For all those who ever wished they could motivate the kids to help with housework, one St. Thomas resident believes she has developed an ideal answer. Graphic designer Robin Downes introduces her all new Fair Share Chore Cards.
In place of hearts, spades, aces and clubs, this colorful 52-card deck features symbols designed by her to represent a wide array of household tasks. Appropriately, the only ace in the deck is one “get out of a chore free” card.
Downes said, “Fair Share Chore Cards turn everyday housework into a game the whole family will want to play. Because chore assignments are left to the luck of the draw, it eliminates those dreaded arguments among siblings. These cards have the power to take the phrase that’s not fair out of the housework equation.”
In addition to the excitement of chance, the intrinsic value of the cards lies in helpful directions printed on each one. Whichever chores players are assigned, the accompanying cards promote safety, efficiency and a job well done every time.
Generated from a raw concept contributed by Bob Austin of Moxie Marketing, Downes designed and produced the product in partnership with local freelance writer Teddi Davis.
The deck has a broad range of common tasks printed one to a card. On each card, how to guidelines cover everything from watering plants to setting the table, making a salad, ironing clothes, dusting, washing dishes, cleaning mirrors and windows, sewing on buttons, emptying trash and more.
According to the game’s enclosed instructions, an adult reviews the cards and selects the tasks that need to be accomplished. Those call-to-action cards are placed face down and shuffled. Family members take turns picking cards, one at a time, until all have been chosen. Then, the work begins. As each task is completed, the coordinating card is returned to the deck until all the housework is done.
Just in case a necessary chore does not appear in the deck, the special assignment card — with its stylized covert ops image — comes into play. For added fun, the get out of a chore free card gives a lucky player a break from one assignment.
Robin Downes Design was established 25 years ago and has been headquartered in the Virgin Islands since 2003. The firm is responsible for a wide range of images seen throughout the territory including the familiar branding iron logo at the entrance to Mahogany Run.
After earning her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from the University of Hartford Art School, Downes studied architectural drafting and computer graphics. In 1993, she traveled to Brissago, Switzerland, to participate in the Yale Summer Program in Graphic Design. “Technology was changing things rapidly, and I felt exposure to burgeoning concepts important to my professional growth. I’ve found my experiences in Switzerland invaluable to this day,” she said.
Downes is the mother of two grown children, Laura and Nathan. Her husband, Ray Kordsiemon, works in construction.
Fair Share Chore Cards are available at better gift shops and retail stores throughout the territory and on e-bay at $14.95 per deck. For additional information, go to
www.robindownes.com or e-mail
rldownes@aol.com. .
[1]For all those who ever wished they could motivate the kids to help with housework, one St. Thomas resident believes she has developed an ideal answer. Graphic designer Robin Downes introduces her all new Fair Share Chore Cards.