Birch and Bear in Northcote, Victoria | Shopping & retail

Birch and Bear

Locality: Northcote, Victoria

Phone: +61 490 321 288

Address: 287 high st, northcote 3070 Northcote, VIC, Australia

Website: https://birchandbear.com.au

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24.01.2022 Woodland Weave Playscape $65.00 Handmade and hand-painted by us as an invitation to play, imagine and create. Make your own cave for forest friends by weaving texture and structure through the attached frame, from a range of materials collected from nature or your craft stash. A beautiful addition to small world play with the added element of free form weaving. Base board is 30cm and because they are hand-painted, expect variations. Accessories sold separately.... Head to our website to see more: https://birchandbear.com.au/produ/woodland-weave-playscape/ #woodlandweave #creativeplay #playscape #handmade #birchandbear

22.01.2022 Nature Activity Cards $20.00 Filled with wonderful nature inspired activities for curious budding naturalists. Make a feather quill, find patterns in nature, nutshell boat races, learn about frogs, butterflies and beetles, pond dipping and so much more. Big card size 17cm x 13cm... 20 pc set double sided Head to our website to see more: https://birchandbear.com.au/product/nature-activity-cards/ #natureactivitycards #natureplay #kidsactivities

22.01.2022 Learning through play Maria Montessori ‘Play is the work of the child’. Maria Montessori The environment surrounding the child is prepared and developed to meet the needs of the child, to foster independence where the child is free to respond to their natural curiosity to explore and enquire. Through naturally choosing their own ‘work’, they naturally and gradually develop their focus and attention whilst freely learning with interest and self-motivation. A research style o...f learning, to spark imagination and enquiry, engaging the child and laying foundations that develop the intellect through the primary years and beyond. ‘The greatest success as a teacher.is to be able to say ‘the children are now working as if I did not exist’’ MM Read more... https://birchandbear.com.au/learning-through-play-maria-mo/ #learningthroughplay #mariamontessori #montessorischool #birchandbear

19.01.2022 With the kids going back to school and being very tired from the many changes, quiet reading is always a great way to relax. Bedtime Storytelling By Beatrys Lockie... A wonderful collection of tales to tell with tips and advice to support the journey. Telling stories is a beautiful gift to share, engaging and enchanting children and a beautiful way to bring family rhythm to bedtime routines. https://birchandbear.com.au/product/bedtime-storytelling/ #storytelling #bedtimestories #readingwithkids #bedtimestorytelling

19.01.2022 Custom Orders are now closed for 2020. Contact us directly for in-store stock availability. #birchandbear #customorders #crystaldolls #waldorfdolls #giftguide

18.01.2022 Can you find! A free download to encourage time in nature. https://birchandbear.com.au/product/can-you-find/

17.01.2022 Some school holiday Dress up fun! Cape and Crown Set A two-piece set for Royal occasions and Forest Festivals. Made from luscious upcycled silks, satins and chiffons so variations to be expected. Sized to fit 3 7 years old.... Match your cape with your choice of crown style. https://birchandbear.com.au/product/cape-and-crown-set/ #dressups #schoolholidays #capeandcrown #crownstyle

16.01.2022 Crochet Fruit and Veg Bags Local produce for shop and home corner play. Weigh, sort, shop and learn with these healthy fun food sets. Each set comes in a muslin drawstring bag. *Fruit set of 8 includes apple, banana, strawberry, watermelon, pear, peach, cherry and lemon *Vegetable set of 7 includes cabbage, beetroot, radish, cauliflower, carrot, pea pod and pumpkin. https://birchandbear.com.au/pro/crochet-fruit-and-veg-bags/... #crochetfruit #crochetveg #marketplay #fruitandveg

15.01.2022 With the weather warming up, the kids can spend time outside filling their Nature Notebooks A6 12 x 16.5cm size, made locally from Australian timbers and each includes a spiral bound notebook that is easily replaced. Perfect size for bush walks and nature journaling. 4 designs available. Please note timbers will vary. ... Read more https://birchandbear.com.au/product/nature-notebooks-a6/ #birchandbear #naturenotebooks #naturekids #timbernotebook

13.01.2022 Cauldron Set Double Double Toil and Trouble Fire Burn and Cauldron Bubble!... Inviting spells and potions into your creative play with this fun set, including ink black enamel cauldron with metal handle, a jar of petal powered treasure dusted with eco glitter and a wooden stirring spoon. Combine this with our Potion preparation kit or any of our Potion making sets, for hours of sensory fun and the pure delight of making magic! Enamel cauldron is 16cm diameter and 8cm deep plus handle. Glass jar contains naturally dried calendula petals, lavender, rose petals and eco glitter. https://birchandbear.com.au/product/cauldron-set/

12.01.2022 Craft at home with Children Crafting little projects for play is very satisfying and to see these little offerings come to life through a child’s play is heart-warming. Children will delight in your efforts and provide lots of inspiration for more and more projects. When young children observe us making and creating, they also observe our care and mindfulness. They see that the ‘doing’ is the ‘work’ and it is valued.... Creating a craft shelf/cupboard in your home is a really important addition to any natural learning environment and a diverse mix of materials to work with, will provide lots of varied experiences and qualities to explore. Collect a variety of baskets from Opp shops as these will add some organisation to your craft collections. Don’t be overwhelmed by ‘mess’..it is work in progress, providing for the investigative nature of your child and it is important ‘work’. Involving your child in the cleaning up is also part of the ‘doing’ process, so make sure you have suitable implements available like a small broom, dustpan, compost/recycling bin for any waste not likely to be re-used. It will be important to discuss with your child before clearing up to make sure any unfinished work is carefully put aside. Read more... https://birchandbear.com.au/craft-at-home-with-children/ #craftwithchildren #craftathome #crafting #craftforkids #kidsactivities

12.01.2022 Among the Gum Trees This free-standing gum tree has room for all our native favourites and creates a great backdrop for Australian nature and wildlife studies and seasonal displays. Also a perfect little Christmas tree! Stands 26cm tall and made locally from 4mm thick Australian timbers https://birchandbear.com.au/product/among-the-gum-trees/... #amongthegumtrees #austrliantimber #nativeplay #wildlife

10.01.2022 Small World Play Play is the heart of childhood and imagination is the heart of play. To be fully absorbed and completely present in the moment is the wonder of childhood.... An invitation to ‘play’, allows the child to imagine, hypothesize, test, challenge and explore concepts, values, interests and ideas through their free-play. Small world play facilitates opportunities for the child to externalise their inner world. To nurture the whole child, we need to appreciate that children learn deeply through their play. Open-ended play in-particular provides opportunities for the child to naturally investigate and engage with the world. When we provide inviting play spaces inside and out, where children are free to initiate and explore at their own pace, we set the intention that we value the child’s imagination and mindfulness, curiosity and creativity. Read more... https://birchandbear.com.au/small-world-play/ #smallworldplay #imagination #birchandbear #childsplay

10.01.2022 Mud Kitchens Mud pies and rock cakes, petals and potions, sand cookies and claydough, leaf mash and sprinklesso much collecting, measuring, pouring, mixing, chopping, mashing, dividing, baking and decorating goes on here! So much incidental natural learning unfolds as children explore the freedom to direct their own learning with independence and confidence. Creativity is fully engaged, fuelled by imagination, fresh air and nature. An outdoor/mud kitchen is such a simpl...e and wonderful addition to every play space. It should include a broad range of materials for open-ended exploration, providing a diverse range of qualities to investigate that connects the child to the natural world and environment around them. Rich sensory experiences nurture curiosity and imagination. A Mud kitchen play space does not need to be elaborate, a small table or bench to work on, a little cupboard or crates on their side, a bucket of water with scoops or jug are a great place to start. Keep your eye out at opp shops/ebay or hard garbage for small cabinets that you could adapt to serve as a little kitchen plus a mix of kitchen tools including mixing spoons and bowls of various sizes, spice jars, funnels, sieve, rolling pin, mortar and pestle, chopping boards and safe blunt or wooden knife, pouring bottles and jars, cake pans, trays and muffin tins, woks..the list goes on! Small brooms and dustpan also for some clean up tools and all part of the play. Waterproof aprons and gumboots are a great addition during colder months. Read more... https://birchandbear.com.au/mud-kitchens/ #mudkitchens #childsplay #playforkids #imagination #birchandbear

08.01.2022 Keeping a Nature or Seasonal Table in your home is a beautiful, creative and educational experience to share with your children and can be as simple or elaborate as you like. A nature table provides a dedicated way for your family to follow the natural cycle of the year. A simple shelf space, a deep window sill, a centre piece of the dining room table or a side table all make a perfect stage in which to explore nature at home, inside. Make sure wherever you choose that your ...children can see and engage with the display, that they can visit anytime to observe, explore and appreciate connecting to nature. Children will love the ritual of helping to create an indoor nature alter at the beginning of each new season and the ongoing invitation of collecting, making and displaying things they gather on walks, adding seasonal books, postcards, photos or poems and craft inspired by that season. This hands-on engagement provides for so much incidental learning, building connections to the natural world and a deeper understanding of the seasonal rhythms of the year. Read more... https://birchandbear.com.au/creating-a-nature-table/ #naturetable #seasonaltable #kidscrafts #playathome

08.01.2022 Affirmations Card Set A beautiful Australiana inspired set of large cards aimed at children 3 14yrs. They are colourful, warm and engaging in support of the many and varied positive qualities we want our children to embody. Created to encourage mindfulness and healthy discussions around feelings and how children see themselves. Supporting confidence and resilience in children provides a strong foundation for living true. Raising children to believe in themselves and value k...indness, empowers them today for a more caring tomorrow. Designed by Lil’ Eve with art by D Till and printed in Australia on 100% recycled card. This inspiring set has 18 cards (15 x 10cm) and comes in a drawstring bag. https://birchandbear.com.au/product/affirmations-card-set/ #affirmationscardset #resilience #designedinaustralia #mindfulness #wellbeing

08.01.2022 Educational - Explore And Discover Holistic play provides for a child’s natural curiosity and trusts the innate investigative nature of child-directed learning. Providing a broad range of materials for open-ended exploration, provides a diverse range of qualities to investigate and connects the child to the natural world and environment around them. Rich sensory experiences nurture curiosity and imagination.... A child learns more fully and deeply through ‘doing’ and in a safe, unstructured natural environment where they are free to express themselves and explore possibilities, their potential to thrive soars. Our explore range is curated in support of child lead investigation, to inspire and encourage the natural curiosity of children. Head to our website to view our Explore and Discover activities https://birchandbear.com.au//educational-explore-and-disc/ #explore #ExploreAndDiscover #adventure #naturekids #giftguide #christmasgifts

07.01.2022 Are you looking for a gift for a Nature Kid? Your Wild Books, will get the imagination flying! These books are wonderful resources for nurturing creativity and respect for nature. Filled with stunning images throughout and simple instructions for activities with varied challenge levels for ages 3 12 years... Head to our website for more information, https://birchandbear.com.au/product/your-wild-books/ #naturekid #Adventure #giftguide #christmasgifts2020

07.01.2022 Your Wild Imagination $35.00 By Australian author Brooke Davis Ages 3+... Full of engaging nature activities for outdoor play. Full of beauty and wonder to inspire wild imagination. More green time and less screen time! This book is a wonderful resource for nurturing enquiry and respect for nature in children.we love it! Head to our website to see more: https://birchandbear.com.au/product/your-wild-imagination/ #wildimagination #outdoorplay #kidsplay #kidsactivities

06.01.2022 We have a beautiful range of custom order items, which makes an item that much more special, like our Crowns; Celebration Crowns Beautiful playful crowns decorated with our felt work for special occasions and creative play.... Designed to fit 2 10 years with rainbow ribbon ties. Custom order your special crown. Choose a colour below and add to basket. Once purchased you can email us at [email protected] with your custom details and age of child. Image shown here are examples of crowns previously made. Head to our website to view more https://birchandbear.com.au/product/celebration-crowns-2/ #birchandbear #customcrowns #celebrationcrowns #christmascountdown

05.01.2022 Natural Bio-Glitter Glorious glitter and shimmering sparkles for your most creative endeavours! Perfect for potion making, dress-ups, craft and playdough fun..this cosmetic grade, all natural, fully bio-degradable glitter will bring a little magic and sparkle to it all! Made from eucalyptus trees here in Australia by The Glitter Tribe and available in a bunch of inspiring colour combinations. 10gm per reusable tin. (Cosmetic Grade)... Options: Forest Berry/Rose Gold/ Under the sea/ Galaxy/ Moonshine pink https://birchandbear.com.au/product/natural-bio-glitter-2/ #naturalbioglitter #glitter #artsandcrafts #play

04.01.2022 Nestled in the heart of Northcote, Melbourne, our shop is a curated hub of handmade and vintage. A unique collection of ethical treasures for play, your home and to gift. Founders and sisters Kim and Donna are collectors and makers of beautiful things, with their own range created for an unhurried childhood and the wonder of play. The small Birch and Bear team of makers collaborate together to develop original designs from a range of skills, including felting, crochet, knitti...ng, sewing, embroidery, woodwork and pattern making. We use natural materials and love to recycle.to re-purpose and upcycle objects and materials, creating something new and unique. #birchandbear #northcote #highstnorthcote #makers #collectors #gifts

04.01.2022 Quiet Play Wild Australia A4 Colouring Book In partnership with Australian Wildlife Conservancy, Australia artist Nathan Ferlazzo has illustrated a series of iconic Australian species for nature lovers to decorate. Add just a little colour or a lot, these beautiful large illustrations will look wonderful framed too! Incredible details of Australian flora woven into every print..so much beauty to explore.... A share of profits from book sales goes directly to Australian Wildlife Conservancy, protecting Australia’s native fauna. https://birchandbear.com.au//wild-australia-a4-colouring-/ #quietplay #wildaustralia #colouringbook #wildlifeconservancy #nativefauna

04.01.2022 Natural Play Play is the heart of childhood and imagination is the heart of play. To be fully absorbed and completely present in the moment is the wonder of childhood.... Play helps children make sense of the world around them, developing emotional and social threads that impact their natural impulses to connect, engage and investigate. Open ended, Unstructured, Free play is naturally child directed and nurtures the whole child, igniting imagination and independence. To nurture the whole child, we need to appreciate that children learn deeply through play, that ‘play’ is at the heart of childhood. Unstructured play in-particular provides opportunities for the child to naturally investigate and engage with the world. More green time and less screen time has never been more relevant, and nature is the ultimate classroom. Free-flow play connects children to nature, to each other and their immediate environment. Child-directed learning builds resilient, resourceful and creative thinkers. Read more... https://birchandbear.com.au/natural-play/ #birchandbear #naturalplay #imagination #childsplay #childhood

03.01.2022 Birthday Crown $25.00 Create your own seasonal or celebration crown for your little loves. This crown is a blank canvas for your imagination to explore! Some possibilities for adding detail include needle felting, embroidery, collage with buttons and shapes..no rules here! ... Ribbon is already attached and 2 contrasting embroidery threads are included to blanket stitch around edges plus a selection of bits and bobs for extra inspiration. If you choose to needle felt your crown, we also have needle felting kits and coloured fleece packs available. Choose your crown base colour below and we will choose the embroidery threads OR if you have colour preferences, please leave a note at checkout. Crown Options: Lavender/Fuscia pink/Amber/Leaf Green/ Mid Blue/ Pale Blue Head to our website to see more: https://birchandbear.com.au/product/birthday-crown/ #birthdaycrown #kidsplay #craftforkids #feltcrown #birchandbear

03.01.2022 Formed Waldorf Dolls A special doll is an important addition to a child’s toy collection because it initiates a different kind of play and awareness. Doll play encourage kindness and early compassion in young children, developing a sense of care and respect for others. A friend to share stories, adventures and daily rhythms with, also provides unconditional comfort and companionship. Order your own special doll here by adding to cart and after payment email us your custom det...ails including: -Skin tone (fair/medium/dark) -Eye colour -Hair colour and prefered length -Gender: boy, girl or unisex -Colour tones preferred for clothing Custom orders will take between 2 and 4 weeks. Our dolls are made in the traditional Waldorf style and measure approx. 30cm. Each doll comes fully clothed ready for cuddles and extra clothing is also available separately. We usually have a range of these beautiful dolls in store and can always send you images of current stock. $135.00 Head to our website to find out more https://birchandbear.com.au/product/formed-waldorf-dolls/ #dollplay #birchandbear #formedwaldorfdolls

02.01.2022 Play ‘Play is the work of the child’.it helps them make sense of the world around them, developing emotional and social threads that impact their natural impulses to connect, engage and investigate. Open ended, Unstructured, Free play is naturally child directed and nurtures the whole child, igniting imagination and independence.... Small world play is open ended and facilitates opportunities for the child to externalise their inner world. An invitation to ‘play’ that allows the child to imagine, hypothesize, test, challenge and explore concepts, values, interests and ideas. Our small world play collections provide endless opportunities for imagination and creative expression. Natural materials are at the heart of our range, providing many and varied aspects for children to explore. Handmade in small batches, the craftsmanship and natural qualities of our toys engage children without overwhelming their senses. Simple toys made for play and supporting an unhurried childhood. Choose toys intentionally that lend themselves to freedom in play. You will be amazed by the rich and diverse ways in which your child interacts, constructs, imagines and engages when the play is self-directed. Head to our website to see more https://birchandbear.com.au/product-category/play/ #birchandbear #ExploreAndDiscover #naturekids #giftguide

02.01.2022 Potion Making Kit Handcrafted with love and imagination, these inspirational kits of beauty and wonder will inspire and evoke magic in all who play. An enchanting sensory experience themed to support children’s self-esteem, natural curiosity and help them navigate the world around them. Each kit mindfully represents a theme and explores particular feelings to promote the positive aspects as the focus: Wild Adventure Kit to calm and settle and evoke feelings of peace, confid...ence and courage. Enchanted Garden Kit for lovers of fairies to feel loved and creative, strengthening self-worth, positivity and joy. Moonlight Waters for lovers of Merfolk to feel calm and fearless, embracing your unique spirit. All sets contain nature derived ingredients: 3 little cloth pouches of magical dry ingredients, 3 reusable mini bottles of special ingredients, 1 stone amulet and a beautiful set of 6 cards with recipes, spells and affirmations. Eco materials, natural elements, biodegradable and made in Melbourne! A perfect combination to team with our Potion Preparation Set and or Suki the little alchemist book. Head to our website to see more: https://birchandbear.com.au/product/potion-making-kit/ #potionmaking #kidsplay #messyplay #wildadventure #enchantedgarden #moonlightwaters

01.01.2022 Ambrosius Flower Fairies Mixed Starter 5pk A mixed selection of these beautiful felt dolls made in Romania and perfect for small world play. You will receive a surprise mix. If you are looking for a particular style, call or message us as we may have it in stock! #birchandbear #flowerfairies #feltdolls #kidsplay

01.01.2022 Learning through play Rudolf Steiner ‘To educate the whole child, his heart and his will must be reached as well as the mind’. Rudolf Steiner A Steiner education aims to develop a lifelong love of learning, building resilience from an early age through connected, stable and loving relationships in everyday life. A child’s sense of belonging is born through participating in life at home and school, observing and playing.... Imagination is the heart of play, to be fully absorbed and completely present in the moment is the pure joy of childhood. ‘If the child has been able in his play to give up his whole being to the world around him, he will be able, in the serious tasks of later life, to devote himself with confidence and power to the service of the world’. RS Read more... https://birchandbear.com.au/learning-through-play-rudolf-s/ #learningthroughplay #rudolfsteiner #childsplay #steinereducation