using their own hand-forged armor, shields, and axes in battle. They live underground and practice their craft before glowing furnaces.

Dwarf with Gem

Catching site of a female dwarf is a rare occurrence … they seem to be greatly outnumbered by the men. Little is known about their looks and activities. According to Tolkien, dwarf children are scare and are defended with great ferocity.

Apart from war making, dwarves also craft beautiful jewelry from precious metals and stones. (They are known to occasionally trade with certain gnome gemologists.) However, the close association with these pieces of immense value has caused many a dwarf to succumb to his greedy nature. A dwarf’s hoarded treasure is a sight to behold, but it can lead to his downfall.

Dwarves tend to keep to themselves and are masters at keeping secrets. They seem quite solemn most of the time, many wearing a permanent scowl on their faces. But from time to time they enjoy a belly laugh, even at their own expense.

Dwarf behavior can be unpredictable, so it’s best to observe them only from afar.

Here’s to more whimsy in your life!

Aunt Linda's Signature

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Do Garden Gnomes Represent All of Gnomedom?

July 6, 2009 by AuntLinda

Most of us have come in contact with a Gnome or two. We see one traveling the world in a T.V. commercial. And with their short stature and red conical caps, they’re also popular figures in garden stores. Yet, how much do we really know about gnomes?

Let’s start with their familiar appearance. The red-capped gnome statues you see in the garden store looks like the typical male gnome: short and sturdy, with a flowing white beard, rosy cheeks, and a friendly expression. The color of his coat may very well be green, but could be gray or blue. It’s cinched with a wide belt that can hold his tools. Being a friend of the animals, he wears no leather. His shoes are either wooden clogs or felted boots.

Seen less often is the female gnome. She wears a blouse and a long skirt. Her shoes may also be wooden clogs or soft, felted slippers. While she is young, she wears a green cap and her straw-colored hair in braids. As she grows older, she wears her hair under a scarf.

All gnomes live underground, often among the roots of trees. Because they are so in tune with nature, they are a very patient, yet creative race. Having watched the slow formation of gems underground, they have become expert at lapidary, the art of working in stone. They may labor for months in shaping a gem to its highest perfection. Likewise, if they are garden gnomes, they may spend hours, plucking spent blossoms and removing the tiniest of weeds. They are also known as clever inventors.

Being vegetarians, gnomes’ diets consist mainly of nuts and berries, mushrooms, and potatoes and other root vegetables. If you would like to treat a gnome, leave him a small bowl of applesauce, a teaspoon of jam, or a thimble-full of gin.

Although gnomes’ movements may seem awkward and even laughable to humans, they are swift runners. They also have excellent eyesight and hearing and are exceptionally strong. These abilities help them locate and care for wounded creatures in the forest, as well as dig for and find gems deep in the earth.

We need not fear gnomes, as they are a cheerful and kindhearted sort. It is said that should you spy a gnome at twilight’s gloaming, you’ll have good luck for many months to come.

Here’s to more whimsy in your life!

P.S. My dear husband says I must have gnome blood in me because I’ve been so creative and focussed in founding and managing my toy store, Whimsmoore.com. I take that as a high compliment!

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About Pixies

June 30, 2009 by AuntLinda
Pixie in Flower

At first glance, we might have difficulty distinguishing the difference between Fairies and Pixies. Both kinds of creatures have beautiful wings and love to flit about. If we should glimpse a pixie, our first impression might be his or her size. They are slightly smaller than fairies, being about four inches tall. They are naturally invisible, but can become visible to the human eye when they are excited or agitated.

Pixies are known to inhabit gardens and other natural places. It’s been said that some pixies have joined with a certain gathersome of elves and become protectors of the forest. These tiny beings enjoy gardening in their own little gardens. Their food is nectar and pollen.

As fierce warriors, pixies sometimes battle with the larger garden fairies over territory. Although they are smaller than the fairies, they are very quick and can change direction faster than a darting dragonfly. You should be warned that they never hesitate to come to the defense of their loved ones.

Some rogue pixies are drawn to human dwellings and love to play tricks on the human inhabitants. Being invisible, these naughty creatures think it is great fun to throw small objects about in the humans’ homes. They also love to steal horses, ridding them wildly across the fields.

It’s uncertain how long pixies live. Their one weakness is silver; it can burn their skin. If it gets in their blood, they die.

If you should ever see a pixie in your garden, don’t blink, or in a flash, she will disappear.

Here’s to more whimsy in your life!

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Are Fairy Godmothers Always Female?

June 25, 2009 by AuntLinda

Let’s put the spotlight on Fairy Godmothers. Who are they and what is their mission? First, there don’t seem to be any male counterparts, no “fairy godfathers” flitting about. Some Fairy Godmothers display wings and some do not. But they are able to appear and disappear, sometimes float, and probably all are capable of flying.

FairyGodmother2

Fairy Godmothers are often shown as plump, merry individuals, although some appear to be quite beautiful. Perhaps they take on whatever appearance is most comforting to the human with whom they are interacting.

A Fairy Godmother’s mission is to help deserving humans in their time of greatest need, so these fortunate souls can fulfill their destiny. The people they help are often children and young adults who are figuring out how to make their way in the world. The Fairy Godmother serves as a kind of mentor or godparent who helps not only with her magic, but also with her words of wisdom.

FairyGodmother2

I’m including the Blue Fairy in this article because she seems to have a similar role to that of Fairy Godmothers. She is a guardian spirit that seeks to protect us. We meet her in the story of Pinocchio. It is Pinocchio’s heart-felt desire to become a real boy. The Blue Fairy helps him become one, with the condition that Pinocchio learn and practice personal integrity.

In Disney’s version of Pinocchio, the Blue Fairy is a beautiful young female with gossamer wings. In other stories she appears as a blue firefly or blue bird. No matter her form, she offers comfort and guidance, along with her magic, much like that of a Fairy Godmother.

Here’s to more whimsy in your life!

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Fairy Dust and Fairy Wands

June 19, 2009 by AuntLinda
FairyDust
Fairy Dust is a magical, sparkling material. The fairy either dips her hands in a Fairy Dust Bottle that’s hidden in her garments, or releases the dust by waving her magic wand. And what does this magical substance do? It can cast a spell or allow something amazing to happen. Here’s a brief excerpt from Peter Pan:

Peter Pan: This won’t do. What’s the matter with you? All it takes is faith and trust. Oh! And something I forgot. Dust!
Wendy, John: Dust?
Michael: Dust?
Peter Pan: Yep, just a little bit of pixie dust. Now, think of the happiest things. It’s the same as having wings.

So it seems that Fairy Dust (or Pixie Dust as J.M. Barrie, the author of Peter Pan, called it) can make us fly. But of course, we have to believe!
FairyonWand

Fairy Wands are usually made of various kinds of wood. They can also be made of metal, copper being a favorite material.

Spells, using magic dust or wands, can make our wishes come true, render us invisible, protect us from harm, heal us, or they can blind us, make us stumble, etc. In other words, spells can cause any number of wonderful and/or awful conditions.

Cinderella’s fairy godmother used her wand to turn a pumpkin into a handsome coach, her dog into a coachman, and Cinderella’s rags into a beautiful gown. And what magic words did she use along with waving of her wand? You know them! Salaga doola, menchika boola–bibbidi, bobbidi, boo!

Here’s to more whimsy in your life!

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What is a Fairy?

June 15, 2009 by AuntLinda
LightFairy

The word “faeries” can refer to the entire realm of fanciful beings, including elves, gnomes, pixies, and so forth. Here we shall focus on those fairies that are small, often tiny, creatures, some with beautiful, airy wings.

Fairy lore goes back to ancient times. The Tooth Fairy, Tinker Bell, and fairy godmothers have been around for generations. In the past few years we’ve been introduced to many new kinds of fairies. Flower Fairies seem to be the most popular among them.

Where do fairies come from? J. M. Barrie, author of Peter Pan, wrote, “…when the first baby laughed for the first time, its laugh broke into a thousand pieces, and they all went skipping about, and that was the beginning of fairies.”(1)

Celtic lore was that fairies were immortal. Fairies are thought to live in fairy mounds, caves, the hollows of trees, or other hidden places. Some fairies seem to be solitary creatures. Others live in communities and are subject to a Fairy Queen. Groups of fairies that move about are known as Trooping Fairies.

Up the airy mountain,
Down the rushy glen,
We daren’t go a-hunting
For fear of little men;
Wee folk, good folk,
Trooping all together;
Green jacket, red cap,
And white owl’s feather(2)

All fairies are capable of magic. A favorite magic trick is to make objects like rocks and leaves appear to be gold. How foolish and disappointed the person who has been tricked feels! Fairies also enjoy taking on the appearance of a beautiful butterfly and flitting about a human’s head.

Young Fairy

Fairies, like elves, are known to be mischief-makers. They are said to enjoy mild pranks such as tangling a sleeper’s hair, or leading a traveler astray. However, should you spy on a fairy dance as they make fairy rings in the grass, or try catching a fairy, they might lure you to their cave and keep you there forever. Either that, or cast an enchantment, making you sleep for a hundred years or so. Still and all, a kind fairy might decide to bring you luck. Basically, you take your chances in encountering fairies!

So what is it about modern fairies that makes them so appealing? Number one is their beauty; they appear to us to be lovelier or more handsome than any human. Number two is their ability to create magic, either with a magic wand, fairy dust (also called “pixie dust”), or a combination of the two. And these we will explore in the next post.

Here’s to more whimsy in your life!

(1) J. M. Barrie, Peter Pan in Kensington Gardens and Peter and Wendy, Oxford Press, 1999, p. 32. (according to Wikipedia)
(2) William Allingham, The Fairies, The Giant Golden Book of Elves and Fairies, Random House, 2008, p. 40

Check out Whimsmoore’s Elf Toy-of-the-Month™

Meet the Elves of Glimmer Glen

Share Your Elfery™

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