Mastered the art of the craft project lie you have, Jedi Mom (“Oh, I just love it!”). But sure what it is, you’re not.

If your youngling’s art is more messterpiece than masterpiece, introduce him to Master Kitz. Each box is packed with the necessary tools to teach littles to re-create pivotal works of art, such as Monet’s “Water Lilies,” Van Gogh’s “Sunflowers,” and Klimt’s “The Tree of Life.”

Stencils, stickers, acrylic paints, oil pastels, rollers — project materials are specifically chosen to reproduce the textures and techniques the masters used in their great works. And for parents, there’s a discussion guide/history lesson to help turn a rainy afternoon activity into a teachable moment.

Ensuring that the force is with you.

Available online at kidzaw.com, $30.

DECORATE
Cupcake Royale Valentine’s Sprinkle Party
What: Load unadorned confections ($4) with toppings.
Why: Better than any box of chocolates.
When: Capitol Hill, Tues., 3-5 p.m.; Bellevue & West Seattle, Thurs., 3-5 p.m.
Where: Capitol Hill, 1111 E. Pike St.; Bellevue, 21 Bellevue Way NE; West Seattle, 4556 California Ave. SW. Info at 206-883-7656. The first 30 people to tweet #DeathcakeKiss and bring evidence of the tweet Feb. 6-8 will be assured a spot at the party of their choice.

CREATE
Mi Amore Family Day
What: Make personalized picture frames with artist Jennifer Adams.
Why: Just right for that snapshot of your little cupid.
When: Sat., 1-4 p.m.
Where: Museum of Glass, 1801 Dock St., Tacoma (253-284-4719). Adults and teens, $12; children 6-12, $5; under 6, free.

BLOOM
Northwest Flower & Garden Show
What: See what’s blooming, hunt for hidden birdhouses, and catch a family-friendly concert.
Why: Let your junior green thumb get her hands dirty in the PlayGarden.
When: Wed.-Sat., 9 a.m.-8 p.m.; Sun., 9 a.m.-6 p.m.
Where: Washington State Convention Center, 800 Convention Pl. (206-694-5000). Tickets at 800-343-6973 or online at gardenshow.com. Adults, $10-$20; ages 12-17, $5; under 12, free.

Photo: Courtesy of Kidzaw

Moms who can, do. Moms who can’t, buy things that look like they do.

If you love the idea of homemade but lack the skills to make anything other than a bed, meet the moms of Armommy.

Mother-daughter duo Rae Friis and Jane Kelly started their brand after Rae called up Jane (her mommy) with an idea. She wanted a tank top to go under her shirts to help make breastfeeding in public a less revealing experience — and so the Empire Tank was born.

All of the company’s products have an equally charming, inventive, and whimsical feel. Our favorite is the Bumper, a small pillow you tie around door knobs to eliminate slammed doors and crushed fingers.

For those who want to DIY, a video series launches in April. The first classes will focus on home decorating and entertaining (think: fabric napkins, picnic blankets, and seat cushions). For those who can’t fathom using a needle and thread, the site is packed with customizable valentines for order and printables to download.

C’mon, even you can press print.

Available online at armommy.com, $4-$35.

Photo: lovestudiophoto.com / Courtesy of Armommy

When it comes to cooking, you and your little are two peas in a pod.

A Little Helper FunPod, that is.

The genius contraption is a step up from your average stool and safer than standing on a chair. Just place the pod at the kitchen island or countertop edge — a good distance away from anything dangerous — and assign him kid-friendly kitchen tasks like mixing, stirring, or measuring. Four sturdy sides and an adjustable foot plate ensure that your sous chef is right in the heat of things but nowhere near the fire.

Your future Tyler Florence won’t even notice he’s on lockdown. The pod is designed to contain him, not the good times. And unlike other towers on the market, the modest footprint makes it a fit for small kitchens or apartment living.

We can hardly contain ourselves.

Available online at diapers.com, $190.

CELEBRATE
Chinese New Year
What: Free performances, crafts, and language lessons mark the Year of the Dragon.
Why: Get your little linguist one step closer to mastering Mandarin.
When: Sponge Seattle, Sat., 10 a.m.-noon; Sponge Bellevue, Feb. 12, 10 a.m.-noon.
Where: Seattle, 3107 S. Day St.; Bellevue, 13219 NE 20th St., ste. 203. To register for Mandarin classes (required), call 206-227-7138 or email info@spongeschool.com.

RIBBIT
The Frog Prince
What: Princess Honey vows to save the ranch with the help of a magic amphibian (ages 3 and up).
Why: The tale gets a country music twist; prepare for some twang.
When: Thru Mar. 11.
Where: Feb. 4-12, Kirkland Performance Center, 350 Kirkland Ave., Kirkland; Mar. 4, Museum of History & Industry, 2700 24th Ave. E.; Mar. 11, Everett PUD Auditorium, 2320 California St., Everett. Tickets online at storybooktheater.org. Adults and children, $10.

MEANDER
Family Nature Walks
What: Take a peek at ever-changing flora and fauna during free naturalist-led hikes around town (ages 3 and up).
Why: Stick to your vow of less Wii, more wildlife.
When: Sat.-May 19.
Where: Locations and schedule online at metroparkstacoma.org. Info at 253-591-6439.

Photo: Courtesy of Luca and Company

Gone are the days of fantasizing about a hot young dish firing it up in the kitchen. These days you’d settle for your kids taking on a dinnertime dish of their own.

Which is why the new web series Kids Who Love to Cook has inspired us to invite our littles to the kitchen counter. The videos showcase real kids (not actors) making real meals (no fancy editing or switcheroos). What you see is exactly what they made — all by themselves.

We asked Abby, a KWLTK contributor, why she loves to cook and found her answer to be as satisfying as her baked chicken.

There’s something about cooking for family or friends. You’re feeding the people you care about! And cooking relaxes me. It’s like therapy. I’m just minding my own business in the kitchen. No chatting, emailing, or texting. It’s my alone, quiet time.

Baked Chicken with New Potatoes, Carrots, and Caramelized Shallots
Serves four to six

Ingredients
8 pieces chicken (4 thighs and 4 drumsticks)
4 new potatoes, halved
4 young carrots
4 medium-large shallots, halved
2-3 tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
1 tbsp. parsley, chopped
Salt and freshly ground pepper
1 tbsp. soy sauce (optional)

1. Preheat oven to 425°.

2. Put chicken, potatoes, carrots, and shallots in a baking dish. Drizzle with olive oil and soy sauce (if using); season with salt and pepper.

3. Toss everything in the baking dish and place in the oven.

4. After 20 minutes, turn the chicken pieces and scrape off the shallots clinging to the pan. Spoon juices and shallots over the chicken. Return dish to oven.

5. After another 20 minutes, check if chicken is cooked through. Remove from oven and sprinkle with chopped parsley.

Find more dinnertime inspiration online at kidswholovetocook.com.

Photo: Courtesy of Kids Who Love to Cook

Decoding kids is a full-time job. Was that an I-ate-a-cupcake-and-now-I’m-crashing meltdown or an I-feel-a-cold-coming-on-and-I’m-2-and-can’t-tell-you catastrophe?

Either way, we’re grateful for the simple things, like Boy + Girl, a new collection of understated clothing for — you guessed it — boys and girls. Founded by fashion industry vet Christine Chang (Nike, Ralph Lauren), it fills the gap left in the marketplace by, er, the Gap.

There’s no flash or dazzle, just straight-up, laid-back, wash-and-wear sweatshirts with raw edges; wide-neck striped tees; and muted pastel peasant tops constructed from silk/linen blends.

It’s easy does it with fleece sweatpants cut like chinos, ankle-zipper leggings, and cotton twirling skirts with wide, ruched waistbands. Lightweight square blankets in linen and cotton work overtime as scarves for mom and dad — and that’s as complicated as the collection gets.

Problem solved.

Available online at shopboyandgirl.com, $32-$98.

GAZE
Children’s Film Festival Seattle
What: Introduce your soon-to-be cinephile to movies and animated shorts from around the globe.
Why: Slippers (and teddy) are welcome at the pajama party.
When: Thurs.-Feb. 5.
Where: Northwest Film Forum, 1515 12th Ave. (206-329-2629). Tickets online at nwfilmforum.org. Adults, $10-$14; children, $7-$14.

BLOOM
Thumbelina: the Original Flower Child
What: Hans Christian Andersen meets hippie in Oregon Shadow Theatre’s twist on the tale.
Why: Accompaniment from the electric guitar adds to the grooviness.
When: Sat. & Sun., 1 & 3 p.m.
Where: Northwest Puppet Center, 9123 15th Ave. NE (206-523-2579). Tickets at 800-838-3006 or online at brownpapertickets.com. Adults, $10.50; children, $8.50.

INTERACT
PlayWise
What: Drop by for free stories, crafts, and hands-on fun (ages 2-5).
Why: Educators Miss Betsy and Miss Marcie get your rug rat’s seal of approval.
When: Fri., 10 a.m. & 11:30 a.m.
Where: Hands On Children’s Museum, 106 11th Ave. SW, Olympia (360-956-0818). Adults and children 2 and up, $8.

Photo: Courtesy of Boy + Girl

We’ve been stalking Nick Jr. for months, sending anonymous emails to the network begging Kiki, Marina, Twist, and Shout to take the show on the road (our kids kept asking).

So we’re not going to try to hide how excited we are about The Fresh Beat Band going on tour. (Yes, we may have let out a whoop in the grocery store when we found out. No, our children weren’t present.)

And when the foursome agreed to share their personal preconcert iPod playlists with us, it was a great day.

“Don’t You Worry ’Bout a Thing,” by Stevie Wonder
Who’s listening: Kiki (Yvette Gonzalez-Nacer)

“Dancing Machine,” by Jackson 5
Who’s listening: Marina (Tara Perry)

“Here I Am (Come and Take Me),” by Al Green
Who’s listening: Twist (Jon Beavers)

“Smooth Criminal,” by Michael Jackson
Who’s listening: Shout (Thomas Hobson)

“Get Rhythm,” by Johnny Cash
Who’s listening: Marina

“Start Me Up,” by The Rolling Stones
Who’s listening: Twist

Plus, on January 31, the Beats are releasing a twenty-track album with music from the show, including “Just like a Rockstar,” “Get Up and Go Go,” and “A Friend like You.”

No need to thank us for sharing the news. After all, friends give friends a hand.

To find out if The Fresh Beat Band is coming to your town, go to freshbeatbandlive.com. Tickets, $15-$119.50.

Photo: Randee St. Nicholas / Courtesy of Nickelodeon

Big brother is watching. So is the babysitter on her iPad, dad on his iPhone, and mom on her office computer.

As many as four people at once can keep an eye on your prize with the iBaby Monitor — the only mobile video monitor with two-way audio that we have spied on the market.

High-tech doesn’t mean complicated. Just download the app to your iPhone, iPad, or computer; plug the monitor into your network to register; and install the camera in the room. Our favorite perk is that you can control the camera lens with just a swipe of your finger. So if your little Houdini disappears from view, drag your finger across the screen to find him.

Alerts are issued when baby lets out a cry or makes a move. Two-way audio capabilities let you give a comforting “shhhh” from anywhere you have a connection. Plus, infrared night vision allows you to spy on baby in the middle of the night. You can even take pictures of tushy-up sleeping using your device’s camera.

Little sister will appreciate the memento down the road.

Available online at store.apple.com, $200. For more information, go to ibabylabs.com.

JUMP
Bounce for Hope
What: Stop by for face painting, a cupcake walk, and the Caspar Babypants performance; proceeds benefit Seattle Children’s Hospital.
Why: Day-off-from-school plans solved.
When: Today, 9 a.m.-6:30 p.m.
Where: Kidz Bounce, 8178 304th Ave. SE, Issaquah (425-222-5439). Tickets online at brownpapertickets.com. Adults and babies under 2, free; children, $15.

ROAR
Year of the Dragon Celebration
What: Make a pencil holder with Yuki Chikamura and learn about Asian traditions in the just-debuted New Years All Year Round exhibit.
Why: Firecrackers and the lion dance get the party started.
When: Sat., 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
Where: Wing Luke Museum, 719 S. King St. (206-623-5124). Admission is free.

HONK
Mother Goose Goes to the Symphony
What: Tacoma Symphony Orchestra musicians give a melodic spin to nursery rhymes.
Why: Short enough to hold your mini maestro’s attention.
When: Sat., 10 & 11:30 a.m.
Where: Theatre on the Square, 901 Broadway, Tacoma. Tickets at 800-291-7593 or online at tickets.broadwaycenter.org. Adults and children, $8.50.

Photo: Courtesy of iBaby

We’re all charged up around here. Why? The stroller from Tomorrowland has arrived. And it’s out of this world.

The inventive team at 4moms teased us with the Origami stroller for months; the futuristic ride is finally ready to roll. Believe the hype, people. It power-folds with just one touch of a button by way of a built-in generator that charges while you walk. Yes, we said power-folds, as in you don’t have to do anything but watch.

An LCD screen serves as command central, tracking how far you’ve gone and indicating battery power. Sensors in the seat ensure it will never close while baby’s on board, daytime running lights keep you in other people’s sights, and four cup holders mean two parental lattes and two sippies are welcome to ride.

But our favorite add-on is the USB port and cable that lets you charge your phone.

Beam us up, Scotty.

Available online at shop4moms.com, $850; handle bar bag and phone charger, $40. For more information, go to 4moms.com.

Photo: Courtesy of 4moms

Four new shops to help feed your Pinterest habit. New board: cutest things for kids.

Thumbeline
This Cali-based clothing boutique is our curatorial dream. Sophisticated design, quirky details, and boatloads of personality pop from every page. Load up on hard-to-find European lines (Bangbang Copenhagen, Mini Rodini, Le Toit de la Lune) without the spendy shipping fees.

Shop Belle
A mix of classic good looks and on-trend finds from designers like Velvet & Tweed, Anais & I, Tom & Drew, and Blu Pony Vintage. Owner Maria Nagy promises small boutique attention with big store perks (flat-rate shipping, free gift wrap, free returns).

Little Choux
A collection of indie and lesser-known designers of home decor, toys, and wearable accessories for kids (everything from towels to headbands). It’s like the love child of Etsy and your favorite neighborhood boutique. In other words, it’s got a lot of heart.

Darling Clementine
The Brooklyn-based shop feels like the best-of recommendations you get from a close friend. Tightly curated selections mean there aren’t five sleep sacks to choose from, just owner (and mom) Lindsay Meyer-Harley’s favorites.

	Shop the stores! Check out our editor favorites at all four shops.

Photo: Jordan Siemens / Getty Images

Here’s the deal, fruit roll-up.

We’re onto you and your pals, preservatives and additives. They’re bad news. Plus they’re hard to spell and even harder to pronounce.

Little Duck Organics Tiny Fruits, on the other hand, have ingredients that read like a worksheet for first-graders: organic freeze-dried apples, organic freeze-dried blueberries, organic freeze-dried strawberries. Get the picture? Nothing but familiar good stuff in bite-size pieces.

We’re not partial to hydrogenated anything. The only syrup we want is from a maple tree. So make room in the snack drawer.

And do us a favor. Mind your own beeswax.

Available online at diapers.com, $4. For more information, go to littleduckorganics.com.

EXPLORE
ParentMap Preschool Previews
What: Get the lowdown on early education options and meet face-to-face with staff.
Why: A Nanny for U and Polly-Glots watch Miss Antsy Pants while you work the room.
When: Tues. & Thurs., 5-8 p.m.
Where: Tues., Shoreline Community College, 16101 Greenwood Ave. N., Shoreline; Thurs., Meydenbauer Center, 11100 NE Sixth St., Bellevue. Register for a fifteen-minute consultation with an education specialist online at parentmap.com. Free.

SOAR
Peter Pan: a British Panto
What: Follow Wendy and Michael to Neverland in the Fremont Players show.
Why: It’s a long way from Disney.
When: Sat., 4 & 7:30 p.m.; Sun., 1 & 4 p.m.
Where: Hale’s Palladium, 4301 Leary Way NW, Ballard. Tickets online at brownpapertickets.com. Adults and teens, $12; children, $6.

ACHOO
Keeping Kids Healthy During Flu Season
What: Learn to keep him in tip-top shape this winter with advice from a Group Health representative.
Why: Make it through the season without a single sick day.
When: Wed., 6-7:30 p.m.
Where: KidsQuest Children’s Museum, 4091 Factoria Mall SE, Bellevue. (425-637-8100). Register now (while there’s space) online at emuseum.kidsquestmuseum.org. Register for child care at 425-637-8100. Admission is free. Child care, $5 suggested donation per child.

Photo: Courtesy of Little Duck Organics

A nursery is the tabula rasa of interior design: four blank walls; nothing but possibility.

But the combination of white space and raging hormones leaves you seeing Disney princesses.

My Tiny Nest’s e-design service for expectant moms will set your vision straight.

The custom Design in a Box offering starts with an extensive questionnaire that gathers your likes and dislikes, budget, and essential room information. Next, designer Alessia Corpino and architect Julie Frank assemble a tool kit of around 100 four-by-six note cards that feature color images of everything from rugs and cribs to wall art and lighting — all of which could work together in your nursery.

On the back of each card they include product name, specs, price, purchase information, plus notes they’ve written during their research. Essentially they’ve done the busy work, so all you have to do is mix and match to create your dream.

Admittedly, services like this aren’t new, but the presentation and selection of products in our box had us at hello.

Because when it comes to baby’s room, it’s nurture over nature.

Available online at mytinynest.com, $750.

Photo: Niki Dankner for DailyCandy

	Need design inspiration? We’ve picked more than 60 cribs, rockers, bedding, and more to spruce up any nursery.

You never met a resolution you could keep for more than a day. (Ahem, we can smell your coffee breath from here.)

We’re turning over our promise to try something new to Bluum, a subscription service that sends monthly packages of sample-size goodies for expectant and new moms (and their offspring) right to your home.

The most recent box was packed with testers from Plum Organics baby food, Dr. Sears baby wash and shampoo, Spiffies cleaning and teething tooth wipes, Dapple all-natural bottle and dish soap, and Wysi Wipes reusable cleaning wipes.

Haven’t heard of some of the brands? That’s the point. Trial-size products give you just enough to get familiar with the goods. Want more? Of course, you do. So log on to the Bluum website to buy full-size items (shipping is always free). While you’re there, write reviews of the products you tried and earn credits toward future purchases.

No willpower required.

Available online at bluum.com, from $9 a month.

Photo: Courtesy of Bluum