The children of the world have been playing with some form of toy or another since the dawn of time. The earliest toys were made from materials found in nature, such as rocks, sticks, and clay. Before the 20th century, children did not have much time to play. They were expected to help their parents doing simple jobs around the house or in the fields.
As our attitudes toward children began to change, toys became more widespread. Children began to be seen as people and that they had a right to flourish and enjoy their childhood. Many new toys were invented in the 20th century such as tin cars, train sets and teddy bears. As wages were rising steadily, working-class families were now able to afford toys for their children. Toy manufacturers were able to provide the supply to meet this rising demand due to improved industrial techniques of precision engineering and mass production.
Intellectual emphasis was also increasingly being placed on the importance of a wholesome and happy childhood. Toys have played an important role in human development. They provide entertainment while fulfilling an educational role.
I posed the question “What was your favorite childhood toy?” to members of the Christmas In July Team.
Kids in the 1960’s went skateboarding on smaller planks with steel wheels!
In the streets, on the sidewalks, down driveways…it meant hours of fun.
Rubber squeaking toys were “must have” in each Soviet home in 1970-80’s. They were hard to find in shops and every second soviet kid (and not only kid) was passionate collector of squeekers! I was not exception here, lol!
Crochet Week is the 2nd week in March and is all about celebrating all things crocheted.
Here at Christmas in July we wanted to see all your crocheted works.
Beverly from designbcb says this shawl can make a boho or elegant statement depending on what you wear with it.
Made with 100% acrylic fiber, it is easy care with a soak in warm, soapy water and spread it out to air dry.
This is a great gift for your bridal party done in a color they can use again and again. It is also a nice wrap for a prom or homecoming outfit. For less formal outings, it is a perfect wrap for strolling downtown and casual settings where you want some flair.
It is a generous 77×34 so wrap it around shoulders or waist for different looks.
Find it in the color ‘lace’ here.
Ingrida from feltinga said my mom’s passion is crocheting. Last week she has finished this cheerful multi-color set of doilies. Don’t you think it will make fantastic Easter decor and conversation starter???
Melissa R from missy69 states I love to crochet! I have not sold a lot of my crochet items, but I keep making them because I enjoy it. I donate items, that don’t sell after a while, to Newborns in Need. I also will be donating to the Southern Baptist Adoption Homes, soon. Of course crochet items make great gift ideas too. I made this lime green, and hot pink baby blanket and hat set, just about a month ago. I love the colors, definitely a favorite combo of mine.
Ingrida from LivePastVintage says crocheted items season is approaching. I think it is just a time to ensure your stock is enough for your new ideas. Vintage supply is the best choice for wise craftswomen!
Karen Clayton from KraftyShop said about 2 years ago a friend of mine asked me to make this skulls beanie hat for her in dark orchid and pewter gray. I was nervous when I first started to make it but it was a success! I had never worked on such an intricate pattern before.
Well, after making it for her, I wondered if I should add it to my etsy shop. After some deliberation I decided why not? After the first few months of it being listed and not selling, I decided to add many color choices and Viola! They started selling. Slowly at first but now they are my most popular item, so needless to say I am happy with my decision to add this listing to my shop. I will most likely be making these and other items for customers during crochet week.
Sounds like a fun day and time!!
Pink lemonade is part of all my favorite picnics. I make mine by adding a bit of cranberry juice to a blend of fresh squeezed lemons and water with honey! And it’s even more beautiful in delicate pink glass punch-style cups.
You need a beautiful tray for all your snacks!
She says how can it be an outdoor party without a cup of good smelling coffee.
To me, summer picnics in the south were always about Old Bay Shrimp boils, potato salad and coleslaw! This would be perfect for these kinds of goodies.
Who doesn’t love a picnic? Good food, friends and great times outdoors! Go have one today!
Do you know a father who loves the earth and would appreciate and Eco-friendly Father’s Day gift? I know one for sure. My husband. He’s an Environmental Science teacher. Not only has he reached his students, but he has also taught and inspired me! I’ve grown to really love and care for our environment, inspired by his passion. One way I live it is by using yarn that is Eco-friendly and Fairtrade when I design a new crochet pattern for my Etsy shop. For this Father’s Day, I thought it would be great to see and share what others on the Etsy CIJ team have to offer for an Eco-friendly Father’s Day.
Which Dad? The one who appreciates history.
Eco-friendliness: Vintage is cool and this ticks the box for the second of the three Rs…reuse!
Which Dad? The one who loves his coffee.
Eco-friendliness: First of all, it replaces all the cardboard sleeves that our favorite coffee shops like to slip on their cups. Second of all, the yarn is totally recycled! The denim cotton is broken down and the fibers are then re-spun into yarn!
Which Dad? The one who likes to keep his floors clean and feet warm.
Eco-friendliness: Felt is made from wool. Wool is an environmentally friendly, sustainable source. What could be better?
Which Dad? The one who is all natural.
Eco-friendliness: It’s made from a natural, untreated material that would otherwise be a waste product. A cool fact about this pendant is that it came from Chichicastenango, Guatemala – say that three times fast!
Which Dad? The one who is Eco-conscious.
Eco-friendliness: Upcycled paper beads join to make this unique & one of a kind gift.