Good Stuff...

A HUGE (as in-hanging off the end of the table huge)bolt of calico, given to me by a workmate, and some aprons already cut out and waiting for the sewing machine, which, in turn is waiting for the children to go to bed! I'm reminded of this post by the lovely Janelle.

Getting ready for Christmas. Here is Islas' stocking, made from cotton, corduroy and a piece of very vintage lace that belonged to my grandmother.

I'm very excited to be a part of this handmade ornament swap, and wanted to make a start as soon as possible! I had so many ideas, but decided on these felt angels with simple embroidered faces. See more of the swap here

A couple of eskimos for the shop. This one is made from one of my favourite fabrics, you can also see it used on my mixtape, and on the banner of my shop.

And another, this one from Kaffe Fasset fabric (I wanted to see what they'd look like with ears!)

And Islas' theory that this shell must have had a baby, because 'it has a hole in its' tummy, like Mama'. Although she noted that the doctor had neglected to stitch the hole up, so, not exactly like Mama.

(I considered explaining the effects of errosion etc, but the idea of a shell having a cesearean was just too sweet)

Lime Green and Sparkly.

I've written about my life as a mother, a friend and a crafter, but have neglected to share another important facet of me, my job. I'm an Early Childhood Teacher. I spend my days at work painting, singing, pushing swings, digging in sandpits, making homes for bugs and reading stories (well, when I'm not doing paperwork, planning or in a meeting...) I LOVE my job. LOVE it, and I'm extremely fortunate that my children come to work with me. In my 6yrs+ of teaching, I've tried out quite a few different recipes for Playdough. In my professional opinion, this is the best one...

1 cup of salt
2 cups of plain flour
4tsp cream of tartar
2tsp canola oil or similar
2 cups boiling water
food colouring
glitter if you wish

Mix the dry ingredients together in a large bowl, add the oil and boiling water, knead together and add colouring and glitter. Simple!

My favourite bit is adding the glitter!

Playdough is fun. It's great for many different age groups, social or individual play, fine motor development, hand-eye coordination, creativity, storytelling, self expression and more. If wrapped in Glad Wrap or put in an airtight container, it will keep for ages in the fridge. Enjoy!

Long Weekend...

Labour Weekend=an extra day off. Hooray! Extra time for...

A bit of baking (Monster biscuits for a "Little Monster" party)

A bit of Making...

A bit of wrapping...

A bit of packing...

A LOT of bouncing!

Hope everyone else had a fantastic weekend too!

Retro Eskimo??

This little retro dude belonged to my Brother-in-law, circa 1981. Isn't he adorable with his little freckles and almond shaped eyes? Is he an eskimo? That's what Isla and I reckon...




Here is my version, take one...



And again (simplify, simplify, I'm always telling myself that, but rarely listening!)

Posters

I'm pleased with these new posters, fresh off the press of the local Warehouse Stationery It's so rewarding to see some of my work displayed in this format...

The tricky part was deciding which pictures to use!

Latest helpful discovery; (you experienced bloggers will probably already be aware of this but I'll mention anyway as it could be useful for someone) the BEST place for photographing my bits and pieces-the top of the microwave/washing machine...

Recipe for your Day Off

To round off a busy, happy and productive week, begin with these...

Chocolate Chip Sultana Biscuits

125 grams butter
1 cup soft brown sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla essence
1 egg, lightly beaten
1 tablespoon milk
2 cups wholemeal flour or plain flour
1 cup chocolate chips
1 cup sultanas

Preheat oven to 180 degrees celcius, line baking tray with baking paper.

Cream the butter and sugar, add vanilla and egg, beating well. Stir in the milk. Sift the flour then fold into the mixture, stir in the chocolate and sultanas. Drop tablespoons of the mixture onto the baking tray with about 4cms in between as the mixture spreads a bit. Bake approx 15 mins.

Then do a little of this...

And a lot of this (note the pyjamas?)

Have a great day everyone. We intend to.

Midweek; A few things...

A long legged pink lovebird to go into the shop...

A purple castle for my nieces' birthday (Happy Birthday Lily!)

Another van, for another new baby (welcome to the world little man!)

I love to see everything wrapped up and ready to be posted to new homes!

And some other things rattling around in my head...

Christmas. Is anyone else thinking about/excited about Christmas? I cannot wait! Especially as this year, Isla is old enough to really be involved in the preparations and understand what it's all about. Plus I'm not pregnant, so can enjoy a glass of wine or two! I'm planning on making some embroidered and beaded stockings, and maybe a reindeer or two...

This site, where people contribute their ideas/tutuorials/recepies etc, in the spirit of sharing and community. What a fantastic idea! Craftspeople of the world unite!

And these kneepads for crawling babies. Another fantastic idea. We have polished wooden floors throughout our house and Kyan is just starting to push himself around, so I'll have to purchase some soonish methinks!

Hope everyone is having a lovely week.