It’s snowing. It’s pouring. Being stuck inside is boooooring.

Before you pull out a crafty distraction, protect your kids (and your house) with Luke & Loolu. Made from vinyl-coated fabric, the new collection’s smocks, aprons, and table mats are designed to keep project messes to a minimum.

So go ahead and set the kids loose with glue, paint, and markers; creative offenders easily wipe clean. Pockets on the apron and smock are sized just right for crayons and paintbrushes, and the cheerful prints bring a little sunshine to even the gloomiest of days.

Showing once again that home is where the art is.

Available online at lukeandloolu.com, $11-$24.

	Just in case Punxsutawney Phil wasn’t right — sixteen ways to beat the winter blahs .

CREATE
Viva Valentines
What: Cupids make snazzy crafts like bracelets, cards, and beaded heart ornaments with artist Jennifer Adams.
Why: Dressed as a jester, actor Dashel Milligan drops by to lend even more flair to the festive day.
When: Sat., 1-4 p.m.
Where: Museum of Glass, 1801 Dock St., Tacoma (253-284-4750). Adults, $12; children 6-12, $5; under 6, free.

HOWL
Brother Coyote and Sister Fox
What: Watch as two wily critters scheme to catch Doña Conchita’s plump chickens.
Why: Worldly tykes get a kick out of the sprinkling of Spanish.
When: Sat. & Sun., 2 & 4 p.m.
Where: Bellevue Youth Theatre, 16661 Northrup Way, Bellevue. Tickets at 206-524-3388 or online at thistletheatre.org. Adults, $9; children, $7.

WOOF
Seattle Children’s Theatre Drama Story
What: Kiddos (ages 4 and up) use props and a healthy dose of imagination to explore the play Go, Dog. Go!
Why: There’s a reason P.D. Eastman’s classic tale has stood the test of time.
When: Sat., 11 a.m.
Where: Secret Garden Books, 2214 Northwest Market St. (206-789-5006). Participation is free.

Photo: Courtesy of Luke & Loolu