Come Build Baltimore's BIGGEST Treasure Map Today!

It's today! We are building Baltimore's BIGGEST and COOLEST treasure map. From 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM at our Quarry Lake location. We'll be creating a map with all of Baltimore's treasures --think of all the wonderful landmarks and things in Baltimore 123.  

We've been busy getting the store and supplies ready for the event. We will have a photo booth with this awesome backdrop made by Casey and Sarah. Classic Play is bringing the props -John Waters' mustaches & beehive hairdos!

Our masterpiece will be on display at aMuse Toys and photographed for possible publication in the new BIG Kids Magazine. We want to showcase all of the treasures Baltimore has to offer: its people, places and things/BIG ideas.  Check out cool progeny's post for event details and get inspired with Classic Play and A Childhood List. 

There will be drawings, door prizes and a whole lot of crafty fun going on.  We hope you can join us!

DIY with Alex Toys: Sew Fun!

The kits highlighted in our new series, DIY with Alex Toys, will inspire creativity and personal expression while building lifelong skills with practical applications. 

 This weeks’ feature is the Sew Fun kit, a portable sewing machine perfect for budding crafters or any child who wants to learn how to sew.

Not only is the machine adorable, it has everything necessary to start sewing —including some floral fabric swatches. It is smaller than a standard size sewing machine and has been streamlined to include only the essentials for a first-time sewer. Its size and dual speed control also makes it safer [and less intimidating] to someone who doesn’t know what all those buttons on larger faster machines are for. The presser foot is also designed so that little hands can’t slip under. 

In addition to the sewing machine, fabric, pins, needles and some samples of fabric-embellishing materials, the kit includes a booklet full of detailed diagrams with thorough step-by-step directions. The instructions and diagrams illustrate how to thread the machine, sew with and without a foot pedal, wind the bobbin, change the needle, and adjust the stitch tension. The booklet even includes mini tutorials on how to create a tote bag and a chic wrap skirt. You can use batteries or the included AC adapter.
 

Geared for ages 8 and up, Sew Fun gives kids the basic materials and instructions for machine-sewing. It teaches how to embellish, repair, and ultimately create functional [or just really cute] objects and clothing independently.

Comes with everything you need to start sewing right away!

Moments in Childhood: Little Artist

We only get one shot at childhood. As parents, we hope to be mindful of the many beautiful moments we find along the way. Every Monday, we will honor one of these moments in our series, Moments in Childhood. If you have a Moment in Childhood you would like to share, please email us at blog@amusetoys.com!

Moments in Childhood is sponsored by theWAIREHOUSE

Book Release Party & Workshop with Duopress

We are thrilled to be the first stop for new releases from our friends at Duopress. We've had a great time counting with 123 Baltimore and expanding our culinary vocabulary with My Foodie ABC.  We can't wait to count our way through our nation's capital with 123 Washington!

Join us on Sunday, January 29th for a fun, free family event with the creator of the 1 2 3 series, PUCK.  We will be showcasing 4 new books -- 1 2 3 Washington, 1 2 3 Beach, Doodle New York and New York Baby. You can preorder your copies here.

Schedule of Events:

10:00 am - Autographing and Q&A with the creators of the books.

10:30 am - Reading of 123 Baltimore, 123 Washington D.C. and 123 Beach.

11:00 am - Drawing for a duopress book package: Win 3 BOOKS!

11:30 am - Autographing and Q&A with the creators of Doodle New York, New York Baby and My Foodie ABC 

12:00 pm – Illustrator, Violet Lemay will join us via Skype for a fun doodling activities from Doodle New York and My Foodie ABC.

12:30 pm — Drawing for a special Doodle New York prize

Other books in the Cool Counting Series include: 123 New York, 123 Philadelphia, 123 Boston, 123 Chicago, 123 Texas, 123 California, 123 San Francisco, and 123 USA.

Puck’s work showcases his fun spirit and his books aim to stimulate childrenʼs imaginations, speech and language development while fostering their sense of play.

We hope to see you and all of your friends at this fun event as we count, doodle and learn together. You can RSVP via Facebook here.

Moments in Childhood: Little Mozart

We only get one shot at childhood. As parents, we hope to be mindful of the many beautiful moments we find along the way. Every Monday, we will honor one of these moments in our series, Moments in Childhood. If you have a Moment in Childhood you would like to share, please email us at blog@amusetoys.com!

Moments in Childhood is sponsored by theWAIREHOUSE