mach and mach bow dress

ANKARA STYLES FOR KIDS: 5 TRENDY AND COMFORTABLE DESIGNS

Welcome! In this post, we’ll be exploring some of the most trendy and comfortable Ankara styles for kids. Known for its vibrant colors, bold patterns, and rich cultural heritage, Ankara (also called African print) has become a global favorite. It’s not just for adults—kids can rock these stunning designs too! If you’re a parent looking to dress your child in both stylish and comfortable outfits, Ankara is an excellent choice. Join us as we dive into the top 5 Ankara styles for kids that are perfect for any occasion.

ANKARA DRESSES FOR KIDS

Ankara dresses are a popular choice for kids, offering a range of styles from playful short flared dresses to elegant long gowns. These dresses are perfect for special occasions such as birthdays, church services, or family gatherings. What makes Ankara dresses ideal for kids is their versatility. They can be designed with sleeves or be sleeveless, adorned with frills or kept simple, and embellished with fun details like bows or ruffles.

  • A-Line Ankara Dress: A timeless classic, the A-line dress is shaped like the letter “A,” flaring out from the waist. This style is comfortable for kids, offering freedom of movement with a loose fit. It can be paired with sandals or sneakers, making it suitable for both casual and semi-formal events.
  • Ankara Ball Gown: For a more formal occasion, an Ankara ball gown is perfect for making your little one feel like royalty. With a fitted bodice and a flared skirt, this full-length dress is ideal for weddings, birthday parties, and other elegant affairs. Add a matching hairband or bow for a complete princess look.

ANKARA SHIRTS AND SHORTS SETS FOR BOYS

For active boys, Ankara shirts and shorts sets are a great option. Comfortable and easy to wear, these sets typically feature a short-sleeved shirt paired with matching or contrasting shorts.

  • Ankara Button-Up Shirts: These shirts combine a classic button-up design with vibrant Ankara prints. They can be paired with plain shorts, jeans, or even matching Ankara pants for a coordinated look. Perfect for family outings, school events, or casual weekend fun.
  • Ankara Shorts: Lightweight and breathable, Ankara shorts are ideal for warmer weather. Comfortable and stylish, they can be paired with a plain T-shirt or tank top for a relaxed look. Mix and match prints for a unique style that reflects your child’s personality.

ANKARA JUMPSUITS AND ROMPERS

Jumpsuits and rompers are not only trendy but practical for kids. Easy to wear and comfortable, these one-piece outfits are great for both boys and girls.

  • Ankara Jumpsuits for Girls: Perfect for adventurous girls, Ankara jumpsuits come in various styles such as sleeveless, short-sleeved, or long-sleeved. With options like off-shoulder or halter neck designs, they offer flexibility and comfort. Pair them with sandals or sneakers for a cute and casual look.
  • Ankara Rompers for Babies: For younger kids or babies, Ankara rompers are a fantastic choice. They are easy to put on and provide maximum comfort, often featuring snap buttons for quick diaper changes. Ideal for everyday wear, playdates, or family gatherings.

ANKARA JACKETS AND HOODIES

Ankara jackets and hoodies are perfect for adding an extra layer of style and warmth during cooler months or as fashionable outerwear.

  • Ankara Bomber Jackets: Trendy and lightweight, Ankara bomber jackets are perfect for layering over a T-shirt or dress. The vibrant prints make them stand out, adding a unique twist to a classic design. They’re great for school, outings, or family trips.
  • Ankara Hoodies: For a cozy, casual look, Ankara hoodies are a great choice. Comfortable and warm, they can be paired with jeans, leggings, or matching jogger sets for a coordinated outfit.

ANKARA ACCESSORIES

Sometimes, all it takes to elevate an outfit is a stylish Ankara accessory. These small details add personality without overwhelming the look.

  • Ankara Hairbands and Bows: Perfect for adding a pop of color to your child’s hair, Ankara hairbands and bows are fun and easy to wear. They can transform a simple outfit into something lively and unique.
  • Ankara Shoes: Yes, even shoes can be made from Ankara fabric! Ankara shoes are stylish, comfortable, and come in various styles such as sandals, ballet flats, or sneakers. They can be paired with simple dresses or shorts to let the shoes take center stage.

WHY CHOOSE ANKARA FOR KIDS?

Ankara fabric is not only beautiful but also durable and comfortable. Made from 100% cotton, it is breathable and perfect for all weather conditions. Ankara is easy to maintain and can withstand the wear and tear of active kids. Additionally, its versatility makes it ideal for various occasions, whether casual or formal. Whether you choose a full Ankara outfit or just accessories, there’s something for every child.

HOW TO CARE FOR ANKARA CLOTHES FOR KIDS

To ensure your child’s Ankara clothes remain vibrant and fresh, follow these care tips:

  • Hand Wash with Mild Detergent: To prevent fading, hand wash Ankara clothes with a mild detergent. If using a washing machine, opt for the gentle cycle.
  • Dry in Shade: Always dry Ankara clothes in the shade to preserve the brightness of the colors. Direct sunlight can cause the fabric to fade over time.
  • Iron on Low Heat: To keep your Ankara clothes wrinkle-free, iron them on low heat. Always iron the clothes on the wrong side of the fabric to prevent damage.

CONCLUSION

Ankara styles for kids offer a fantastic way for parents to dress their children in stylish and comfortable outfits. From vibrant dresses and shirts to playful jumpsuits and accessories, the options are endless. Not only is the fabric beautiful and eye-catching, but it’s also durable and versatile, making it ideal for active kids. Whether you’re dressing them up for a special occasion or just adding a fun touch to their everyday wardrobe, Ankara styles will keep your child looking their best. Embrace these trendy Ankara designs and watch your little ones shine!

DIY PAPER MACHE PUMPKIN – THE PERFECT FALL CRAFT!

This paper mache pumpkin is an ideal project for those who enjoy getting their hands dirty and immersing themselves in a creative endeavor! I’m thrilled with how this pumpkin turned out and have plenty of ideas for improving my next one. The project evolved as I worked on it; I initially aimed for a neutral pumpkin, but as you can see, it took on a different look. Keep reading to discover how to make your own paper mache pumpkin!

TOOLS & MATERIALS

  • Punch Balloon
  • Paper Sacks or Newspaper
  • Flour
  • Salt
  • Water
  • Container to Mix In
  • Twine
  • Spray Paint
  • Pumpkin Stem
  • Foliage *optional

STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS

Before diving into this project, there are a few preparations to make.

PREPARING THE PAPER

Begin by tearing your paper sacks or newspapers into strips. If you’re using paper sacks, aim for thin strips, as they will create a better 3-D effect on your pumpkin. If you opt for newspaper, wider strips are fine since the newspaper is lighter than the paper bag.

MAKING YOUR PASTE

Next, prepare your homemade paper mache paste. I started with a cup of flour and added a generous sprinkle of salt to prevent mold. Gradually mix in water with the flour and salt until you achieve a consistency similar to pancake batter.

PREPARING YOUR BALLOON

Inflate your balloon to the desired size of your pumpkin. Keep in mind that less air will give you more variation in shape.

Next, take your twine and tie it around the balloon’s tail. Begin wrapping the twine around the balloon to create the ridges of your pumpkin. Each time you pass the twine over the balloon tail, make sure to wrap it around to secure it in place. Once you’ve created your desired number of ridges, you’re ready to move on to the next step.

GET MESSY

Now it’s time for the fun part—paper mache! Take your strips of newspaper and dip them into the paste you mixed earlier, ensuring they are thoroughly soaked so they can mold to the pumpkin shape. I recommend starting with a layer of newspaper in the crevices or using narrow strips of paper bag, as the thinner newspaper tends to fit better into the grooves of the pumpkin.

Soak the newspaper strips and apply them to your balloon pumpkin until it’s completely covered, making sure to overlap each strip. Allow the pumpkin to dry between layers.

To make the process easier, I found it helpful to place my pumpkin on an old ice cream bucket. This kept the pumpkin from rolling away while I worked on each side.

For my second layer, I repeated the same process but used paper bag strips instead. The thickness of the paper bag strips allowed me to get away with just two layers. If you’re using only newspaper for this project, I recommend applying additional layers to ensure sturdiness.

Once you’ve achieved your desired number of layers, be sure to let the pumpkin dry completely.

I initially hoped that the paper bag strips would give my pumpkin a neutral look, similar to THIS, but once it dried, the paste covered most of the brown. I found that homemade paste tends to be thicker and less translucent than store-bought paper mache. At this point, I decided to paint my pumpkin.

PAINTING THE PUMPKIN

To prepare my pumpkin for painting, I sanded it down using a sanding block like THIS. The paste had dried thicker in some areas where I hadn’t smoothed it out properly, so sanding not only helped even those spots but also provided a better surface for the paint to adhere to.

After sanding, I carefully removed the balloon from inside the pumpkin. This turned out to be quite a process and didn’t go as smoothly as I had hoped!

To remove the balloon, I used a pin to pop it, expecting it to deflate and get trapped inside the pumpkin. To prevent that, I securely held the end of the balloon while I popped it. However, the balloon didn’t deflate as I anticipated! While it did lose air, the twine wrapped around it kept everything in place.

To address this, I cut a small hole in the top of the pumpkin to help loosen the twine. Using my fingers and some leverage, I carefully pulled the twine away from the pumpkin’s walls and slowly lifted the balloon out. You don’t necessarily have to remove the balloon, but I wanted to clear the tail to make room for my stem.

Once the balloon was out, I spray-painted my paper mache pumpkin.

ADDING A STEM

For the stem, I initially wanted to use a stem from a real pumpkin, but that plan didn’t work out. Instead, I created one using paper bag strips. I rolled up a strip and soaked it completely in Mod Podge, then added smaller strips at the base to make it easier to glue onto the pumpkin later.

After letting the stem dry completely, I used a paintbrush and the homemade paste to attach it to the top of the pumpkin. I wiped away any excess paste and allowed it to dry thoroughly.

Next, I used some brown paint and a small paintbrush to color the stem. To give my pumpkin a little extra flair, I took some faux foliage and created a ring to place around the stem, securing it with hot glue.

ADDING SOMETHING EXTRA

This project is fantastic because it allows you to unleash your creativity and customize it to your heart’s content. You can make your pumpkins in any size you desire, choose to leave them bare for a neutral look, or paint them in vibrant, funky colors. You could even cut the pumpkin in half to create a unique bowl! The possibilities are endless!

STYLING YOUR PAPER MACHE PUMPKIN

To style my pumpkin, I used a tureen and added some straw inside, allowing it to peek out around the bottom of the pumpkin for added texture. An urn would also work wonderfully for styling your pumpkin!