Everybody in (washable) Paint!

This post is sponsored by GapKids. Check out all the fun Shine On activities at your nearest Gap store. For event dates and locations, visit Gap’s Facebook page and join the conversation on Twitter with hashtag #ShineOn.
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Last Saturday, Lenny, The Robeau and my niece Janet (who is a very talented art student) headed to the Eaton Centre to try our hands at some art at the GapKids Shine on Saturday event.  I was immediately struck by the fact that this felt like the Saturday mornings of my youth, crafting and creating art projects at the library. But with better lighting. And the option to shop!

The staff set us up right away with our supplies and Lenny didn't waste any time getting in there.

Up until this point, Lenny's medium of choice has been crayons, but she was so taken with the paint and all the different ways she could mix the colours.  Colour Blocking may have been the order of the day, but this kiddo was all about the blend.  

Everyone got in on the act, but this was really Lenny's masterpiece.

The Artist at work.

Someday, Janet will teach Lenny about the colour wheel.

The Robeau took a turn!

As for me?  I had so much fun, I immediately ran out and bought paint and brushes and a canvas so that I can try my hand at some geometric art!  I'll share some pics when I finally make the time to do it.

And here is Lenny's finished product, soon to be framed and hung on our dining room wall.  Thanks GapKids!

This month, select GapKids stores in stores in North America will host Shine On Saturdays events.  There are still two events in the GTA on the following dates at the following locations:


Saturday, August 18th - 10am - 1pm
GapKids at Yorkdale 
3401 Dufferin Street
Toronto, Ontario

Saturday, August 25th - 10am - 1pm
GapKids at Square One 
100 City Centre Drive
Mississauga, Ontario

Let me know if you make it out. I'd love to see your masterpieces!

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I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls Collective, and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.

Shine On Saturdays!

This post is sponsored by GapKids. Check out all the fun Shine On activities at your nearest Gap store. For event dates and locations, visit Gap’s Facebook page and join the conversation on Twitter with hashtag #ShineOn.
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One of Lenny's favourite things to do is picking out what clothes she wants to wear in the morning.  I think she might have a future naming fashion designs - she's dubbed a beach coverup of mine with a Pucci inspired print my "happy bubble shirt" and she is the proud owner of several "pocket dresses".  The toddler's sudden and rabid interest in fashion has inspired me to try and step up my fashion game too.  Having a new baby threw me deep into yoga pant mode, but now that she has opinions about these things, even after this debacle, I've been, if not always on my A-game, pinning like I am.

That's why, when I was invited to attend the Gap Kids Shine On Saturday event here in Toronto I was excited. It promises to combine the fun of fashion and shopping with all of the crafty goodness I look at online but very rarely actually do in real life.  I think Lenny and I are in for a treat!

Merrilee Liddiard, the super-inspiring Designer behind the beautiful blog Mer Mag has created arts and craft projects for tots and their grown-ups to create in store!  We're looking forward to unleashing our inner artists with the projects that Merrilee created inspired by the GapKids and babyGap fall collection, including the best new 1969 denim - Jewel Box Skinnies for girls (the new skinny jean updated in bright stretchy denim) and Action Stretch Denim for boys (designed for play all day- it’s denim that’s made to move).  From creating geometric masterpieces on canvas using paint and tape and colourful, custom journals that older kids can use when they go back-to-school it sounds like more creativity is going to be expressed and on display than at your average trip to the mall!  How cool is that?

This month, select GapKids stores in stores in North America will host Shine On Saturdays events.  The Toronto events are happening on the following dates at the following locations:

Saturday, August 11th - 10am - 1pm
GapKids at The Eaton Centre
260 Yonge Street
Toronto, Ontario 

Saturday, August 18th - 10am - 1pm
GapKids at Yorkdale 
3401 Dufferin Street
Toronto, Ontario

Saturday, August 25th - 10am - 1pm
GapKids at Square One 
100 City Centre Drive
Mississauga, Ontario

I'd love to hear from anyone who made it out in our city (and of course see your creations)!

And now, to brighten your day (it is so gloomy in the Tdot today!) take a look at these AMAZING kids in action.  



I'll report back with all the details of the event for you guys, including our completed art projects.  I feel like a regular Elsa Klensch!  

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I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls Collective, and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.