A few things...

I've been working on. I whipped up these headbands as gifts yesterday from a very easy tutorial http://www.kcquilts.com/blog/2006/09/reversible-fabric-headband-tutorial.html



And here is a sneak preview of the doll I'm making...


Giveaway winner

The winner is......
VIOLET!
She will be receiving the watercolour iris in the mail. Thankyou very much to the other entrants :)

Homeschooling tips

Here are some things that have helped me over the past few years...

1. Don't set too much work (particularly for young children). Incorporate regular breaks into your study time.
2. Be organised! Complete your lesson plan each night for the next day.
3. Follow each child's interests and tailor their work around what they like to do.
4. Utilise your local library. You will save so much money and its a great outing.
5. Don't buy unnecessary things. Start with basics and figure out over time what you need. eg. dictionary, world map, pencils, art materials etc.
6. Meet up or liase with other homeschoolers. They are a wealth of information.
7. Chores and life skills are an integral part of daily life, the sooner children learn this the more your family can work as a team.
8. Include younger children by organising "school" activities appropriate to their age.
9. Give rewards for good work and the occasional "surprise day off".
10. If its not working take a step back and analyse. Remember, you determine holiday and break times so if you're extra tired or bogged down take time off!

Fairy picking night berries

I managed to finish this watercolour pencil painting while the kids were doing some painting beside me.

Giveaway reminder!

Only a few days left. Like they say "you've gotta be in it to win it!"

Homeschooling thoughts

I don't usually volunteer to strangers the fact that we are a homeschooling family, however, naturally when you take a school aged child out on a school day many people want to know why. The responses I get vary between extremely positive to extremely shocked to extremely bewildered. But everyone asks the same things "Why do you do that?". I often say "because it works really well for our family" and don't really go into much detail as some people are sensitive and actually find it offensive that you don't do what they do. Yes, it does work well for us, but there is so much more to it than that. One of the main reasons is we want our children to grow and learn in our faith. Another reason is my husband and I had negative school experiences. Another reason is I think our home environment has a lot to offer our children. But there is one thing that sticks in my mind - the day my first child was born. If someone had sauntered into the operating theatre when I was gazing lovingly upon this new indivdual my husband and I had been blessed with and said "I'm sorry, but I need to take this child away from you for at least 6 hours a day as I don't think you're capable of caring for him and teaching him. You can have him back in the evenings though!" do you think that would be acceptable?
What do you think?

Another drawstring bag

This one is for my son's growing collection of action figures!


Do you know this flower? Its a daytura - it is very pretty and has a sweet scent that gets very strong in the evenings. Its also very poisonous!

My first doll design!!

I'm so glad to have finished! So many hours from start to finish, but here she is - Anna! She has quite a few imperfections but this has really encouraged me to do my own thing, even if it takes so much longer. I had planned her as a giveaway, but wouldn't you know it, she's sitting on the shelf looking quite comfortable. Oh well, I'll just have to make another......





Old quilts

My husband still has his blankie! Its in remarkable condition too. Check out that vintage fabric! It was made by his great aunt (now deceased).
P.S. He no longer uses it, its stored away!




Here is another one made by the same lady. She made some lovely things. She was a lovely lady too.

GIVEAWAY!



My very first giveaway! I've been working on a doll to giveaway but unfortunately she hasn't decided what to wear yet, so instead...
This is a watercolour pencil painting of an iris. It is A5 size on watercolour paper and would look lovely in someone's home in a nice frame.
So to be the winner? Winter is aproaching so please leave a comment to tell me your favourite thing about winter (anything you like) and I will choose one winner.
This comp will close on May 30. I look forward to your comments!!

Etsy shop

Its up and running!!
www.thehandmaden.etsy.com
Not much in there yet so I must get myself very busy.
I've been working on a new doll design this morning and nearly gave up after sewing it inside out twice!!! I hate unpicking tiny stitches. I probably shouldn't try to design when baby has had me awake in the night - oh hang on, that would mean I'd never design anything!
I'm planning on a giveaway before too long (when I get time to make something new) so keep looking!

Spotty tote



How cute is this fabric? I designed and made this little tote yesterday. I'm really pleased with how it turned out. I'm going to put in on Etsy for sale too. My main aim is to make enough money to cover my crafting expenses (and maybe allow me to branch out a bit, take some classes, try more materials?)

This blog is closing!

All posts will now be found at my new site.  Click here to go the the new site.