We were recently sent a box of arts and crafts supplies from Baker Ross. The children really enjoyed opening them as they sent a mixture of fun craft kits and supplies. These foam weather stickers immediately caught our eye. The pack contained around 100 of 24 different designs so the children had fun trying to find them all. I asked them what they wanted to create and they said paper plate weather stations. There aren’t many photographs because this is a quick and easy craft activity. Time to make: 10 minutes Equipment needed to make a paper plate weather station:…
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I’m not sure how Valentine’s Day has come around so quickly. Have you bought your other half something special? We usually only exchange cards but this year I have made some hoop art for my husband. Materials needed to make a DIY Valentine hoop art: embroidery hoop fabric felt red embroidery thread or red wool fabric glue How to make a DIY Valentine hoop art: First cover your embroidery hoop with fabric. I chose a simple Dear Stella fabric and made sure it was tight within the frame. I’ve been playing around with a spool knitter, trying to teach my…
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Today I’m sharing a DIY Valentine’s gift tutorial as part of the TSB Valentine’s Campaign. They offer joint accounts amongst other things, so why not make a sweet gift for your other half? These stitched hearts are perfect for hiding a note or Valentine treats. Here’s what I did. Materials needed for brown paper stitched hearts: brown paper, I used paper sandwich bags scissors heart shaped cookie cutter pink tic tac sweets or similar washi tape pinking shears letter stamps How to make brown paper stitched hearts: Take a large cookie cutter and draw around it on the brown paper…
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I’m so happy The Great British Sewing Bee is back on. I really enjoyed the first episode last night and I’m awe of the contestants sewing skills. Some dress making skills are definitely on my wish list this year! I love to sew so was really excited to hear about the new Mollie Makes bookazine – The Big Comic Relief Crafternoon. This is a collaboration with Comic Relief (obvs!) and the bookazine features over 50 marvellous makes for Red Nose Day (13th March 2015). I rushed out to buy a copy last week (Sainsbury’s Pinner if anyone is local to…
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We’ve had a lot of fun with the theme of Chinese New Year over the last few weeks. We love exploring other cultures and I find there’s usually a learning opportunity for the whole family! This year Chinese New Year falls on Thursday 19th of February and we’ve made some really fun crafts, such as our Chinese lantern sun catcher and Chinese New Year Year of the Sheep sun catcher. This year I’d love to try some Chinese cooking. My family love trying new foods so I think it could be fun for everyone, I just don’t know where to…
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Indigo is one of the colours of the rainbow, as easily recognised as it is fashionable. From its origins as a naturally produced dye, most common in India, to its ubiquitous appearance in blue jeans today, indigo has travelled far and wide. Just before Christmas I was sent a copy of a new book called Indigo. Inside the author, Nicola Gouldsmith, shows you how to use indigo to dye fabric in different ways, including dip-dyeing, tie-dyeing and printing and stencilling, as well as basic plain dyeing. She then shows you how to use the results of your dyeing to make…
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I completely failed to make as many handmade gifts as I wanted too this year. As I got nearer and nearer to Christmas I persuaded myself to move items from my little handmade list into next year! Which means instead of rushing to make things I will be able to spend more time making handmade gifts in the New Year. There’s not much to report in my Monthly Makes. I made one wall hanging for my sister which I can finally share with you. I used a pattern from Home Quilt Home by Janet Clare, which is one of my…
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Today seems to be a great time to tell you about our felt gingerbread house. This is one of those projects that has been waiting to be finished for a while. I’m terrible at starting something and not finishing it! Felt Christmas Cookies and Gingerbread House I made it as much for myself as the children and we’ve all had fun getting it out and looking at it. Here’s our Felt Christmas Cookies and Gingerbread House I purchased the pattern from Jeanette Lim at umecrafts a while ago, she’s also the author of Big Little Felt Universe which is one…
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We survived Big Brother’s first term at Reception. This week we’ve had parties, lunches and just so much that I’m grateful for a 2 week holiday from all the running around. Let’s ignore the fact it’s Christmas and we have a household full of guests, at least I don’t have to go outside! Over the weekend I made a wreath for the Winter solstice. I like it’s simplicity compared to our Christmas decorations, just a ring of intertwined branches and a string of lights. I placed it in the dining room and put one of my new house-shaped tea light…
