Wintery Easter break

With Easter falling late this year, the weather wasn't great. Lucy and I still managed our egg hunt (even though I had to dash out just before and quicky hide the eggs). She was so proud of herself spotting the 'hidden' eggs and then took much delight in coming inside to sit down to a feast of chocolate!

I've been spending more time looking at people's blogs and the other night I came across Made by Joel. He has all sorts of things on his blog and I particularly love all of his crafty ideas that he does with his kids. Feeling inspired Lucy and I sat down to make our very own aquarium. We have visited the Island Bay Marine Education Centre often and she loves looking at the fish. If you are in Wellington it really is worth a visit.

We dashed out in the rain and picked up a few supplies at our local $2 shop and came home and got ready. I think the highlight had to be the glitter and anything shiny for Lucy, needless to say, we have a very glittery aquarium! And we couldn't forget Nemo! She thinks its great and we both had lots of fun glueing and putting it together. We tied the cotton to the buttons so that she can take hold of the button and slide the fish across the aquarium, now she can make them swim around on her own.

Not sure what we'll make next ...

Lovely morning out

I had been looking forward to today's Craft 2.0 at the Dowse Gallery for weeks. I've been lots of times before as it's close to home and I love looking at all of the treats. Everytime I go, I always leave feeling inspired and impressed by all of the beautiful things that people have spent so much time making. The gallery is full of lots of loveliness and lots of little delicious goodies.

It's been a bit quiet around here but today Lucy's 'Gamma and Poppy' looked after her while I had a bit of time out.

There was also another reason why I was looking forward to today. My bestest friend from Intermediate school days was having her first ever stall at the craft fair. We haven't seen each other since sometime at high school, so its been about 25 years since we've caught up. It was just wonderful to see her again and so lovely to see her gorgeous bags and purses, not to mention her cute rabbits that I've been eying up on her felt shop.

After catching up, it was time for a little wander. I was after a pincushion and a few hair clips for Lucy - she seems to eat them for they are forever disappearing and never to be seen again. I also wanted something a little more homemade than just the usual plastic. I have a small, but growing, collection of hearts which hang in my sewing room, today I added this lovely red heart, made my Stephanie Cahorel.

Then I spied the most gorgeous stall full of lots of bright and cheerful loveliness, and pincushions just like I was after. I instantly spotted this one and had to have it, although I did have to decide between this and one shaped like a cupcake.

Kim, from cupcake cutie must have spent hours and hours cutting and handstitching all of her beautiful creations. How do you put a price on all those hours of work? She had so many delightful things, just as I was about to leave I spied her needle books and so had to have this too!

I thought I'd done well to get out the door with just my couple of purchases, I had looked for little hair clips along the way but hadn't spotted any. I was out the door and there right in front of me under the big red and white polka dotted umbrella were the most perfect hairclips for Lucy. Unfortunately I don't know who the lovely girls are that made them. They were an instant hit when I got home.

I had a lovely morning out looking at all of the wonderful handmade creations. I hope those that had stalls had a successful and enjoyable day at the Dowse.

Good Day for a Good Book

Winter arrived here yesterday. We lit our woodburner and felt warm and toasty as the rain was driven into our house by one of those chill-you-to-the-bone southerlies. I have to admit there is something very cosy about the fire going on a cold, wet day and being snugged up inside with a good book. Our local library is on the net and so I love browsing their new books online, making a reserve and then popping down to collect a bundle of books that all look great, and often, very new.

The other day I came across this book.

The presentation is really attractive and easy to either browse through, or study carefully. Its been divided into chapters such as Window, Bed and Gifts and other Little Things. Some of the ideas are delightful in their simplicity, and there's a wide range of abilities catered for.

I recently bought some white clay that just dries in the air (great stuff for making things with kids, easy to use, dries quick, you can paint it and it stays strong). So in the easter break I'm hoping to have a go at making a few little labels for some of my kitchen containers.

And just one more picture because I thought this was a great idea. Belt buckles.

the homemade home

50 thrifty and chic handmade projects

Sania Pell