The twelve crafts of Christmas

Sing along now...

12 Birthday invites
11 Tree decorations
10 Metres of bunting
9 Thank you notes
8 Doll accessories
7 Photo frames
6 Pretty cushions
5 Bridesmaid dresses
a 4 legged armchair
3 Christmas gifts
2 Sunday skirts
and a red superhero cape

*Things to note*
*It is only 2 months until Christmas!
*"Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows" MUST wait until after December 25.
*Most of the above projects may be abandoned for the sake of Family Fun times :)

So you think you can fairy dance?

You need three things:

A flitty, floaty fairy skirt. I made this no-sew version for a lovely little lady Julie (who is now 5!). You can find the instructions for an adult size tutu here.

A twirling, whirling ribbon stick. These are simple and fun for all ages! Cut a 20-25cm length of 9.5mm thick dowel (or cut up an old broom handle!). Paint it nice, and find some ribbon to match (100-150cm long). Screw an eye hook into one end of the dowel and use some pliers to open the eye. Loop on a fishing swivel and then close the eye with the pliers. Thread the ribbon through the swivel and tie a knot in the top!


Some prancey, dancey instrumental music. Just a few of our favourites are:
Fairytale - Enya
PM's love theme - Craig Armstrong
Moonlit River in Spring - Louis Clark
Fly Robin Fly - Bond
Pebble in the Brook - The Corrs
The Black Pearl - Klaus Badelt (this one is for the pirates)


Hope you can take a 'fairy dance break' soon!

Phoenix song

Reborn anew to live again.

One day we will see them.
Grown. Whole. Beautiful.

October: the month of birthdays

A shout out (and show off) for birthdays (and the cakes).

Yummy 'lemon lemon' cupcakes, with 'choc orange' mini cupcakes.

A great day.

Kid's perspective:

Dressing up. Hanging with friends. Laughing. Watching Play school. Eating Ice-cream.

Mum's perspective:

Dressing up (nice). Hanging with friends. Laughing. Watching Julie and Julia. Eating ice-cream.

The wardrobe is replenished

This will be the last of Elara's dresses and skirts for now, as I'll be getting stuck into a bit of 'wedding' sewing for my sister-in-law. I found this fabric on sale, so the dress cost under $10 to make! I really love using a different fabric to line clothes with...it's just a bit cheeky...which is perfect for my little girl at this time in her life! The pattern was from this book, which is great for simple (no zips) girls clothes, but has limited boys clothes. I think I might make myself a shirt just like it... maybe in a few weeks!

Gratitude letter

Dear Sir Sandpit,

Just a note to say thanks.

Thanks for being a new source of entertainment in these increasingly long days of spring.

Thanks for encouraging Elara to 'free play'.

Thanks for luring us outside into morning skies and afternoon breezes.
Thanks for fostering the sisterly bond.

Thanks for tales of buried treasure, towering castles and exotic cuisines.

Thanks for some down time.

Thanks for your 4 strong walls, position in the shade, and blend-in-nicely colourings (or maybe those thanks should go to your maker - wonderful Tim)

Cheers, Katherine.

P.S. Please say hello to Big Box. Haven't seen him in awhile.

Winning combos #2

Chocolate + Grape

I know it sounds unusual, but it worked. These miniature trifles are a super quick dessert: A spoonful of grape flavoured jelly in the bottom of the glass; a slice of chocolate rollette; another bit of jelly; a dollop of whipped (chantilly) cream; and another slice of rollette to top. I am partial to putting things in small glasses and bowls because they make everything look cute and 'just-for-me' size. But there was something about this dessert that brought to mind another winning combo...

Chocolate (the colour) + Grape (the colour)

I had a bit of fabric (which I like, but could never find a use), in my stash. It was a hand on from my Grandmother who bought it cause she liked it, but could never find a use. So I made it into a smocked dress for Elara, and added some velvet ribbon straps (which can be adjusted as she grows). I like it, and so does she. To think that a bit of jelly and cake could be so inspirational!

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