Meet Annabelle

Annabelle loves reading and spending time at the library. She is a dear little soul who is as quiet as a mouse but does an awful lot of thinking. She is just about finished... but I just couldn't wait to share her with you all!

I am thinking that I might sell her once she is complete...  

And we have a winner for Edward!

And we have a winner for Edward's cousin, Harry! Hayley, I will pop him in the post for you, I hope he has a nice flight and am sure he will love living with you guys!

*Please note: I actually wrote this post on the 1 st of Feb but have back dated it so that my OWOH post stays on top*

Little Mummy

Today I received this little gem in the mail. I have been hunting it down for three years on and off. It is one of my favourites from when I was a wee one. It looks like my childhood, it even smells like my childhood.

I'm not sure how to describe how I feel about finding this original version to share with my own children as they grow. Its amazing what a book can do.

Whilst reminds you of your childhood?

I'm off to enjoy my memories with my new/old find, maybe the children will be able to pry it out of my hands when they are old enough to read?

A Bit of Inspiration

So, I have a bit of an idea. I'm not going to share to much at this stage, I still need to work on it a bit and decided on the finer points (and wait for the postman to deliver me some yummy goodies) But here is a little sneak peak. I really excited about it, I think I am really starting to find my creative groove its just getting things out of my head and making these hands of mine work. This year is going to be swell for creating, I can just feel it!

Sweet Scones with a difference

So I have never really shared what goes on n our kitchen, but I love to cook. Not so much gourmet chef here, more a scientist of the kitchen. Mixing this and mixing that to see what yummy things I can create out of left over food. Today I felt like a sweet treat for morning tea and used some left over sweet potato to make some of the yummiest scones I have had in a long time...

Sweet Potato Scones

2 and 1/2 Cups Self-Raising Flour
30g cold butter (chopped)

1 Cup cold mashed Sweet Potato

1/4 Cup Brown Sugar

1 egg (slightly beaten)

Step 1: Preheat oven to around 220'C

Step 2: Sift flour flour into a large bowl, add butter and using your fingertips rub in lightly.

Step 3: Make a well in the centre of the flour mixture. Add potato, sugar and egg.

Step 4: Mix to form a soft, sticky dough. (try not to over mix as scones will come out hard when cooked from to much handling)

Step 5: Turn dough on to a lightly floured work bench and knead lightly. Press or roll out to form a round shape about 2 cm's thick. Using a lightly floured glass (or scone cutter) cut into as many rounds as it makes (I got about 12)

Step 6: Place scones close together on a lightly floured baking tray, bake for around 12 minutes or until when lightly tapped scones sound hollow.

How easy are they? These are so yummy warm with a bit of butter, and just as nice cold with butter again, or even a little bit of honey (and go well with a cup of tea.

I also use this same recipe to make pumpkin scones - just exchange the potato for pumpkin and a little mixed spice (say, about 1/2 a teaspoon) wouldn't go astray either.

My Heavy Heart

image from {here}

It’s with a heavy heart and a lump in my throat I write this post today. You see, I am one of those lucky people that have had a best friend that has been just that since birth.

Today, she and her mother left my house after a holiday here in their old home state to return back to their over-seas homes, my friend to Conventary in the UK, her mother to Huston, Texas USA.

This year we will have known each other for 25 years.

I miss her...

I reallymiss her terribly.

I miss her when she is here, because I know that she will go. I miss her when she is not here because she is so far away.

Each time I see her, it’s like we have never been apart, but it still hurts.

I ache for the day when she will be back, and a goodbye will simply mean I’ll see you tomorrow.

I know, that in heart she never really leaves me, but I just want to be able to reach out and touch her, to see the laugh on her face instead of just hearing it.

I believe in soul mates, and she is mine.

I am normally, a very positive person in general...

...But today, my body hurts, my eyes are sore and my heart is heavy, and I just don't feel like being happy.

"But if the while I think on thee, dear friend,

All losses are restored and sorrows end."

~ William Shakespeare ~

Happy Half Birthday

My sweet girl was 6 months old yesterday. Yes, you heard that right a whole SIX months old. Before I know it, we will be celebrating her 1st birthday.

She is such a sweet thing. But has a huge personality, she is loud, but in a good way and adores her brother. She is moving around the place with speed, into everything and has a keen eye for lego ;)

I am loving watching her grow, I am loving how different, yet how similar my two sweet ones are, I love watching them interact with one another. The princess loves having her big brother read to her, he reads his favourite books which he knows page from page, her favourite is Where is the Green Sheep by Mem Fox - I think it has something to do with all the funny voices that he uses.

Thankyou dear beautiful girl, for choosing me as your mama, I can't wait to see what the next 6 months has in store for us!

Introducing My First Waldorf Doll

Meet Jenny, the newest addition to our tribe. She has a few little touch ups to go and then she is all finished. 

Jenny is my first ever attempt at making a waldorf doll. I'm pretty happy with the results - I made her from a bought pattern, but now that I have been through the process I have an idea on what I would change, to make it my own style. I enjoyed every single moment of making this sweet girl.

Jenny is actually named after another Waldorf Doll maker, who I found when Googling Waldorf dolls a few years ago. (If you read this Jenny, I hope you don't mind) But it kind of works in two ways as Jenny is my mothers name as well, so she can pretend its named after her if she wants ;)

Making a Waldorf doll was a daunting thing for me to start - there are a lot of fabulous doll makers out there, (I will list my favourite at the end of this post), and after looking at a few I became nervous about how mine would turn out.

Once I actually received my doll kit in the mail though, the nerves left and it was filled with excitement. Every step of bringing Jenny to life was enjoyable, from shaping the head, to stuffing the body. The aroma from the wool stuffing is something that I can't explain well with words, but the smell of it, it makes you feel like you are making something 'real', something that has 'life' something that has 'heart'. Watching the doll come alive from a piece of fabric, limbs forming, the face shape is just something you have to experience to understand. Even the feel of her little buttocks just make her seem more real.

I will bring you some more photos of Jenny in the next few days, she is in need of a few more clothes - the dress she has on now is her cousins and its a little on the small side (must of ate to much at Christmas).

If you want to check out some fabulous doll makers who's work and words have inspired me I highly suggest not going to look until you have a few hours free - once you start you may not be able to stop ;)

Little Jenny Wren

Poppy, Bean and Bloss

Fig&Me

Waldorf Doll Journey

There is so many heart aching in Australia right now, I feel strange writing a post that doesn't reach out in someway, to let them know that I am aching for them to. But, I guess thats the beauty of Australia. We pick up and move on with the whole nation holding us up.

Tonight, I am going to share with you a new journey I am taking. I have talked about it in a few posts earlier, and its the journey of making a Waldorf Doll.

My doll kit arrived in the mail today, I was so excited I near snatched it off the water logged postman. I opened it up, and took stock of the unfamiliar fabrics and stuffing. I waited ever so patiently for the prince and princess to fall asleep before exploring it some more, and started on the head.

I've always imagined what it would be like to make a Waldorf doll, but actually getting in and doing the work for exceeds anything I could have imagined. See, Waldorf Dolls are made from all natural materials, including the stuffing. For those of you that have never handled wool stuffing, it has a smell to it. At first I turned my nose up, because I am used to working with polyester (or poly-fill) stuffing. But as I was shaping my head, the aroma of the wool slowly came in line with my senses. It has a beautiful, soft, natural smell. It brought back many memories of shoveling my grandfathers horse stables at the farm, of sitting in the big old arm chair that was covered in spider webs whilst watching him work with the horses. I know I'm new to Waldorf Doll making obviously, but I guess, this is what making these dolls is all about.



So, this is the progress so far, the shaping of the head. This is one of the elements of the Dolls that makes them extra special. On to the body tomorrow, wish me luck!


P.S; Tomorrow, all shall be quiet here in a virtual moment of silence. A mark of respect for Lori, Tony and their family. I will also be sending love and strength to Lori tomorrow via Twitter as she farewells her husband under the hashtag #LoveToLori. You can read here for more details.

Auction for Lori

Meet Violet the cat. Violet is sending a helping hand to Lori by lending herself to be auctioned off to help out Lori and her family.

The prefect addition to your family, she really is a sweet little thing, doesn't nag for food or scratch the furniture and certainly will never run away or use the pot plants as a toilet. (made from abitofwhimsydolls pattern).

Sarah from 'Just Me' is organising the auction to raise money for Lori, if you are able to help with donations you can find Sarah's blog post {here} with details. If you are unable to donate, keep an eye out on Sarah's blog for when the auction is underway.

She is doing a fantastic job, and I am totally in awe of her, words can not express how awesome she is, along with the many others that are standing by Lori and will continue to do so for many years to come.

There will be a few more items to come from us for this auction, and I will share with you what they are once photos have been taken.

(Please note: Local Readers, a cousin of Violets has also been donated to the raffle organised by the  Penguin Leo's Club to raise money for the QLD flood victims. They will also be holding a Car wash in Penguin this weekend to raise funds for the Relay for Life and the QLD floods)

Dear Queensland

image of Rockhampton taken from http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-pacific-12116919

My heart is aching for you. Please stay safe.

If can can spare a few dollars please consider donating to the Flood Appeal

http://www.qld.gov.au/floods/donate.html

Yawn

image from {here}

Sleep. Its over rated right? RIGHT?? Ok, don't answer that.

For four and a half years I have been battling the sleep monster. And I am tired.

I could write a book on the things I have tried. Co-sleeping, new bed, new covers for said bed, diet restriction, books, movies, kiddy meditation, blah blah blah.

Do I just have to face that the prince just doesn't like to sleep? Will I have to battle with this for the rest of his childhood? At least when he was a baby he would settle after a feed in my arms, now that he is a walking, talking big small person his night wakings are painful. Four times last night, two hours of sleep gone. Two wakings is a good night.

I'm going mad, any help out there?

With Love Lori xx

I've been contemplating this post for a few days now, but I haven't been quite sure what to say.

I know now, that all that needs to be said is, Lori, you have made me spit coffee over my computer screen and snort it up my nose, not once, but a dozen times. You have made me laugh so hard that I have woken my kids up. You have put dozens of smiles of my face when I have been feeling down. Thank you!!

Every inch of my being is sending your precious Tony healing thoughts, sending you and your sweet ones all my love in this tough time.

With Love,

Pay It Forward 2011

I promise something handmade to the FIRST 5 people who leave a comment here. However, to be eligible, you must repost this message, offering something handmade to 5 other people. The rules are that it must be handmade by you, and it must be sent to your 5 giftees sometime in 2011. Ready, set, GO!


I joined over at Rosehips and Spiderwebs

Handmade Christmas Gifts - Beloverly

I've mentioned Cat, from Beloverly numerous times before, and we were lucky enough to grab two of Cat's pieces for Christmas. The above is the Princesses, and was placed under the tree with the book of the same theme 'Guess How Much I Love You'. These pieces, are pieces that you have to see with your own eyes, to know how great they are. I knew they were good when I seen Cat post photos of her goods, but to actually hold these in my hands and 'really' look at them I was blown away.

This one is currently sitting in my room at the minute (the princess is still sleeping in my room) on my work in progress shelf, I was going to move it for the photo but I thought that it is nice to see where your own creations end up living. I think all the dolls and creatures coming to life are enjoying having it by their side though.

I haven't taken a picture of Charlie's yet, his is yet to find the right home to sit or hang, but as soon as it does I will grab a picture. (He loves it by the way)

You can find Cat's work over at ETSY or Madeit and here blog can be found {here}.

Thank you once again Cat - I'm sure these will be treasured for many, many years to come.

Olga the Elephant

Don't let her sweet look fool you, Olga the Elephant arrived in our castle today all the way from Russia, the prince, princess and I went to pick her up this morning. She is a hard old women who's mood changes as much as our Tasmanian weather, could be due to a bit of jet lag, but I just think she is a snotty nosed old lady. The dark clouds bring the dark side out in old Olga, her bones creak, her skin sags and her manners are appalling.

You shouldn't let her small size sway your judgement either, this old lady certainly packs a kick when things don't go her way... Little does she know, if she keeps her horrid attitude up she is destined for her worst nightmare... the baby play area (insert evil laugh here).

Got My Happy Pants On

image from {here}

ok, well maybe I lied. I don't own a pair of so called 'happy pants', you know those ones from the 70's/80's, ridiculous colours, ridiculous style, but did you know, if you ran really fast down a hallway lined with floor boards, then slid on your knees that they would puff out like a parachute? (You'll just have to trust me on this one. Please oh please oh PLEASE do not go and buy yourself a pair of happy pants, they are not cool, they were never cool)


But in this instance, we will make the pants I have on now my happy pants, well, that could work because pjamas do make me happy.

I had a brief chat the other day about wanting to make a Waldorf Doll. It has been something I have wanted to do for a long time. I was quite nervous about the whole process, but in the last few weeks I have been connecting with other Waldorf doll makers across the globe who's work I admire. Some have sent fabulous links of wonderful tutorials others have sent kind words of encouragement. The Waldorf doll maker community seems like such a beautiful, supportive community, and I can't wait to be a part of it.

So why the happy pants? Well today I received a book in the mail to help me on my journey and confirmation that my doll kit order has hit Melbourne... So its only a few days until it hits my mail box... and I am SUPER excited. So excited that I had to come here and ramble on about it because my four year old prince is sick of hearing about it ;)

Dino-riffic!

I am really going to be trying hard this year to get creative, to get crafty which I hope in turn will help 'get me happy'. Not that I am not happy, but certainly not as much as what I want to be.

Heck, I studied art at Uni I SHOULD be doing something arty... shouldn't I?

You've heard about writers block, well I have been suffering from creative block. Not the type where I don't want to create, but more so I don't know WHAT to create. Not sure what has caused it, but I do know that these little toys I have been creating are slowly bringing back my want to create which is such a breath of fresh air... I might even be tempted to get the easel out sometime in the next few weeks and get back to what I always used to be about. It has been a long while since I was walking down the street with paint in my hair and on my clothes because I had been awake for over 24 hours painting or even drawing up a storm.

Anyway, sorry for getting you lost on my little tangent... I did forst off come here to show off my creation today... another T-Rex and I am loving the colours... very similar to Charlie's Bedroom (although this is not for him, he has requested a lizard?!?!).

I love making these, they are the sweetest thing.

Creative Collective: New Year - New Craft

I'm joining in this month with the Creative Collective challenge, New Year = New Craft. I have started in the past few weeks to get into soft toy making. I have never drafted my own pattern though, and have really wanted to so I gave it a go. Of course, I chose an owl, I love them and thought that it would be simple enough to have a go at...

So introducing Edward the Owl, I thought once I had finished him that he would make a cute pin cushion... Until I heard him screaming out Arghhhhh! I thought to myself, 'thats strange, owls don't make that kind of sound normally', it sounds like he is in pain. Poor Edward, seems he is not cut out to be a pin cushion.

Pins removed and whilst I was hanging out the washing, I heard the sweetest sound...

Seems the little sweet heart had followed me outside and his headache was fixed up by the sun...

Now, I was thinking that I would give this little soul away until he decided to hide away from me, until he found his way into a pair of caring little hands, so instead, I am going to make up another one to giveaway, he seemed more pleased about that idea...

So, if you would like to win one of Edward's cousins, leave a comment here. I will leave the comments open until the end of this months Challenge, 31st January (Australian Eastern Standard Time). I am happy to post anywhere - but please note that these Owls have small parts and are not intended for small children or adults that tend to put things in their mouth.

One World, One Heart

I have stumbled across a great find in the blogging world. Some of you may be familiar with One World, One Heart but for me, this is the first time that I have heard of it - and I am so glad I found it as this is the fifth, but very last time that Lisa from A Whimsical Bohemian will be holding it. (Click on the image to find out more)

I have a few weeks to create something for my door prize, and I am so excited to be participating - the numbers of participants were over 1000 last year!!

I highly recommend popping over to see what its all about.

Dolls, Dolls and More Dolls

image from {here}

I've started to slowly become involved in a love from my childhood that has never really died... it has just kind of been hiding away amongst all the other things going on my life.

That love is Dolls.

I had a Barbie and Baby Doll collection to die for when I was younger and a whole lot of outfits and accessories to go along with them. I can remember 'stealing' off cuts of my nana's fabric, cutting holes in it and turning it into a pretty ugly dress for them.

Now that I have a daughter, I am kind of in doll heaven, actually make that toy heaven - my other secret love is Lego...

But I can't make lego.

Over the last few weeks I have slowly been dipping my feet in doll making. Mainly for Christmas presents for other little girls I know and now I am hooked. I can't stop making them.

See, as much as I love and loved Barbie Dolls as a child, it is not a 'toy' that I will be buying for my own Princess. I'm not a Barbie Nazi, but I do believe that there are more substantial/educational/more emotionally healthy options for her. So in steps her mumma with her sewing machine and doll-fever. I am determined to make her, her own set of dress-able dolls for doll house play.

That and  then a big challenge... a Waldorf Doll. I am in LOVE. I have ordered a kit and am going to practice by making my self one first. Its rather daunting. I have wanted to make one for a very long time and the more that I think about it the more nervous that I get. If you don't know what a Waldorf Doll is then check out this blog by a very talented lady: Little Jenny Wren

I'm sure you see every bit of that journey! Lets hope its a successful one!