Making Peg Dolls – A book review

How to make Peg dolls a book review
Today I’ll be reviewing a book generously sent to me by Margaret Bloom, the author of Making Peg Dolls* and blogger at We Bloom Here. Both Margaret’s book and blog have a basis in the Waldorf/Steiner philosophy. Although we are not a ‘Steiner’ household, I do try to embrace some aspects here at home, especially when it comes to handmade toys and play. When Margaret suggested her book to me, I thought it would be the perfect opportunity to spend some making time with Emma. Emma can be a little distracted at the best of times, so I was pleasantly surprised at how engaged she was when we made these little dolls.
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Introducing The Lucky Draw Project

The Lucky Draw Project front page
I’m so excited to finally reveal a project that I have been working on since August last year. It was an idea that hit me out of the blue as a way to collaborate with some truly talented artists and illustrators, you know, in hopes that some of their amazing talent will rub off on me. So I drafted a long winded email and sent it of to illustrators whose work I admired, some whom I knew and considered friends, others I’d never met (and probably had never heard of me), and then held my breath.
To my delight and surprise, responses were overwhelmingly positive, it turns out creative folks love a collaborative project.

So with out further adieu, I introduce… The Lucky Draw Project.
It’s a collection of printable colouring pages each illustrated by a different Australian artist available every couple of weeks right in your in-box. Over time you can collate them into your own colouring book, or even frame your favourites and display them in your home.

Here’s a sneak peek of what’s to come.

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Kids Craft: Decoupage Easter Egg

Girl wearing pink holding an easter egg
Easter falls quite early this year so it’s time to get the kids involved with some fun Easter themed crafting. This project was inspired by some pretty patterned tissue paper that came wrapped around a clothing purchase a while ago, it reminded me of the lovely designs on Ukrainian Pysanka Eggs. Pysanka eggs require an insane amount of skill to make, so these decoupaged eggs are a fun kid friendly alternative that look super pretty en masse as an Easter Decoration. Don’t be fooled into thinking this project will only appeal to kids, I had just as much fun making them too, in fact, I only stopped because I ran out of bases! All the materials required are very inexpensive, you may even have some laying about already…
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How To: Be My Valentine…Heart Kite

DIY craft heart kite valentine
As Valentine’s Day approaches one can almost feel that ‘Love is in the air’, so inspired by that whimsical phrase I decided to make a heart shaped kite. I’m not really into the whole commercial nature of Valentine’s day, but I think it’s a nice gesture to give someone you care about a small token to show your affection. It can be a simple as a note or a card, but if you have more time, this pretty heart kite would make a special gift. Add a note “You have my heart on a string” to make it really romantic. Take the family out for an dinner picnic and some kite flying for a memorable evening. This kite is not only fun to make and fly, but makes a gorgeous photo prop or wall hanging as well. Continue reading →

How To: Sensory Play Coloured Rice Tray

Sensory Play colored rice tray

Sensory play is a valuable part of early childhood development, not only is it fun, but it helps develop fine motor skills and creativity. Emma has been a little unfocused and disruptive at school lately, so her teacher suggested we try some more sensory play activities at home to help her calm her behavior and help her focus. A tray of sand was suggested, but I though coloured rice would be more fun. (We are building her a sandpit this weekend). A rice tray is easy to put together with items you may already have in your kitchen…

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Kids Craft: Shoe Box Doll House

recycle kids craft shoe box doll house

Emma has been fascinated with all things tiny of late, so I thought it was time that all her little toys had somewhere to live. A shoe box is the ideal size for a doll house, and more importantly, it’s a great way to reuse items that would normally be discarded.
Her favourite crafting activities are pasting and stickers, so I tailored this project to suit. It’s the most crafting fun we’ve had together in a long time.
I remember making a similar shoe box house for my sister’s Muppet Babies figurines (remember those?).

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