As you will know by now, I am a huge lover of all things miniature and small world imaginative play is one of my all time favourite types of play for children. The learning opportunities linked with small world play are awesome, including storytelling, creative writing prompts, scientific discovery and social skills (to name just a few.) I thought how great it would be to organise some of our many small world toys into themed sets in little boxes, not only to keep them sorted and accessible, but also so that they can become portable and great for taking to restaurants and on long journeys.
So I did some research and finally found the exact mini suitcases that I was after at this craft shop on eBay, made from a hardened type of paper mache that is a perfect blank canvas for painting and decorating the inside of! Oh the possibilities, what to choose and where to start?! An Arctic scene for winter, that’s where!
Edited to add: [You can find a similar set of suitcases here on Amazon too, otherwise just use a shoe box!)
I started by simply painting the inside of the box with ordinary, washable white paint to represent the snow and ice. Then I squeezed some PVA/ white glue into a simple wiggly outline and covered it with silver glitter, shaking off the excess when dry. On the opposite side I used blue glitter glue to create a frozen lake and left both to dry overnight.
Ali says
So gorgeous, these are brilliant. I can see so many ways to use them.
Stacey Camp says
Where can you find these adorable cardboard suitcases? I love this idea!
Paula says
Ooo the possibilities are endless. I think I would paint a road and some very basic buildings, fire, police station etc and add some small emergency vehicles, wooden trees and little people and maybe some green yarn or shredded paper and stones. In fact I may just do that. For those on a tight budget, my local ‘store 21’ has little cases like these, they are patterned but could be painted.
MamaGames says
I love this idea! Even better that you started with an Arctic theme, which is what we’ll be playing with/exploring/learning about after New Year’s. This is a great go-along playset. Can’t wait to see more!
I second the question, though – can you share a link to the seller or brand of the suitcases? They have something similar at my local craft store but no cool handle…
Anonymous says
I googled where to find the suitcases because I love them to. Search : Darice Paper Mâché Box Purse (dimensions 10x8x3). Amazon had some for $5 each, everywhere else was around $8-10.
Angela@mamarosemary.com says
This is so totally cute and imagninative! I love it!
Karen says
I LOVE this!!! I will be making one to take to the Grandparents house on Christmas day – for that time of the day when the kids start to get a little restless! Whip this bad boy out and I am certain peace will be restored!!! Thank you 🙂 It’s like an even more exciting “busy bag”!!!
Love and Lollipops says
such a fantastic idea! Love it 🙂
Two of Everything says
This is really lovely – I’ve done something similar in the past with small world play in shoe boxes, but the suitcases are fab! I love the wintry theme, I’m off to share! 🙂
Two of Everything says
This comment has been removed by the author.
Two of Everything says
Oops, sorry – managed to post that twice!
Trisha @ Inspiration Laboratories says
Such a wonderful gift idea! I need to grab me some suitcases. 🙂
Hannah Harris says
Really lovely idea and a great gift. Wondering if I’d be able to make a small world for dinosaurs, not enough time for Christmas, but pinned for 2013 gifts. Thanks
PragmaticMom says
So cute!!!
Nicky says
I hardly ever comment but this one is so special I just had to write something! I too love small world play and nothing warms my heart like watching my daughter play with her little small world animals. I am looking forward to seeing what else you come up! This is truly special and lovely! Thank you…off to make one now!
French Holiday Cottages To Rent says
I’m surprised and this imagination went to the extreme well, and you made it real too. It looks so gorgeous and nice.
Maureen Sklaroff says
What an adorable set! Also, thanks for providing a link to the suitcases! I’d love to try my hand at one of these.
Alicia Conway says
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Alicia Conway says
Such a nice idea! I like that it takes so little place!=)
I can offer you some other ideas of Christmas inspiration. Here they are:
http://freelancemommyblog.blogspot.com/2012/11/ideas-for-new-year.html
Kelly at Little Wonders' Days says
Ohhh, can this be any cuter? My little ones would love this idea. Now you have my mind spinning with ideas for them. Thank you!
Jennifer Shelby says
I love this! Nice to have the alternative link in the comments, too, just in case the embedded link to the etsy shop you got your suitcases from is all sold out (wink)
Tina GivingNSharing says
Thanks for the great idea! =D Can’t wait to try it although I don’t have the suitcase – we’ll get creative and try a bin of some kind and use the lid to extend our play area.
Cerys @ Rainy Day Mum says
Fantastic J has just seen it over my shoulder and asked for a pirate sea for his Christmas Pirate Ship that Santa will bring him – I guess I better get making for the new year 🙂
jackie says
This is just gorgeous, Anna! What a lovely gift idea!
thefairyandthefrog says
What a lovely Christmas present!
Liz and Brendan says
My suitcases have just arrived, time to get painting! I’m doing 2 dinosaur, an Arctic & an under the sea one. 1 dinosaur set will be a gift.
Deb Chitwood says
What an amazing activity, Anna … I love the idea of using a suitcase! I featured your photo and post in my 25+ Snow-Themed Sensory Tubs at http://livingmontessorinow.com/2013/02/05/25-plus-snow-themed-sensory-tubs/