Squiggle Doodle - Wearable Art

How adventurous would you and your kids get, in doodling on wearable? 

It's not often, and most times, it requires much boldness and confidence to work with permanent fabric markers. Recent months, we had much exploration with fabric markers and wearables. We share some easy ways to designing and personalising your own tshirt, bags and shoes:

1. PRINTABLE

Trace over a favourite character

2. STENCIL

3.FREE HAND

Activities like these can be fun and of great bonding within the family! Most times the fear is not in the child, but parents not confident enough to allow their kids draw on tees, shoes or bags. It may be after all, one that they will wear and walk around with.

Some time ago while embarking on this idea, I recalled I had an argument with Jazz who was over confident that she could draw Juboy's onesie without any planning or drafting. I merely wanted her to be extra careful, given the fact that we were using permanent fabric markers, where no erasing or washing will correct any error. Oh well, I trusted she could and left it all to her.

Against our better judgement, she spelt a word wrongly on his onesie! I'm like, didn't Mama tell you to plan, draft and use a pencil first?! I felt overly angry but I thought to myself, it was just an onesie and the goal was to get the older siblings draw something for their baby sibling to wear. It was one great way to get them involve and welcome a new family member. It was more than just an outcome, but the journey. Moreover, how often do we put our kids to the challenge of using permanent ink on fabric?!

Cooled off and told her, the only remedy was to turn that wrong squiggle into a beautiful doodle! And she did! That sparked the idea of my new venture, Squiggle Doodle! Yes, I'm a little Mumprenuer now. It is no easy start up, no easy road and definitely lots of bumpers too.

That was a scene picture they drew for their little brother. The wrong squiggle was within the blue cloud, which they covered up with colouring. It was a project they enjoyed very much and always squealing in excitement whenever Juboy dons on it.

I knew I fell in love with this kind of family projects.

I put the idea to tasks, in hope to bring fun to many families who will eventually buy my idea. From the beginning, I saw through the manufacturing of these fabric markers just so it can give doodlers the quality ink that we think is best. After which, I sourced for appropriate fabric suppliers to go with the markers! So there, it became ideas that evolved into a physical idea.

Many friends and parents complimented, "Wow, that's a great idea!" But the greatest hurdle was also them telling me, "My kids can't draw!" "He will mess up the shirt!" Oh well, sometimes, it's not till we give them that opportunity. We can always doodle as a team! There's much bonding in coming together as a family for planning and drawing. Which is why each set is thoughtfully sold with 2 tees or 2 onesies for share. Or some say, another room for error.

Doodle tees set

Doodle Baby set

I know, there sometimes is really much resistant to buying an idea like such. Doodling on something wearable may not be a widely acceptable idea among parents, but it allows kids the opportunity to hone on that planning and confidence skill.

Some parents would tell me upfront, that they can always gather these materials separately for doodle. Love that honesty, but we have sourced and put in only quality for every doodler. It doesn't make sense if I were to manufacture and sell only fabric markers without materials. And good fabric markers may be a tough find here.

Doodle shoes set

Doodle case sets are perfect as party favours

That leap of faith is sometimes more essential in parents than kids. We've seen some beautiful doodles of little children whom their parents have shared with us. It is amazing! And among them are many parents who were resistant about plunging their kids to work freely with it. I kid you not at how much I worry at every customer's purchase too! I genuinely want them to create confident works out of it. Which is why every purchase kit comes with ideas and  draw tips, as well as the option to purchase stencils. Or if not, self create a stencil out of cardboard! It's much of free play on how parents and kids would like to doodle with it. 

Obviously being a Stay Home Mum doesn't give much financial satisfaction or maybe I really am thinking what I should be doing when the kids are released into teen-hood and adult-hood. Is this why most stay home Mums are often spurred with the conceptualising of ideas? Well, no one knows best For Mums, By Mums.

So yeap, a little of your love and support goes very much appreciated to local businesses. Garner some likes and follow over at our social media accounts:

Instagram: @squiggledoodle

Facebook: @squiggledoodlesg

These are platforms too, where we share and admire beautiful works of the little doodlers. With some drawn by parents!

Leaving you, especially Mumpreneurs with this message that deeply impressed me, by Jack Ma. I didn't start this out to depend only on friends and families' support, but everyone! Including strangers whom I've not met.

Jack Ma once shared,

"When Selling to close friends and family, no matter how much you're selling to them, they will always feel you're earning their money, no matter how cheap you sell to them, they still wouldn't appreciate it."

There will always be people who do not care about your Costs, Time, Effort, they rather let other people cheat them, allowing others to earn, than supporting someone they know. Cause in their heart, they will always be thinking, "How much did he earn from me?" instead of "How much did he SAVE/MAKE for me?"

This is a classic example of a poor person's mentality!

 

How did the rich people become rich? One of the main reason is because they are willing to SUPPORT their associates business, taking care of one another's interests thus naturally they get back more.

Your Friends will in turn support you, thus the circle of wealth continues to grow and grow! 

Simple Logic, you will start to get rich once you understand it.

Jack Ma on Sales: 'When doing Sales, the first people who will trust you will be Strangers, Friends will be shielding against you, fair-weather friends will distance from you. Family will look down upon you.'

The day you finally succeed, paying the bill for every get-together dinner, entertainment, you will realized: Everyone else is present except the Strangers.

Do you get the meaning of this?

We need to treat our dear Strangers better! And even more so to Friends who know what you are doing and yet still SUPPORT you!

Let us treat STRANGERS who buys from us better from today. They are your BEST customers!

So here's for all, friends, families and strangers. A 20% discount code off all items on Squiggle Doodle. A discount unlikely to run down the road again, and only for a week. After which we will be out doing fairs and workshops. Yes, do consider our workshops for your birthday parties and play dates! Updating more online soon.

Use code, "MUMSCALLING20" upon check out. Code is only valid from 18 to 26 May 17. Whilst stocks last.

A sincere Thank You to those who believe and support my vision!

Our Spartan Junior Race!

06 May - The Spartan Junior Race!

Being adventurous was not quite a definition of us, when our friends nudged us about joining the Spartan Junior Race, I was ready to conveniently let it pass. That was the usual parenting protocol of sifting out kids' decision. But wait, they might be keen. And they were!

With much excitement and anticipation, the day arrived. We arrived about an hour earlier than our race time to familiar ourselves with the ground. We were welcomed by the Muddy ground after a morning rain. Having pre-collected our race packs, we skipped registration and headed straight to the junior race area.

Jazz and Jare were registered in the same race slot, mixed 5 to 10 years old, 1km race. Parents may run in the race lane with your child if he is between 5 to 7 years old. So yeap, I was official allowed in race lane. Be around the start point 15 minutes before race time. If you miss your race time, no worries, the kind organisers will put your child on the next race.

So here's what Js did during their 1km adventure obstacle, as much as I can remember, in chronological order. There were a total of 11 obstacles for the kids to hurdle through, but apparently, they did more. It looked like they did a discourse and followed whatever the herd did. No complains because it was fun! Some were height challenging and some were strength challenging.

  

1. A WALL
Get up and slide or jump down. Easy!

2. SANDBAG CARRY

This bag weighed quite a load! We spotted how different kids use various methods to carry their bag. Some dragged, some did it over their shoulders and some cradled it. Whatever that worked, was a good idea! All they had needed to do was to carry it across a short distance, deposit it and run to the next station.

3. GUNNY SACK HOP

Another short distance of putting their whole self into the gunny sack and hop. Her smile tells that it was all fun.

4. OUT

Leap over an approximately 1m high barrier. An easy peasy task for Jare, who has the moves of a monkey in him.

 

5. TUNNEL AND A FRAME

Crawl through the yellow tunnel, go up and down that high A frame. This is a big challenge on height! I'm not sure about the kids, but I will definitely get shaky legs up there.

 

6. HERCULES HOIST

Another station for the test of strength. This was tough, so said the kids!

7. SHOCK CORD

All they had need to do was to crawl, duck, roll or maneuver in whatever manner that gets them across without standing higher than the cord.

 

8. TIRE SCAMBLE
A test of how fast those little feet can react.

9. SPEAR KIDS
This was really easy. A well thought station for little ones to catch their breath. Simply throw the spear and aim that Spartan.

10. TIRE FLIP
The tire is heavy! And when you can't do it alone, you do the teamwork. Get help from a friend. You go, Girls! 

11. SLIP WALL
This is where they put their trust in that rope.

12. 4FT WALL
Invent your own way of getting over! 

13. CATERPILLAR CRAWL
Crawl like a caterpillar under the black sheet, and emerge gloriously like a butterfly!

14. BALANCE BEAM
That's where they see the finishing line with medal awaiting for them!

These were more or less what the kids did. I may have gotten some station names wrong, but I did my best in matching the closest.

Are these too looking easy or tough for your child? It was our first time attempt and we thought it was a very good experience for the kids. It wasn't a mere race on the different levels of challenges, but a race of perseverance and endurance. A race about an attitude that determines where the finish line is.

Js are not exactly outdoor individuals, and I thought it was very commendable that they completed the race. I saw determination in every step they took! Giving up can be a choice, but I'm glad no one did. Though I witnessed some very young kids wanting to give up at various stations, I was heartened to watched them running on, as their families and friends cheered on them. The power of encouragement is real! 

Spartan race is series of obstacles, it is a race of its kind. It mimics the obstacles we face in real life and we learn to conquer them with confidence like whatever life throws in our way.  It is not about a competition or taking it too seriously. It is an opportunity to teach our kids the valuable traits of determination and perseverance. It is not the outcome of the race, but how it was played.

It was a race well fought for us! They were extremely happy to bag home a medal each. The medal which tells a series of success and marks a memorable event. I've honestly never seen Js sink their clean knees and hands in mud. I mean how often will we want to be this closely associated with mud?! All these only in the name of Spartan.

Our princess and prince turned warriors!

Here are some tips if you are new to the race:

1. Don't take too long to register your race slots. Good time slots get sell out fast!
2. Long bottoms are good. There's at least a layer of protection against scrapes and scratches.
3. Use shoes that's not on the child's favourite list. There's a high chance of un-washable dirt.
4. Slap on good amount of sunscreen.
5. Bring new set of clothes for change after race.
6. Load up a good breakfast and stay hydrated. 
7. Arrive early at venue. Parking may be at a distance and walking takes time.
8. Take part with friends! It makes the race more enjoyable.
9. Wear covered shoes, even if you are just the photographer. Untrimmed grass blades and short wild plants can cut.
10. Get your child to wear bright bottom or bright shoes. Makes it easy to spot if you lose sight of your child. That explained Jare in orange shorts!
11. Since this was organised by Mediacorp, look out for celebrities. We spotted Unlce Ben. We were Star struck! 

And Yes! We will want to do it again next year. Get your child in too, Aroo! Aroo is a calling for the crowds and the Spartans to work themselves up! It is to be used liberally at the race.

Disclaimer: Race slots were given for the purpose of this review. All opinions and photos are solely ours.  

Wonderland [GIVEAWAY]

“Just a little further” said Alice to the herself as she plunged deeper into the depths of the cake. “How is it that it never ends? And how will I ever find the plate? By this time the Mad Hatter had arrived to see a pair of legs sticking out of a very large cake.

Welcome to Wonderland, where the gobbledygook never ends! Join Alice and friends as they invite the Queen of Hearts to tea and learn that it is completely acceptable to be yourself.

Andsoforth Junior presents "Wonderland", a children's play based off Lewis Carroll's Alice's Adventures in Wonderland.

This play teaches children the importance of friendship and personality. Personality is important as it distinguishes him/her from other individuals and inspires others to follow him/her as a leader.

This 45 minutes interactive show is a play, first of its kind. Instead of watching a stage from afar, children will be seated around the casts, with characters engaging and interacting with them. This creates a unique and exciting setting that engrosses the children in the set of Wonderland, where they will see the storybook come to life and, at the same time, be part of the story!

We have no idea what to be expecting, as it's our first time with Andsoforth. We are very much looking forward to it, and here's a video peek that got us even more excited! 

 

Looking good?! Get your tickets soon, as tickets are selling fast! This show is suitable for children aged 2 to 12. There will not be any meals served this time, but we may check out their Queen's cafe for munchies after the show.

WONDERLAND
Date: 
1st to 3rd June
8th to 9th June
Time: 
11am, 2pm and 4pm
Venue:
16D Lorong Ampas (GS Building)
A site specific warehouse transformed for interactive, immersive theater.
Ticket Price: $28
Get tickets here!


GIVEAWAY
Heap Thanks to Andsoforth, we have 1 pair of Wonderland tickets for giveaway to 1 lucky reader! The winning tickets are to the show on 01 June, 4pm. To participate, simply:
1. Like Andsoforth on Facebook
2. Like Mum's Calling on Facebook
3. Tag 3 or more friends on the comment section of this post, whom you think will be keen in this play!

 
Giveaway closes on 19 May 2017, 2359hrs. 



Terms and Conditions:

• Winners will be picked by random.org
• Winners will be announced on Facebook and this blog post
• Winners will have 24 hours to respond, failing which a new winner will be drawn
• Date and Time of show is firm
• All incomplete entries will be disqualified. 
• All entries will be verified before the winners are announced 
• To be fair to our sponsors, social media accounts set up purely to take part in contests will be deemed ineligible to win.
• Giveaway is no way sponsored, endorsed, administered or associated with Facebook or Instagram.

Aviva Superfundae [GIVEAWAY]

We did the Aviva Superfundae in 2015 and 2016. This year, we are going again. And there's only 1 reason why we keep going back, it's FUN!

Aviva Superfundae is Singapore's largest outdoor party for the family. It is back on 10th June 2017, bringing you more sunshine and happiness!

There will be more than 30 non-stop games and activities sprawled across 22,000 sqm of open play space, await you across five thematically-designed fun zones – Circus Centre, Speedy Zone, Dream Castle, Pirate Island, and Jungle World.

In the world of Aviva Superfundae, experience a sugar rush like no other, their Mega Candy Cannon fires Haribo gummies hourly! Channel your inner hero as you navigate Jungle World and complete the Ninja Quest Giant Inflatable Obstacle Course. Get wet and wild at the CrayCraySpray Waterplay Area, take part in awesome (and quirky!) Family Dashes and unleash your inner Picasso!

 

What’s more, every kid will receive a Superfundae goodie bag and Medal of Achievement when you complete all challenges.

There will be great entertainment throughout the day and a movie screening, under the stars. But what tops the cake is free ice cream all day long! Not forgetting that cold beer for well-deserving parents too!

In our everyday rush, it’s easy to forget to have fun and how good it is to just hang loose and laugh out loud with our loved ones. It’s high time to play with our family, run around silly and overdose on some sunshine and happiness. After all, that’s what amazing memories are made of!

Ticket is priced at $19.90 each. It is a one price for all ticket that includes participation to all activities on site. Except for food though. Get tickets here! Kids below 3 years old, enter free.

Visit www.superfundae.com.sg for more details.


GIVEAWAY
Big Thanks to our kind sponsor. We have 2 x Family Set tickets (4 tickets per set), worth $79.60 per set, for Giveaway to 2 readers. 1 set of giveaway for our Facebook readers and another set for our Instagram followers.

Facebook (1 winner)
To participate, simply:
1. Like Superfundae Singapore on Facebook
2. Like Mum's Calling on Facebook
3. Tag 3 or more friends on the comment section of this post, whom you think will be in this funival.

Instagram (1 winner)
1. Like the corresponding post.
2. Follow @superfundae_sg
3. Follow @mumscalling
4. Tag 3 or more friends in the comment section, whom you think will be keen in this funival.

You don't have to, but sharing this sweet deal is caring! And yes, you may try your luck with both handlers - Facebook and Instagram. Giveaway closes on 19 May 2017, 2359hrs. Best of luck!


Terms and Conditions:

• Winners will be picked by random.org
• Winners will be announced on Facebook and this blog post
• Winners will have 24 hours to respond, failing which a new winner will be drawn
• Date and Time of show is firm
• All incomplete entries will be disqualified. 
• All entries will be verified before the winners are announced 
• To be fair to our sponsors, social media accounts set up purely to take part in contests will be deemed ineligible to win.
• Giveaway is no way sponsored, endorsed, administered or associated with Facebook

Poultry Tales [Review]

Poultry Tales is the weaving in of 3 tales - Chicken Licken, The Goose That Laid The Golden Eggs and The Little Red Hen together. It was a 3-in-1 deal for us, as itheatre brought us into the Farmyard interestingly by introducing the backstage secrets as the stories flow along. 

The opening introduced us to the many scenes and terms actors, actresses and crew would use at work. There were many takeaway terms for us, as these were not what we see in our everyday lives. We learnt things like flybar, legs (not those on ours), different kind of scenes (flat or 3D), props being prop-erty of the actor and actresses, as well as many other takeaways. 

The first story played was Chicken Licken. It was delivered with the clever use of masks as we know the many characters needed in Chicken Licken. If there isn't enough casts, there would be an interchangeable or multiple roles played by one actor. It was especially faster and easier when masks are used. 

 
We loved that every story comes with a value. From Chicken Licken, we learnt that rumour doesn't has it all, and we should learn to discern. The casts sang too, a song about not following blindly and don't jump into conclusions. So true!

Second story told was The Goose That Laid The Golden Egg. We witnessed how the stage was quickly turned over for another scene and how the actors quickly got their costumes and changeover for the next scene.

The story was humorously brought forth by the casts and props. They made Goose innards out of ribbons! That scene sent the audience into stitches.

Again, we love the value taught. It reminded us to be careful in who to trust. 

Final story lands with The Little Red Hen. Little Red Hen sought help for various tasks and her friends who promised to help would always withdraw at the very last minute with some reasons, leaving her stranded with no help. Oh well, excuse or reason given? We learnt to stay true and keep our promises whenever our word is given. 

This play is a very brilliant combination of bringing 3 stories on stage. It wasn't at all disconnected considering they revolved around feathered birds in the farm. This brand new, interactive and fun musical production is bound to engage every young and old, with the bonus of bringing home valuable wisdom. The tunes sang were also very entertaining and catchy. Props and songs seemed livelier and better this time! 

This play is recommended for 3 years old and above. Juboy was however, clapping and bouncing happily with the songs. Like us, he appreciates the good stuff.

Poultry Tales

Date: 29 Apr to 14 May 2017

Timing: 10.30am and 2pm

Venue: Drama Centre Theatre

100 Victoria Street

National Library Building

Singapore 188064

Ticket price: $32 (Excluding booking fees)
Get tickets here