
chalk and cake, not chalk cake, not that we have tried at least! On the bench this week is a couple of projects that I finished up. Inspired by Soulemama's knack for organizing books, I like how she sets up baskets of books by seasons, but as you can guess I have so many children's books and often like to use these to support our learning time. I also am in-love with chalkboards, so I decided to experiment with some chalkboard paint. I found a sweet little rough cut piece of wood and the AP non-toxic paint at Joann's. Drilled a couple holes, and now we can change out the book basket very fast. It was super easy and fun to make.
My first book basket switch was inspired by reading about the sweet party that mama BoatBaby Cindy did for her cutie pie fella Zach. I have had the honor of making some toys for Zach and he shares a love like we do for monsters! It made me think of the book Mrs. Muffly's Monster, and then the next thing you know I was searching the house for all of the fun cake books. Sounds like we will be making some cake this week!
Also in the basket if you like themes like me:
Mrs. Muffly's Monster Mama Panya's Pancakes Mrs. Biddlebox The Hungry Thing Panda Cake Jamberry Rabbit Finds A Way Why Do You Cry?
Some of these are a little more subtle than others with the cake theme, but all enjoyable. I believe that Rabbit Finds a Way and Panda Cake are out of print- those wonderful weekly readers from our childhoods, but you might check your library for them!
Also on the bench are some wonderful little zine-like brochures I picked up at a "mercantile" near the museum at the bottom of the Arch in St. Louis. They were too precious to pass up, ABC Hornbook- this is too sweet, The Button Book, plan to read this before sending onto my favorite button maker (wink!) and last one called Toys and Games from Times Past- I loved this one and made a new set for the shop based on the old dice game Beetle- instead of using paper though, I made a couple more handmade chalkboards so it has a greener edge to it without wasting the paper. I love the chalkboard paint! I hope to make more this summer! The wheels are turning for what I can put chalkboard paint on!

I just noticed also the snake skin that the boys left on the bench- I guess they are still wanting to do some snake learning too!
Enjoy the day and maybe make a cake too! My favorite is Angel's Food! yum