Wednesday, September 23, 2009

Child's Play

   Well, I have been sharing a lot of what we have going on over at Flip Art Fonts right now, but I wanted to take a break and tell you about some of the great ideas I have found around the internet for parents and kids.


     If you have children, you know how easily they "lose" things.  I have worked at several gyms and, quite frankly, it's amazing how much clothing gets left behind in a very short period of time.  Now, I will say that after watching an HBO special on child safety back in the 1980's, I AM NOT A FAN of putting a child's first name blatantly on their jackets or back of their shirts.  The point here is that a stranger could, upon seeing their name, come up to them and say "Hi, Suzie" and give the child the impression that they know them...gain their trust and ...well, I don't want to elaborate or scare anyone.  But, the concept made sense, so what to do about losing valuable clothing?

     As a gymnastics team coach, it gets a little impossible out on the floor at a meet, when first year gymnasts take off their warmup outfits, all of which are exactly the same, and ... you guessed it, no name on the tag.  Same thing when kids go to camp or even school!

     So, I found a great item recently that seems to address this problem.  It's called LABEL DADDY.  Washable and they have great packages for great deals.



LabelDaddy.com Back To School Labels Are Here!


     Another issue that I have seen in the gym in particular, is parents waiting with one child while the other child is taking their class.  It's hard to find things to keep kids busy, but, one great idea that I remember from my own childhood, is Highlights Magazine!  Remember how we couldn't wait for it to arrive?  So, I'm just throwing this idea out there, if you hadn't thought about it in a while.  Check it out again.



Highlights Catalog

     And finally, for today... I must share with you a wonderful program by one of my favorite authors and speakers, Dr. Wayne Dyer.  When I heard him say, "When you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change"... it literally changed my life.  I know he is not the originator of that quote, but  the information he shares in his books and programs is always uplifting and inspiring.  So, what better way to get our children on the path of  "I Can Do It"... than a program from Dr. Dyer, himself, father of 8!  I have seen his program "No Excuses" several times and can't say enough good things about it.  So, check it out for yourself and for your children's unlimited success!



Hay House, Inc.


I hope you have found something of value here today.  Please feel free to leave a comment or suggestions of your own!  Here's hoping your day is filled with joy and inspiration!

Love and Light
Pilar
Flip Art Fonts

Thursday, September 17, 2009

Halloween Fun!

     Well, it's hard to believe, but, it's that time of year again!  The kids are back in school.  Mom has had a week or so to catch her breath (ha ha ha) and it's time to start thinking about ghosts, goolies and goblins.

     Did you ever wish that Halloween was not so "candy-driven"?  Well, a few years ago, I was working at a gym and I had a lot of students.  Some parents don't allow their children to have candy and as a gym instructor it seemed contrary to what we were trying to teach them to be handing out candy.  Now, that being said, I hate to admit that candy seems to be one of the true motivators of kids.  The things those kids would go through for a "skittle" was pretty remarkable.  But, when faced with the prospect of finding treats for a hundred students and not wanting to just hand out another piece of candy, I came up with my little "Flipper Treat" cards, a play on "Trick or Treat".
     Of course, I thought they were adorable. But, quite honestly, even the parents didn't get it.  What did it mean?   Hmmmmmm...is it me, or were they reading too much into it?  So, I came up with another card, that didn't have to be interpretted.

          "Happy Halloween" says it simply.  I used all five Flip Art Fonts alphabets and no one questioned, "What does it mean?"  It was just a nice way to share something with the children who for a variety of reasons were not allowed to have candy.  And for those who could have candy, I attached a small lollipop.  It didn't break the bank and it was something they could keep if they wanted to.

     A little side note, here.  You can sign the back of these cards or put your gym stamp on it, with your name address and phone number.  If you want to make them even more lasting, you can visit a craft store and get plastic sleeves with magnets to stick on lockers or the refrigerator!

     Kids like candy, but, isn't it nice to give something with a little more lasting value?  I think so!  Happy Halloween!

Pilar
get yours here -
Halloween Cards at Flip Art Fonts

Saturday, September 12, 2009

Thursday, September 10, 2009

What is Flip Art Fonts?

     Simply put, Flip Art Fonts is a collection of very unique alphabets created by Angelique Oteri that we use to make very special name signs for gymnasts, cheerleaders and collectors of fairies.


     Angelique drew her first girls gymnastics alphabet at the age of 16 while an exchange student in Germany. You can read more about her story here.
     As soon as I saw these wonderful drawings, I scanned them and started making name signs and note cards with them.  She has since created four more alphabets and countless sketches and drawings.  (click on the names to see samples)




     So, if you are looking for a terrific gift to give to your favorite gymnast, cheerleader or coach, from pre-school through team, please check out our growing selection of gifts at our main web site:


Thank You!

please feel free to leave comments and suggestions!


Pilar

Wednesday, September 09, 2009

Flip Art Fonts at Etsy!

     Have you ever turned on the radio (usually in the car) and the songs just seem to "talk" to you.  Like that particular song was on that particular station just so you would hear it at that moment?  It happens to me.  Coincidence?  Maybe..


     Well, the other day I got in the car and was flipping through the stations and happened to hear a man talking about eBay and selling things online.  It was John Tesh, of all people.  Then, he started talking about a site called Etsy!  Etsy is a shopping site where talented people from all over the world can buy and sell handmade items.  It's like an internet craft show and let me tell you some of the items on that site are amazing.  Most are wonderful artist creating remarkable products.

     I feel like Flip Art Fonts is one of the best kept gymnastics gift secrets on the internet, not that we want to be, but, after being on the first page of the google search 2 years ago, I can't seem to find us anywhere.  So, Etsy seemed like just another way to get the word out that we offer this wonderful service in personalized gymnastics gifts.


     If you are and artist or a crafter and are looking for an outlet for your creations or if you just like shopping for unique hand made items, you should check it out! (Please start with our Etsy shop - Flip Art Fonts at Etsy.
     They also have a very cool feature for linking to your FaceBook account and you can create widgets like this one!

     So, please check out Etsy and Have Fun!
Love and Light,
Pilar