Adventures of Alex O & Co

Rain

2012-02-23T10:36:00.000+13:00

We were supposed to be going camping today.

But Mr Rain is here so we are having to delay, hopefully he has gone away by tomorrow.

I have been working away on Easter designs for my workshop which I wont show you just yet.

But in between it all I made a few more Hottie Covers.

I am enjoying this new Owl design.

I also read this great quote:

First Market

2012-02-20T14:20:00.000+13:00

I had my first market of the year on Saturday at Crafternoon Tea.

I had a lovely day and I meet some great new customers

plus

I caught up with all the beautiful crafters I have not seen since December.

Today I worked on a commission of a Hottie Cover with an Owl on it.

I am trying out a new Owl design.

Luckily the buyer liked my new design and this Owl is winging its way to a new home.

I have big news.

I have been asked by Helen at the "Little Craft Store"

in Point Chevalier to give a night Class on creating Felt Easter Decorations.

So this week I am working on the final ideas and kits.

I will show you more in a few days.

If you want to know more take a peak here.

This Moment

2012-02-19T19:59:00.000+13:00

{this moment} - A Sunday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from
the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause,
savor and remember.

Hot Water Bottle Covers

2012-02-16T10:06:00.000+13:00

It has amazed me how popular Hot Water Bottle Covers have proved to be.

They have still been selling throughout summer.

My lawn mower man even asked to be paid last month not with cash

but with a Hot Water Bottle Cover.

It seems no one is safe................ even Master O's babysitter went home with one after he showed her my cupboard of goodies.

I am still working on a new range of idea's.

Here are a couple of the new covers that I have done.

I am loving this new blanket I found in shades of gold and teal.

Right Now

2012-02-13T09:32:00.000+13:00

Last week my whole foods online cooking course started.

On the day it started before I even had a bite to eat (at 4am in the morning)

I woke with terrible stomach pains.

It turned out to be a nasty 24 hour tummy bug that is going around.

So I did not start doing my course till Saturday.

So far I have made some lovely smoothies, learnt how to make Almond Milk and

eaten a beautiful Kale and Potato dish.

The beauty of this course is that you can do it at your own pace.

Today is the last day to sign up for the course, I would highly recommend it.

Here is the link if you are keen.

I did not get a whole load of sewing done this past week.

I did however get a few more purses made, here are a couple for you to see:

This Moment

2012-02-12T19:24:00.000+13:00

{this moment} - A Sunday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from
the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause,
savor and remember.

The Winner

2012-02-10T19:42:00.001+13:00

Master O drew the winner this afternoon.

Congratulation's to Botany Dolly.
(Botany Dolly could you please email me your postal address to oconalex@gmail.com)

Birthday Blog Giveaway

2012-02-03T09:29:00.002+13:00

Big Day today my little blog turns one year old!

I have had more fun doing this blog than I ever imagined.

In the past year over 5000 people have dropped by to have a peak at my adventures.

I want to say thank you for dropping by, for the lovely comments, feedback

and encouragement you give me.

Yesterday Master O went back to school.

The six weeks holidays we had just seemed to fly by and I was

really not ready to send him back to school.

I decided to spend the day catching up on all my work piles and starting a

new range of purses.

The little felt roses and leaves that I do on the dolls blankets are always
so popular, I thought I would do them on a range of purses.

Here is my new set of purses:

This pink one I made especially as a give away.

To enter today's giveaway please leave a comment in this post below.

Next Friday (10 Feb) I will put all the comments in a hat and Master O will draw one out

(We will do it the old fashioned way).

I am happy to post the prize to anywhere in the world.

Just make sure when you post your comment that I have a way to contact you,
should you be the winner

ie an email address if you are not set up with a blog account.

All the best and a big Thank you for stopping by!

Summer Love

2012-02-01T15:51:00.001+13:00

I just love summer.

I was looking around my house at the magic of summer in the weekend

and

here's just some of the reasons why I love summer.

Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Smoothies

Hydrangea's

Fresh Plums


Colourful Garden

Fresh Vegetables a plenty

BBQ's with friends and Marshmellows cooked or burned over the Brazier!

It was a long weekend here this past weekend but amongst it all I

managed to squeeze out one more purse.


"Blue Lovebirds out for a stroll"

Photographs

2012-01-30T20:09:00.001+13:00

Master O (My lovely 9 year old boy) got a camera for Christmas.

He spent one rainy day morning lying on his bed learning through trial and error

about all the wonderful things that he can do with his new camera.

He has taken some truly awful photo's of me (with the fish eye lens)

that my pride will just not let me share with you.

However I thought I would share a couple of his great shots.

While Master O has been experimenting with his camera and playing with his mates

I whipped up a couple more pures.

A Heart for Valentine's


Lovebirds out for a stroll

All my purses and rabbits are listed for sale here

I will post to anywhere in the world.

Purses

2012-01-25T12:31:00.000+13:00

For a long time now I have wanted to try my hand at making Purses.

This is something I have kept putting off.

Mater O is on a three day Basketball course so I have taken this time to learn how to sew in a zip.

I can honestly confess I don't think I have ever done this before.

Whenever my mother (who is a brilliant sewer) used to try to teach me to sew she used to end up throwing her arms in the air and walking away.

I was not a very good listener back then.................I hope I have improved .

So armed with two online tutorials the best of which I thought was the one here on my friend at

Big Little's blog.

(Just remember to have the zip starting on the left hand side of the purse)

I will confess I started to sew the zip in the wrong way and I did break a sewing needle but I got there in the end..................yippee!

Here are my efforts

for you to see:

(All made with recycled blankets, wool felt and 100% cotton lining)

Bunnie Purse or Pencil Case

Whale and Scottie Dog Purse or Pencil Cases

This Purse I needle felted on the front and back

They are all lined with beautiful fabrics that I have been collecting

What do you think ?

The Lovely Blog Award

2012-01-22T20:06:00.001+13:00

I had a lovely surprise today I have been given this Blog Award by Mel of

Wildflower Design (thank you Mel )

I am passing this award onto the following wonderful blogs that I love to follow and maybe you will too

The award goes to lovely blogs with less than 200 followers, the rules are:

1. Show your thanks to the blogger who gave you the award by linking back to them.
2. Reveal your top 5 picks for the award and let them know by leaving a comment on their blog.

3. Post the award on your blog.

4. Bask in the love from the most supportive people in the blogsphere - other bloggers.

5. And, best of all – have fun and spread the Karma. :)

Alex

New Range

2012-01-20T11:34:00.000+13:00

Master O is on holiday till the 2nd of February so in between social engagements

and other commitments I am squeezing in some sewing.

My new range is all going to be Easter themed.

My friend Marie over at Soft Earth will be very happy with me as I have been

experimenting with needle felting.

I am having great fun with it.

Here is a quick peek at what I have been working on:

The four Amigo's!

Right Now

2012-01-14T13:31:00.000+13:00

Right Now I am thankful for many things:

* The colours of summer

* The sun that comes out every so often from behind a rain cloud and gives me that sun kissed feeling

* My veggie patch that has gone crazy in this humid wet weather.

I need to find some great rhubarb recipes if anyone has one to share.

* Mr O is a hoarder where as I am not, but yesterday he tidied his man shed and all sorts of things ended up on the front lawn "Free to a good home"
(Everything went................yippee!)

* Master O got the first few Harry Potter books for Christmas.
He is reading them with Mr O, I think the two are addicted they keep disappearing,
and I find them reading........................just a few more pages.

* The movie I just saw this week "Soul Surfer" which is based on the true life story of

Bethany Hamilton, it is just so inspirational. See more about it here

*Good friends and bountiful tables of food and wine. Its just such a great time to catch up.

* These great words I read the other day.....................

Happy New Year

2012-01-05T22:32:00.001+13:00

Its hard to believe its 2012 and the 5th of January already!

Time is flying by.

I have been away on holiday with my family since the 27th of December

in the lovely Bay of Plenty.

Up until yesterday we had been blessed with plenty of rain.

Yesterday the sun came out and our summer holiday of sun, sea and surf began.

I will confess that I have been very naughty in my eating habits at this time.

I have a rather large weakness for Mince Pies and Christmas cake.

So its just as well that before Christmas I booked myself and Mr O

on an online Whole Foods course that starts on the 6th of February for 3 months.

This course looks to be amazing and one of my New Years resolutions is to expand my healthy eating recipe repertoire.

If you would like to join me on this new adventure you can find out more about it here

Soon my pantry will look more like this.............

Only a couple of weeks to go and I will be back sewing and cooking up some fine meals.
TTFN.

This Moment

2012-01-01T18:23:00.001+13:00

(this moment} - A Sunday ritual. A few photo's- no words - capturing a moment from
the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause,
savor and remember.

2012-01-01T18:10:00.001+13:00

Christmas Time

2011-12-22T20:04:00.000+13:00

I have packed away all my crafting supplies and I now plan to have a months holiday from sewing, and

spend some quality time with Mr and Master O.

I thought I would share with you some imagines of Christmas around our house.

Have a wonderful Christmas.

This Moment

2011-12-18T16:40:00.000+13:00

{this moment} - A Sunday ritual. A few photo's- no words - capturing amoment from
the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause,
savor and remember.

Auckland Arts and Crafts Fair

2011-12-12T12:38:00.000+13:00

I had a wonderful time at the Auckland Arts and Crafts Fair.

I meet some amazing crafters briefly in the 10 to 15 minutes I had before the start of the fair.

I also meet some lovely customers.

I walked out of the show on a real high.

Here are a couple of pictures of my stand.

I have two markets left and all my Mushroom Pixies, Bags, Rabbits, Whales, Dogs,

Hedgehogs

have been sold.

So I must squeeze in some more sewing this week.

Thank you to Jess and Kylie that organised the Auckland Arts and Craft Fair.

It was a great day.

This Moment

2011-12-12T10:37:00.000+13:00

{this moment} - A Sunday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from
the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause,
savor and remember.

Right Now

2011-12-08T10:06:00.000+13:00

I have at last count made 110 of these pixies.

(I still have 40 to go)

They have been way more popular than I ever imagined.

I even had a special order to make one in Cream and Black for a lady in Wellington

whose house is all Cream and Black.

The Cream and Black are not colours I would have thought to use but she turned out really cute.

I have them in all colours and styles already to take to the

Auckland Arts and Crafts Fair on Saturday.

On the 1st of December NZ Handmade kindly published a conversation with me

you can see it here

This Moment

2011-12-04T21:56:00.000+13:00

{this moment} - A Sunday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from
the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause,
savor and remember.

Right Now

2011-11-30T10:35:00.001+13:00

Right Now my backyard is like an out door work room.

I am washing wool stuffing to get rid of the Lanolin smell and dying felt for new creations.

I am very thankful for the lovely sunny weather.

I am all sold out of Elephants and Mushroom Pixies so I have been working on these two things.

I am going to be at the Auckland Arts and Crafts Fair on the 10th of December in the Aotea Centre along with some other amazing Crafters.

They kindly published a lovely interview with me here:

This Moment

2011-11-27T19:39:00.000+13:00

{this moment} - A Sunday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from
the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause,
savor and remember.

Kraftbomb

2011-11-25T11:50:00.000+13:00

I am off to Kraftbomb this weekend with my new collection of Misteltoe Pixies

Handmade Christmas Tree

2011-11-21T14:34:00.001+13:00

Several years ago now I went to a talk about what traditions you would like to put in place for your family at Christmas.

Chances are both you and your partner had different family traditions growing up.

Mr O and I talked about this and one of the traditions we started was the

Handmade Christmas Tree.

I made 24 Advent bags, each bag is numbered 1 to 24 and they live in a basket
on our side board.

In each bag is a handmade Christmas decoration.

I made them all myself the first year which was a big mission.

So after the first year I opened up my criterion and I bought handmade
decorations off of other crafters as well as making my own.

One of my favourite Crafters is Helmi Thompson from Woodlands Enchanted:

www.woodlandsenchanted.co.nz

Every morning on the 24 days leading up to Christmas Master O opens the

correct numbered Advent bag and gets a new decoration to go on the tree.

We often don't get our tree till around the 10th of December so the new decorations sit around the basket waiting for the tree to arrive.

Master O loves this tradition.

Last year we stayed with friends for a week in December while our floors were

being sanded and polished.

I took the basket with Advent bags with me to my friends house and every morning

I had 3 little boys come ask me can we open a bag now and see what decoration we get today.

I love this tradition it is so much better than Advent Calenders full of chocolate.

Maybe you to would like to start doing this too.

This Moment

2011-11-20T20:05:00.000+13:00

This weeks this Moment has a few words.

Master O turned nine this week.

We had to postpone his party for a few weeks due to the Measles outbreak.

Now that he is older he no longer wants a themed party.

I did so love the themed parties.

The "Peter Pan" party was one of my favourites.

We had a big roll of Butchers paper and all the children got to lye on the paper

and we drew around them.

They then got to decorate their shadow and take it home with them.

It was so much fun.

Home Schooling

2011-11-14T10:04:00.001+13:00

On Monday evening last week I got a phone call from Master O's school to say that one of the children in his class had the English Measles and that all children not immunised must stay home for 10 days.

(Out of a class of 26 only 9 children are going to school at the moment).

At first I was of the opinion that this could not have come at a busier time.

But now I think it is a blessing.

Master O needs a bit of help with his Maths so every day we do some Maths together.

We sit side by side at the sewing table and I truly believe that sewing is giving me patience as my little man sits there and works through his sums.

We do 30 minutes and then take a break for a an hour or so then do 30 minutes more and slowly

Maths is starting to make sense and sewing is coming along.

This last week I made Flower Pixies using Vintage Lace.

They have little bells on the end of there hats that jiggle.

I am almost sold out of Hot water Bottle Covers, and I had several people asking if I did more

Adult covers so I did a new range of Hottie Covers.

Plus I made up a few of my more popular designs

here are a few

Well I must go Maths and sewing await......................

This Moment

2011-11-13T22:39:00.000+13:00

{this moment} - A Sunday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from
the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause,
savor and remember.

Life

2011-11-08T12:14:00.001+13:00

I had a huge weekend with Market Stalls and Guy Fawkes celebrations.

I had such fun on my stall and I met some lovely people.

With the two Market Stalls that I had I sold 3/4 of my stock.

Which was wonderful.

But now I am wigged out as I have so many markets booked between now and Christmas

so I must sew like crazy.

But as my friend pointed out this is a good problem to have.

I missed doing this Moment on Sunday but here is Master O with a wonderful candle and candle holder that he made at the Michael Park School Fair.

I just love the colours.

Recently I went to the bank to set up a business account.

I had a lovely young man Andrew run through everything with me.

On his computer he had written a quote.

"In making your life don't forget to Live it "

Budha.

What a wonderful quote and so true.

I think I need to be mindful of this in the coming weeks with all my

sewing and markets and family life.

With all this sewing to do I decided to spend yesterday working on something new.

I have just got a great book from the Library called " Stash Happy" by Amanda Carestia that has a cute Whale pattern in it.

Here are my Whales:

Underbelly

I will not be loading many things to sell on line over the next few weeks as I will be concentration on my up and coming markets.

Should you see something you would like to buy on my blog please do email me on oconalex@gmail.com

To Market we go...............

2011-11-03T19:16:00.000+13:00

I have spent the week working around my part time job, household chores and life

sewing for the up and coming Markets this weekend.

I have had friends call in for tea and a chat while I sew or they have even

bought their own sewing and joined me.

It is a really great way of catching up and feeling and being productive at the same time.

Here are some imagines from the work room:

These little Mushroom Pixies decided to join the Mistletoe Pixies this week.

Right Now

2011-10-31T08:32:00.000+13:00

I had the most wonderful day at the Titirangi Market yesterday with my lovely helper Gina.

We meet some great people, the sun was shinning and everyone was in a happy mood.

Owls and Mistletoe Pixies went out the door to new homes some as far as Africa and England.

I had some great news on Saturday one of my Blue Rabbits and a Grey Scottie Dog made it into a photo shoot for Good Magazine.

Thanks to the lovely ladies at Good Magazine you made my day.

Last night after Master O had gone to bed and Mr O was still working away on the renovation of our spare room/ Craft room I did a bout of dying for all the sewing I need to do this week.

This Saturday 5 November I will be at Michael Park School Fair (a most awesome fair indeed) and on Sunday 6 November at Devonport Craft Market.

My sewing fingers will be busy this week.

This Moment

2011-10-30T19:06:00.000+13:00

{this moment} - A Sunday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from
the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause,
savor and remember.

Right Now

2011-10-27T22:25:00.000+13:00

Master O went back to school on Wednesday so life is slowly getting

back into a routine.

We spent our last holiday day together gardening.

We had such fun choosing plants for our garden.

I learnt that Master O loves Silverbeet.

I would love to say that I am making something new and exciting but the truth is I am madly stocking up on Special Hearts, Hair clips, Hiawatha Headbands, Mistletoe Pixies and so on.

So I have nothing new to show you.

I am reading a great book by Amanda Blake Soule called

"The Rhythm of the Family"

which I can highly recommend.

And just to finish off so we all get our craft fix.

Here are some pictures of three cute little Ducks that I made for a friend in Zurich a few years ago. They were quiet tricky to make and I don't know that I will ever do them again.

But they sure are cute. I found the pattern in a vintage soft toy book.

Have a wonderful weekend.

I am having a stall at the Titirangi Artisan Market this Sunday

if anyone wants to come and say hello.

This Moment

2011-10-23T16:54:00.000+13:00

{this moment} - A Sunday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from
the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause,
savor and remember.

Chocolate Nut Slice

2011-10-20T18:00:00.002+13:00

As some of you know I am trying to cut Wheat, Meat, Dairy
and Processed sugars out of my diet.

I think I succeed 70-80% of the time.

This week a friend gave me a lovely recipe that had been passed to her by a friend
so I am passing it on to you as it is truly yummy.

Chocolate Nut Slice

In food processor chop

3 cups nuts and seeds (soaked and dehydrated if you want…) until fine – or coarse, your choice then remove and put in bowl for later.
I used 2 cups of Almonds plus 1/4 cup Linseed's, 1/4 cup Sunflower seeds, 1/4 cup Pumpkin seeds, 1/4 cups Sesame seeds.

You can use any combination

In processor put :

200g dates

1 c coconut

½-3/4 tsp salt depending on taste (3/4 works for me!)

and process till well chopped up

add (this stuff below I put in saucepan and warm till it blends then add it to the above stuff)

1tsp vanilla

5tb honey (or leave out and add some stevia)

5tb coconut oil – or I use a combination of coconut oil, flax seed oil, red palm oil and cocoa butter to keep it firm

3 tablespoons of cocoa or you can use almond butter if you don’t want cocoa.

Optional – I add might add kelp, maca powder or any other goodies.

Once well combined add the nuts and seeds

Once all combined you can add ½ c raisins at the end but only process enough to mix through not to chop up

Press into container and leave to set. ( I leave mine in the fridge)

Enjoy.

On the sewing front I have been working on Pixie Shoes and Hiawatha Headbands

plus doing a bit of dying.

I just love the colours that I dyed yesterday.

Right Now

2011-10-18T10:14:00.000+13:00

It was my birthday yesterday and my friends and family all spoiled me.

I felt most blessed.

Last week my beautiful niece Miss M came to stay.

I tried to get a lovely shot of her and Master O together.

Here is what I got:

In amongst child minding, day trips, muffin making, board games etc

I made a few more Owls.

This Moment

2011-10-17T08:59:00.000+13:00

{this moment} - A Sunday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from
the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause,
savor and remember.

Mistletoe Pixies

2011-10-13T17:41:00.000+13:00

I ordered from "Winterwood" in Australia some Pixie Bases in late August.

They took a month to come as they were out of stock but once they came I was over joyed.

This week I started with Mistletoe Pixies.

Here is what the base looks like:

I had planned to take some lovely pictures of them in the garden but unfortunately it has

rained the last few days.

The Pixies are all off to market this weekend so I had to take pictures of

them in the sewing room before they hopefully find new homes.


Red and Purple Shade Pixies

Blue/ Green/ Mandarin and Cream Shade Pixies


The whole Mistletoe Pixie Family


I just added this picture because I liked it.

These little Mistletoe Pixies can stand on there own or they have a string loop attached to there hats so that they can hang from a tree.

Three years ago we started the tradition of the Handmade Christmas Tree in our home.

Everything that goes on our Christmas Tree (apart from the lights)

has to be handmade............................not all by me..........thankfully.

We do 24 Advent bags and each day leading up to Christmas Master O opens a bag with a new decoration inside.

I will tell you more about this at the beginning of November

(once school holidays are over)

You might want to join us and start your own hand made Christmas Tree.

School Holidays

2011-10-11T17:24:00.000+13:00

School Holidays started yesterday.

Master O has two and a half weeks off which he was really ready for, me too.

The first day of school holidays we always call our " Moochi Day", we slept in and had a late breakfast got dressed late and stayed home all day.

It was wonderful not to have to rush or be anywhere.

Master O and I ventured into the sewing room for a little while.

We chatted away while I sewed and he created

Lego masterpieces.

A lovely lady bought four of my Owls and an Owl Heart off of my Felt site on Sunday.

She was keen for some more Hearts with Owls on them for her

Christmas Tree so that's what I sewed yesterday.

Here are a few for you to see:

This Moment

2011-10-09T17:17:00.000+13:00

{this moment} - A Sunday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from
the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause,
savor and remember.

Bags

2011-10-07T09:53:00.000+13:00

This week I made some more little bags.

For a change I lined them with thin wool blend felt.

I called them "Summer in the garden bags"

I would love to show you my work room but we are still renovating, the walls are painted and the skirting boards are on, the carpet is down, but we still have cupboard doors and door and window frames to go...so we are close. So I wont show you my work space just yet but I will show you images from the work room that lead up to the "Summer in the garden bags creation".................enjoy.


First the fabric

Then the felt

Then the Threads

Then the buttons

It is so wonderful that the rain is leaving us, the sun is shinning, the daisy's are out and

I can take pictures of my creations outside in the sunshine.

Have a wonderful weekend.

Hearts

2011-10-05T11:11:00.001+13:00

I have spent the last few days making Hearts.

On Sunday at the Devonport market they were getting snapped up

as ideal presents to send to friends overseas.

My most popular design is the "Heart and Vine" theme, I decided to make a few with the Hearts in different colours other than red this time to see how they go.

Not too sure how I feel about the Black heart?

I also decided to do "The Love Tree" on a few, here's a couple for you to see

I finished with a few "Lovebirds"

I am going to a market I have never done before tomorrow night with my girlfriend Gina.

I am quiet excited to do a night market.

And now to finish my post on something random

My inspiration comes from everywhere......I just love colour.

I saw these beautiful vintage cups on Etsy the other day.

I love the colours and of course the heart on the side.

I now have new ideas flying round my head.

Have a wonderful day.

Right Now

2011-10-03T09:42:00.000+13:00

Right Now today it is my blogs 8 month birthday.

I cannot believe how much fun and enjoyment I get out of doing this blog.

Thanks for stopping in and for your kind feedback.

Between now and Christmas I have 4 or 5 markets a month so my sewing fingers are busy.

Last week I finished off some more Mushroom Ladies.

The lady with the red hat found a new home yesterday with a Grandmother who bought

Miss Mushroom for her grand daughter.

The lady with the green hat is sitting in my online shop looking for a new home,

she is prepared to travel worldwide.

I made a few more Hiawatha Headbands.

Which Master O kindly modelled for me.

Then I finished the week with some 3 inch Pixie Shoes .

This week I think it is Hearts and Bags,

I will keep you posted.

This Moment

2011-10-02T16:25:00.000+13:00

{this moment} - A Sunday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from
the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause,
savor and remember.

Creating a Little Person

2011-09-28T16:04:00.000+13:00

People always ask me how the "Little People" are made.

So I have put together a photo diary for you on how to create a Little person.

For the clothes I buy 100% wool or wool blend felt in white or cream which I then hand dye myself.

I tend to dye small amounts of felt at a time so I get the colours I want.

I use a number of dyes: Ashfords dyes, Dylon, Food Colouring, Tea Bags

all mixed with setting agents.

On this day I was dying Greens and Reds for Mushroom Ladies.

Here are the naked little people bodies which I buy from " Winterwood" in Australia.

I then wrap the body in 100% wool Fleece

I then make fitted pants to go over the legs

I then make a fitted top

Then I make the dress

Last but not least I make the hair and hat which I glue to the head.

And now I draw on the face with permanent makers.

Some people prefer the dolls with out faces and for those I leave the faces off.

And so a Little Mushroom Person is born:

Ladies

2011-09-26T10:30:00.000+13:00

When I started this blog in February I said that I might start my sewing with a few Little People.

However last year I made so many Little People for Master O's school fair plus I held a work shop over 3 nights to teach people how to make these lovely little people.

As much fun as all that was I lost the joy of making these little ones.

Last week the joy came back..............Yippee.

I sat down one night and Mrs Mushroom was born.

I sold her on Sunday to a lovely lady that had the stall next to me at Kraftbomb.

Yesterday afternoon Mrs Mushroom was heading to Mt Mauganui to make her new home with a little girl there.


Mrs Mushroom

The two Autumn ladies (Mrs and Miss) came about when I visited

"Ribbon and Rose" in Ellerslie ,

Liz who works there just had to show me through all there hundreds of threads.

I fell in love with these Autumn colours.

I used some of my vintage lace collection that my mother in law had sent me from

Ireland to decorate there hats and dresses.

On Saturday I had a little photo shoot for the Ladies.


Miss Autumn

Mrs Autumn

Ladies Day Out

This Moment

2011-09-25T21:42:00.000+13:00

{this moment} - A Sunday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from
the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause,
savor and remember.

Hearts and Owls

2011-09-22T11:51:00.001+12:00

I have been finishing off a few more Special Hearts

Mushrooms

Rose Lovebird

Plus here are some of my new Owls

They are all in there basket ready to go off to Kraftbomb on Sunday.

But just in case you cannot make Kraftbomb I have been very pro active and loaded them on my
Felt site for sale.
Just click on the Felt logo on the right hand side of my blog.

Right Now

2011-09-20T09:32:00.001+12:00

Life seems incredibly busy right now or perhaps that's just life.

I had a wonderful time at Crafternoon Tea on Saturday and when I got home I found my car and my house had been decorated with All Blacks Rugby Flags and Irish Flags ( Mr O is Irish)

Master O and I went to the park on Sunday and left Mr O one happy man after Saturday nights Rugby game Ireland against Australia (score 15/6 to Ireland) at home painting my soon to be craft space.

We feed the birds and admired the new spring flowers.

Mostly I admired the flowers and Master O chased the birds.

Tread Softly and Repair the World

I finished up the week with a few more special hearts.

This week I am making Owls as I sold the last one on Saturday.

I am going for a more decorative Owl with Christmas only a few months away.

I will share them with you later this week.

This Moment

2011-09-18T17:16:00.000+12:00

{this moment} - A Sunday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from
the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause,
savor and remember.

Paddle Out

2011-09-17T22:11:00.001+12:00

The Paddle Out to celebrate the life of my Uncle Russell who died last month is today

at Newport Beach in California .

My cousin found a beautiful poem:

Little did we know that morning
God was going to call your name.
In life we loved you dearly,
In death we do the same.
It broke our hearts to lose you,
But you did not go alone.
For part of us went with you,
The day God called you home.
You left us peaceful memories,
Your love is still our guide.
And though we cannot see you,
You are always by our side.
Our family chain is broken
And nothing seems the same.
But as God calls us one by one,
The chain will link again.

God Bless you Russell Brown

Right Now

2011-09-15T14:41:00.000+12:00

I have just finished off more hearts for Crafternoon Tea on Saturday.

These ones have a little Love bird theme.

I cannot seem to help myself I am drawn to little birds.

Off to market we go...................

Back In July I showed you the demolition of my spare room / craft room.
It is a long process when you are renovating yourself.
But the plasterer has been here the last 2 days and here is where we are at so far:

I now have 3 test pots of paint to try.
So next week we are painting.
The end is Nye.
Yippee.......

Hearts

2011-09-13T14:43:00.000+12:00

I have picked up the needle and started sewing again.

I will confess a day earlier than I had planned. I just could not help myself.

Not long ago I bought a lovely cream wool blanket that has felted up beautifully to make Hearts.

One of the things I sell a number of are my Appliqued Hearts.

I started making these to use up my blanket and felt scraps

and they have just taken on a life of there own.

I stuff them with 100% wool fleece .

They can hang on doors, cupboards, decorate trees,

whatever you please.

A big heart will always be filled with love.

This Moment

2011-09-11T19:36:00.000+12:00

{this moment} - A Sunday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from
the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause,
savor and remember.

Tea Towels

2011-09-08T13:49:00.000+12:00

One of the things I love about about road trips is that you get to check out op shops in other cities.

In Napier I found this lovely new Linen Tea Towel from Ireland for 99 cents.

I just had to add it to my collection.

Spring is here and the weather is changing...................yippee!

I am starting to think its time for a ladies tea party.

I am still on a sewing free holiday.

I have given myself 2 weeks of no sewing.

I have all these ideas running around in my head.

So Monday I will start sewing again as I am off to Crafternoon Tea on the

17th of September 10-2pm at the Trinity Methodist Church Hall.

Corner of Sandringham and New North Roads in Crafty Kingsland, Auckland City.

This Moment

2011-09-04T19:57:00.001+12:00

{this moment} - A Sunday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from
the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause,
savor and remember.

Take My Heart

2011-09-01T12:50:00.001+12:00

My boys and I are having a holiday this week.

Unfortunately I have come down with a terrible head cold.

I have been resting the past few days while the boys explore the beach, throw Master O's new boomerang around, ride there bikes and generally have fun.

I have not touched a sewing needle since Sunday instead I have been exploring other peoples blogs.

What a great world we have out there.

I found this lovely song by an artist called Soko called
*
"Take my Heart"
*
I thought I would share it with you.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eXoIbbE1KXs&feature=related

This Moment

2011-09-01T11:35:00.001+12:00

{this moment} - A Sunday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from
the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause,
savor and remember.

Hawkes Bay Baby and Child Show

2011-08-25T11:02:00.000+12:00

I am all packed and ready to hit the road on my way to the

Hawkes Bay Baby and Child show on this Saturday 27 and Sunday 28 August.

You can see more information here:

http://www.babyandchildshow.co.nz/Visit.html

After the show I am taking a wee holiday.

Take Care

Russell

2011-08-24T14:16:00.000+12:00

This has been a sad week, my Uncle Russell died at the weekend.
He lived in sunny California and made surf boards.
I had the honour many years ago when I set out on my big OE of living with him and my Aunt for three months and really getting to know him.

He was the sweetest, kindest most generous man.
He took my Aunt and I on a road trips to San Diego, Mexico and to Big Bear.
He introduced me to the world of surfers.
He took me on drives in his Pink ZZ Top car.
He made me laugh at the small things in life.
He called me Rip after Rip Van winkle as I used to sleep half the day away.
He used to get me to say " Leaping Lesbians " and he would belly laugh at how funny it sounded with my Kiwi accent.
He loved the " Lakers".
He adored and loved my aunt who he would drive most morning's to her favourite coffee shop (20 minutes down the road) to get a coffee before he went to work.
He thought the best of everyone.
I could go on and on about the great memories I have of Russell.

He is written up here:

http://beach.orangecounty.com/2011/08/22/iconic-newport-surfboard-shaper-dies/38639/

Some of the comments made are so lovely. Like this one from Pod:

A year after I got out of High School I knew how to do one thing, get in trouble. At this point I meet Russell ” Russ” he gave me a job as a sales person at the shop. He new about my troubles but never harped on it just told me to listen, learn and be myself (except when I was making bad choices that would not be cool with him) From their Russ became my confidant, mentor and was like a father to me. Russell taught me that love is more important then anything and to share it (with who you cared about and in General) would lead to your Zenith in life. Under Russ’s total tutelage I learn to live a way better way, less trouble, more love, and a person who’s love in return was so strong it shakes me now! Russell- Russ I appreciate you, love you, and thank you for your Unconditional Love. I will never forget your ability to see good in me and help me find it. And I will never forget you taught me to be a Good Man. God was looking out for me when he shared your life with me and I pray you look over me and my family as I will live like you taught me.
Rest in Peace Bro,
“Pod”
Padraig Cullen

I don't think Russell had any idea how many life's he touched and how much he was loved.
I will miss you in this world Russell.
I pray peace for you.

Story Bags

2011-08-22T10:51:00.000+12:00

At Crafternoon Tea on the weekend I sat next to a lovely lady called

Ella Thomas who has a stall called

"Ellaquaint".

Ella does amazing artworks of native birds on canvas.

You can find her here:

http://ellathomaspaintings.blogspot.com/

Every time Ella sold a canvas she would put the canvas in a bag she had made from old maps.

They were really cool.

On Sunday morning I was lying in bed when the idea came to me that I could do the same with my sales using old books of nursery rhyme's that I had collected.

So that afternoon with the help of Master O and his friend Miss B we made some bags.

Miss B named them " Story bags".

Here they are:


I sewed them on 3 sides with the sewing machine

This Moment

2011-08-21T19:36:00.000+12:00

{this moment} - A Sunday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from
the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause,
savor and remember.

I have not forgotten you

2011-08-18T13:21:00.000+12:00

Just a quick post to let you know that I have not forgotten you.

I am here sewing away.

I am off to Crafternoon Tea at Kingsland on Saturday.

With this cold snap I will hopefully sell a few Hot water bottle covers.

I have been working this week on a couple of little projects

I love these little Hedgehogs they remind me of the Wombles.

This Moment

2011-08-14T19:51:00.000+12:00

{this moment} - A Sunday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from
the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause,
savor and remember.

Knitting

2011-08-12T12:50:00.003+12:00

Earlier this year I posted a picture of Master O's first knitting triumph.

This week he came home from his Handwork's class with his second knitting triumph this beautiful Gnome:

As yet he is unnamed put we are working our way through a list of All Blacks names!

Master O is very passionate about the All Blacks.

He went off with Mr O to Eden Park on Saturday night to see them play.

He was buzzing with excitement all day and beside himself when they won.

I can honestly say I had never watched a Rugby game until Master O started playing.

On Saturday I took him to his match.

I don't know what came over me but there on the sidelines I became a screaming
fan as my son ran with the ball.

And still sewing goes on.

I have a few new Hottie Bottle Cover designs
Here is a peak at one:

Have a wonderful weekend.

Maybe

2011-08-10T10:00:00.000+12:00

Master O and I got a wonderful book from the library last week called

" ZEN SHORTS" by Jon J Muth.

It is about this wonderful Panda called Stillwater who tells stories to three children that he has become friends with.

One story really touched me with all that is happening in my friends life's right now.

"The Farmers Luck"

There was once an old farmer who had worked his crops for many years.
One day, his horse ran away.
Upon hearing the news, his neighbours came to visit.
"Such bad luck" they said sympathetically.
"Maybe," the farmer replied.
The next morning the horse returned, bringing with it two other wild horses.
"Such good luck! the neighbours exclaimed.
"Maybe," replied the farmer.
The following day, his son tried to ride one of the untamed horses, was thrown off, and broke his leg.
Again, the neighbours came to offer their sympathy on his misfortune.
"Such bad luck," they said.
"Maybe," answered the farmer.
The day after that, military officials came to the village to draft young men into the army to fight in a war. Seeing that the son's leg was broken, they passed him by.
"Such good luck!" cried the neighbours.
"Maybe," said the farmer.

I highly recommend this wonderful book.

Yesterday was a day for flowers.


Leafs

Progress

2011-08-08T14:13:00.001+12:00

I had a lovely surprise yesterday.

I found out that I got a mention on a beautiful blog called "Mermaids Purse" by Angela

Here is the link if you want to take a peak you need to scroll down to the 5th of August entry:

http://mermaidspurse.org.nz/

Thank you Angela

On Friday Master O and I popped into out local Op Shop,

Master O found a great buy.

This beautiful box full of sewing goodness. I just love the vintage wooden cotton reels.

Everytime I think I am getting on top of my sewing I think of more things I need to do.

It seems daunting at the moment but I think if I keep ploddding on I will get there

in the end.

Here are a few pictures of things I made this past week.


More Raindow Elephants

Mr Scottie Dog


Hiawatha Headbands

More Hiawatha Headbands

I must go its time for Master O's guitar lesson.

TTFN

This Moment

2011-08-07T22:48:00.000+12:00

{this moment} - A Sunday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from
the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause,
savor and remember.

Elephants

2011-08-04T19:10:00.000+12:00

This week I have been sewing a few Elephants.

I am trying to do one every colour of the rainbow.

I found online this lovely poem about a little persons Elephant.

I cannot find my elephant.
He must have run away.
He isn't on the sofa
where he promised he would stay.

I've looked around the living room,
the kitchen and the hall.
My elephant is missing
and I'm not sure who to call.

I'll need to get a bloodhound
who can track him by his scent,
or hire a house detective
to discover where he went.

He isn't in the basement
or the attic or the yard.
You'd think, to find an elephant
would not be quite so hard.

Perhaps I'll make some posters,
and I'll offer a reward.
I'd make it more, but fifty cents
is all I can afford.

If you should see my elephant,
he answers to "Jerome."
Please tell him that I miss him
and I wish he'd come back home.

He knows the way. It's up the street
and down our garden path.
And next time I won't warn him
when it's time to take his bath.

I also got some great news this morning. I am off to "Crafternoon Tea" so do come along and look out for me:

Right Now

2011-08-02T13:08:00.000+12:00

Master O went back to school today.

So I now have 23 sewing days till the Hawkes Bay Parent and Child show..................busy times ahead.

Kraftbomb on Sunday was a huge success and my new Hottie Bottle Cover designs were selling.

On Saturday I came up with a new design which Master O loves:

I must tell you about the wonderful new smoothie I am making it is so yum.

BANANA AND CACAO SMOOTHIE

1 cup of water

1 tablespoon of tahini

3 dates

2 tablespoons of honey

3 teaspoons of cacao powder

1 or 2 Bananas

*Blend the water and the tahini in a blender

* Add the dates and honey and Cacao Powder

*Add the Bananas and blend.

If you use frozen bananas it turns this smoothie into a milkshake.

This smoothie has lots of protein and calcium due to the Tahini

Enjoy!

This Moment

2011-07-31T18:08:00.000+12:00

{this moment} - A Sunday ritual. A couple of photo's - no words - capturing a moment from
the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause,
savor and remember.

Loving Right Now

2011-07-29T08:11:00.000+12:00

I am loving having my niece to stay, she is the same age as Master O and they so enjoy each other.

I am also loving teaching them both some new sewing techniques.

I am loving the beautiful weather we have been getting that helps to make catching up

with friends and

there children in the country such a joy.

(oh how these children grow so quickly sometimes).

Land boarding behind the gator

I am squeezing in sewing whenever I can.

Lovebirds everywhere

I am really loving this new book I just got from the library.

It has some great smoothie recipes.

Well I must go the kids are bouncing on my bed , my niece is keen to do some more sewing.

It must run it the blood!

Last Week

2011-07-26T17:45:00.001+12:00

Last week started with a friends email to say that there seven year old had just been diagnosed with Muscular Dystrophy.

I then had coffee with a friend who told me she had been diagnosed with

Post Natal depression.

The next day another friends twelve year old ended up in hospital and they were diagnosed with Multiple sclerosis.

When our children are born if they have 10 fingers , 10 toes etc we assume everything will be fine with them and us.

Master O was born six weeks early and was in and out of hospital for the next 3 years before he was diagnosed with an immune condition.

He is now a happy healthy little boy.

What got me through those first three years was the love and support of my family, my friends

and my faith in God.

One never knows what life will send our way.

I hope and pray I can be there for my friends.

This year I have a verse on display in my lounge.

Every time I read it, it gives me strength:

http://www.etsy.com/shop/HarperGrace?ref=seller_info

I wish this for my friends at this time.

This Moment

2011-07-24T19:11:00.000+12:00

{this moment} - A Sunday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from
the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause,
savor and remember.

Renovating

2011-07-24T08:16:00.000+12:00

We are renovating the spare room in our 1920's house.

Mr O has spent the last few days demolishing walls and ripping up carpet.

I have spent my time trying unsuccessfully to keep the dust and deb re out of the rest of my house.......................... ,

Scouring magazines for wardrobe and storage ideas.

Plus entertaining Master O when he is not help his father with the sledge hammer!

Taking off the walls has revealed all sorts of things were were surprised to find or never knew.

For example a history of where doors once were.

We have spent time trying to guess was this room once the laundry, the kitchen, the bathroom ...................who knows.

Here are a few pictures I have in my pile of ideas I like.

I must now pull my men away from the Tour de France and get them back to renovating!

Right Now

2011-07-20T11:26:00.003+12:00

The sun is shinning

My house is in an uproar as we are renovating our spare room, my craft room.

I am now working out of a corner of my lounge, but oh when its finished my new spare room / craft space will be beautiful.

Master O is on school holidays, we are loving hanging out together.

Still sewing goes on.

Here are some picture's of a couple of new designs.


Mauve Tree

I love this new blankets colours.


Turquoise Tree

Scottie Dog

Purple Owl

I just got the great news that I have a spot at "Kraftbomb " on Sunday 31 July.

Its the day after Mr O's birthday so hopefully I am not too tired from celebrating the night before.

This Moment

2011-07-17T19:13:00.000+12:00

{this moment} - A Sunday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from
the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause,
savor and remember.

Tea for Two

2011-07-15T16:04:00.001+12:00

My lovely friend who has been overseas is home.

She bought me a beautiful present of some Cath Kidston pins.

We spent the morning sewing and chatting.

Which was lovely after a week of putting my house back together.

We then popped out for a tea at "The Florentine Tearoom Cafe"

at 51B Ranfurly Road, Epsom.

What a great little place this is.

We had Berrylicious tea and a Florentine each before picking our children up for two weeks school holidays.

Big News

2011-07-12T09:15:00.000+12:00

I should be tidying my house .....................I still have boxes everywhere.

But I had to stop to tell you my big news.

Last week I got the most wonderful invitation.

I have been invited along with nine other crafters to sell my wares at the

"Hawkes Bay Baby and Child Show"

Here is the link:

http://www.babyandchildshow.co.nz/index.html

I am just so excited.

I have had a couple of sleepless nights planning in my head all the things I want to make.

I have been busy ordering more felt, more name labels, more wool fleece for stuffing and the list

goes on...................and on.

Once my house is in order I can start sewing.

I am thinking I will start with some Bambi's.

Here's a few I made a couple of years ago for a friends shop in Zurich.

Market

2011-07-11T18:53:00.000+12:00

Here are some pictures of my stall on Saturday.

It was an enjoyable day with my friend Mandy by my side helping me out.

Its just a small post today as we just had carpet laid in the bedrooms of our 1920's house today.

My house is all upside down, but ooh it is so much warmer.

I am off to return it to order.

This Moment

2011-07-10T15:47:00.000+12:00

{this moment} - A Sunday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from
the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause,
savor and remember.

Tree of Love

2011-07-06T10:33:00.002+12:00

I am once again madly sewing away.

I woke early yesterday morning with a bolt of inspiration.

I was sewing away at 6am while Master O was still sleeping.

When he did arise he looked at me like I was a little mad and asked me if I was all right.

So I thought I would just show you a couple of pictures for some of the new Hottie Bottle Covers I am doing.

Love Tree with Bluebells


Green Faintail

Another Tree of Love

Markets

2011-07-04T14:49:00.001+12:00

I had a lovely time at the Devonport Craft Market yesterday.

I met some great people, I was given some wonderful advise by other sellers, and I nearly sold out of Hot Water Bottle Covers!

This Saturday I am of to another market :

The Titirangi Mums Market

This market takes place on the second Saturday of each month, 10 to 2pm at Kaurilands School Hall (109 Atkinson Rd, Titirangi).

It's a market that I have never been too so I am not sure what it will be like.

It's an adventure......................that's what life is all about.

One sunny day last week I took a couple of pictures of a few of things I have been making.

With my love of green I just had to make a little Green Elephant.

Here's another bag that I finished up in pinks and greens.

As Winnie the pooh used to say TTFN

(Ta ta for now..........................................)

This Moment

2011-07-03T17:03:00.001+12:00

{this moment} - A Sunday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from
the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause,
savor and remember.

Peonies

2011-07-01T13:22:00.000+12:00

Making all these hair clips and bags covered in flowers has made me think.

What are my favourite Flowers?

I am still not sure................................................

My sister Gabrielle's favourite flowers are Peonies and when you look at this picture you can see why.

This latest bag has beautiful rich red roses on the fabric.

See you Sunday.

Right Now

2011-06-30T14:07:00.000+12:00

Right Now its a beautiful sunny day.

Not a raindrop in sight so no umbrellas needed.

I saw this cool shot of an umbrella the other day:

I just escaped my work room to zoom down the road in a friends gorgeous red fiat.

With the sun roof open and the heater on for a lovely much needed cafe lunch at the beautiful Wallace Art Gallery Cafe:

I am now back in my work room and seeing things with refreshed eyes.

Look at the vibrant greens in my felt bowl.

More Colourful Hair clips are coming along:

More hearts filled with colour

Here's to sunny winters days.

Right Now

2011-06-28T13:08:00.000+12:00

Right Now I am sewing, and when I am not sewing I am thinking about what I should be sewing.

My list of what I wanted to achieve is getting smaller.

So progress is being made.

Here are some Festive Hearts that I have been working on.

Have a great day.

This Moment

2011-06-26T18:37:00.001+12:00

{this moment} - A Sunday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from
the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause,
savor and remember.

Head Down

2011-06-23T20:12:00.000+12:00

This last couple of weeks since I found out I have a spot at the Devonport Market I have been head down sewing away.

I have been enjoying it, but I must admit fitting in sewing around my part time job and everything else has left me pleasantly exhausted at the end of each day.

I am sleeping like a baby.

I spent last week making Hot water bottle covers and this week I have been making bags.

Here is a bag I just finished that has a lovely countryside theme with windmills going on inside.

Here's one I have just started working on.

This is lovely material from a vintage table cloth that has never been used.

Love Notes

2011-06-22T17:42:00.004+12:00

I read a lovely blog the other day about a mother who everyday put a note in her child's lunch box.

Her little girl loved these notes.

Every night her husband would take the notes out of the lunchbox and place them in a glass jar on the window ledge for safe keeping.

Sometimes when the mother was running late in the mornings she would recycle a note.

Her daughter found this very funny.

So I decided to put a note in Master O's lunch box.

It was very simple it just said :

"Dear Master O, Have a great day . Love Mum."

(I did not want to embarrass my eight year old boy in front of his friends).

That night Master O said Mum you sent me a note.

Yes I said all excited.

"What did you think?"

His answer:

"It was disgusting"

"Oh" I said.

The next day I did not send him a note and that night at dinner he told me off for not putting a note in his lunch box.

So now Mr O and I are taking it in turns to send our boy notes.

To my boy who still wears flowers in his hair and secretly likes love notes.

Steiner Spiral of Light

2011-06-20T19:43:00.001+12:00

As the days grow noticeably shorter, and the frosty winter nights approach their longest, we all begin to yearn for the light, which so recently illuminated our lives.

To symbolize this yearning, each June, Master O's class participate in a Spiral of Light.

In his classroom, a path is laid out of green foliage and flowers. Moss, crystals, and shells are placed on the greenery. A single candle in the center of the spiral lights the room. Soft music sets the mood that brings the children into the room to sit on the chairs surrounding the Spiral. One at a time, the children walk the spiral. As each child approaches the entrance of the spiral they pick up a white candle in a shiny red apple, which is carried to the center of the spiral. They light their own candle from the center candle and then return outward. On the journey back they place their candle and apple beside the spiral foliage. When all the children have walked the path, the whole spiral is aglow with lights. The music softly continues as the children quietly leave the room. Finally, the apples and candles are gathered and given to the children at the end of the day as a present to take home.

For the past few years I have gone into Master O's school on a Sunday to help create the spiral with other parents. This year Mr O went and had a lovely time creating the spiral and taking beautiful pictures.

Today for the first time I sat in as the children walked the spiral. I even had the pleasure of walking the spiral. The children sang beautiful songs and played musical instruments such as the violin, the piano, the cello, and the flute. They are all 7 and 8 year old's with such great talent.


The entrance way into the classroom

The candles in the apples

Setting up the spiral

The centre table


The Spiral at the end.

It was a truly moving experience.

This Moment

2011-06-19T18:57:00.000+12:00

this moment} - A Sunday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from
the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause,
savor and remember.

Right Now

2011-06-16T13:10:00.000+12:00

Today I have been thinking of all the things I have to be thankful for right now.

It is a beautiful sunny winters day.

My washing is drying and my garden is full of new life.

Grapefruit Tree and Kale plus a sneaky bit of rhubarb


Orange Tree


Magnolia Tree

Master O just had Lantern Festival and he made a beautiful lantern, which we have been lighting every night at dinnertime.

I just finished my first Fantail Hot water Bottle Cover

I am reading a great book about Green Smoothies

Life is good.

White Duck / Rabbit

2011-06-15T10:17:00.000+12:00

I came up with a new design for a Hottie Bottle cover yesterday it is called

Duck / Rabbit.

Depending on which way you look at the design it is either a cartoon Duck or a Rabbit.

Duck

Rabbit

Its just a little quirky and fun as hottie bottles can be held a number of ways.

I also got some great news yesterday.

I have been accepted to have a stall at the Devonport Craft Market

on the 3rd of July.

I have never had a complete stall of all my own wares so now I must

sew, sew, sew..............

Its exciting plus scary at the same time.

Craft Fair

2011-06-14T11:30:00.000+12:00

I really enjoyed the Auckland craft fair .

So many wonderful exhibitors.

I have been inspired by the following:

MAY MAY CHUNG

MayMay Chung is a collaboration between 3 sisters.

They decided to combine there experience and create a brand of products that they feel are unique - and a range that is hopefully not too serious and a little quirky.

There first season is themed around there favourite New Zealand birds - the fantail, morepork and tui or MayMay, Florence and Huey.

There initial range of products includes home ware and stationery - cushions, tea-towels, prints and gift cards. They plan to expand there range to include bedding and bags as well as a dedicated children's range.

All there products are designed and hand crafted in New Zealand.

Here is the link to there website: http://www.maymaychung.com/

There little Kiwi inspired me to try doing a kiwi on a hottie bottle.
Here is my what I ended up with:

I had such fun making him . I think I might try for a fantail next.
In the meantime I will start saving my pennies for a couple of
Maya Maya cushions for Master O's room.

This Moment

2011-06-12T17:10:00.000+12:00

[this moment} - A Sunday ritual. A couple of photo's- no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.

Right Now

2011-06-07T10:59:00.000+12:00

* The Long weekend is over and my house guests have left .

I am contemplating Housework!

* I am doing numerous loads of washing created by one muddy Rugby Player and a few guests

* One house guest has stayed the lovely "Bella" who we are dog sitting for a couple of weeks.

Master O is in heaven.

* I am cutting out Hottie Bottle covers, my blanket supply is shrinking (yippee).

I can see the back of my storage cupboard.

* I am happy that my niece loved the bag I made her for her birthday.

* I am loving this mild winter weather.

* I am looking forward to going to The Auckland Craft Fair this coming weekend with my girlfriends.

Here is the link if you are keen to see some talented Crafters:

http://aucklandfair.blogspot.com/

This Moment

2011-06-06T17:18:00.000+12:00

[this moment} - A Sunday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.