From emails, to texts, to word processing, typing and voice-to-text have soared in popularity while traditional ways of writing have seen a downward trend. Along with less emphasis on paper and pencil, we also have fewer children learning how to use cursive. Instead, they are reliant on printing. This begs the question: Is the ability to use cursive writing still important? Is the ability to write cursive still important? I Can’t Read That! While there are many people who do not write in cursive, there are still lots who do. Therefore, not being familiar with cursive not only means you…
-
-
I love to practice mindfulness in my every day crafting. I was really excited when I heard about Conscious Crafts: Quilting – 20 mindful makes to reconnect head, heart & hands by Elli Beaven and couldn’t wait to get my hands on a copy. Conscious Crafts: Quilting In Conscious Crafts: Quilting, maker Elli Beaven reveals the meditative nature of the quilting process and its empowering skill set for creating, mending and mindfulness. Making is mindfulness made practical, and quilting is a renowned and rewarding craft. Drawing on the traditions of hand quilting, Elli has created 20 modern makes, ranging from simple coasters,…
-
I love making handmade gifts and my thoughts are beginning to turn to the gifts I want to make and give this Christmas. Handmade gifts are always well received and our DIY mug warmer will be enjoyed by those who love their tea and coffee! I used a sweet Baby Yoda fabric for my little Star Wars fan but this would look great in many fabrics. Baby Yoda Mug Warmer equipment list: 1 yard of Baby Yoda fabric 1 yard of Wrap N Zap (or alternative thick cotton batting) Elastic cord 2 large buttons Matching thread (I used white) Scissors…
-
I love learning a new craft and the lovely sunny days of Summer seem a great time to try. Last week Search Press published The Joy of Modern Calligraphy by Joyce Lee. It’s been a while since I tried calligraphy but it’s a lovely craft and handwritten lettering can be used for all kinds of occasions. The Joy of Modern Calligraphy Joyce Lee first picked up a calligraphy pen when she started making stationery for her wedding. For her, it is now a way of life, her career and what she calls a ‘calligraventure’. In this practical and inspiring book, Joyce…
-
Starting the week by writing the Monday Happy List is something I’ve been doing for a while. It’s a chance for me to sit down and reflect on the things that made me happy in the previous week, as well as to record some of our family adventures. It’s a post I always love to write. Summer Holidays edit {Week 355} The first week of our Summer holidays just flew by. My son spent the week at his new school so my daughter and I stayed local, walking the dog, reading books and crafting together. We finally got round to using her…
-
My children have quickly amassed the biggest collections of Pop Its. Have you heard of them? They are silicone fidget toys which come in all shapes and sizes. They are filled with bubbles which can be popped by pushing them inward. They are great for kids who love to fidget but you can also play all sorts of games by taking turns to pop the bubbles. Pop Its have been a huge hit with my 9 year old and she has quite a collection from small pocket sized ones to larger ones shaped like Pokemon and Poke balls. They are…
-
Thanks to the first week of the Summer holidays I’ve had time to finish work on Months 3 and 4 of ‘The Summer Sampler’ Block of the Month Club. This was a monthly club I subscribed to back in 2019 from Pretty Fabrics and Trims. Spread over 4 months, each month I received a little packet containing Monthly instructions, super pretty fabrics and embroidery threads for three blocks. Over the 4 months this made a number of blocks which could be stitched together to make a super sweet Summer Sampler. ‘The Summer Sampler’ Block of the Month Club update I…
-
I know that my free printable colouring pages for kids are always popular during the holidays so I am delighted to add some camping colouring pages for kids to my site. Free Camping colouring pages for kids Our free camping colouring pages for kids is a great way for kids to enjoy any camping this summer. Unfortunately we are not going camping this summer but I expect my daughter will set up her tent indoors for some camping fun at home. she did this a lot last year and seems to have just as much fun as the real thing…
-
I love to discover and try new sewing techniques. I have come across sashiko before but only recently heard about boro. A few months ago I attended an online Boro stitch mending workshop as part of Hey Craft! an event to raise awareness for mental health during Mental Health Awareness Week. It’s a fun craft and I was excited to discover more about it. Boro and Sashiko – Harmonious Imperfection Search Press kindly sent me a copy of Boro and Sashiko Harmonious Imperfection: The art of Japanese mending & stitching by Shannon Mullett-Bowlsby to review. Authors Shannon and Jason Mullett-Bowlsby, a.k.a The…