lockdown

“Charley says…” BFI kids online

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The British Film Institute have put up a collection of films for under-5s online. It’s a real mixed bag! Some of them I remember from childhood – LOTS of public safety films for children, the best ones being the “Charley Says…” series.

I’m not sure many 21st Century Children will really enjoy some of them – black and white is a hard sell to under-5s these days, but the Charley films are funny and informative, with messages that are still relevant to children now. Take a look 🙂

Oh yes, and they are all free to view..

Live Drawing Online Tonight!

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I can’t believe I’m doing this, but it is so exciting!! I’m going to be live illustrating today on Instagram 3pm EST – 8pm GMT with the Community Bookstore in Brooklyn, NYC!!!

Their children’s books specialist Philipp Goedicke reads classic children’s stories live on Insta every day and invites an illustrator to draw along. If you’re on Instagram take a look, either on my feed @small_world_animations or theirs @communitybookstore.

Tonight is Chapter 20 something from “Tom’s Midnight Garden”

The pictures show what I managed to draw/make in the 30 minutes or so I had. It was a lot of fun, and Philipp was so lovely to chat with! 🙂

Quentin Blake Free E-Cards

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One of QB’s beautiful free e-card designs

There are lots of ways to keep in touch with special people at the moment, but this one from Quentin Blake’s website is one of my favourites.

Choose from a selection of free e-cards to send to loved ones – there are rainbow designs specially created for the coronavirus lockdown, and also birthday, get well cards etc etc, all featuring Quentin Blake’s wonderful, funny drawings.

Follow the link, choose your card, then fill in your greeting and send it off to the person in your life who maybe needs a bit of cheering up at the moment! 🙂

Take care everyone and look after one another ❤

X Claire

Lego Dancehall Culture!

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Animation by 11 year old MC Stevie Youngculture

Created during the lockdown by MC Stevie Youngculture, this is a brilliantly atmospheric music video, featuring Stevie’s own vocals. I love the sound system detail! 🙂

Feeling inspired? Stevie used the 3D animation tutorial download I posted a couple of weeks ago to make this. Why not have a go at making your own and send me the results? I promise I’ll post it on my Youtube channel and here – as long as there are no really rude bits or sweary words etc! 😉

Stay well and stay creative everyone!

X Claire

Drawing tutorials with Quentin Blake

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Learn to draw Willy Wonka with Quentin Blake:)

If I had to choose a favourite children’s illustrator I think it would have to be Quentin Blake – I love his drawing style, and sense of humour! He has a Youtube channel which is really worth subscribing to, to pick up some excellent drawing tips, and just for the pleasure of watching him work.

And then have a look at him draw a Hornswoggler…

Inspired? Draw your own Hornswoggler and send it to me, I’d love to see what you come up with 🙂

Stay well, guys, remember to take care and look after one another!

X Claire

Harry Potter at Home

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Get your wizarding on!

OK, so this is pretty cool for all you HP fans out there, JK Rowling has launched a Harry Potter at Home Hub with games and activities to keep our brains and hands busy during this lockdown.

To enrol at Hogwarts you have to answer some very interesting questions! I am now officially a Hufflepuff and have a passport to prove it! 🙂

There’s loads of stuff on there to get going with like quizzes, wordsearches and crafting – you can even make your very own Harry Potter gift bag. Take a look.

I hope you’re all keeping well! Don’t forget to keep washing your hands, and take care of yourselves and one another.

Hang in there!

X Claire