whimsy

whimsy

Sunday 30 June 2013

tracing

Recently I bought the kids some tracing paper as I remembered tracing for hours on end when I was young. It turns out mum was probably letting us trace using her baking paper- so I'll buy a roll of that next time!

Both kids normally steady their paper with their non writing hand but as this activity requires it- it's a great way to encourage good writing posture.










Friday 28 June 2013

bye bye Google reader hello bloglovin'

If you haven't already heard the news, Google Reader is shutting down on July 1st. If you use Google Reader to follow us it would be lovely if you could click here and follow us on bloglovin'



x

Wednesday 26 June 2013

stone owls

M's Friday teacher is doing an owl drawing and collage unit with them. Owls are their classroom theme Outstanding Wise Learners - pretty cute. M's been drawing owls at home since as she's remembered the steps. When I saw a friend had pinned this image I knew what we'd do with the little bag of river stones we've bought with us to our 'fixing house'.

Here's the image from pinterest:


And the source: http://www.redtedart.com/2013/06/19/stone-owls/

We did ours a little bit differently by using coloured pencils ( only because we didn't bring felts here!)



I love how M made T some step by step instructions- a 'blueprint' she called it
even numbering them- bless


This owl has very big eyes for seeing at night x



Sunday 23 June 2013

a suessy shower

I like Dr Suess books for their rhyme, colour and illustrations. I've seen Dr Suess themed parties on pinterest so thought I'd so my little spin on it for my friend's baby shower. Here's how it came together. She was chuffed!

cake iced blue with free printable signs found on www, striped paper straws, jaffas and licorice lollies
favours of licorice lollies and jaffas
green eggs and ham!
Dr Suess books as props and to keep as gifts
banner made from old Dr Suess books
truffula tree cup cakes, cup cake, candy canes and candyfloss
Suess quotes as decorations
I just like these pop corn boxes
I made the cake with blue stripes : )
book pages as a table runner
 The games:

memory game

a plastic baby in an ice cube- first to have their baby melt out calls out ' my waters broke' and wins a prize

 We also played a 'guess mum's girth' game- so silly and a free printable Dr Suess Trivia game found here


 I used the wording from this invitation ( which wasn't available to buy) found on Etsy. I made invitations using red cards and envelopes, pictures cut from old Dr Suess books, polka dot washi tape and printed wording. I don't have a photo of one of those- each was different as I only needed to make 12 invitations.


In the invitation I included a note asking the guests to each bring along a piece of cotton fabric, new or from their stash. I plan to make a little play mat with it by teaching myself to strip quilt... that's a post for later : )


I plan to add an orange stripe to this collection : )




Thursday 20 June 2013

pop and grandma presents

My dad and his wife live in Perth. We don't see them as much as we'd like to but the kids have always known them as being part of our family. Family that lives closer get handmade presents from the kids alot so I thought it was time Pop and Grandma got some.

Pop is getting a little noughts and crosses board, it was painted and packed up before I could get a photo of it. Grandma's getting a doily printed jewellery plate, you know the kind that goes by the kitchen sink to put your rings in before doing dishes etc : )


We made them using :


This is the best stuff for kids, it's easy to work with and can be painted after being left to dry for a few days.

making a little cross

T was finished started making a couch for the firemen in his wooden firehouse



we sat this cut out circle in a bowl to give it shape as it dried

The finished bowl.

Friday 14 June 2013

things I'm loving

Joining in with MNMs Things I'm Loving

I wholeheartedly believe that no matter what is happening in your life, there is always something you can be thankful for..no matter how simple it is.

These are so good, they're like fruit bursts but yummier


This song, I like the 70s feel to it


Watching swimming lessons, I never tire of watching them splash around 


My new duvet cover set from Ezibuy, sitting in its packet waiting to be put on our bed in our newly fixed up house. Nothing beats new linen. Can I get a big YES to us finally having our EQ repair too.


and finally deciding on paint colours, I'm really looking forward to seeing how it all looks in 6 weeks time...


Wednesday 12 June 2013

for a new mum and baby

A dear friend is having her first baby soon. I wanted to make her something that could help her document and celebrate her baby's growth in a fun way. I saw this on Etsy, it's gorgeous but a little outside my budget...probably because of the amount of work it would be to cut out and sew each little letter.

http://www.etsy.com/listing/85641846/baby-chronicle-kit-stuffed-felt-letters
Here's my version. I ordered two sets of wooden magnetic alphabets and a set of numerals from aliexpress. I took out I AM MONTHS from the alphabets and combined them with the numerals in a drawstring bag.

I did consider the magnets and the painted surface but since the letters are just props for the photos ( and obviously baby will be being watched) I didn't think it would be an issue.

I like the silly faces on the letters. When baby is old enough I'll give her the rest of the letters and they they can use them on the fridge or a magnetic board.

Friday 7 June 2013

a fun present idea for 4- 5 year olds

We're still working through the kids fun craft type birthday and Christmas presents from last year (we have Christmas and the kids birthdays in the space of a week so I stash crafty type things away for the 'inside' months later in the year). 

Anyway, this one both kids loved. It all comes as a pack and all you need is an iron.

There's a piece of special paper and crayons inside that you use to draw the image. I cut this down a bit as although it was M's present she wanted T involved and asked him to draw an image for the back of her tee shirt- she drew one for the front.

These can be bought from The Warehouse for $10.99 each. There's the Glitter one we got, a regular one and I think there's also a glow in the dark one available, a neat gift at a good price I feel : )



oops, I didn't take a pic of the design T made for the back- a wee pirate boat



butterflies and flowers- a bit if a theme for her- apologies for our leafy kitchen floor!