Who we are...
This page will continue to grow as the business grows. Feel free to bookmark/favorite it and keep up with what we are up to next!!!
Little Rhymes for Quiet Times
A soothing collection of poems by Charlotte Franck
In 2006 Charlotte Franck put together a collection of her favorite children's poems and then asked me (her friend and an artist, Sheri Garvin) to illustrate the book in watercolors.Together, we forged through the world of self-publishing and produced a book that reflected the soft childhood of times past.
In 2007 we began to offer workshops to kids about writing and illustrating using the Little Rhymes book. This was done through local libraries, schools, and bookstores.
We had so much fun we began to think of other things we could do together!
Table and Chair sets
One of the first items that inspired the birth of Squangles, was a table and chair set commissioned by a local osteopath for the kids visiting the office. Loving Charlotte's poetry, like I do, I requested her permission to use one of her poems in my design.
By melding the poetry with the art, we created a one-of-a-kind piece of folk art!
Then a chiropractor wanted one for his office and the second set was created using a stanza from another poem.
The Squangles line of children's furniture was born.
Where you can find Squangles products
If you want a special order furniture piece or have questions, please feel free to contact me!
- Cabin Fever on Bonanzle
- A mix of art and craft items, along with the children's pieces.
- Little Rhymes book
- The books are signed by both the author and the artist, as are the special order furniture pieces.
- Wooden Stool for Sale
- We sell wooden step/sitting stools for kids. This one is available, but we also do special orders.
Step Stools
Meet the Author and Poet - Charlotte Franck
Charlotte has been a professional IT consultant for many years and owns her own project management training company.She has been writing poetry for most of her life, but has not pushed to be published until encouraged by a small following of fans in recent years.
The collection on children's poetry seemed a very fun way to start.
Charlotte's inspiration comes from the events and impressions around her, from raising her daughter, and from her own youth.
Special Order Furniture
Below is an example of a rocking chair specially made for a boy whose father is an airplane mechanic. Charlotte wrote a poem just for this child and it is on the bottom of the chair seat with signatures.
Meet the Artist and Illustrator - Sheri Garvin
I have been painting since I was in high school. My most common medium has been oils until recently when, with the arrival of 16 nieces and nephews, I switched to children inspired art subjects and acrylic paints.As the kids began to arrive I wanted to create an heirloom for each of them. I began to paint the wooden children's furniture and create quilts for the quickly arriving kids (I had no idea there would be 13 born in 6 years or I may have re-thought that idea!) I have recently branched out into airbrush for the furniture painting in order to "hurry" it along and keep up with the influx.
My inspiration for the children's illustrations definately comes from the delightful crowd of 16 nieces and nephews and my own natural love and childlike joy of the world around me, whether it be on a piece of furniture, a book, or a quilt.
I can often be found in my studio working on some new inspiration (or here with a cat in my lap writing another Squidoo lens!)
Other Things We Do...
...and things in the works
- We create one-of-a-kind special request furniture, as mentioned- We are involved in various fundraising efforts with both the book and furniture (Example of one such charity: Restoring Lives West -homeless children drop-off shelter)
- We are beginning to use the combination of poetry/art for other fundraising events (more to come on that.)
- We facilitate workshops for kids ages 6-10 through libraries, schools, and bookstores
- A single poem with illustrations can be used for special order Christmas cards
- Posters for non-profit organizations
- More books are in the pipeline
Note: The photo is all 16 of our current inspirations!
Here are some folks who have inspired us...
- Squidoo Lens on Children's Poetry and Illustrating
- Our lens about Rebecca Dotlich, author, and Sharon Vargo, illustrator.
We want to hear from you!
Let us know what you think!!! Or just let us know you were here!
RoxannMi wrote...
really enjoyed looking at the custom kids furniture will check out the bo0nanzle booth.
Posted May 29, 2009
Tigga wrote...
Thank you for joining the Just Kids groups, I have featured your lens.Please visit my Tigga's Lensography
Posted October 16, 2008
mulberry wrote...
Looks like some very imaginative and fun designs. Best of luck!
Posted September 12, 2008
Today's Featured Items from Cabin Fever on Bonanzle
Note: This may show quilting supplies, but the art work is also out there.
Fetching RSS feed... please stand by
