The Beaded Lady

Rock on!

2011-10-09T19:01:00.001-07:00

I just won!!

2011-09-07T16:22:00.000-07:00

Wheeeee! I just won a double pass to see Jen Wynter's show - The UNEXPECTED Variety show!!

I am beyond crazy excited! Big thanks go to Bris Style and to Jen for giving me the chance to win :)

Off to organise baby sitters!!

My Big Boy is 7 tomorrow . . .

2011-09-06T02:09:00.000-07:00

. . . . and I just can't believe it. Where has that time gone?

Here he is in the Special Care Nursery at about one week old after a bath. He stayed in there for five weeks before he came home. He was born at 32 weeks and came home when he was just about due!

We've had our share of concerns and worries due to his prematurity, but he just goes from strength to strength. A beautiful heart and a beautiful smile. My beautiful boy.

Happy Birthday my lovely little man!

Goodness gracious me!

2011-08-22T19:05:00.001-07:00

I don't know if you all are fans of "Hattie and the Fox" but it's one of my kids' favourite books and whenever I exclaim I think of it! We Love love love Mem Fox in this house. You can read all about her here. But I digress . . .

It's been nearly a year! Yes! A year! Where has that time gone? What have I been doing? Are you still out there? All questions that I ask myself on a regular basis.

Well, since you asked . . . our family home has had a massive renovation (September-October-November 2010), the usual Christmas/family stuff happened (December/January) and then I went back to part-time work for the first time in 7 years! Holy Moses and wasn't that a shock to the senses? But I'm recovering well and I should be able to start having a life outside work again soon. How is it that two days a week has taken so much out of my time? It's supposed to be part-time, people! But I suppose that is the nature of teaching - your brain is in teaching mode during term and it takes up a lot of energy. Plus, I think I had forgotten how challenging Year 9 students can be. Oh, but funny! I tell you I just laugh from morning to night -that hilarious brand of teenage angst. (You do know I'm joking, yes?)

Amazingly, I have found some time to do some crafty things. During the June/July holidays, a local shopping centre had this deal - $5 to make your own stuffed bear. So we went along and the kids chose a bear skin each and the lady there put it over a big hose connected to what actually looks a lot like a fairy floss machine. The kids stepped on the foot pedal and Voila! The bear skins were filled with lovely soft fluffy filling. The hole in the back of the skin had threads already there that were just pulled up and knotted to close the hole. Very clever. Also very clever were the little outfits they were selling for $10 a pop! I refused to buy the outfits so we went home and made our own.

E's polar bear was definitely a ballerina so we made a leotard and a twirly skirt for her to dance in.

And Oscar's bear became an army doctor.

For the doctor's coat I used Enid Gilchrist's dolls' clothes book and I just winged it for the mask and hat. Also drafted a pattern for the polar bear's leotard and it is just a simple two layered circle skirt with elastic waistband.

Oh, it's good to be back!

Justine Clarke rocks!

2010-08-27T18:28:00.000-07:00

Miss E and Master O loooooove Justine Clarke. And I have to say, I am quite partial to her as well. Her songs are great for kids and they're groovy as well so I don't mind listening to them ad infinitum - I know all the words! We were lucky enough to go to her recent concert two days ago and it was great. I thoroughly enjoyed it - great musicians and a great time.

Here we are waiting for the concert to start.

Miss E sat on my lap the whole time :-) I can understand that it must be overwhelming for a 3-yr-old. But she sang all the way home in the car.

A shot of O at the front of the stage - can't *really* call it a mosh-pit. He had a ball - showed Justine his newly lost toothy gap and got the thumbs up. He was very excited.

These inflatable balls were O's favourite - as evidenced by multiple pictures taken.

And there she is! With her dancing pants on. I highly recommend going to a Justine Clarke concert if you ever have the opportunity.

Tooth Fairy!

2010-08-27T18:18:00.000-07:00

What a momentous occasion! The first visit from the Tooth Fairy! Master O has lost his first tooth - we're just not sure where! I think he must have swallowed it during the night or it's somewhere on the floor of his bedroom :-) He wasn't upset though, rather intrigued at the thought that he could have swallowed it. "Cool, mum!" he said.

The following photo is his favourite, needless to say :)

Can you see it mum??

It's amazing how one little tooth can change how they sound as well. There's the slightest whistle now :-) So cute!

Sewing with Knits

2010-08-13T20:00:00.000-07:00

Recently I've been inspired by a bunch of Crafty Mamas to start sewing with knits. Here are a few of my adventures.

This is Ottobre 4/2009 LIttle Maid shirt. Lovely pattern but the horse print is a rib and I think I stretched it a bit while sewing so it doesn't sit perfectly. I am going to try it again with a sturdier knit.

This is an IMKE from Sewing Clothes Kids Love. This is becoming a favourite and I've already made three! I only have pics of two though as the third one was a present for someone and I forgot to photograph before we gave it!

Here is Miss E's IMKE

Purple is Stella knit from Crafty Mamas shop and the pink is from the op shop :)

And here's Mr O's IMKE

And yes, he *wanted* to look like a stunned mullet in the photo. With milo on his face. The pattern knit has ninjas all over it so he loooooooves it.

I think I have to learn more about how to use my overlocker though - it's not being nice to me :)

Making do with what's in the shed.

2010-08-02T18:42:00.000-07:00

Miss E has been very helpful with hanging out and bringing in the clothes lately. After I picked her up for the 2nd time yesterday to peg a washer on the line, and heard my spine creak under the pressure, I decided it would be better Workplace Health and Safety Practice if I made her a clothesline her own size.

I My initial thought process was "Where will I get one? How much will it cost? Maybe there's an second hand one on ebay? I'll scour the markets next Sunday morning?" None of these thoughts were satisfying as I needed (or, rather, my back needed) a child-sized clothesline *immediately*!

I caught sight of some garden stakes and I had an A-ha moment! "A-ha!" I thought. "I shall build one myself!" So I did, with two timber garden stakes, some galvanised wire, electrical tape (to cover pointy bits), pliers and a sledge hammer. Within 5 minutes she had her dream clothesline and was happily pinning up socks and undies.

Then Miss E said "I need a basket Mummy" and I remembered that I had an old basket with two handles, not unlike a laundry basket, that we had got a Christmas hamper in many years ago. Perfect! So there *is* a good reason to keep things :-)

I am loving myself sick over this! And more importantly, MIss E is in hanging-out heaven. Win-win.

Thanks for looking.

Oh my!!

2010-07-30T15:55:00.000-07:00

http://oh-write.blogspot.com/2010/06/marens-kitchen.html

I don't know whether to be glad or sad that I didn't see this post before buying E her kitchen over 12 months ago for her birthday. Glad probably - otherwise she probably would have had bits of old furniture only half completed into kiddie kitchens scattered about her bedroom :)

Awesome-ness, yes?

I forgot the cake!

2010-06-24T18:40:00.000-07:00

All year E has wanted a Peppa Pig Fairy Cake. This is what we came up with. 1/2 slab from Woolies with fresh whipped cream and sugar icing picture on top. We copies a pic from the internet and made each section individually. I'm quite impressed with the quality of the colours, if I do say so myself. We were loving ourselves sick over it! Then on the birthday morn, Miss E said to her father . . .

Daddy: Are you excited about your Peppa Pig Fairy Cake?

Miss E: *frown* I want a turtle.

Needless to say she got a Peppa Pig Fairy Cake.

Miss E's 3!

2010-06-23T05:08:00.001-07:00

I know! She got a scooter for her birthday and loves it.

Loaded up with the necessities . . .

Here she is burning pink rubber up our driveway.

Mum: Smile E so I can get a photo of you with your new scooter.

E: *look*

This photo makes me laugh and then involuntarily I shudder. In about 8 years I'm guessing that look won't be so cute!

And because she is an Extreme Sportswoman - some drawing with helmet.

You just never know when a colouring pen might jump up and give you a noogie.

Do you think it will last?

2010-06-23T05:06:00.001-07:00

I live in hope.

Want to win something?

2010-06-11T01:02:00.000-07:00

I thought you would!

Head over here to win some beautiful Farbenmix fabrics. Crafty Mamas is where I "hang out" online when I've got a moment. It's lovely there :)

Go on. Get!!

What have I done lately?

2010-05-26T21:09:00.001-07:00

I've made a shirt for Miss E! Gearing up for her 3rd birthday on the weekend so will have lots of posts to do with that soon!

I used this pattern as I love Indie Tutes and follow her blog. Always so inspiring and down to earth.

Thanks for looking!

A shirt for me

2010-05-11T05:15:00.001-07:00

Well I finally finished this shirt for myself. Hmmmmmm. Jury is out. Well actually no it's not. It has decided, beyond reasonable doubt, that this shirt makes me look pregnant. Not a look I"m going for at the mo! What do you think?

Here is what it looked like on the beautiful model in the latest Ottobre women's mag . . .

I got rid of the shirring - five rows thank you very much! Because it gave my muffin top a muffin top. I also have made the skirt but it is a bit big. I'm thinking the shirt is too big as well - should have made the size down. Instead of shirring I just put ties on the side - a suggestion from Lissy on the Crafty Mamas forum. But I think, if I'm going to keep it, I need to take in a lot of the fabric in the side seams. What to do, what to do? You can see all that extra material that would have been taken up in the shirring. Any suggestions?

Some wire work

2010-04-29T03:33:00.001-07:00

For a while there I thought I'd lost my bead-jo :) But it turned up again, said "I missed you" and settled in for the winter. Ahhhhhh, comfy!

So I thought I'd share some of my latest fascination for wire, especially copper wire. I love copper and recently just bought a Huuuuuuuuge lot of it at 50% off so will be using it a lot more. It's soft but strong - love it!

First up, copper wire (18 gauge cuff and 26 gauge wrapping) with Czech glass. I love the tone of the mint glass with the copper. This is quite a chunky piece so I put a safety chain on it as well - but it makes it hard to put on by yourself. Hmmmm, what to do?

One of my fave colour combos is red and blue - coral red and turquoise blue. These beads are red coral and synthetic Turquoise. I played around with my hammer and anvil that I bought last year at the bead show. You can see the slightly hammered/textured look on the copper wire. Safety chain on this one too though it's more petite.

This is a big mama! With same gauge wires as above but for some reason it just feels more stable so I didn't put a safety chain on it. Perhaps because there are more beads? Don't know really! Beads are glass focals and lovely lovely Swarovski crystals in jet, clear, light colorado and fire opal. Fireopal would have to be my favourite colour of Swarovski I think. It's just gorgeous - these photos don't do it justice at all!

And this is my favourite I think - same beads as above - twisted wire pendant. Freeform - I love seeing what comes out of my hands. So much fun!

This is some lovely quality Chinese crystals (not as nice as Swarovskis but very very nice all the same) and twisted coppe wire. I think this sparkles beautifully but the photo doesn't pick it up too well.

Thanks for looking!

Happy Birthday . . .

2010-03-25T18:18:00.001-07:00

. . . to Uncle Ash!!!!

Have a fully sick day!

lots of love from all of us :-)

Oh and by the way . . .

2010-03-22T04:18:00.000-07:00

. . . somebody is very happy with their new doona. See this post.

Too cute.

Our latest set of wheels . . .

2010-03-22T04:02:00.000-07:00

. . . well it doesn't have wheels *yet*.

But it is a two-seater, with a baby seat (for a baby pony of course) and seat belts. It has had some minor bodywork done - some limited edition graffiti by Miss E.

All in all - it worked out pretty well and they do love to play in it. So far it is standing up to rigorous playing without falling apart. The only thing is Baby Pony's seat sometimes gets overloaded and the bulldog clips give out. Might have to book it into Kidsafe House for a safety assessment :-)

I was going to make a tutorial for it but ended up making it in the 30 minutes before dinner last night after the kids had been begging me all day to make a two-seater cardboard car - and I kept putting them off because of gardening. So my guilt kicked in at 5.30 and it was done by 6! Nothing quite so satisfying as crafting by the seat of one's pants! I do have more cardboard though so sing out if you think you might like a tute.

Do you think she likes it?

Something Scrappy

2010-03-07T16:27:00.000-08:00

One of my loveliest friends had a birthday in January and I decided to make her a framed scrapbook page. She and her husband are fantabulous with our kids so I put photos of "Aunty P" playing with the kids. I've never done the collage/paper tearing thing but have always loved the kids' books that have illustrations done this way, especially "Hattie and the Fox" by Mem Fox. Goodness Gracious Me!!!

So here are some pics of what I came up with. I decided that the journalling would emphasise the ripped paper, when I probably could have done something with ink? But I just wasn't brave enough! Next time.

The journalling has lots of words starting with P - P for Aunty P. I was quite proud of how it turned out. And considering Aunty P is a very talented Art teacher I am, in hind sight, quite impressed with my bravery at giving her something "arty"!

And Aunty P loved it! So that's the main thing.

Thanks for looking :-)

Someone is going to be very excited when they get home from school this afternoon!

2010-02-10T18:35:00.001-08:00

Hopefully 'twill be dry so I can put it on his bed ready to go.

He's been such a wonderful, wonderful boy with all this school business. So when he saw this in the latest Big W catalogue the other day I went and got it. He used to have pyjamas with a glow in the dark skeleton on them which he loooooooved to pieces. So he was very excited when he saw this doona cover.

This photo is from winter 2008!! So I guess E will have the skeleton pj's this winter!

Bag Lady.

2010-02-07T03:43:00.000-08:00

It all started with this little purple bag.

O and E have been really into collecting "treasures". O will generally go and put them in his drawers in his bedroom, or, more usually, in his pockets where they often have a free ride in the washing machine :)

Miss E, however, likes to store her precious things in her "Barg" (bag).

Once the purple "barg" was full . . .

. . . as evidenced above, she then appropriated this beautifully handmade bag that I received from Mandy in a swap. She quilted the bag and it is quite exquisite with my name and some quavers on the front. Very cool and I love it. However, it is now the second receptacle for Miss E's treasures.

Yes - the purple "barg" now goes INTO the new bigger bag. With a whole heap of crap, I mean, treasures, including all the chalk from the blackboard. I had been wondering where it went to, until I opened her (my!!) bag and a whole heap of chalk dust wafted out. Mystery solved.

She keeps her Baby Alive nasal aspirator (yes I know - who knew a doll needed a nasal aspirator!!) and various cars that her brother trusted to her care (they're old ones Mum so she can have them) and various other bits and pieces that she has picked up over time.

As you can see she loooooooves her "barg" and it is so full it is literally bulging at the seams. But how cute is she? I don't have the heart to take it back.

She can often be found swinging it around by the beautifully crocheted string on the zipper - she also sucks on it so I can't vouch for its cleanliness.

And I should add that there is now ANOTHER bag that is bigger again. But this time she has decided not to put the above bag into the new bag. No, she is filling that one from scratch. It currently lives in her doll's stroller in her bedroom. It's nearly full too. She must have been a bag lady in a previous life.

But gosh she is cute! Lucky!!

First Day AOK!

2010-01-27T15:52:00.000-08:00

Master O started prep yesterday and my goodness it went well! Not that we were expecting any other outcome - he has literally been busting to get to school since Kindy finished last year.

It was such a wonderful day. I didn't even get teary. I think it hit me this morning when I dropped him off ("Mummy, I'm so excited about my second day at school!") and as soon as we got outside the classroom he put his bag away and said "Ok bye mummy! You can go now."

My baby is no longer my baby! But it's all good - I'm so glad he's had a lovely first day.

And here are my lovely kids waiting outside the classroom.

The beginning of a new era.

I've done it!

2010-01-24T18:11:00.000-08:00

To begin our Year of Health, I joined up with Weight Watchers again. I'm seeing results and I'm happy to say that I have lost 1.5kg over the past two weeks.

So I'm pretty happy about that.

Also excited about exercising again - got the Jillian Michaels dvd for Christmas and I've actually enjoyed doing it. Didn't think I would but it is manageable and she's actually really good to listen to :) Well, I never!!

Onwards and upwards!

Shmerpi!

2010-01-21T04:42:00.001-08:00

I bought this pattern a while ago because it was so darn cute! It is a Shmerpi and the pattern is by One Red Robin, or Jhoanna Monte. I love that she is Australian too - she lives in Melbourne. Have a look at her blog - it is full of lovely goodness.

Anyway! I made a Shmerpi for one of my beautiful nieces who is turning 8 on Sunday.

I used op-shop purple fleecy backed tracksuit material for the body, acrylic felt for the face, heart and pocket tabs. The lovely clothes were made from some lovely fabric I got in a Crafty Mama's swap from Lissylou.

Here is the Shmerp looking pensive and bit nervous about meeting her new owner. Or that could just be my still-to-be-developed embroidery skills :)

Although she does look kind of happy in this shot, don't you think?

Arms crossed and very nonchalant.

Just hangin'.

I really enjoyed making her and I hope that Miss O loves her to pieces. The clothes were really easy to make and go on easily. This is such a lovely pattern. The only thing I would change in the instructions would be to stuff the legs AFTER sewing the front and back together, as instructed for the arms. The pattern pieces actually imply this, but being the stickler that I am, I followed the written instructions, not the markings on the pattern. Do you know how hard it is to sew the front and back of a softie together with two incredibly well-stuffed limbs sandwiched in between! It took me many, many, many goes to get it right. So if you have this pattern, are going to buy this pattern, or borrow it from me (Julie ;) ) then heed my warning!

Thanks for looking :)

OK - I have decided!

2010-01-20T21:43:00.000-08:00

I'm sewing this top at the moment. I had a top last winter that is a similar style and I love love loved it to death! Saves me having to pick it apart to make a pattern.

Love Hot Patterns - good size range from 6 - 26. I'm making an 18 and it looks like it might be a bit big but we'll see. I'm using a piece of tomato red t-shirt material that I bought from an op shop - not sure when or how much - but it is just a test run. If I like it I have some nice stuff to make it from :)

What are you going to make?

2010 Challenge

2010-01-09T17:07:00.000-08:00

I'm entering my friend, Carolyn's, blog challenge!

Off you go! Go to her blog and sign up!

January's challenge is something for yourself. Hmmmmm . . . . thinking cap is on!

The Handmade Dress Patterns GUEST GIVEAWAY!!!!

2009-11-12T19:21:00.000-08:00

The Handmade Dress Patterns GUEST GIVEAWAY!!!!

Awww! I love these patterns. What a great giveaway!

Kindy Costumes - finally finished!

2009-11-12T03:35:00.001-08:00

I have posted previously about my wonderful Auntie and how she gave me her Enid Gilchrist magazines. I love them. And I love her!! Here are a few pics of the latest (and last) of the Kindy dressups I made for them. Yes, I know it's near the end of the year and Oscar will be leaving in a month (!!) but I said I'd make them so I had to follow through. That will teach me for being enthusiastic and saying, "Yes sure I’ll make you six aprons, six oven mitts, 4 vests, 2 mechanics outfits, two doctors' coats and two pairs of chaps as well as sew up 6 kindy sheet sets." Easy!

Here’s a pic of O in the Mechanic’s outfit. I used an Enid Gilchrist pattern and modified it by adding length to the jumpsuit. I think the legs turned out a bit funny because I trimmed them before sewing the inner seam – shouldn’t have done that! So now the legs aren’t even length. Hmmmmm – in the photo from behind you can see how it rides up a bit. Not sure if that’s just the fact that O’s wearing shorts and t-shirt underneath or my bad sewing!

And here is a pic just of the outfit – without the boy :)

Thanks again Auntie Robin for your precious Enids.

Christmas Bling

2009-11-10T02:16:00.001-08:00

Look at all these lovelies! I had a beading night with my beading buddy the other night and made these! 20 pairs of Christmas sparkliness - 10 each in gold an silver finishes. I'm thinking $8AUD per pair plus postage. What do you think?

Here are a few closeups for you.

They are my versions of stylised Christmas Trees and little piles of Presents. I really enjoyed making them. Let me know if you'd like some :)

I won I won!!

2009-11-04T18:56:00.000-08:00

this!!

Sam, from Jetta's Nest, won the competition to have her design printed on the BrisStylettes bag and I won a bag when they're printed!

I am so excited!

Thanks BrisStylettes :) hope to see you all at the market on Dec 4th.

Go and check out the awesome women on the BrisStylettes blog - amazingly wonderful crafty creative women! And then come to the market and buy lots of stuff!

Woooooooo hooooooooo!

Lovely Giveaway!

2009-10-18T21:49:00.001-07:00

On Nadine's blog :)

17 years ago today . . .

2009-10-16T22:41:00.000-07:00

. . . my mother died.

I was 17 when she died, so it is now half my life that she has been gone. Well, if I were going to be *really* accurate I would say that it isn't actually exactly half my life because I'd already turned 17 when she died. So half my life will be in another couple of months, but who's counting, right?

One of my sisters and her children came over today and we all went to the cemetery, which is very close to my house. Despite the proximity of the cemetery where Mum is buried, I rarely go there. I don't suppose it's something that I'm keen to do although it was kind of nice (if I might use that word) to take my children there.

Since having children I've been a bit caught up in them to really remember my grief for my mother. I think because this year's anniversary is quite important, being the halfway point as it were, it seems to have come back and hit me at full force. Grief's funny like that. Sometimes I wonder whether I set myself up for it or whether Grief really has a mind of its own and comes and goes as it pleases. Quite probably it is a combination of both. I have been reading some books about Grief lately as I have been a bit apprehensive about this anniversary. I'm getting old enough to say that something happened "half my life" ago and I can remember the details :).

It is significant that this past year I have felt the need to move through to the next stage of my Grief. I was cocky enough to think that I was "over it" and that I had "moved on". Don't you love how we like to think of Grief as being "over" or "through"? I am reading Grieving Mindfully at the moment. It comes from a Buddhist perspective and as I'm learning some Mindfulness exercises and meditation at the moment it seems to really hit the spot for me.

I am quite surprised and a little perturbed at how distressed I was this morning. Possibly the anticipation of going to the cemetery, not wanting to be upset around my children/sister/ children/husband/anyone! Possibly not wanting to feel the anger and hurt and sadness that I feel when I remember my loss. I was quite surprised by the amount of anger and hurt. I think out of all the emotions, as I get older, Anger is predominant. And I mean that capital A. Just as I'm giving Grief a capital G. These emotions are becoming more than just acquaintances to me, and I think that's because they've been around for so long! So perhaps instead of dreading them I should welcome them with open arms and live with them. We have known each other for half a lifetime after all :)

I thought I'd share a couple of pictures from our trip to the cemetery this morning. Perhaps it's morbid to take photos at a cemetery? I don't know. It is what it is.

Kindy costumes

2009-09-25T01:48:00.000-07:00

Have had these on my to do list for awhile. Thought I'd post some pics. I volunteered to make up some kindy dress-ups that weren't ballet skirts or fairy-related :) I've already made a mechanics jumpsuit and some cowboy chaps - but I forgot to take pics of them! I'm making another mechanic's jumpsuit so I'll take pics of that when I'm done.

Here are a few doctors' coats and some vests - both from a Butterick kids' costume pattern that I got from Lesley when she had a clean-out :) The coats came from an old bed sheet so they are quite stiff and sturdy like medical coats are. I don't think they would have worked very well if they were from polycotton.

The coat is a size 5 - the biggest the pattern went up to. I don't know that I'd bother making it smaller ever. Here is Miss E in the same coat. Now, she is a tall 2-year-old but still - she'd grow out of it quickly enough!

The red crosses are painted on with really cool fabric textas that I got from Crafty Mamas - my favourite shop :)

These are the vests, from the same costume pattern as the coats - one out of fluoro fabric and the other of a cow print. Master O wouldn't wear the cow print so Baby Girl obliged. They're both size 5 as well - again I would never bother making a smaller one for E.

These were so quick to whip up - love fast, satisfying jobs, especially ones that don't cost a whole lot.

Pattern - free

Material - old bed sheet that was given to us

Fluoro - about $1

Cow - about $2

Now to make some for the kids to keep.

Some sewing for me :)

2009-09-20T20:25:00.001-07:00

I finally made myself the wallet I've always wanted! I bought this pattern in a co-op and it sat on my desk for a couple of months while I became more and more irritated with the coins falling out of my falling-apart wallet down to the depths of my handbag.

The only good thing about having a wallet with a hole in the coin compartment is that you always find a treasure when you're digging around in your handbag looking for a tissue or a pen :) Bonus!

Here are some pics. I was very happy with how it turned out - although sewing through that many layers is tricky when you don't have a denim needle and are impatient to get the sewing done. so I only managed to break 4 universal size 80 needles on this one project :) Blasted Zips!

This is the outside zip compartment - there is one on the other side too. I am using one side to hold all my membership/loyalty cards. I don't know how I have so many! The other side I've got stamps and business cards and doc appointment cards. I love this - in my old wallet the cards would always make my wallet bulge and get out of shape. I can't see this happening here.

This is the outside of the wallet.

This is the wallet open and you can see from left to right there is a zipper compartment for coins, space for cards, more cards with the notes compartment behind it and then a pen loop although you can't see it well in this photo.

Here's the open coin compartment.

And the notes compartment looking very sad and empty:)

And here's my lovely pen loop. I love this - no more digging around to find a pen.

Thanks for looking and please leave a comment if you like - I like to know that I'm not just blogging to myself :)

More Party Photos

2009-09-15T19:43:00.000-07:00

Thought I might share some more Pics from the Big Boy's birthday party from last weekend. As it was apirate party we decided to do a treasure hunt. With the help from a lovely friend who is an art teacher, I made this treasure chest.

It's a box that the kids' new sleeping bags came in - perfect size. I just covered it in the wood-grain contact that costs about $2 a roll at the $2 shop and put some stickers on that we also found at the $2 for around $4 I think. The contents of the treasure chest for the kindy party was a whole heap of plastic gold coins, some pirate hooks (styrofoam cups with pipe-cleaner hooks and a folded straw to hold onto inside the cup) and the alfoil covered paper towel tubes were the makeshift telescopes. There were also some eyepatches in there as well but I bought them as well. Also for the jewels we had some bead necklaces and big chunky palstic rings, 6 of each for $4. The little boys loved it! It is looking a bit the worse for wear in these photos.

For the family party the following weekend there was a heap of chocolate coins, some party blowers and some party hats. The kids loved finding the clues and traipsing around the house and yard to find the next clue.

The cake is from the Women's Weekly Kids' party cakes book. The Ghostly Galleon.

Here you can see my attempt at writing with icing. Not toooo bad. I'm sure I'll get lots of practise over the years.

And here is my little pirate showing his tough pirate tatts :)

I was also happy with how the decorations turned out. I made a whole heap os black flag shapes and stuck each with a round white circle of white contact paper - I was trying to find circular printing labels which I have seen before but could not find anywhere! I trimmed the circles to look like skull shapes - just a small trim on each side - and drew the bones on with liquid paper. Then drew eyes and teeth on with black sharpie pen. They look good from far away :) This is the best picture I have as I forgot to take any photos of them when they were up. And now they are at Kindy ready for the last day of term's Pirate Day.

Thanks for looking.

Big Boy Birthday!

2009-09-07T22:35:00.000-07:00

Well the day came yesterday . . . my little baby turned five! I can still remember the day he was born five years ago. I was 32 weeks pregnant and my waters broke! So the first five weeks of his life he lived in the hospital. They took such good care of him - and now he's five!

Here he is at 3 days old - so tiny!

And here he is only last weekend getting ready for a cowboy birthday party for a kindy friend. This is him galloping :)

And my two little chickens in front of our fishtank. I think I'll take a photo of them in front of the tank at each birthday from now on to see their growth - something to compare them with.

And another photo of my big boy just because he is so darn cute!

This was the most popular present - a bowling set from National Geographic shop. The pins and ball are really nicely weighted so you actually feel like you are bowling. Plus there is a pin template made of plastic which you lay on the floor so an adult is not needed to set up the pins repeatedly :) Everyone's a winner!

And of course . . . . Mousetrap!

Happy Birthday my big fella! Love you!

Oh how I laughed!

2009-09-02T14:44:00.001-07:00

see more Lolcats and funny pictures

Prizes for my SEWN giveaway

2009-08-18T00:41:00.001-07:00

I can finally put the photos up here as I've finished and posted the loveliness off to the winners :)
Here are some pics of the two cuffs I made recently - the green one is going to Digital Misfit.

Digital Misfit got to choose between the blue with copper and the green with copper - and she chose the green :)

They are both made with 18 guage copper wire as the frame and 24 guage for attaching all the beads. the blue cuff has czech glass 8mm faceted rounds, some Chinese crystals and some little seed beads.

They Green has two MOP donuts witha selection of green Indian glass beads and clear/silver and silver/purple czech glass.

I hope Heidi likes her prize when it gets to her over in Canada. Thanks for entering Heidi!

Finally finished my monkey men

2009-07-15T19:59:00.000-07:00

So I finally finished the two monkey-men who have already found their way to their new home. Here is the navy blue one - his mouth is a little crooked but I do love the way it makes him look. He's a cutie. I hand sewed him entirely - He seems very strong so hopefully he will be able to stand up to the punishments of a little boy :)

And this one is the black one - he's going to the brother of the blue monkey. His body is all machine-stitched but it seemed to work this time - the stitches weren't breaking. So I must have been doing something wrong last time.

And here's all three together, hanging out.

These guys are so much fun to make.

Fly me to the moon . . .

2009-07-14T20:01:00.000-07:00

Having saved all these boxes, I decided to use some of them. I got a slow cooker for my birthday (yay!) and the Styrofoam packing seemed to be a good size to form some structural support for a cardboard car - the last one we made was very sad and droopy :-)

So we started with this frame . . .

. . . and this fruit box . . .

I trimmed the inner circle of the Styrofoam so it was a touch bigger and then pushed it into the bottom of the fruit box - and it fit perfectly!

A quick check for size . . . all good!

Next we added some wings (yes, by now we had changed from a car to a plane!) and I thought we were finished! But Master O reminded me that planes have nose cones. So we added that too.

Here's a close up of how we added the wings and nose cone - just a simple tongue and groove arrangement. Works quite well!

Next was a coat of paint and we were done for the day. Had to let it dry overnight.

Some headlights and . . . . . it was ready for take off!!

Enjoy!

Some recent sewing

2009-07-02T04:56:00.003-07:00

I have a lot of things on my to-do list and finally, finally I am nearly finished a gift for somebody special who gave me a heap of flannel last year so I could make lots of raggy quilts. I don't think she reads my blog so I think I'm safe posting he pics here.

So I made a pair of warm winter pyjamas for both of this lovely Mama's boys - I'm a chicken when it comes to sewing stretch, so the tops are just from Big W and I appliqued (quite badly) their initial on each one so that they can tell whose pj's are whose! They are quite close in age so I made them the same size. The flannel is from spotlight.

Along with each pair of pj's I have a sock monkey - I have yet to make them - they are almost completed but just need their limbs sewed on. So I've added a photo of a sock monkey (same socks but different colours) that I have made as a special order for a friend overseas. I wonder if she'll read this and think "Oh it's mine!!" :-)

He was so lovely to make - I didn't use the machine - and it turned out so much nicer than my machined sock monkeys. For some reason (it's that stretch fabric thing!!) the seams just always seem to split :(. I never have a problem with the ones I've hand-sewn. Any ideas on what I"m doing wrong?

Haven't posted for ages so I just thought I'd let you all know that things are happening - I just don't have 36 hours in the day. I wish!

More Beanstalk action.

2009-07-02T03:39:00.000-07:00

So here is how we are situated now. We have three clouds, from left to right is O's, mine and then E's :) She subscribes to the "less is more" school of design.

On the top is O's artwork - the Giant's castle with the Giant poking his head out. The Giant, as well as the O figure and the Mummy figure are all separate and have little cardboard sticks on them so we can make up stories and move them around. O decided he didn't want pegs on them - he wanted sticks. So there you go. Glad I didn't rush out and buy a bag of dolls clothes pegs!

And here is O, Mummy and their house.

Master O's version of the story is . . . .

Once upon a time there was a boy named O and his mummy. They lived in a house and one day the Mummy asked O to go to the markets to get some food. He came back with lots of vegetables and ice-cream for dessert. He grew big and strong because he ate his vegetables. Then they threw the beans out the window and went to bed.

Next morning they woke up and looked out the window (much throwing up of hands and exclaiming) and there was a GIANT BEANSTALK!!!! It was so cool. So O climbed it and went up to the top through the clouds. He knocked on the door and the giant was there and he said "come on in O!" He wasn't mean at all - he was a friendly giant. His name was Mr Friendly. Then O's mummy climbed up and they all had a cuppa tea.

The End.

I love his stories - but then I am a sucker for a happy ending :)

Jack and the Beanstalk

2009-06-25T03:30:00.000-07:00

O was home from Kindy today - could probably have gone, but tomorrow is the last day of term 2 and they're having pizza and doing other fun things. So I'd rather he have a quiet day today so he can enjoy tomorrow :)

I saw this the other day via One Pretty Thing - this has to be one of my favourite online resources for cool things to make. I HEART it even. I know. It's serious.

Anyway - O has really been getting into the Jack and the Beanstalk story in one of his bedtime books so I thought this would be a great way to take up some time today.

Here is our beanstalk - I drew the rough shape on some old cardboard I saved (see my husbane??!! There IS a good reason to hoard all that stuff!), then I squirted some green paint on and the kids painted roughly where they were supposed to. Do you like my beautiful christmas-themed drop sheet? Then I cut around the shape with a stanley knife (NOT a box cutter as we live in Australia ;) )

Next we hung it up on the door in the loungeroom so that it can be a focus for awhile and be played with while I'm doing things in the kitchen.

Then we were going to use some old photos as the characters but I got such a look of disgust from my son! He wanted to draw them! So he did - and little sister wanted to be in on it too.

The concentration is palpable!

I will update over the weekend once all our characters are drawn and attached to either iceblock sticks or clothes pegs - haven't decided yet.

The sick house

2009-06-24T16:08:00.001-07:00

Yes. Again.

But I have many plans to do many lovely crafty things so while I have O home from Kindy today we'll try and do something fun and when they have a rest I'll try and do something fun for me.

Does that sentence even make sense?? Meh. No energy to change it. Going to have a cuppa and blow my nose.

SEWN competition winner :)

2009-06-10T03:46:00.000-07:00

I decided that I cold really do two draws - why not, right?? I drew the two numbers randomly (using the random.org random number generator) and got . . .

25

And that post belongs to . . . . . .

Tas!!

And the second winning number is . . . .

53

Digital Misfit

congratulations!

I will be contacting you both shortly to discuss what you would like :)

And thank you to everyone who entered :)

Just to remind you . . ..

2009-06-04T01:56:00.001-07:00

I've just finished uploading some pics of my favourite pieces of jewellery I have made over the last couple of years. Mainly because some of you entering the SEWN giveaway were having trouble finding pics on my blog - and that owuld be because I didn't have very many up!Silly moi!

So the posts are now labelled better and you should be able to find pics to look at.

Now go here and leave a comment so you can be in the running to win some jewellery :-)

More jewellery pics

2009-06-03T19:45:00.000-07:00

simple glass beads and silver-plated beads on tigertail.

Memory wire bracelet with cut glass rounds and hearts and silver-plated twisted tubes.

Indian glass beads on double-strand of black cotton.

Another wedding set for a different friend ;) Swarovski glass pearls, swarovski crystal rondelles and silver-plated wire. This is such a beautiful, elegant set. My photography (including setting up the backgrounds!) has improved a lot since then!

More pics again.

2009-06-03T19:36:00.000-07:00

I made this set for a friend's wedding. A twisted wire neck cuff, twisted wire bracelet and long earrings - pearls, shell, amethyst chips.

Czech glass pearls on silver-plated wire cuff and matching earrings.

Something fun! A tea straining with dangle - rose quartz and goddess charm.

Twisted wire seed beada dn glass bead necklace with tiger-tail and seed bead earrings.

Asymmetrical necklace - glass beads and drops on tigertail.

More jewellery pics

2009-06-03T19:29:00.001-07:00

Bag charm - czech glass pendant, czech glass beads and assorted plated findings

Czech glass drops, czech glass faceted rounds and long bugle beads on nickle plated findings

Resin wobbly donuts and rounds on brown cotton cord

silver plated wire with a selection of pink czech glass and crystals
I hand-shaped the cuff frame.

Another wire cuff with selection of mint czech glass and seed beads on silver-plated wire. I hand shape the cuff frame on this one as well. These are probbaly my favourite thing to make :)

Assorted Jewellery I'm proud of.

2009-06-03T19:20:00.001-07:00

Glass Button with black wire and czech crystals

glass beads on red twisted wire, bronze findings

Green czech glass beads with twisted silver-plated wire on european ear hooks

Handmade wire and glass/pearl beaded pendant on silver rat-tail cord

Button and wire necklace on rattail cord.

The Party aftermath

2009-06-01T20:45:00.001-07:00

Ok - so we were supposed to have a lovely party for Miss E's 2nd birthday last Sunday. Unfortunately, we succumbed, one by one, to a little virus that saw much time spent in bed and/or on the toilet. Not happy Jan!

Master O went down first, then party girl, then Daddy - so we postponed the party on the morning of the celebration. Nothing like last minute!

I was nice enough to wait until the night of the intended party to succumb. So here are a couple of photos of some of the cakes I made that had to be frozen and the birthday cake - a teacup - an awesome creation by DH - that had to go in the bin due to him icing it before the bug hit!

This is our very lonely birthday candles ceremony - and yes Miss E did snaffle those Tim Tams as soon as the cake was put down!

and a closeup of the cake - we were stumped on how to do the handle - but will try something different next time. This attempt was a bit droopy :)

We did our own pass the parcel with Miss E, Mr O, Mr O's teddy and me. He was really looking forward to doing pass the parcel with all his cousins so we improved. And guess who won?????

My cupcakes in icecream cones. I was very happy with how these turned out. I hope they will freeze well!

And of course - here is the birthday girl enjoying her present. She absolutely loves it and won't let anyone else near it!

All seems to be fine, gut-wise, in the household now. Here's to good health and happiness! And remember to leave a comment on this post if you want to be part of the huge BLOG party giveaway for the launch of the new SEWN website.

SEWN

2009-05-31T20:34:00.000-07:00

I'm going to be part of the SEWN blog party! Isn't it exciting??

Just leave a comment here on my blog and I will draw a winner on June 8 and you will win some of my handmade jewellery :) Your choice - have a look at what I have on my blog and see what you like. If nothing takes your fancy, just let me know what style of jewellery you like and I can do something in that style.

Simple!

so go and have a look at the SEWN site - looks like it will be lots of fun!

Regular Rhythm Restored

2009-05-29T22:57:00.000-07:00

Tried the dress and jacket on Miss E last night sans Wondersuit and it fits beautifully! Phew!

So here are some pretty bad photos of her with it on Thursday night - she's very grumpy and it's no wonder as she spent Friday vomiting! But is better today so the party must go on tomorrow!

And no, she won't be wearing the duckies pyjama pants as part of her ensemble. :-) The patterns are from Ottobre Design 3/09 - Three-way Dress (18.) and Jacket "Poet" (19.)

Thanks for Looking.

Heart Palpitations

2009-05-27T03:26:00.000-07:00

I've started having them!

Because the beautiful little jacket I just finished for E to wear to her birthday party on Sunday just might be too small!! She seems to be a bit wider in the chest even though I made the 98cm - have made her 92cm shirts but different fit I guess. And it was really really hard. But it is so cute and just so beautiful.

Am staying calm because I *did* put it on over her pj's tonight so will wait for tomorrow and try it on with the dress.

Calm, blue ocean. Calm, blue ocean.

On another note - here are the party bags I've made for sunday. Because we're (I say "we" but of course I mean "I") having a Tea for Two theme as Miss E turns that magical number. So the party bags are teatowels from Big W - you know the standard red, blue and green checked ones that I've made into aprons with just the plain white tape that you can buy from woolies. I based it on this tute and they worked out really well. Each child gets the apron and in one of the pockets is a biscuit cutter and a laminated biscuit recipe card. In the other pocket is a snaplock bag of lollies. They ended up folding up really neatly so I'm pretty chuffed with how they look and I think they'll be well received. The little tags have pics of E in a chef's hat and says "thanks for coming to my party" - with each child's name on the back of the tag in nikko pen. Some pics below.

And just because I can't keep it a secret anymore- here are some pics of what Miss E is getting for her birthday. When we drop O off at Kindy she heads straight for home corner and checks out the dolls in the big cradle then has to touch every dial and knob on the oven/ microwave/sink/fridge and then open every door several times. She then checks out the pretend fruit and then I have to grab her and leave! So here's what we've got her. We got it last weekend and put it together and it is currently hiding under a sheet in the office.

It's a bit pink, isn't it? And I'm thinking that eventually I will paint over the Barbie logo and put her name there.

Anyway - I know she's going to love it even though it goes against the feminist grain somewhat. However, she'll love it and that's that :)

I have been sewing up a storm!

2009-05-15T03:41:00.000-07:00

Yes I have! And here are some pictures to prove it.

I found a whole heap of fleecy backed tracksuiting at the local lifeline. It wasn't a complete steal (hence I haven't blogged about it!) but it was in great ocndition and hadn't been washed or cut so I bought it. I made the purple trackies above and have made another three pairs out of the other colours I also snaffled at said Lifeline shop. Miss E is desperately in need of some long winter pants to dag around in as she is growing like a weed!

The chef's hat she is wearing is actually a birthday present for a niece - I made her an apron out of the same fabric for Christmas so this should be winging its way to her very soon!

And this photo just because my children are cute :) And yes, we peel our mushrooms. I know some people don't and they think I'm crazy but there you have it. We are peelers.

And this beautiful dress is from the current Ottobre 3/09 (this dress but with different sleeves). It is so easy to sew up and hopefully will look cute on the birthday girl in a couple of weekends time. I am also making up the jacket that goes with it so stay tuned for more pics. Will try and take some of Miss E in said dress as well.

I have also been making costumes for Kindy and heaps of other stuff including curtains for Miss E and other assorted things. Photos to come when I'm organised!

Ciao ciao!

Mothers' Day

2009-05-15T03:27:00.000-07:00

I know it's a bit late but I did have the best Mothers' Day ever! My gift was a scrapbooking weekend on the first weekend of May. Two whole nights and two whole days of just scrapbooking! It was heaven. I did 47 pages but failed to defend my title from last year of most pages completed. Oh well - will try again next year :)

THEN - as I was perusing the Weekend Shopper on saturday morning I noted that someone was selling off all their stamping/scrapbooking supplies JUST AROUND THE CORNER!! So of course I had to go and beautiful husband said "why don't you go and spend $50 there as part of your Mothers' Day present so we have something to wrap tomorrow?" And I was happy to oblige. Will post photos of that in another post - it deserves a post all of its own.

Here are some photos from my lovely day.

Here I am having breakfast in bed (beautiful bacon and pancakes made by my beautiful husband :) ) and showing off the beautiful artwork that O made for me at Kindy.

And here we are on the couch after a lovely roast lamb lunch (again beautifully cooked by my gourmet chef husband). We had MIL and SIL over for lunch and it was a lovely day.

Hope everyone else had as good a day as I did.

Simple Skirts GIVEAWAY!!!!

2009-04-30T03:18:00.000-07:00

Simple Skirts GIVEAWAY!!!!

You must go and have a look at this giveaway - such lovely little girly skirts!

cheers
Kat

And finally . . .

2009-04-28T03:35:00.001-07:00

Silver-plated chain with Eagle's Eye semi-precious stones, czech glass and silver plated findings. SOLD

This is another heart pendant made by a local Brisbane lampwork bead artist. It is on two strands of silk cord and ties at the base of the neck.

SOLD

Large rose Quartz Butterfly Pendant on black satin cord with gold clasp and extension chain with matching earrings. $20 plus postage.

Okay - that's all I have available at the moment :) Please let me know if you're interested in anything here. katshaw75@gmail.com

Some More Jewellery ;)

2009-04-28T03:09:00.000-07:00

Stone heart pendant on satin cord with clasp and extension chain -
SOLD

Dragon pendant on pre-made suede cord with clasp and extension chain - $10 plus postage.

Semi-precious stone "Eagle's Eye" and black czech glass bracelet with silver toggle clasp.

SOLD

Pearl bracelet with nickle-plated clasp and extension chain and matching earrings $15 plus postage.

This heart-shaped bead was handmade by a local Brisbane lampwork bead artist. $30 plus postage.

A selection of glass butterfly pendants in assorted colours - gold or silver plated findings - $10 each plus postage. All have extension chains to fit a wider range of necks.

FIRST AND LAST BUTTERFLIES - SOLD

I made this pendant with 18g copper wire and a selection of pink czech glass beads. It's on satin cord with clasp and extension chain - $15 plus postage.

As above but with green glass beads - $15 plus postage.

Lead-free pewter pendant on satin cord with sliding knots to adjust length. $12.50 plus postage.

Jewellery for sale :)

2009-04-28T02:26:00.000-07:00

Here are some pictures of the leftovers from the jewellery party my friend and I held on Sunday. It was a lovely afternoon and we managed to do pretty well. I thought I'd post the remaining pieces on here to see if anyone would like them. If so, you can email me or respond to the blog post - I will be doing a few posts.

This is a lovely glass button with twisted wire and czech crystals. It is on silk cord with gold plated findings. Earrings are crystals on gold-plated hoops. $40 plus postage

3 X Silver earrings (above)- SOLD

These lovely earrings are really simple and easy to wear. $6 per pair of two pairs for $10 plus postage.

More earrings - same as above.

Mobile phone charms - all gold plated. $8 each or 2 for $15 plus postage.

ANGEL - SOLD

Red flower - SOLD. Blue angel - SOLD

These make lovely gifts - bookmarks. They are 12cm long from tail to top of hook. $6 each or 2 for $10 plus postage.

Will post some more pics.

I made how many?

2009-04-19T23:10:00.000-07:00

Here are the love birds I made as Easter gifts for all the nieces/nephews this year. I ended up making 30!!!! I know! It didn't take as long as I thought it would actually - only about 4 to 5 hours all up and this was spread out over a week or so. I loved making them - they're all so very different to each other.

And my attempt at an "arty" shot :-)

This one is "just hangin'"

This one looks a bit pensive.

and this one either needs to go to the toilet or is holding onto a *really* good secret.

These are such fun to make.

My first Ottobre pattern and family photos

2009-04-05T20:05:00.001-07:00

I finally made my first pattern from the Ottobre mags I got a subscription to at Christmas time. It is the shirt (21) from Ottobre issue 3/2007. It was the backorder I got when I subscribed. I made the 116cm for Oscar who is just in size 5's. It fits him perfectly so will be making the next size up for the next one.

It is a lovely quilting fabric I got on sale at Spotlight and some snaps left over from my nappy-making days. I love it - went together really quickly.

Here's a photo of it from the website of the professional photographer who took our family shots last weekend. She did a great job don't you think?

http://rachelrichter.com.au/blog/?p=2330

Thanks :)

Cutting out day!

2009-04-05T20:03:00.001-07:00

Today, even with a head cold (poor me!), I am determined to have a cutting out day. Or half day, it's now 1pm, but we had the morning out and having a play so now that we're home and luncheoned it is time for me to get organised!

I have a heap of Easter Chicks to make for next weekend and a whole heap of other projects as well.

Eep! Better get to it!

Bunny, bunny, bunny . . .

2009-03-31T05:44:00.000-07:00

It's so funny . . .

Ahem.

Here is a lovely little frock I whipped up tonight for the Crafty Mamas March Challenge. Theme was BUNNY GOODNESS.

I found this lovely cot sheet in a Vinnie's a couple of months ago and decided it would be too cute not to make into something. I made all my binding from some vintage fabric I got from a friend and basically just did a pillowcase dress with elastic in a casing at the front and back and bound armholes. I'm quite happy with how it turned out and glad I put the little bunny off to the side a bit. So all up it cost me $4 (the sheet) and some thread and my time. Miss E will have a lovely dress to wear over the Easter break. Very happy here. Plus, I've entered my first CM Challenge! Yay!

Thanks for Looking :)

My first Enid

2009-03-30T18:27:00.000-07:00

I finally took the plunge and drafted my first pattern! It is the shortie nightie and pants set - I think it's from the sleepwear book.

I am quite proud of myself as I've never drafted anything before and it went really well.

The only mistake I made was in the construction - I didn't gather the front anywhere near enough so it was HUGE! So I made another casing with some bias and put elastic in - but I botched that too and tried ot extend it and . . . . well it was a bit of a disaster. You can see that the neckline doesn't sit properly - but I will redo it soon. Yes. I will.

I promise.

Here are the pics.

A big thank you to my wonderful Auntie Robin for sending me her old Enids. Thanks Auntie Rob!!

And also thanks to the wonderful gals on Crafty Mamas especially Tracy, for all their help and encouragement.

And I've also just finished my first Ottobre pattern -a shirt for Master O - and it is fantastic even if I do say so myself :) Great cut and wonderful design - glad I'm not quite a novice though as I'd probably give up halfway through. Pics to come when I can get them!

hugs to all
Kat

6th photo

2009-02-24T21:33:00.000-08:00

This is my little man over a year and a half ago! My, how he has grown! Here he is with his gorgeous cheeky smile - his hair has darkened somewhat since then and his features are less baby-like and more boy-like.

This was taken exactly two months after his sister was born - lovely times!

Now - I tag Krissy, Ruth, Sam, Kate, Liz and Sara. Phew! Found six :)

hugs to all
Kat

I've been tagged by Mel

Here are the rules:

1. Go to the section of your computer where you store all of your photos.

2. Select the 6th folder.

3. Select the 6th photo from that folder.

4. Post and explain about that picture.

5. Tag 6 other people.

"Unfortunately . . . . ."

2009-02-22T23:14:00.001-08:00

I'm playing along with this

You have to do a search for "unfortunately, (your name)" and see what comes up. Here's the best I found.

"Unfortunately, Kathryn, our genitalia moves around during the day and requires several adjustments, sometimes in public to avoid total discomfort."

Really? How interesting!

Enjoy

Bushfire Toys

2009-02-17T02:05:00.001-08:00

While the crafty Mamas forum was out of action I was quite busy. It's amazing what I can achieve when I have no distractions :) Here are some lovely little chickens - I made four - they are so cute and they fit into the palm of my hand. They each have a little stuffed heart in their front pocket. I got the pattern from here. It is so cute and very easy to whip up. I thought they might be good for kids as they are small enough to put in pockets. Thinking of putting a little note in each pocket too. What do you think? Sort of treat these little chickens like they're "worry dolls" - a little friend for the kids to talk to.

I also made a few sock creatures. The grey, stripey one was from bits of sock left over so he was just made up with what was left. Mr O did the eye placement and mouth placement - he loves it and I think is a bit sad that he is going. The black one was just a design I'd wanted to try. He was going to be a cyclops but DH thought he looked funny with only one eye. I am thinking of doing adoption certificates or info/care booklets to go with them - this is what I did for my nieces/nephews ones. Do you think that would be alright?

Here's the black one - what do you think I should call him? I'm stumped on this one.

and here's the grey one

Stripey McStumpyton? Ideas?

Thanks for looking!

A young boy's perspective.

2009-02-15T21:24:00.000-08:00

We were at the physio last week. O was sitting on the floor playing with the toys and the physio and I were talking while observing him. He was playing with two knight figures. Here's the conversation

Physio: What are you playing with O?
O: this Knight. He's on a horse. He's black and he's got a dress on. (holding up the black knight whose horse had a black coat on) And this one (holding up the silver knight) is the morning coz he's not black.

Oh - my lovely boy! I love your perspective.

Victorian Bushfires - Handmade Help

2009-02-09T21:17:00.000-08:00

Hi all - feeling at a huge loss as to what I can do to help with the horror of the bushfires currently raging in Victoria.

Have a look at the Handmade Help blog - the idea that a lot of crafty people can work together to sell items to raise money for the victms, or to make some things to send to the people who have lost everything - especially the children.

click on the button above to go to the Handmade Help blog to see how you can help.

Prayers and thoughts with all the people touched by this terrible tragedy.

A new hairdo

2009-02-04T21:23:00.001-08:00

I'm thinking of getting a new hairdo, but I'm just not sure which of the three above I should go for. Perhaps the little dude in the red? Hmmm . . . I'm thinking they'll all be high maintenance though.

what do you think?

My vegies - first harvest

2009-01-27T02:05:00.001-08:00

We had some lovely sweet corn tonight with dinner, harvested 5 minutes before being cooked and eaten! It was lovely and sweet although I think it probably could have done with another week or so to get a bit bigger.

Here are some pics of my lovely garden.

My Yellow Zucchini and my Green Zucchini

My lovely cucumber vine and my new tomato bush - it is Beef Eater Variety. I've only ever grown cherry tomatoes before so if you have any tips for me that would be great!

My lovely tall corn stalks and some succulent lettuces.

Another pic of my other green zucchini and a lovely picture of me holding my dinnertime harvest.

Now you can't really see in the photos but the lower leaves of all my zucchini plants die off and go a bit yellow/brown and then what looks to me like mouldy. I just cut them off and put them in the bin - I'm just not sure if the mould is bad or not or just normal part of growing zucchini. I remember when I have grown broccoli that it would do a similar thing. Any ideas or experiences you can share?

I got an award!!

2009-01-27T01:31:00.000-08:00

It's my first Blog Award :) I'm pretty excited! Thank you very much to Jetta's Nest for including me in her recipients. I'm so honoured that I got an award, let alone that someone obviously reads my blog :-) Hee hee!

Here are the details of what I won:

Proximidade is described as:'This blog invests and believes in PROXIMITY - nearness in space, time and relationships. These blogs are exceedingly charming. These kind bloggers aim to find and be friends. They are not interested in prizes for self-aggrandizement! Our hope is that when the ribbons of these prizes are cut, even more friendships are propagated. Please give more attention to these writers!'

This blog award should be sent to your favorite eight bloggers and they, in turn should forward to eight of their favorites. You should include the text for Proximidade (above) in your announcement blog.

So I am passing this award onto Can't be too hard , Kate's Ramble , Kamalicious, Head in the Sand, SugarFish, Mel Brennan, Cherub's Craft and A Family Life.

I regularly read these blogs and love the ideas, crafts, tutorials and points of view on them. Some of these people I have become friends with in real life as well as online. This thing called the internet has brought me so many new ideas and new friends that I could never imagine.

So to all you beautiful bloggers, pass on your awards and keep the ball rolling.

And thanks again Sam :-) You made my day!

Busy Busy morning!

2009-01-23T19:33:00.001-08:00

While DH and DS were out shopping for fridges for various family members I stayed at home with DD and sewed while she slept :) Here's what was created.

First of all here are sheets for O's new "big boy Kindy" which he starts next Thursday. Beautiful quilting cotton that was only $4/metre reduced at Spotlight. I think it's a Michael Miller print? Not sure - but it is beautiful quality and lovely to sew.
I made fitted sheet, sheet, pillow case and drawstring bag. Quite impressed with myself to be honest. Wasn't planning the pillowcase or the bag but there you go! Bonus!

And this lovely lady is for a Softie swap on Crafty Mamas forum. I hope my recipient likes it! She is based on a chicken softie I had (and still have!!) as a child.

Christmas Raggy Quilts

2009-01-23T19:11:00.000-08:00

I finally have found a bit of time to update this blog! It's been a month!! Eeek!

Here are some pics of the raggy quilts I made for my nieces and nephews for Christmas. Each one has a panel cut from a dress that used to belong to my mother (their grandmother) who died in 1992.

This one is for Miss 8 - front (Mum panel on front at bottom) and back

For Miss 6 1/2 - front and back (Mum panel on front in middle)

For Master 4 and Master 2 weeks. Here are the fronts (Mum panel front bottom for Master 4)

And here are the backs - left is Master 2 weeks (Mum panel on the back) and Master 4 is on the right.

I really enjoyed making these - much easier than I thought they would be although my squares don't always line up! It was really meaningful to me as well to include some of Mum's old dress that I have been keeping for 16 years! Now I just have to make a quilt for each of the other nephews/nieces and for my own kids and I'm done! So that's 4 down and 7 to go!!

Christmas Gifts!

2008-12-21T05:39:00.001-08:00

Here are some of the gifts I've been working on.

For my sister - a reading pillow from this pattern

.

Assorted I-spy bags for adult friends. Hopefully they won't go completely nuts from trying to find tiny things.

An apron for one of my friends.

Yet another sock monkey - this time for my nephew and it is made from really long football socks. So he is reeeeeeeaaallly tall and gangly. With cauliflower ears, black eye and the other eye swollen shut :) I enjoyed making him.

But the thing that I'm most excited about is the Doll cradle/carrier I made for Miss E. My friend, Donna, made a beautiful, beautiful doll for E - isn't she gorgeous?

And here is the carrier with matching pillow and sheet. I'm hoping she will love it to bits! It was really easy to make and you can find the tutorial here.

So I think I'm just about finished making all the Christmas presents. I also made four raggy quilts but haven't photographed them yet. I'm really happy with how they turned out too.

All in all I'm very excited to have made the majority of our Christmas presents this year. It's been really fun and I'm hoping to do it again next year.

Sock Monster

2008-12-21T05:35:00.001-08:00

I made a Sock Monster for my nephew's 8th birthday a couple of weeks ago. I thought a sock monkey might be a bit tame so I decided on a monster and thought I'd tailor it to suit my nephew's predilection for bodily noises.

I called him Stinky McSniffer and, as you can see, some flatulence is escaping from his cute little bottom. I really enjoyed making this one. I made another sock monster last week for another niece's birthday but alas, I did not take photos. I will have to get some when I see her next.

Here's Stinky from the front.

And from behind :-)

Trying to take some nice Christmas photos!!

2008-12-13T23:10:00.000-08:00

Last year I took some lovely photos of O and E for our yearly Christmas email/card. Here are a few of the rejects - they make me laugh.

This angle wasn't working so I got closer . . .

Hmmm . . . still not really working . . .

Eliza has clearly had enough. I'd forgotten she doesn't get out of bed for less than 3 weetbix!

And my lovely boy with all his teddies - I wonder if it was his intention to annoy his sister away??

I'm very tempted to put one of the dud ones on the card - :-)

A few random sock monkies

2008-12-13T23:07:00.000-08:00

Trying to make as many christmas presents as I can this year. I've been quite organised about it actually. I've surprised myself! :) Just ask my husband - organisation is not my strong suit.

Here are the two latest.

This one is for my niece's 8th Birthday next week.

and this one was given to our god-daughter for her early christmas present as she and her family will be in Geelong for Christmas. She loved it and called it "Chip".

Christmas Lights

2008-12-13T23:01:00.000-08:00

On the last weekend of November, DH and O put up the lovely christmas lights on our house. Here are a few pics. It's nice now that the boy is old enough to help - he loooooves the lights!

putting the lights in the hedges out the front.

carrying the Moon shaped frame out to the front.

And some shots of the lights on out the front.

My whirl-wind trip to Wagga

2008-11-28T02:15:00.000-08:00

A couple of weekends ago I flew to Sydney with one of my brothers to go to my God-mother's 50th birthday celebrations.

Here are some pics of the party-peeps.

This is me and my God-mother, Sue.

With auntie Robin

My brother, with whom I went to the party.

I had to take this photo of the lancer! My Grade 5 teacher, who is basically the inspiration for my becoming a teacher, drove one and we all thought it was the coolest car ever!

And just a photo I took on the plane which just blew me away! We were up above all the bad weather that both Sydney and Brisbane had that weekend.

I had a wonderful time - it was too quick but at least I got to see lots of people I love. And, to be honest, who could ask for anything more?

My first I-Spy bag :)

2008-11-13T18:37:00.000-08:00

I finally took the plunge after collecting a whole heap of the stuff.

Here are some pics - have to be quick as I am hopping on a plane to Sydney at 3.40!! Going to my god-mother's 50th celebrations in Wagga with my brother. Hiring a car in Sydney then driving to Wagga. Will be back on Sunday night!

It's hard to play with!! I find it challenging - perhaps will put a lot more things in the next one! And MAYBE make the window a bit bigger? Or perhaps I am just a bit "remedial" today??

I've got my PIF's!

2008-11-02T21:52:00.000-08:00

Ok! So now I have my three recipients! Erin-my my my!, a little Cherub and missymoo84 :)

Now all that is left is for you lovely ladies to post the above pic on your blogs and wait for three people to respond to your PIF request!

Woot!

This internet thing is so fun :)

Updated Oppy Finds

2008-10-30T18:52:00.001-07:00

Here are some better pics of everything I got for $5 from the Salvo's last week.

The jersey, clouds, pink fleecy cotton and red t'shirt fabrics.

The placemats, tablecloth (to become arons) and two lovely little linen/cotton tablecloths (will become dresses for Eliza). Second pic the detail of the embroidery and edges.

Four pillow cases - cream damask, yellow with kite, purple and purple flowers - all to become dresses or pyjamas for Eliza.

And the blue floral cotton, blue/pink pillowcase and pink crinkle cotton which I think must have been a table cloth in a past life.

I will be adding some more photos of what I picked up at a little local church op-shop. I have to go back there without kids as it is almost literally a hole in the wall and there is very little room in the shop. But there was a treasure trove of things there - will post pics later.

Cheers!

Kat

Pay it Forward

2008-10-27T19:55:00.001-07:00

I decided to take part in this cool concept over on KaM's blog. So all you have to do it comment on this post. The first 3 people who post a comment will receive something handmade from me within the next 365 days. The only condition being that you also participate and make something for three other people too. Fun, hey? woot woot!

So come on!

Oppy Finds!

2008-10-22T17:49:00.000-07:00

I went to the local Salvo's warehouse the other day, inspired by lots of posts on the Crafty Mamas forum. I trawled through a big crate of manchester and found the following little treasures.

A lovely piece of red t-shirt material, a piece of musky pink fleece and a really nice deep rose pink piece of knit which feels like it might be a light jersey - it's heavier than the red though.

Then I found this old tablecloth which I will be transforming into a couple of aprons - one for me and one for one of my besties - we always reminisce about our mothers' seersucker tablecloths. I don't know about you but we had many in this style with these lovely colours!

I'm excited about this piece - cloud fabric! I'm thinking art smocks for my kids and perhaps some pyjamas. What do you think? It's a nice medium-weight cotton.

And these placemats - might become little wallets or handbags? They're a synthetic with lace edging.

I also got 4 or so pillow cases, another piece of pale pink crinkle cotton and two lovely white with lace edging table cloths (small) which will be making themselves into little dresses for my baby girl. How much you ask? For all of this . . . . . . $5!!!!!!!!!

I know - I was so excited you nearly had to strap me down! Then as we'd exchausted the manchester bin I found an UNOPENED game of baby 6-pin bowling - fabric pins and fabric ball. Still in a packet albeit the packet was damaged - $5! So I had to have it - will go to my new niece/nephew when they're born at Christmas.

The other bits I am going to photograph in a minute and then add here - the pillowcases were so cute! I then went to local lifeline this morning - got a few things but nowhere near as exciting! Will post pics of them later too.

What to do?

2008-10-17T22:00:00.000-07:00

We are generally a "no ice-cream family". Because if we buy it, it just gets eaten. Really quickly. So better not to have it in the house.

We only ever buy it if we have people coming over - which leads to my problem. We had this tiny bit of ice-cream left in the freezer, so I bought some ice magic and I hid it so that (a) it wouldn't look me in the face every time I opened the pantry and (b) my husband didn't eat it before I'd had a chance :) So I really enjoyed my bit of leftover ice-cream with choc-mint ice magic. However, I was left with a 3/4 full bottle of ice-magic with no ice-cream.

Of course I had to buy some more ice-cream and yes, thank you, that ice magic was yummy and is now gone.

My dilemma - I now have a nearly full tub of ice-cream which, clearly is yelling out to be slathered in ice magic.

Do you see the horrible vicious circle?????????

I am now on come-down from ice-magic. I always know it's going to happen but something in me just reaches out and grabs that bottle off the shelf.

Can you relate to this?

Move over Batman! Make room for Boy Wonder!

2008-10-16T06:17:00.000-07:00

As you may have realised, O is a big Batman nut. Not the new one . .. no . . . he's a hardcore 60's Batman fan. He has owned a brown teddy since he was born. Its name *was* Dudley but in the last 12 months has changed to Parb. Yes. I know.

DH and I were talking about how cute it would be if Parb had a Robin costume as O loves wearing his $2 Batman mask from Kmart (the one in the cake photos from his birthday).

So this morning, while E was asleep, O "helped" me make this.

Isn't he cute??

Once Robin-Parb was finished O decided that Puppy (his other but definitely 2nd favourite bedtime toy) needed a batman costume. Well I didn't have enough black felt to do an elaborate batman costume but O and I came up with this.

Only a cape and a mask but O was happy with that. We decided it would be too hard to make the pointy batman ears.

Here they are together. I know that, strictly speaking, Batman is taller - but Puppy's had a bit of neck-hugging action over the last four or so years so he's looking a leeetle bit limp.

And finally, an action shot of the Caped Crusader and Boy Wonder fighting crime on our deck.

It was a lovely morning of crafty/sewing goodness. O actually used my sewing machine for the first time and I think he was a bit awed by the power! Which is good because it means he probably won't want to fiddle with it when I'm not there. Young Lady however, I'm going to have to watch . . .

October Reno

2008-10-08T02:36:00.000-07:00

O's table and chairs (from IKEA) were getting a bit the worse for wear so I decided to do a bit of a revamp.

They are this design from IKEA. Here's what they looked like before this afternoon . . .

And here they are now with beautiful new covering!

Not bad for $4 worth of book covering. O chose Batman for the chairs and Spiderman for the table top. It was a lovely crafty bonding session for mother and son - we had a great time taking chairs and table apart, covering the chipboard and then reassembling the bits.

I thoroughly recommend the table and chairs and also the revamp. As you can see though, the wood now looks like it needs a major paint job. Perhaps we'll do that too . . . . one day!

Thanks lovely Kate!

2008-10-02T16:34:00.000-07:00

Thanks to lovely Kate from Boutique Ribbons and Clever Charts I now have a Works in Progress Tool bar on my blog!

This is very exciting to me! Hopefully it will help to motivate me to get all my things done that I have on my long list of crafty projects.

Thanks Kate!

Batman

2008-10-01T02:53:00.000-07:00

I've been watching quite a bit of the 1960's Batman movie - O's favourite at the moment :)

Here are some of my favourite lines.

Batman: Somes days you just can't get rid of a bomb!

Batman: What has yellow skin and can write?
Robin: A Banana ballpoint pen!
Batman: Yes.
Robin: Holy Heart-failure!

I will add more as I think of them. Ah - so kitsch, so funny and so hilarious!

This is a link to the bomb scene. At the moment my favourite scene.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G4v1hAnfy1I

I haven't worked out how to put youtube on my blog yet. Will change it when I have it sorted.

Enjoy!

Sometimes it helps to . . .

2008-09-30T15:41:00.000-07:00

. . . . think about all the things for which I am grateful. So here's a list.

My son making a huge mess with paints at the moment - because that means he has a healthy sense of fun and is happy to explore different textures and messiness
My daughter being asleep as I type this - she has a cold and wasn't sleeping well yesterday
My husband working from home as it enabled me to have a rest yesterday (I'm sick too) while he took our son to the shops for an hour or so
My children playing nicely together and making each other laugh
A loving, safe and calm home
Friends who help me when I'm feeling down
Brothers and sisters who are my best friends
great neighbours!
Sunshine and rain
The internet
Digital Cameras
Beads
Healthy children
Weight Watchers
Facebook

There's lots more but I need to go and rescue my daughter from my son :)

Batman Boy!

2008-09-15T04:19:00.001-07:00

I'm just putting up a few photos from my Big Boy's Batman party on the weekend. Husband and I worked out how to do a Batman Cake - he has been asking for one since his third birthday last year!

Here's a pic of the boys making the cake.

And the finished cake - it was supposed to be a Bat-cave with the Bat-mobile driving out of the mouth of the cave. I think we did pretty well!

It's a batman mask from kmart on a chocolate-iced Dolly Varden cake and with patty cakes as the number four.

He loved it and had a great time at this party.

It was a great success and O had a ball which was the main thing!

Something fun

2008-09-14T22:28:00.000-07:00

I saw this on One Crafty Mumma so I thought I'd do it too.

1) LAST MOVIE YOU SAW IN A THEATRE?
Mamma Mia!

2) WHAT BOOK ARE YOU READING?
A weight Watchers mag - does that count?

3) FAVOURITE BOARD GAME?
Carcasonne or Settlers of Catan

4) FAVOURITE MAGAZINE?
Anything about Beads and Beading.

5) FAVOURITE SMELLS?
Roast Lamb with all the trimmings.

6) FAVOURITE SOUNDS?
A quiet evening in the country.

7) WORST FEELING IN THE WORLD?
Powerlessness

8 ) WHAT IS THE FIRST THING YOU THINK OF WHEN YOU WAKE?
I hope I don't have any early appointments!

9) FAVOURITE FAST FOOD PLACE?
Sushi

10) FUTURE CHILD'S NAME?
Jemima

11) FINISH THIS STATEMENT—’IF I HAD A LOT OF MONEY I’D……be wealthy.

12) DO YOU DRIVE FAST?
Sometimes.

13) DO YOU SLEEP WITH A STUFFED ANIMAL?
My husband.

14) STORMS–COOL OR SCARY?
both

15) WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST CAR?
white 1989 Holden Camira

16) FAVOURITE DRINK?A hot cup of tea.

17) FINISH THIS STATEMENT-IF I HAD THE TIME I WOULD…do more crafty things - sewing, beading, scrapbooking . . .

18) DO YOU EAT THE STEMS ON BROCCOLI?Yes

19) IF YOU COULD DYE YOUR HAIR ANY OTHER COLOUR, WHAT WOULD BE YOUR CHOICE?
Raven Black

20) NAME ALL THE DIFFERENT CITIES/TOWNS YOU HAVE LIVED IN?A
Brisbane, Brisbane and Brisbane.

21) FAVOURITE SPORTS TO WATCH?
Definitely tennis.

22) WHATS UNDER YOUR BED?
the Boogey man

24) WOULD YOU LIKE TO BE BORN AS YOURSELF AGAIN?
Absolutely.

25) MORNING PERSON OR NIGHT OWL?
night owl through and through.

26) OVER EASY OR SUNNY SIDE UP?
Excuse me while I vomit!

27) FAVOURITE PLACE TO RELAX?
On the couch

28) FAVOURITE PIE?
Chunky Steak with tomato sauce

29) FAVORITE ICE CREAM FLAVOUR?
Not a big icecream fan but if I *have* to have some I love mango, rum'n'raisin or choc chip peppermint.

Big Boy is 4!

2008-09-10T04:28:00.000-07:00

Well my big boy turned 4 last Sunday (fathers' Day) and he is really excited about being "a big boy now". It's very cute. For the last year he has been so excited about turning 4 at his next birthday. What's the first thing he asked me during our bedtime ritual on the night of his birthday? "Will I be 5 my next birthday?"

We're having a batman themed party for him this weekend which should be fun. I am doing batman party bags so will take some pics of all the paraphernalia tomorrow when I have it all sorted.

I'm really looking forward to it.

Kat

Happy Fathers' Day!

2008-09-06T16:26:00.001-07:00

Happy Fathers' Day to my wonderful husband and father of my beautiful children.

Thank you so much for being the great man that you are, the wonderful example that you set for our children and for loving me the way that you do.

I love you,
Kat

Plastic World

2008-09-06T02:44:00.001-07:00

Hi all - this has been on my mind a lot of late. The use of plastic in my children's lives and particualry in relation to food and drink.

Here's a friend's blog Sugarfish which has a great article and food for thought on the amazingly excessive use of plastic in our lives.

Off to ponder.

Kat

Cold Season . . .

2008-08-01T19:29:00.000-07:00

Can you believe we're all sick again!

We had a glorious week with nobody needing a tissue and now this week we have all succumbed one by one. DH, then Baby E then O and now me :(

Hope everyone else is avoiding the lurgy.

Kat

Running with Kites - part of the Brisbane Festival

2008-07-20T00:30:00.000-07:00

Ds and DH attended with my dad and stepmum

Apparently hese kites were huge! The shark, killer whale and mermaid in the first pic were actually one kite. Amazing! The second pic is a cool wiggly worm type kite - also massive as you can see.

These are the puppets that my SIL and others made. They're called Uppatree Arts - they do performances all around the traps including Woodford. It's the first time DH and DS have managed to see them.

And below is the band of musicians who follow the pupets around and provide backing music. My bro is the one with the bass guitar.

The Beaded Lady

Rock on!

I just won!!

My Big Boy is 7 tomorrow . . .

Goodness gracious me!

Justine Clarke rocks!

Tooth Fairy!

Sewing with Knits

Making do with what's in the shed.

Oh my!!

I forgot the cake!

Miss E's 3!

Do you think it will last?

Want to win something?

What have I done lately?

A shirt for me

Some wire work

Happy Birthday . . .

Oh and by the way . . .

Our latest set of wheels . . .

Something Scrappy

Someone is going to be *very* excited when they get home from school this afternoon!

Bag Lady.

First Day AOK!

I've done it!

Shmerpi!

OK - I have decided!

2010 Challenge

The Handmade Dress Patterns GUEST GIVEAWAY!!!!

Kindy Costumes - finally finished!

Christmas Bling

I won I won!!

Lovely Giveaway!

17 years ago today . . .

Kindy costumes

Some sewing for me :)

More Party Photos

Big Boy Birthday!

Oh how I laughed!

Prizes for my SEWN giveaway

Finally finished my monkey men

Fly me to the moon . . .

Some recent sewing

More Beanstalk action.

Jack and the Beanstalk

The sick house

SEWN competition winner :)

Just to remind you . . ..

More jewellery pics

More pics again.

More jewellery pics

Assorted Jewellery I'm proud of.

The Party aftermath

SEWN

Regular Rhythm Restored

Heart Palpitations

I have been sewing up a storm!

Mothers' Day

Simple Skirts GIVEAWAY!!!!

And finally . . .

Some More Jewellery ;)

Jewellery for sale :)

I made *how* many?

My first Ottobre pattern and family photos

Cutting out day!

Bunny, bunny, bunny . . .

My first Enid

6th photo

"Unfortunately . . . . ."

Bushfire Toys

A young boy's perspective.

Victorian Bushfires - Handmade Help

A new hairdo

My vegies - first harvest

I got an award!!

Busy Busy morning!

Christmas Raggy Quilts

Christmas Gifts!

Sock Monster

Trying to take some nice Christmas photos!!

Someone is going to be very excited when they get home from school this afternoon!

I made how many?