Dear Friends,

Meet ImagiPlanks!

I don’t think I’ve been as excited about introducing a new toy since I introduced our Waldorf Rocker Boards at Bella Luna Toys almost two years ago.

I have long been on the lookout for great Waldorf outdoor toys to add to our collection, but, like everything offered at Bella Luna Toys, they must be beautiful, all-natural, and encourage open-ended play and creativity. Further, outdoor toys should invite large-motor movement like jumping, climbing and building. The pickings have been slim.

So imagine my excitement when the inventor of a new wooden outdoor play set contacted me about partnering to offer his yet-unnamed construction set at Bella Luna Toys.

Once I saw this video of the newly-monikered ImagiPlanks in action, I knew this was a match made in heaven! 

As you can see, kids can use ImagiPlanks to build an infinite variety of fun and cool structures:

•  Bridges
•  Tunnels
•  Towers
•  Forts
•  Houses
•  See-Saws

Made in the USA of sustainably harvested Ponderosa Pine, the 20 pieces in this set are finished with an all-natural unique blend of pure Linseed Oil, Tung Oil, Pine Rosin, Orange Oil, and Beeswax.

Best of all, ImagiPlanks can also be used indoors—a boon for those of us parents in northern climes who are facing a long winter ahead.

Oh, had only ImagiPlanks been invented when my boys were still young! Guess I’ll have to wait for grandchildren.

Tell me what you think. Are you as excited about ImagiPlanks as I am? Share your thoughts here.

I am delighted that six new items from Bella Luna Toys‘ collection of natural toys were chosen by the editors at Mothering magazine as among the Best Natural Toys of 2010 featured in the new November/December issue!

Which items, you ask? Well, here they are!

Waldorf Birthday Crowns

These gorgeous Waldorf birthday crowns are handmade in Maine by my friend and former classroom assistant, Jes Anthonis. Jes is a mama and crafter who is starting her own Waldorf childcare program at home. Available in petal pink or green, for ages 1 to 6. Aren’t they sweet?

Fairy Dress from Sarah’s Silks

New from Sarah’s Silks, a magical Fairy Dress with rainbow wings that attach to the wrists with elastic bands.

Wool Felt Crown Set

I adore this cheery, Wool Felt Crown Set set made of thick New Zealand wool with matching cuffs. It’s Fair Trade made in Nepal, and was one of my favorite finds this year!

Fairy Garland Set

This charming Fairy Garland Set features a garland of felted vines that ties around the head, with a 100% silk veil. Can be worn as a headpiece or cape. I just love the little hanging felted bumblebees, don’t you?

Big Drum from Plan Toys

I’ve been wanting to add more kids musical instruments at Bella Luna Toys. Here are the two newest additions, which will help to develop a child’s eye-hand coordination and sense of rhythm.

The Big Drum is our first addition from Plan Toys, a line of wonderful eco-friendly wooden toys, from which we’ll be adding many more new products in the coming weeks.

Tambourine from Plan Toys

…and the colorful Tambourine from Plan Toys. (Love the Bella Luna blue with moon and stars!)

Hope you’ll agree with the Mothering editors that these are among the best!

What are your favorite natural toys of 2010? Have you seen any wonderful wooden toys or Waldorf toys that you think should be added to Bella Luna’s collection of natural toys? Share your ideas here and win a $5 gift certificate to Bella Luna Toys if your suggestion is added!

Right now I am spending every free moment working on the new Bella Luna Toys website, about which I’m all aflutter. I can’t wait for you to see it! As a result, I’ve had very little time to write blog posts.

So here today, inspired by SouleMama, I am sharing Amanda’s Friday ritual. A single photo, no words, capturing a moment. (And, in this case, a sneak peek into what I’ve been working on!)

copyright Sarah Baldwin, all rights reserved

Wishing you a wonderful summer weekend full of play!

I have been hard at work for the past month on the new and improved Bella Luna Toys website (which I can’t wait to show you!). Since I currently run Bella Luna Toys single-handedly, it has been taking nearly every waking moment to input all the new products, descriptions and photos into the new system. As a result, I’ve had very little time to write as much as I’d like on the blog. I do have two exciting Giveaways planned for the next two weeks in connection with two of my favorite bloggers, so stay tuned!

In the meantime, I thought I’d share with you this lovely image of a happy Bella Luna Toys customer, playing with her Silk Streamer from Sarah’s Silks, one of our bestsellling summer items. Thank you to Cindie Y for sharing this lovely image of her beautiful daughter!

Do you have a photo of your child or children using playthings from Bella Luna Toys? Send it to support [at] bellalunatoys [dot] com for a chance to win a $25 gift certificate!

I have been hard at work this week on creating the new and improved site for Bella Luna Toys. Unfortunately, it’s left me with little time for writing. So while I plug away at the new site (and, oh, I can’t wait for you to see it!) here are a few links to posts from the blogosphere this week that I found of interest, and hope you will, too!

Toddler Storytelling from Code Name: Mama

The Other Toy Story from BeliefNet.com

TV on SCHOOL BUSES? Why Not Just Set Up A Deep-Fryer & Throw Kids’ Brains In? from Free-Range Kids

Let Your Kids Get Dirty from SimpleMom.net

Photo Courtesy of SimpleMom.net

Have a great weekend!

xox
Sarah