FREE Activities for Children

 

Hubby's office moved recently, so we took advantage of the moving boxes and built our own box city!  We have made towers, bridges, houses, beds, tracks and tunnels and the kids have LOVED playing with them.  A great combination of kids using their imaginations, problem solving, being outdoors (even if it was a bit chilly this day) and playing with things they can't always get their hands on.

 

I plan on packing the boxes up next weekend after Josiah's 3rd birthday, he is having a couple of friends around to play who I think will enjoy them too!  Let's hope it doesn't rain in the meantime.

Dear Stella Chevron Quilt

This is my Dear Stella Chevron quilt, finished just in time for the cooler weather.  I ordered the fabric through one of my favourite online stores, Hawthorne Threads.  I had the quilt almost finished, ready for binding at the end of last winter but struggled to find the right colour to compliment the chevron fabric.  Last weekend it got pretty cold so I set off on a mission to come home with something to bind my quilt no matter what. I am really happy with the spots!

I backed my quilt with a thrifted sheet and only quilted the dark-grey zig zags!  Glad I didn't commit to quilting all the zig zag's because it was pretty painful with the stopping and starting!  It is intended for the end of my bed but will spend most of the cooler weather in the lounge room, wrapped around me at nights!

Hmm, yes could have ironed it for the photos :-)  I am partial to quilting a large piece of fabric just as it is, over doing lots of cutting and arranging as I appreciate the pattern of the fabric more and lets face it - it is way less time consuming!  I am so glad to have finally finished this project.

Winter Wardrobe Inspiration

I do own a pair of red boots that are still going strong six years down the track but I love these Dr Martens!  They would be nice in brown - a little bit chunky, just how I like them.

A lovely warm looking coat via Antagonist, I think the brand is Ohta!  You don't see enough lovely coloured coats for sale in Australia in my opinion.  They always seem to be bland!  I peeped into my sister-in-law's closet last time we were in NZ and she has a fabulous coat collection!!  I was inspired to widen mine since we wear them for a good portion of the year.

I could do with a few colourful additions to my scarf collection this year also... I did buy some divine soft pink stretch fabric from A2F, just trying to decide if it will become an infinity scarf or top.  I like this option too and have cut out the pattern, wondering if it will translate to stretch fabric?!

I'm not sure if I have mentioned this blog before but I like Audrey's style (not over-done) and would happily wear this outfit with some boots for our current Autumn weather!

I'm not sure if I am brave enough to buy a coat from Etsy!  This listing claims to be wool but is a bit scant on details.

Another lovely coat, even if it is grey!  I found this on Pinterest but unfortunately they have taken the link down citing it as suspicious - so if you know the source feel free to let me know.  Beautiful neck tie/built in scarf, no?  I feel warmer already :-)

Wishlist: Paper to Petal Book

Oh yes siree this book will be on my wish list - possibly for Christmas since it isn't out until August!  I'll ignore it has the dreaded word 'whimsical' in the tagline :-)

The flower above is just lovely, well they all are.  I haven't used crepe paper much when I have created my paper flowers but seeing these make me want to start NOW!!  The paper looks beautifully hand painted - assuming they are crepe by the way they look delicate yet hold their shape.  Mmmm off to dream up some creations.

Mothers Day Artwork DIY: Holiday Activity for Children

Yesterday we made some lithograph artworks with paint, paper, trays and fingers: idea found here!  It was simple, effective, messy and fun!  We'll be using some of our artwork for mothers day cards.  We did all our painting indoors at the dining table and used ordinary paper.  The framed picture was 'printed' on watercolour paper which added some lovely texture to the print.  

I have an old baking tray dedicated for crafting (or cover yours in foil which was suggested here).  Josiah worked in a recycled plastic biscuit container that I save for crafting.  He enjoyed the finger painting more than producing an actual picture.  Then he painted his arm and his container became a drum! 

It was a really great project, especially for Anya's age - five years.  She loved being able to 'rub' a picture out and start again if she didn't like how it was working out.

Anya was left with pink hands but it eventually came off in the bath - she had her hands in the paint for a lot longer than Josiah.  We used ordinary kids paint from Bunnings not actual finger paint.  Such an effective result don't you think?

1920 Inspired Hair Piece: Canberra Etsy Seller

This is one of my most favourite hair pieces I have made for a while!  Inspired by my ever loved vintage age.  These amazing photos above were taken by Etta Photography based in Brisbane, Qld.  Maddie does gorgeous newborn and family potraits so if you are in Brisvegas make sure you check out her site. I can't wait to see more.

The metal headband is covered in a gorgeous silk dupion and I hand dyed the tuelle with tea to match it.  This piece came about a little by accident, it was a bow gone wrong and the minute my hand stretched the tuelle across the top (over the head).... I smiled and did a little happy dance and went off to find the perfect 'finish' which ended up being this lovely brooch!  I love it when things come together serendipitously.

Food Glorious Food: Healthy Recipes

I found a great new Aussie photographer/stylist called Chantelle Grady who has some amazing food recipes (and photographs) on her blog.  I have made two of her Quinoa three ways recipes and they are delicious.  I will put the pesto on the side next time for the haloumi and roasted tomato recipe, it was too heavy for me mixed through.

I served my dressing on the side for the below salad as well as blanching my broccoli with the sultanas for a nicer finish.  It was really lovely and light and I felt full afterwards. 

I had to invert Chantelle's photos in photoshop given the black background her recipes are on, I enlarged the photo then I transferred the jpg to word for an easy print out!

All images courtesy of Chantelle Grady

Ed's note:  A friend alerted me to this article on Quinoa - an interesting read and definitely a good reminder on eating locally.  The fabulous news is there is an organic farm located in Tasmania.  The price is comparable to our supermarkets but you do have to factor in shipping.