Butterfly Bag

I bought a butterfly book at a children's book fair and by chance found some plastic butterflies in our local toy shop. It seemed a good idea to combine the two and give it as a Birthday gift. All that was needed was a small bag to pop the butterflies in and I'd already seen the instructions for a simple fabric bag in a children's sewing book called 'Made by Me' by Jane Bull. As it was for my daughter's friend, she willingly volunteered to make a butterfly themed card to go with it.

The book & bag combination can be adapted for any theme and makes a lovely, inexpensive personalised gift for children that are 'mad about' something!

Tea Party Story Time

I sold this Tea Party 'Felt Story Folder' last week to a much loved teacher at my son's pre-school. She wanted a special Birthday gift for her three year old niece who loves pink. What a pleasure to know it's going to good home!

Super heros in the park...

Another birthday party to plan...this time I decided to hold it in the park and not at my house. We had invited ten energetic 5 and 6 year olds so this seemed like the best way of letting them run about and have fun. The theme was 'superheroes' and I decided to make themed 'bat lolly bags' for the little guests to take home filled with more number five biscuits a couple of lollies and a super hero tooth brush (I'm sure I got a few brownie points for that one with the Mums!). We also took a huge colourful parachute for the energetic super heros to play with and it worked very well - a couple of the Mothers have the biceps to show for it too!

Cookie Cutter Crazy

It was my little boy's 5th birthday last week and what better way to decorate his party cakes than with the number five? I made a batch of biscuit dough and managed to squeeze about 60 number 5's out of it which gave me enough biscuits for him to take into class and share with friends, plus ample left over to decorate the party cup cakes and pop in lolly bags. The best bit was decorating them with the children around the kitchen table the night before. Of course there was chocolate and sprinkles everywhere but we had huge fun doing it, especially as my son insisted that these were the best letter 'fours' he had ever tasted! Ha!

Last minute Christmas ideas?

If you're in need of some last minute inspiration come along to the 'Clovelly Mum's Craft Show Case' next Monday on Arden Street and you might just find what you need! I'll be there selling my Craft Kit Bags, bedroom door plaques, reindeer food (great fun for the children to sprinkle for the reindeer on Christmas eve) and more goodies. Plus there will be a selection of other hand made crafts made by local Clovelly Mums. Everyone is welcome to come and have a look, pass it on!

Date: Monday 14th dec
Where:The Garage 86 Arden st Time: 9.30 to 1.00pm

Bronte Sewing Room

Over the past year I've been going to an inspiring sewing course run by Colette Reynolds at Sprouts and I've learnt to make even more wonderful things! Although I've been sewing for years now, I'm self taught and have always used my own designs and had my own little 'way' of doing things. This has been the ideal opportunity to learn how to sew using patterns and professional techniques with the support of Colette in her gorgeous shop. I've met a lovely group of people from beginners through to more experienced sewers and we've all shared stories, laughs and cups of tea (with biscuits, of course!) whilst sewing our individual creations. It's been the high point of my week! My last project was three fun wrap skirts for my daughter that I will give her at Christmas and I'm thrilled with the results. The course has been so successful that next year Colette has decided to dedicate space in her shop and call it the 'Bronte Sewing Room' (yay!)

My next market date this Sunday...

I'm at the Shore Break Market this Sunday (13th).
The Beach Palace Hotel 196 Dolphin Street, Coogee. Between 11-4pm

There's usually a mix of stall holders selling things like clothes (children & adults), bags, jewellery, children's crocheted toys and hair accessories. I'll be selling my 'Craft Kit Bags', upholstered bedroom door plaques and upholstered notice boards amongst other goodies. If you're short of Christmas present ideas it's worth a look.