...imagine a field... imagine a forest... imagine a tree house..... imagine a castle.... imagine a kite... imagine a treasure map.... imagine a rainy day.... imagine a sunny afternoon... imagine childhood.
At Imagine Childhood we believe that children should experience the world through their own eyes, ears, fingers, and toes. That direct interaction with nature is the best way to learn about the world, and that open-ended imaginative play is the best way to learn about what it could be. Part community forum, part storefront, imaginechildhood.com is a place where parents and kids can find their own definition of childhood.
On our blog and in our store we offer stories, activities, and innovative products that encourage exploration, creativity, and open-ended unstructured play. So take a moment and imagine childhood... what do you see?
Who We are
As many of you already know, this blog and our corresponding shop are a family affair. We have shared pieces of our story at other times, but seeing as we are now expanding the team (from mother-daughter to mother-daughter-daughter or sister-sister-mom... welcome Jordan!), we thought it would be the perfect time to share a bit more about the hands, hearts and minds that come together to create Imagine Childhood... three women contemplating the idea of childhood together across two generations and three different lives worth of experiences. So without further ado, here is a little more about us!...
Imagine Childhood co-founder Sarah grew up in Colorado and spent much of her time exploring art, science, and the nearby foothills and mountains. After receiving a bachelor of fine arts degree from the San Francisco Art Institute, she spent some time as a freelance children’s furniture designer/fabricator, which eventually led her to the Field Museum of Natural History. There she worked in exhibit design, developing interactive educational activities for permanent and traveling exhibitions before moving on to Imagine Childhood in 2008. Sarah is also the author of IMAGINE CHILDHOOD: Exploring the World Through Nature, Imagination, and Play- 25 Projects that spark curiosity and adventure. Roost Books, 2012
Determined to capture the catalytic power of toys as tools and tools as toys, Sarah utilizes her background in art and her love of the outdoors to guide her search for amazing earth friendly products and activities. Here on the blog she coordinates the Nature Walk series and has a lot of fun sharing recipes and DIY projects for our weekly Crafts and Activities posts.
But above all, she spends most days in awe of childhood imagination and the magical power of a stick, a piece of string, a sunny afternoon, and a good sense of adventure.
Deb currently lives and works on Bryn Du Farm in Colorado, a preserve for Appaloosa, American Cream Draft Horses and Jacob Sheep and home to a multitude of jack rabbits, eagles, red tail hawks, coyotes and elk. Along with caring for the animals, she writes children's stories about her experiences with nature, and also produces beautiful handmade flower fairies and houses using wool from her herd of Jacob Sheep.
Contributing to the blog with her Barn Stories posts, she writes about the day-to-day activities on the farm and shares stories about nature, family, and everything in between.
Before co-founding imaginechildhood.com and among many other things, Deb raised 4 children and established Follow Your Heart a much loved euro classic toy store in Denver which received many local and national accolades including two features in Country Living Magazine.
For Jordan, it’s all about the little things… paying close attention to the small details that end up making a difference in the big picture.
Everything, even the most minute detail, is bigger, brighter, and more intense as a child; which is why Jordan believes in keeping it simple. Worms in the dirt. Clouds in the sky. Wildflowers in your pocket. That's all you really need isn't it? Well that, and a great tour guide...
Utilizing her background in journalism and art history as well as her stint at Backpacker Magazine, Jordan will share the wonders of Everyday adventures and the importance of storytelling as she takes over the Knowing Green and Tell me a Story series here on the blog.
In addition to her Imagine Childhood contributions, Jordan is a lifelong horse enthusiast and loves to spend time with her two boys, frequent Barn Stories characters, Iggy and Rocky.
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Thanks for stopping by!