Book Sharing Monday

I am at a loss as to why it's taken me this long to discover Book Sharing Monday, but now that I have, I'm very excited to be involved! My pick for this week is Stick Man, by Julia Donaldson, illustrated by the amazing Axel Sheffler. This is the latest offering from the wonderful wonderful people who bought us The Gruffalo, and, like The Gruffalo and every other book from these two, it's a clever story, beautifully illustrated and very fun to read!

"Stick Man lives in the family tree, with his stick lady love and their stick children three. One day he wakes early and goes for a jog. Stick Man, oh Stick Man, beware of the dog..."
Poor Stick Man, an innocent jog turns into a huge adventure as he is picked up by a passing dog and used in a game of Fetch. He is taken further and further away from home as he is picked up by a swan and used in her nest, then floats down the river...

Into the sea, where he is picked up by a family and used as the mast for their sandcastle, and several other things including a boomereang, a hook for a bag, and an arm for a snowman until eventually he ends up in the grate of a fireplace. Exhausted, he falls asleep and dreams of his stick lady love. Will someone wake him before it's too late?

Luckily, our favourite chimney dwelling friend, Santa himself, gets stuck, and Stick Man pulls him out, then gets to ride on the sleigh and help deliver presents. Stick Mans' Christmas wish is to be back in the Family Tree with his wife and kids, and Santa is happy to grant it.

Sorry about the awful pictures (Winter is good for many things-light is not one of them!) but you get the gist. Pretty cool huh?

Temari Ball Giveaway

I've been wanting to do a giveaway for a while now and I've been working on a special project for this very purpose...

It's a Temari Ball. The pattern comes from the book "Omiage" by Kumiko Sudo. I go on about the book quite a lot here

I've used one of my favourite fabrics, a Japanese print with tiny gold details (you can see it up there on my banner) plus some good old fashioned polka dots and stripes.

It's about the size of a grapefuit. People use them decoratively, as a childs' toy (minus the little flowers though methinks!) as a pincushion... It's entirely up to you!

I will post anywhere in the World. So... you know the drill. Leave a comment and you're in the draw! I will let Isla draw the name out of a hat or similar vessel one week from today. And Thank You everyone who has read, supported and left comments on my little blog over the last year. It's been encouraging, inspiring and very fun xx

completed

It's nice to complete things. I've just finished this bunny-who has hopped off to the shop
And this trio of owls, a commission project for a lovely lady who is very supportive of my little business and who has shown me that there's genuine kindness in the world-even from strangers.I often wish I was a knitter, because it would be cool to say "also on my needles..." But anyway, here is a sneaky glimpse at the project I'm working on for the giveaway I'm planning. And then, after I've completed that, this lovely little stack of fabric will be transformed into some sets of soft blocks, like these to be sent to The Happy Tree in Napier. I'm so happy that they are going to Napier, because it's really one of my favourite places in New Zealand-all that Art Deco...Don't you just adore those gnomes?

So it's very rainy outside. But I don't mind, I've got a nice cup of tea and some good things on my needles...

Lucky

Well it's not my birthday, but yesterday I was lucky enough to arrive home from work to find a parcel on my doorstep, with this beautifully wrapped present and card inside. You see, I was lucky enough to win this giveaway!
The owl is made by Rachel, of The Two Windmills and it's just so adorable! The workmanship is impeccable, what a talented lady she must be! And luckily she has a shop so you know where to head if you'd like one of these owls, or any of her other wonderful crafts. Check it out!
Also included in the parcel were these two fabric pieces. I especially love the bird one and can't wait to use it! Rachel, Thank You so much for your generosity.

So between this and Larry I've been very lucky in the giveaway stakes recently. Naturally I want to pay it forward with a giveaway of my own. Stay tuned...

As you can see, it's a beautiful day outside, so I'm going to bundle up my children and take them to the park to feed the ducks. Hope you have a lovely day wherever you are!

Jumping for...

Joy -joi
–noun

1. the emotion of great delight or happiness caused by something exceptionally good or satisfying; keen pleasure; elation.

2. a source or cause of keen pleasure or delight; something or someone greatly valued or appreciated.

3. the expression or display of glad feeling; festive gaiety.

4. a state of happiness or felicity.
–verb (used without object)

5. to feel joy; be glad; rejoice.

An Epic Meme

The lovely Janelle, from Heartfelt has tagged me for my first ever meme. As she says-it's quite long, but still interesting (and has given me the chance to use some of my favourite pictures, the random ones which perhaps don't fit into other posts...)
What is your current obsession?
Cracking up at this hilarious advert, making superheroes, and dousing myself in this cream.
What was the most interesting thing you did today?
I discovered a wonderful new childrens' book. It's called Barnaby Bennett, by Hannah Rainforth. My colleagues and I (and um... the children) are all HUGE fans of The Gruffalo, and all the other books by Julia Donaldson, and Barnaby Bennett is written in a similar, musical rhyming style, and best of all, it's by a New Zealand author. Right on!
What are you wearing today?
Vintage blue glass earrings, work uniform jumper, jeans, ugg boots
What's for dinner?
Lasagna. Like this one.
What would you eat for your last meal?
Oh Gosh, that's hard. There'd be Apple Crumble for sure.
What's the last thing you bought?
The groceries.
What are you listening to right now?
This CD. It's fabulous, I can't recommend it enough. I actually bought it for Liam, but it went straight onto my Ipod!
What do you think of the person who tagged you?
Wonderful photographer, beautiful children, lovely friend, great blog!

If you could have a house totally paid for, fully furnished anywhere in the world, where would you like it to be?
Either a luxurious apartment in the heart of London, or a beautiful old fashioned farm house in a village in Ireland.
If you could go anywhere in the world for the next hour, where would you go?
London to see Chelsea. I miss her very much.
Which language do you want to learn?
Baby sign language. Fascinating.
What's your favorite quote (for now)?
'You can trust yourself. Other people's opinions are driven by their needs and emotions - not by magical insights about your worth.' It's something I read on Facebook recently.
What is your favorite color?
Oh I love colours. Especially turquoise, lime green, that orangey-pink colour of watermelon...
What is your favorite piece of clothing in your own wardrobe?
I love my wedding and engagement rings, my ugg boots, and my vintage sundresses.
What is your dream job?
I have my dream job – being a Mum, Early Childhood Teacher and Designer of Things
What's your favorite magazine?
It's a draw between NZ House and Garden and Your Home and Garden
If you had £100 now, what would you spend it on?
I'd love a big old clock for my kitchen, merino things for all the family, some fat quarters...

Describe your personal style?
Simple, natural fibres, jeans, cardigans, cotton dresses, yoga pants, but always with funky accessories. I love accessories, particularly earrings, bags and sunglasses...
What are you going to do after this?
Sleep.
What are your favorite films?
I'm not really a filmy type of person, but I loved Forrest Gump, Life is Beautiful and A Beautiful Mind. Oh and Good Will Hunting...
What's your favorite fruit?
Anything fresh and seasonal really. I especially love nectarines, peaches, grapes, berries and mandarins.
What inspires you?
Children, nature, fabric, photography, art, New Zealand, many things...
Your favorite books?
Crocodile Soup by Julia Darling
The Power of One by Bryce Courtney
The Smartest Giant in Town by Julia Donaldson

Do you collect anything?
Seashells, books, fabric pieces, socks.
What are you currently reading?
Minus Nine to One. Diary of an Honest Mum by Jools Oliver.
What makes you follow a blog?
I follow blogs that teach me about how other families live in different parts of the world, that inspire me with beautiful crafts, and that make me laugh.
What do you love most about where you currently live?
The beaches, the rolling hills, the friendly culture, the music and art
Person or people you really admire?
My husband, for his integrity, midwives for the amazing job they do, Kaffe Fasset, for his amazing designs, and anyone raising children on their own.

Hello Larry!

I'd like to introduce the newest member of our household, Larry the robot. Larry (short for Lazarus) comes all the way from the home of Miss Smith who had a lovely giveaway to celebrate her 222nd post. So I'm feeling extremely lucky, because I won!

As you can see, Larry is extremely handsome, and those long arms make him very huggable!

At first K-Man was a little intimidated by Larrys' size, but now they are the best of friends. So thank-you very much Miss Smith-your generosity made my day and bought a smile to both my childrens' faces. Larry is beautifully made, I'm not sure whether Miss Smith makes robots to sell, but they would make a fabulous gift. And her blog Miss Smith at Home is both hilarious and inspiring. And speaking of giveaways, it's Speckled Eggs' birthday next month, so I will be having one of my own. More about that later... AND... check out this one!

A few softies

Three little things I've made recently...Pirate

Love Bird

Brown Rabbit

All now available in the shop (albeit with AWFUL photos. If anyone knows how to get their photos looking good while still complying to the specifications on Felt can you please let me know? I just keep getting the head cut off anything I try to upload-it's so frustrating and probably really simple to rectify but I'm stumped!) Happy crafting everyone! And Happy Friday too xx