I follow a blog about motherhood and saw that the writer did a 'blog every day in August' challenge and I really enjoyed reading it, so I have decided to take part in Chickywiggle's blog every day in September
Day eighteen - My quiet place
This is tough one!
We have one little boy - Lawrence, 7 months old and a dog that is quite relaxed so our home is pretty quiet and relaxed. However, when my husband gets home from work I have usually had enough of being 'on' all day and need five minutes for me! (Is this bad...?!)
So, I disappear upstairs while Rob and Lawrence play under the pretence of washing, or something equally boring and sit on the bed in silence for five minutes. Lawrence stayed at his grandma's house a few weeks ago and I couldn't work out what was wrong when we went to bed. I realised your ears are always on as a mum - even when Lawrence has gone to bed you're still listening and waiting.
So, my quiet place is my bedroom, but just for a few minutes a day and it seriously helps!
What is yours?
Thursday, 19 September 2013
A blog everyday in September: Day 19 Pirates!
I follow a blog about motherhood and saw that the writer did a 'blog every day in August' challenge and I really enjoyed reading it, so I have decided to take part in Chickywiggle's blog every day in September
Day nineteen - Pirates!
I had intentions of telling you all about this hilarious day while holidaying in Malta where we randomly came across a film set near a beach and went over to have our photos taken with the cast and crew. We posed for pictures and they were a really good laugh but we looked ridiculous, but now that I have found the picture I realise - they weren't pirates, they were, in fact, Vikings.
So, instead, have a picture of my little boy in his 'pirate bandana'.
If you can't be funny, be cute!
Day nineteen - Pirates!
I had intentions of telling you all about this hilarious day while holidaying in Malta where we randomly came across a film set near a beach and went over to have our photos taken with the cast and crew. We posed for pictures and they were a really good laugh but we looked ridiculous, but now that I have found the picture I realise - they weren't pirates, they were, in fact, Vikings.
So, instead, have a picture of my little boy in his 'pirate bandana'.
If you can't be funny, be cute!
Monday, 16 September 2013
A blog everyday in September: Day 17 My favourite painting
I follow a blog about motherhood and saw that the writer did a 'blog every day in August' challenge and I really enjoyed reading it, so I have decided to take part in Chickywiggle's blog every day in September
Day seventeen: My favourite painting
This is not so much about the painting - albeit wonderful. It is more about its placing in the National Gallery in London!
You walk through the Great Hall and turn right, and there it is. It's in an enormous frame that you can spot through the doorway as you approach. It is the most amazing placement I have seen and catches my eye EVERY time I go in the gallery. I can't resist walking by the gallery without going inside to see!
Day seventeen: My favourite painting
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| Whistlejacket, By George Stubbs |
You walk through the Great Hall and turn right, and there it is. It's in an enormous frame that you can spot through the doorway as you approach. It is the most amazing placement I have seen and catches my eye EVERY time I go in the gallery. I can't resist walking by the gallery without going inside to see!
A blog everyday in September: Day 14 Cakes, cakes and more cakes!
I follow a blog about motherhood and saw that the writer did a 'blog every day in August' challenge and I really enjoyed reading it, so I have decided to take part in Chickywiggle's blog every day in September
Day fourteen: Cakes, cakes and more cakes!
I LOVE cake! Any kind of cake is fine by me and I am happy to report that it does, in fact, make everything better!
Please see this blog post to see my thoughts and ideas about some cakes.
Below I have also added a super scrummy recipe for you all to try! I didn't know I liked banana cake until I tried this recipe. YUM!
http://www.queenofeverything.co.uk/2012/02/06/mary-berrys-banana-loaf/
Enjoy - eat cake and be merry! Mary Berry merry if you will...
Day fourteen: Cakes, cakes and more cakes!
I LOVE cake! Any kind of cake is fine by me and I am happy to report that it does, in fact, make everything better!
Please see this blog post to see my thoughts and ideas about some cakes.
Below I have also added a super scrummy recipe for you all to try! I didn't know I liked banana cake until I tried this recipe. YUM!
http://www.queenofeverything.co.uk/2012/02/06/mary-berrys-banana-loaf/
Enjoy - eat cake and be merry! Mary Berry merry if you will...
A blog everyday in September: Day 16 Heroes
I follow a blog about motherhood and saw that the writer did a 'blog every day in August' challenge and I really enjoyed reading it, so I have decided to take part in Chickywiggle's blog every day in September
Day sixteen: Heroes
Superman is the greatest hero of all time!
Here are the reasons why:
Overall - he is a real hero! He hides behind Clark Kent to protect his real, heroic identity.
When compared to others he comes out on top for his humility:
Day sixteen: Heroes
Superman is the greatest hero of all time!
Here are the reasons why:
- He can fly!
- He is kind and works hard at his day job
- He saves people - even the bad ones
- He admits he has a fault - Kryptonite
- He has worked hard despite being a little messed up family-wise
Overall - he is a real hero! He hides behind Clark Kent to protect his real, heroic identity.
When compared to others he comes out on top for his humility:
- Bruce Wayne is the real guy and he hides behind Batman
- Tony Stark is real and hides behind Iron Man
- Even Eric Wimp hides behind Bananaman (although I don't blame him!)
Tuesday, 10 September 2013
A blog everyday in September: Day 10 Swap Ideas Day
I follow a blog about motherhood and saw that the writer did a 'blog every day in August' challenge and I really enjoyed reading it, so I have decided to take part in Chickywiggle's blog every day in September
Day ten: Swap ideas day
So, I have to hope that my brothers and sister-in-laws don't find this one! (I am pretty sure they don't read it, but if you are STOP now!!!)
Both my brother are having babies this year and I was racking my brain to think, what can I make them both? I needed it to be fairly straight forward, not too time consuming (I may have mentioned that I have a baby - here and here!). But I also wanted it to be something the babies could keep.
So - here it is. A memory blanket.
I have printed photos onto fabric and created a patchwork blanket for my new niece/nephew x2!
I used PhotoFabric Sheets from Amazon. They were about £15 including postage so I only ordered one set, unsure how good the photos would come out. As you can see above - they were fantastic. All the baby photos were traditional photos so the quality wasn't great, but the printing was great. You just put the fabric in your printer like you usually would with paper.
I have added a baby photo and small child photo of each parent, and then some couples pictures too (e.g. one couple is married so I have included a wedding photo!)
This image shows the other blanket I am making, not finished just yet, but almost there. It's just to give you an idea of the overall effect.
So there you have it - a unique baby gift! Now, if I could only find the time to make one for myself..!
What do you think?
Day ten: Swap ideas day
So, I have to hope that my brothers and sister-in-laws don't find this one! (I am pretty sure they don't read it, but if you are STOP now!!!)
Both my brother are having babies this year and I was racking my brain to think, what can I make them both? I needed it to be fairly straight forward, not too time consuming (I may have mentioned that I have a baby - here and here!). But I also wanted it to be something the babies could keep.
So - here it is. A memory blanket.
I have printed photos onto fabric and created a patchwork blanket for my new niece/nephew x2!
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| My brother as a baby on his new memory blanket, wrapped and ready to go. |
I have added a baby photo and small child photo of each parent, and then some couples pictures too (e.g. one couple is married so I have included a wedding photo!)
This image shows the other blanket I am making, not finished just yet, but almost there. It's just to give you an idea of the overall effect.
So there you have it - a unique baby gift! Now, if I could only find the time to make one for myself..!
What do you think?
Monday, 9 September 2013
A blog everyday in September: Day 9 A Special Song
I follow a blog about motherhood and saw that the writer did a 'blog ever day in August' challenge and I really enjoyed reading it, so I have decided to take part in Chickywiggle's blog every day in September
Day nine: A song that reminds you of a special time
I have two -
1) This might be too obvious, but it is our first dance song. Queen - You're my Best Friend
My husband broke his leg three weeks before our wedding (football injury!)
I had tonsillitis on the day. With Rob's leg and the operation he had to have, finalising the wedding, working full time, having an interview for my PGCE - it all got a bit much and my body started to break!
So, although the day went well, we both felt a bit rotten. However, Rob bravely left his crutches behind and stood wobbling on one leg, so that we could have a half decent first dance. I love the song anyway, but he really is my best friend!
2) While I was pregnant I listened to Norah Jones quite a bit. I found it relaxing and the baby often moved while I was listening - I think it was more about lying still and relaxing than the music, but it worked. Now that he is born (and seven months old!) when I hear the song it makes me think of the wonderful times of being pregnant.
What songs evoke your memories?
Day nine: A song that reminds you of a special time
I have two -
1) This might be too obvious, but it is our first dance song. Queen - You're my Best Friend
My husband broke his leg three weeks before our wedding (football injury!)
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| Broken leg! |
So, although the day went well, we both felt a bit rotten. However, Rob bravely left his crutches behind and stood wobbling on one leg, so that we could have a half decent first dance. I love the song anyway, but he really is my best friend!
2) While I was pregnant I listened to Norah Jones quite a bit. I found it relaxing and the baby often moved while I was listening - I think it was more about lying still and relaxing than the music, but it worked. Now that he is born (and seven months old!) when I hear the song it makes me think of the wonderful times of being pregnant.
What songs evoke your memories?
Sunday, 8 September 2013
A blog everyday in September: Day 8 Grandparent day
I follow a blog about motherhood and saw that the writer did a 'blog every day in August' challenge and I really enjoyed reading it, so I have decided to take part in Chickywiggle's blog every day in September
Day eight: Grandparent day
This is a really tough one! My paternal grandparents and I are very close, we always have been. Since I was born my family have always lived 5 miles away from them and on account of that we would see them once or twice a week. My granddad passed away three years ago so my husband and I ensure we see plenty of my nan - we can't fill the void for each other, but it helps I think!
But, we have LOTS of happy stories and memories. Here are a small selection:
Day eight: Grandparent day
This is a really tough one! My paternal grandparents and I are very close, we always have been. Since I was born my family have always lived 5 miles away from them and on account of that we would see them once or twice a week. My granddad passed away three years ago so my husband and I ensure we see plenty of my nan - we can't fill the void for each other, but it helps I think!
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| This is at our wedding. |
But, we have LOTS of happy stories and memories. Here are a small selection:
- Grandad had nicknames for everyone. My brother, Sam, was always Sambo-Scrambo. I was always Ali-Ooop. I have a cousin called Felicity, she was always called Flickety-Knickety, her sister Sophie was Whoty-Woo. I have no idea where these came from!
- Nan and Grandad are both into their music and on many occasions can turn your words into a song. Amazing when you consider that they can't remember what day it is sometimes!
- Nan gets her words wrong all the time! This isn't an age thing - she's been doing it ever since I can remember. DVD = VD (!!). Holidaying in Phuket, Thailand = she pronounced it phonetically! Brilliant.
- Walking through a field one day, a lady shouts to them from the other end " Have you got a dog?" Granddad shouts back "Yes!". The lady is then seen to be scrabbling round trying to get her big and naughty dog on a lead. When they meet half way across the field, the lady is looking around for their dog. "Where's your dog?" Granddad replies "At home!" Huge grins all round (from everyone other than the lady!)
A blog everyday in September: Day 7 Neither rain nor snow day
I follow a blog about motherhood and saw that the writer did a 'blog every day in August' challenge and I really enjoyed reading it, so I have decided to take part in Chickywiggle's blog every day in September
Day seven: Neither rain nor snow day
Day seven: Neither rain nor snow day
Chicky wiggle wants to know about our favourite time of year
Well...I change my mind depending on the time of year, so here are some reasons why I love various times of year.
Winter -
Get the winter woollies out! Everyone has a good warm jumper that they love to wear! Mine is a blue Christmas jumper from Fat Face!
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| Apologies for the snake and the cheesy grin - I was very excited! |
I love getting all wrapped up in hats and coats and going out. It might simply be for a dog walk, or something more like bonfire night or carnival!
Christmas!! This is definitely my favourite time of year. Just follow my Pinterest account to see how much I love it! Everyone is feeling festive and in the mood for giving. I love getting my prezzies bought or made and wrapped (see my Christmas makes post!), decorating the house, planning the dinner! Christmas!!
Summer -
Cooler clothes for hot days!
Eating outside. I always start with evening meals but by the end of the summer breakfast outside seems a great idea too!
Swimming outdoors - maybe at the beach, or at this amazing Outdoor pool near where we live!
The food! BBQ, salads of all variety, baked potatoes. At every meal. It's totally acceptable!!
I can get on board with spring and autumn, but really these are just lead up to the good bits!
What about you...?
Summer -
Cooler clothes for hot days!
Eating outside. I always start with evening meals but by the end of the summer breakfast outside seems a great idea too!
Swimming outdoors - maybe at the beach, or at this amazing Outdoor pool near where we live!
The food! BBQ, salads of all variety, baked potatoes. At every meal. It's totally acceptable!!
I can get on board with spring and autumn, but really these are just lead up to the good bits!
What about you...?
Thursday, 5 September 2013
A blog everyday in September: Day 5 Teachers' day
I follow a blog about motherhood and saw that the writer did a 'blog ever day in August' challenge and I really enjoyed reading it, so I have decided to take part in Chickywiggle's blog every day in September
Day five: Teachers' day
Now, I think this post is supposed to be something that inspired you...mine memory sort of is, and hope it is something that others can follow too...keep reading to the end - I'll get to the point!
As a teacher I have lots of memories of my time in school, that help me become a better teacher today. This is one I tell everyone - so apologies if you've heard it before
One day, in a Geography class, our teacher asked us to look at an ordnance survey map and work out which way the river was flowing, and explain how we knew. To my friend sat by me, I JOKINGLY said "well this map is just a flat version of the Earth. If it was the real thing it would look like this (here I held the map upright in front of me) so the river would be flowing downwards off the page". We giggled at my crap joke, however the teacher overheard me and ridiculed me in front of the rest of the class. It was simply light hearted humour on his part - he was a fabulous teacher and was one of those that inspired me to become a teacher myself.
HOWEVER - as a child I was humiliated. I was a keen sort of pupil and hated to get things wrong, or not understand things and I was embarrassed to think that he thought I was being serious. Still, to this day, I have no idea how to find out which was a river flows when looking at a ordnance survey map. I attribute this lack of knowledge to the fact that I must have switched off for the remained of the lesson.
That's the funny thing about memories - I can remember the classroom, where I was sat, the friend I was talking to, the teacher, the feeling, but I have no idea what we learnt that day.
Children are in fact just that - children. As teachers, parents, friends, people of the general public I think we often forget that children are children. As an adult, as well as a teacher, it is my responsibility to ensure they can learn - in all senses of that word - in a secure, free-to-make-mistakes world.
I strive for this as a teacher already, but will try as a parent too.
Day five: Teachers' day
Now, I think this post is supposed to be something that inspired you...mine memory sort of is, and hope it is something that others can follow too...keep reading to the end - I'll get to the point!
As a teacher I have lots of memories of my time in school, that help me become a better teacher today. This is one I tell everyone - so apologies if you've heard it before
One day, in a Geography class, our teacher asked us to look at an ordnance survey map and work out which way the river was flowing, and explain how we knew. To my friend sat by me, I JOKINGLY said "well this map is just a flat version of the Earth. If it was the real thing it would look like this (here I held the map upright in front of me) so the river would be flowing downwards off the page". We giggled at my crap joke, however the teacher overheard me and ridiculed me in front of the rest of the class. It was simply light hearted humour on his part - he was a fabulous teacher and was one of those that inspired me to become a teacher myself.
HOWEVER - as a child I was humiliated. I was a keen sort of pupil and hated to get things wrong, or not understand things and I was embarrassed to think that he thought I was being serious. Still, to this day, I have no idea how to find out which was a river flows when looking at a ordnance survey map. I attribute this lack of knowledge to the fact that I must have switched off for the remained of the lesson.
That's the funny thing about memories - I can remember the classroom, where I was sat, the friend I was talking to, the teacher, the feeling, but I have no idea what we learnt that day.
Children are in fact just that - children. As teachers, parents, friends, people of the general public I think we often forget that children are children. As an adult, as well as a teacher, it is my responsibility to ensure they can learn - in all senses of that word - in a secure, free-to-make-mistakes world.
I strive for this as a teacher already, but will try as a parent too.
Wednesday, 4 September 2013
A Blog everyday in September: Day 4 Favourite Film
I follow a blog about motherhood and saw that the writer did a 'blog every day in August' challenge and I really enjoyed reading it, so I have decided to take part in Chickywiggle's blog every day in September
Day four: Favourite Film
Oh - where to begin?! Here is a list, with some reasons why they are great
Little Women - the book is amazing, and the film (the one with Susan Sarandon) brings it to life a little bit more!
Any 'Marvel Comics' film. A little bit of action, some heroics, some funny. Perfect! My favourite is Captain America!
Aladdin - "Shall I call you 'Al', or 'Din', or maybe just 'Laddie'. Here boy!" Need I say more?
A Wonderful Life - most Christmas films are brilliant, but this one is second to none! It seems dark and gloomy but actually the message is...well, wonderful!
Please list your favourite films in the comments below!
Day four: Favourite Film
Oh - where to begin?! Here is a list, with some reasons why they are great
Little Women - the book is amazing, and the film (the one with Susan Sarandon) brings it to life a little bit more!
Any 'Marvel Comics' film. A little bit of action, some heroics, some funny. Perfect! My favourite is Captain America!
Aladdin - "Shall I call you 'Al', or 'Din', or maybe just 'Laddie'. Here boy!" Need I say more?
A Wonderful Life - most Christmas films are brilliant, but this one is second to none! It seems dark and gloomy but actually the message is...well, wonderful!
Please list your favourite films in the comments below!
Tuesday, 3 September 2013
A blog everyday in September: Day 3 A strange fact
I follow a blog about motherhood and saw that the writer did a 'blog ever day in August' challenge and I really enjoyed reading it, so I have decided to take part in Chickywiggle's blog every day in September
Day three: A strange fact
Day three: A strange fact
You know those limpets that stick to cliffs and things...
If it was as big as a human, it's penis would be as big as Nelsons Column, Trafalgar Sq. London!
Amazing!
Monday, 2 September 2013
A blog everyday in September: Day 2 Back to school
I follow a blog about motherhood and saw that the writer did a 'blog every day in August' challenge and I really enjoyed reading it, so I have decided to take part in Chickywiggle's blog every day in September
Day two: Back to school
Today I return to school as a secondary teacher in an all boys school. In a couple of week I will blog about the ups and downs of returning to school, juggling part time work, a baby and trying to keep a social life, but for now here are the crazy things buzzing round my head about my return to work.
Day two: Back to school
Today I return to school as a secondary teacher in an all boys school. In a couple of week I will blog about the ups and downs of returning to school, juggling part time work, a baby and trying to keep a social life, but for now here are the crazy things buzzing round my head about my return to work.
- Will my little boy be OK?
- Will I remember how to teach?
- Will the pupils be happy to have me back in their lessons?
- Will my colleagues be pleased to see me, or will they miss my maternity cover? Will it make a difference?
- I can't wait to have something that's just for me, not anyone else in my family.
- I love my job, and the pupils so it will be fun to be back at work.
- What will the new head teacher be like? How will it be working under a different form of management?
- It's only part time - my working week will be over before I know it!
- I'm so grateful for my mum, and my mother in law for looking after my LO - it has saved me time, hassle, worry and money about finding a good childminder.
- Do I really want to be away from my little boy for this long when he's still only six months old?
- Will we be able to afford our bills every month?
Sunday, 1 September 2013
Blog everyday in September: Day 6 National Read a book day
I follow a blog about motherhood and saw that the writer did a 'blog ever day in August' challenge and I really enjoyed reading it, so I have decided to take part in Chickywiggle's blog every day in September
Day six: National Read a book day
Day six: National Read a book day
This book is wonderful.
A quick synopsis - four sisters growing up in an America at war with itself. Trials and tribulations of sisterhood as children, and then growing up and out of the family home and the new challenges that face them.
I first read this book while I was in Sri Lanka when I was 19 - I just picked it up in a 'library' in one of the travel lodge/hostels we stayed in. Since then I read at least once a year because I love it so much. The main character, Jo, is a reflection of Louisa May Alcott (LMA) and her family life is a reflection of that of LMA.
Sections of the book that touch my heart:
- The kindness of their mother is passed through to her lovely daughters - this is shown in the book as charity to poverty stricken family, as well as to the kind gentleman living next door.
- Their kindness is reflected back upon them and so gratefully received - when Beth receives a piano.
- The friendship between Jo and 'the Laurence boy'. This touched me so much that my son is called Lawrence.
Highly recommended - tissues required!
A blog every day in September: Day 1 Who am I?
I follow a blog about motherhood and saw that the writer did a 'blog every day in August' challenge and I really enjoyed reading it, so I have decided to take part in Chickywiggle's blog every day in September
Day One: Who am I?
Easy peasy:
As a secondary teacher we run 'humanities' lessons which is basically history, geography and RE in one lesson. My colleague and I have planned a whole term's work called 'Who am I?'. It is based around identity - the pupil explores their own identity as well their peers and looks at cultural identity of others too. It's a really interesting way of getting to know the pupils but they find it hard to express things about themselves. "Can I just say 'I enjoy playing x-box'?" is a regular question.
I think self reflection is a really important part of life - self understanding and value can be obtained by thinking (and practicing) What do I enjoy? What am I good at? Who am I?
Day One: Who am I?
Easy peasy:
- Ali, 28, live in Dorset with hubby, 7 month old boy and Border Terrier
- I'm about to start back at work as a Secondary Teacher - part time hours, but totally dreading it (planning to blog about back to work experiences! Stay tuned!)
- I love to craft! I'll try anything with the right guidance, but I really enjoy machine sewing. (Some of my creations can be found here and here)
- I started to blog just to get some thoughts and ideas down on 'paper' - some are like diary entries, some are rants about things that annoy me, some are about the things I have been crafting. I'm not very good at keeping up to date with it. I can go months without doing anything, so I think this 'blog everyday' will give me a little kick start, and maybe some ideas too!
As a secondary teacher we run 'humanities' lessons which is basically history, geography and RE in one lesson. My colleague and I have planned a whole term's work called 'Who am I?'. It is based around identity - the pupil explores their own identity as well their peers and looks at cultural identity of others too. It's a really interesting way of getting to know the pupils but they find it hard to express things about themselves. "Can I just say 'I enjoy playing x-box'?" is a regular question.
I think self reflection is a really important part of life - self understanding and value can be obtained by thinking (and practicing) What do I enjoy? What am I good at? Who am I?
Food!
This is an old post, from an old blog - just moving things around!
Food is a big part of the Hoskins life! Out for dinner and trying new things
However, there is nothing quite like making something yourself to share with friends and family so this will be the first of many posts about food we have made!
First - look at these disasterous cupcakes! These were made with our niece and nephew and tasted fine but they look awful! I dont know what we did wrong, but I thought I would post them to show that even when things go wrong, whack some sprinkles on them and eat them anyway!
Once it was cooked, cooled and put together I smeared the remaining icing around the outside so that I had something to stick the chocolate fingers to. To give you a rough idea of size, this is a regular dinner plate - the cake tins were 20cm?? - and it took two packets of fingers to go round the ouside.
The berries on the top were fresh and delish, and we served the whole thing with cream so that it was more like a pudding than a cake as such!
As it was Christmas we decided gingerbread SNOWmen were on the cards. Below are two images - one used ready to roll icing that we then cut with the same gingerbread man cutter and laid on top (with a tiny bit of water to make it stick!) and then we decorated. The other is using icing sugar and water to make a sort of paste that we thought looked more like snow! It all depends on how much time, space, effort you have to make! They went down a storm at the family christmas gatherings!
Food is a big part of the Hoskins life! Out for dinner and trying new things
However, there is nothing quite like making something yourself to share with friends and family so this will be the first of many posts about food we have made!
First - look at these disasterous cupcakes! These were made with our niece and nephew and tasted fine but they look awful! I dont know what we did wrong, but I thought I would post them to show that even when things go wrong, whack some sprinkles on them and eat them anyway!
Triumph!
This however felt like somewhat of a triumph. Inside is a chocolate sponge cake with chocolate fondant icing in the middle. You could make your own easily, but you could just as simply use a Betty Crocker ready made packet mix!Once it was cooked, cooled and put together I smeared the remaining icing around the outside so that I had something to stick the chocolate fingers to. To give you a rough idea of size, this is a regular dinner plate - the cake tins were 20cm?? - and it took two packets of fingers to go round the ouside.
The berries on the top were fresh and delish, and we served the whole thing with cream so that it was more like a pudding than a cake as such!
I LOVE gingerbread!
Gingerbread is super easy to make whether you are an experienced baker or not. I used the following recipe this time but there are often recipes in childrens books, on the back of the brown sugar packet, on the back of the gingerbread man cutter box and so on!As it was Christmas we decided gingerbread SNOWmen were on the cards. Below are two images - one used ready to roll icing that we then cut with the same gingerbread man cutter and laid on top (with a tiny bit of water to make it stick!) and then we decorated. The other is using icing sugar and water to make a sort of paste that we thought looked more like snow! It all depends on how much time, space, effort you have to make! They went down a storm at the family christmas gatherings!
Christmas makes
This is an old blog post, from an old blog
I wanted to share some hand made bits and bobs that I made for Christmas presents this year. Some are from my own imagination, some I have made from patterns in books and some I have copied from things I have seen in books/online/other blogs etc etc
Enjoy!
You could put some fabric on the back too if you wanted it to look a little bit more professional/neat as my edges were a bit scrappy on the back. I have also seen people using a cork board inside so that you can add pins rather than pegs as I have used here, but you would need to avoid the wadding if that was the case for you!
These cushions were quick and easy - two squares of fabric sewn together (even with my limited sewing experience last year!). The middle is pinched together using self covered buttons (available from good haberdashery shops or online). Last year my experience was rather limited and I ended up making the cushions before buying the cushion pads - idiot! And I also should have bought nicer quality fabric to make them look a little nicer - but hey, you live and learn!
Most of my fabric I get from eBay as I find it cheaper and lots of people do nice bundles of fabric in a certain colour set - as you can see on my green cushions below! However, this time for the main cushion fabric I went to a local shop because I felt I needed to see and feel the fabric to know it was what I was looking for.
The cushions are 50cmx50cm so my cushion pads came from Ikea - biggest bargain of the Christmas shopping! Everywhere I looked large cushions were about £20 - Ikea came in at less than a fiver! BRILLIANT!
I decide to save on cutting and to reduce the risk of me cutting wonky/the wrong sizes and so on, that I would have one long piece of farbic that I would wrap round the cushion. It meant that I only needed to stitch the two sides - the top and both were just one continuous piece of fabric. Does that make sense...?
First - the applique bit! I had planned to make two the same - both with the circles, but on my tiny machine and with my extra long fabric it was quite hard work to machine stitch round all those circles while trying to manouvre a metre of fabric. The circles came out really well - just have patience! However, I was over it and therefore made the bunting style one too. Even easier! Snipped some triangles as shown and attached them to the fabric using my sewing maching - I use green cotton to add to the effect, and them simply attached green ribbon using another green zigzag stitch to give the 2012 summer bunting effect!
Again, I hemmed the edges that would be showing on the back of the cushion before joining the edges up the sides - simples!
I think this is so adaptable to whatever you want it to be - keep it similar for a wedding gift, or something, or you could make your childrens names for their bedrooms and so on
I love it so much - it was on the wall the minute we got home!!
I wanted to share some hand made bits and bobs that I made for Christmas presents this year. Some are from my own imagination, some I have made from patterns in books and some I have copied from things I have seen in books/online/other blogs etc etc
Enjoy!
Pin Board for Mum -
Easiest and quickest thing I have ever made!! There is a piece of foam board inside that was about a fiver from Hobbycraft - I cut it in two and made two A2 (ish?) pin boards. I used spray adhesive to stick some wadding and the fabric, then used a glue gun to stick the ribbon on the top and the edges so that things can be hung from it. Quick easy and a lovely gift - my mum uses hers in the kitchen, but also takes it to her craft fayres to display things she's made - like brooches or cards and so on.You could put some fabric on the back too if you wanted it to look a little bit more professional/neat as my edges were a bit scrappy on the back. I have also seen people using a cork board inside so that you can add pins rather than pegs as I have used here, but you would need to avoid the wadding if that was the case for you!
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| The finished product |
Cushions for a friend
These are actually from last year.These cushions were quick and easy - two squares of fabric sewn together (even with my limited sewing experience last year!). The middle is pinched together using self covered buttons (available from good haberdashery shops or online). Last year my experience was rather limited and I ended up making the cushions before buying the cushion pads - idiot! And I also should have bought nicer quality fabric to make them look a little nicer - but hey, you live and learn!
Christmas cushions for our house
These cushions were made using left over fabric from some other projects - hence the red and white backs! I downloaded the simple reindeer shape from the internet - a simple google images search! And used that as a template for my fabric. I hand stitched them to the cream colour backing fabric to get the effect that I wanted, but you could easily zig-zag stitch them on for a sturdier and neater finish.
I am yet to master attaching a zip so all my cushions have fold-over backs. To do this I hem the edges of the fabric where it will be showing before I attach the cushion backing to the front cover to get a neater finish.
As I said - all very basic, but it works for me and hopefully my short tips can help other beginners at this activity!
Cushions for the In-Laws!
My mother-in-law is an avid crafter so I was nervous about doing these, but with a baby on the way we needed to be saving money! Making them cost relatively little, and it kept me entertained for free!Most of my fabric I get from eBay as I find it cheaper and lots of people do nice bundles of fabric in a certain colour set - as you can see on my green cushions below! However, this time for the main cushion fabric I went to a local shop because I felt I needed to see and feel the fabric to know it was what I was looking for.
The cushions are 50cmx50cm so my cushion pads came from Ikea - biggest bargain of the Christmas shopping! Everywhere I looked large cushions were about £20 - Ikea came in at less than a fiver! BRILLIANT!
I decide to save on cutting and to reduce the risk of me cutting wonky/the wrong sizes and so on, that I would have one long piece of farbic that I would wrap round the cushion. It meant that I only needed to stitch the two sides - the top and both were just one continuous piece of fabric. Does that make sense...?
First - the applique bit! I had planned to make two the same - both with the circles, but on my tiny machine and with my extra long fabric it was quite hard work to machine stitch round all those circles while trying to manouvre a metre of fabric. The circles came out really well - just have patience! However, I was over it and therefore made the bunting style one too. Even easier! Snipped some triangles as shown and attached them to the fabric using my sewing maching - I use green cotton to add to the effect, and them simply attached green ribbon using another green zigzag stitch to give the 2012 summer bunting effect!
Again, I hemmed the edges that would be showing on the back of the cushion before joining the edges up the sides - simples!
A gift I was given!
The below was not made by me, but given to us as a gift by a very talented friend and I think it is so amazing that it worth a mention! She has taken the time to photograph all sorts of random objects (In this case a boot scrapper, the frame of a bed, some string, a scrabble tile, a tree, a fence and some wood) and as you can see she has put them together to spell our family name.I think this is so adaptable to whatever you want it to be - keep it similar for a wedding gift, or something, or you could make your childrens names for their bedrooms and so on
I love it so much - it was on the wall the minute we got home!!
It's never too early to start thinking about the things you could make for people as gifts - they dont have to be for Christmas, birthdays, mothers day etc all work. The thought process by you makes you feel proud of what you have given, but they also know that you have taken the time to create something from nothing.
If you are imaginative you can just free style which can be fun, but you can buy all sorts of basic books with step by step guides to making things - mine come from Amazon as I find them the cheapest!
Good luck!
Toys for little ones
These are some toys we've made for friends children that I thought I'd share just for you to see. I've tried to use old bits and bobs for these smaller toys, and to accessorise the letters to keep the costs down as often the children have grown out of them after a short while.
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| MDF letters - painted and decorated |
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| Toy giraffe for a baby |
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| Stuffed elephant. |
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