Around here playing dress up is a serious affair. By the time my eyes are peeking out from under the covers most mornings Frankie has already ripped off her pyjamas and has adorned herself in the most luxurious of dresses, capes, bracelets and pearls, fancy gloves and a crown perched on her pretty little messy-haired head. Charlie is right behind her, often showcasing his stunning sunglasses collection or favorite hat (fedora, flyer's cap or my personal favorite, the old lady flower hat).
Dress up, pretend play, imaginative play, whatever you call it, it's an important - I'd say vital part of learning. The kids get to be everyone or anything they want to be. They are so creative with the personalities they create, the stories they weave into their play, the direction they give eachother and to me to get involved with the story (though not before the first cup of coffee - golden rule.) Some days Frankie spends the entire day in costume, parading around the house, Charlie in tow. I love working away listening to the stories that go along with their pretend play. Amazing.
The dress up box has a well-rounded collection of costumes, hats, scarves, jewelry, animal ears and capes. But the hit, the staple in most dress up is the dress up crown. They love them. The first one I made was for Frankie for her birthday a few years ago. I've made a few more since then, all from felt, and all of them have lasted almost daily play. And they make great gifts for the special little children in your life. I've made a few for some special children in our life, to be mailed away tomorrow...
