The inspiration behind Tickle Tots new Summer 2017 prints was drawn from childhood experiences of the great outdoors. With a rural upbringing, the summer months were spent outside playing imaginary games with friends, building dens, camping and climbing trees. Young children learn best through play, and the natural world is the best classroom of all.
From environmentalist Rachel Carson "The Sense of Wonder" "Play, Incorporating Animistic and Magical Thinking Is Important Because It: Fosters the healthy, creative and emotional growth of a child; Forms the best foundation for later intellectual growth. Provides a way in which children get to know the world and creates possibilities for different ways of responding to it. Fosters empathy and wonder."
It can never be too early to build that connection with the natural world - what could be better than lying in a meadow of flowers looking up at the clouds racing across the sky and hearing the wind in the trees? My own babies would be mesmerised by the movement of the leaves on the trees and would be lulled to sleep listening to the birds in the garden.
From The Audubon Nature Preschool philosophy: "Children are born naturalists. They explore the world with all of their senses, experiment in the environment, and communicate their discoveries to those around them."
One of the first things Sophia made for her eldest daughter was a play tent, with bamboo poles and fabric sides - this could set this up inside or out and it would be her own private space to play and read. When designing prints the first port of call is our own personal experiences, then inspiration is drawn from the rest of the world. Nomadic people have (and still do) lived in beautiful and ingenious portable dwellings across the world - from tents to yurts, wigwams, caravans and teepees. They offer a vision of ways in which we can live a more sustainable lifestyle and strive to become more connected with our natural environment.
The print 'Camping' - features Little Fox, our play tent and bunting! A celebration of our summers spent outside exploring the great outdoors through play.
The print 'Arrows' - A vibrant watercolour pattern in a beautiful purple and blue colourway, with a white arrow repetition. A stunning print to inspire creativity and fun.
Sophia says 'We hope you love our new prints as much as we have enjoyed creating them! Let us know what you think - we always welcome your feedback. '
