April 28, 2008

Back to the Drawing Board

Doodle Dolls

The word draw is usually followed by the phrase can I start again?

Next time, try wash and repeat.
 
The Doodle Doll is an ingenious toy made from special water-resistant paper (the same used for express mail packages) that gives artistic offspring an endless chance to be creative.

The eighteen-inch doll comes garbed in overalls or a dress with water-based markers in the front pocket. Blue hair? Sure thing. Stripes and polka dots? Go for it. If a mistake is made or the chosen fashion becomes passe, you can throw it in the washing machine as many times as you like, and your kid can start again.

Now that’s what we call a clean slate.

Available at Joanne Rossman, 6 Birch Street, Roslindale (617-323-4301 or joannerossman.com). To see styles, go to manuelladesign.com.

CLIMB
Spring Open House at the Observatory
What: Take a tour, build a windsock, and learn about the weather.
Why: The sky’s the limit.
When: Sat., 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Where: Blue Hill Meteorological Observatory, 1904 Canton Ave., Summit of Great Blue, Milton (617-696-0562).

PLAY
Fife & Drum Muster
What: Free parade with 30 fife and drum corps and marching units, plus colonial crafts, food, and 18th-century encampment demonstrations.
Why: Get your marching orders.
When: Sat., 11 a.m.
Where: Lexington Green, at Massachusetts Ave., Lexington (508-278-2803).

GO
Over the Top
What: Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey’s circus presents Bengal tigers, a motorcycle on a high wire, Chinese acrobats, elephants, and more.
Why: Big fun under the big top.
When: Wed.-May 4.
Where: Dunkin’ Donuts Center, 1 LaSalle Sq., Providence. Tickets at 617-931-2000 or online at ticketmaster.com.