Rainbow Made ~ toys to inspire ~

New creations!

2012-01-05T20:46:00.001+10:00

Penny is wearing a new knitted cardigan

Knitted by me using Waldorf Mamas free pattern.

Yarn is my hand dyed wool

Also i made up two El Porto bags for chrissy presents

I really enjoy making them..even though they are quite time consuming.

This one is for Daves niece Amanda

And this one is for my sister Cas

They both loved them, so I am very happy

And this little darling was made for Amanda too, from Mollie.

The face is from the embroidery file of Matruschka pimpinellskova from huups.

Such a cutie!

Cushion recovering

2012-01-03T20:25:00.000+10:00

From this....

To this...

I am so relieved to have these done. These are the cushions for the dining room table in the sunroom.

Even the kids were commenting on the how gross the cushion covers where. Thank goodness, that job is done!

The fabric is a heavy cotton from Spotlight. Our dining table is a dark wood so the bright colour of the cushions go really well. Gotta have colour in our lives

More lego!

2011-12-29T17:45:00.000+10:00

While I unpacked 5 very full bags of luggage, the kids built their new lego kits..

Unfair? yes I think so! but they LOVED them so....

Lucas' one and only present this year and only because I got it on a big sale

The Star Wars Millennium Falcon

It took him about 2 hours to put together and then it disappeared into his room and he has only emerged for food...

And for Mollie the 'Hillside House'

Totally perfect for Mollie....

'Look Mum, the door bell works' lol

Just working out a fair exchange..I am thinking Chocolate cake :D

Where did that month go!!

2011-12-29T17:26:00.000+10:00

Talk about slack!!

Finishing orders, preparations for Christmas and then holidays means I have neglected the poor old blog.

Back to regular posts now that we are home after a wonderful holiday of catching up with family and friends.

Wishing you all a fabulous Chrissy, New Year break!!

Hand dyed yarn

2011-11-14T17:14:00.000+10:00

Look what is sitting in my drafts folder...
A photo of my rainbow hand dyed yarn.

I tell you, I absolutely love it and eager to make more. I have yarn all skeined (is that a word!) up and ready for the dye.
Now that all the unpacking is finished, I might have a crack at more dyeing!

Tomorrow maybe?

Edit to add: I dyed this for the very clever Tas, check out what she made with it..devine!

Handmade Christmas

2011-11-14T17:13:00.000+10:00

Lots of handmaking here this Christmas.
Here are the Mama friends pressies for this year

Handmade soap using Rhondas Down to Earth Soap recipe, my hand dyed and then knitted cotton dishcloths / washcloths.

More about my hand dyeing soon.

Our visitor

2011-11-12T19:29:00.000+10:00

A Goanna!

We found him in the pool area. He lives in a tree down near the chook coop. I hope he doesn't get a taste for eggs!!

Wooden blocks - one of the BEST toys EVER!

2011-11-11T06:36:00.000+10:00

See this huge washing basket....well, it is usually chock -a-block full of wooden blocks of all shapes and sizes.
We have had this basket full for about 6 years now. The blocks are mainly off cuts from Dave various projects, some blocks I have bought from op shops and a set that came with a push cart type toy.

And yesterday, out they came again to make a zoo.

I assure you these soft animals are very well cared for. They have a regular supply of fresh food and water, their habitats are individually designed and their enclosures are even cleaned out regulary :)

This basket of wooden toys have been used for sooo many different play ideas - farms, castles, road systems, train set, forts, car tracks and I am sure many more times in the years to come.

They are not perfectly shaped or match in anyway but I know that is what makes they so fun.

Snow Baby!

2011-11-08T12:00:00.002+10:00

And last of my nature table babies

Snow Baby!!

and onto to pattern writing today!!

Harry Potter Story prompts

2011-11-08T11:58:00.000+10:00

The children are concentrating on story writing at the moment....well... we are trying too. The boy of the house is struggling with the NEED to write stories..

So what better way to encourage story writing then using their most favourite topic HARRY POTTER! Here are the prompts Dave and I made up..

Lucas:

* Harry Potter was walking to divination class when we heard a loud mysterious noise come out of Rebus Hagrids hut. He saw a flash at the windows and a cry.................

* Professor Sprout discovered a new plant growing from the roof of her greenhouse. It looked and sounded like nothing she had ever seen......

* Lately Harry had noticed that spiders had returned. He couldn't believe they were walking into the..........

Mollie:

* Hermoine went to the library to look up a new spell. What she saw made her eyes light up.....

* Ginny walked into the kitchen and saw Mrs Wesley making pancakes. All the ingredients flew from the shelves by themselves and come together with a ..............

Update: They both choose the first story from their lists above.. SUCCESS what an effective activity. They have been working on their stories for two days now and are keen to continue. I didn't put any pressure on with spelling "just start a story" was all I said but they are keen on correct spelling, sentence structure and grammer. Very thrilled with the results...

Sunflower Baby

2011-11-05T15:18:00.000+10:00

For the nature table!

She is 14cm high and is made from 100% wool felt, tricot and filled with wool fleece.

Off to write up a pattern for her now.

Cute hey!

Mango party time!

2011-11-03T21:56:00.000+10:00

Our first MANGO PARTY of the year this afternoon!!
We have been eating Mangoes for a couple weeks now but today after some garden mulching, we enjoyed our first mango party...
(we have 4 trees full, so there will be a party a day I reckon!)

Definition of mango party: sitting round the tree getting VERY messy :D

And look, we have lychees this year.

We are winning against the fruit bats atm..

Our strategy you ask....

Lucas yelling from his bed at night "MUM!!! FRUIT BATS!!!"

And this Mama goes running...

A few claps outside under the tree and the bats leave. Actually I am happy to share, but I would like some please!!

Building Bedrock in the creekbed!

2011-10-24T20:23:00.000+10:00

While camping in the Owen Springs Reserve near Alice Springs, we built Bedrock..you know,
The Flinstones!!

Here is the Flinstones House by Lucas

The Rubbles House by Mollie

Who remembers Mr Slate?, Fred boss..his house! by Dave

Camping at Owen Springs was definately a highlight of our trip. It was green, by a small creek and there was NO ONE else around. We had to do a little 4WD to get into the gorge, it was perfect :D

Back from Alice Springs!

2011-10-21T13:23:00.000+10:00

We got back late last night from our weeks camping holiday in Alice Springs.

I will pop a few photos in here now and come back when life is a little less crazy and tell you all about it!!

Walking around Uluru

Trying to find water in the red sand :)

Many beautiful picnic stops for breaky!!

Lots and lots of bush walking

And beautiful gorges

What a fun holiday!!

Simple (ish) skirt

2011-10-16T08:00:00.000+10:00

This skirt has been 6 months in the making...
It is made of white homespun which I tied and dyed a very wishy washing blue, purple, green colour. I didn't like the result so I retied it and it sat in the bottom of the washing basket for a couple of months.
On Monday, I pulled it out, mixed up some dark blue and over dyed it. It was ok, but a bit flat soooo (yes I did) I scrunch it up, wrapped some elastic bands round it and through it in some bleach.

The photo doesn't pick the colour variations up so well but I am finally happy with the results and now I have a new skirt!!

And I thought an embrodiery would jazz it up a little

Pattern : A-line skirt from Sassy Skirts by Cindy Taylor Oates

Embroidery: from Embrodiery Library

I tell ya, I am itching to dye another skirt..I wonder what the results will be

Some cuties for the market

2011-10-15T07:00:00.000+10:00

I just found this post in my drafts folder of the blog..I better do a little editing and post....

I sold these three dollies at the market last month. They are such little cuties, I thought I would share some photos...

First up is a boy dolly, dressed in a campan knit t shirt and shorts

A two little girls dressed and ready for play!

And here they are all in their pyjamas, ready for bed.

All babies need a cute nappy!

I have made another two of these (just because I love them so) I will add photos soon!!

Girls dollmaking!

2011-10-14T07:00:00.000+10:00

Something us girls love doing together!!

And we are getting quite good at it :D

Hand dyeing cotton for Mum!

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

From white cotton 8ply yarn to a rainbow!!

I am sure Mum will knit something beautiful with it :)

I think Mollie and I need some now..maybe for more dishcloths :)

Hanging Angel

2011-10-12T06:56:00.001+10:00

I have had this angel in my head for a couple months now. I wasn't quite sure how the construction was going to go but Monday, I jumped in and had a go....

She turned out alright didn't she :D

She is made using tricot, wool fleece, wool yarn and her dress is made from cotton with wool felt wings.

She is about 30cm high.

Her wings.

She has been claimed by Mollie and is waiting for Dave to put something in the roof so we can hang her over Mollies bed.

(He and Lucas have been struck down with the dreaded flu!)
I have plans to make more for Spiral Garden next month

An Extension, to be built by Dave

2011-10-11T11:47:00.000+10:00

Ok, we are seriously running out of room. With Daves model train set, my sewing/craft and the kids love of lego and creating 'stuff', we have realised it is time for a room extension.
This is the carport off the back of the house...soon to be a very large hobby room/ guest room/ room to sit in to relax around the pool. The pool is off to the right in the photo, you can just see the black fence.
Dave has decided to built it himself..with maybe a blockie to come in to do the walls. It will be a big project but one Dave will do very well!
Step one: CLEAN OUT THE CARPORT!!! :D

Marinated Fetta

2011-10-10T11:41:00.000+10:00

Recipe here

The cute little on in the middle with the red lid is for the kids..minus the red chillis!!

Planning a little bit of artwork

2011-10-09T21:17:00.000+10:00

I used to love painting, particulary on canvas but over the last couple years, more practical crafts became my focus..till last week when we visited the wetlands.
We saw an information sign all about tropical butterflys and I had an idea!!

See this blank wall in our second bathroom...

See these two blank canvases....

And these two insects!
the Ulysses Butterfly

photo source

And the Cairns Birdwing Butterfly

photo source

They are going to be featuring in my two canvas paintings.

I have a couple projects to finish and then I will start on these..very exciting!!

Photos when I have finished, of course :D

Cattana Wetlands

2011-10-05T13:59:00.003+10:00

Cattana Wetlands

Another lovely day out with Grandad yesterday!

Lots of bird watching happening here- Ducks, Egrets, Jabirus to be seen through binoculars and from bird hides.

Sweet fingerbuns

2011-10-04T16:00:00.000+10:00

Delicious!

Recipe from here..

Big Day out!

2011-10-04T06:33:00.000+10:00

With Grandad.
We caught the Kuranda Scenic Railway up, up

up, up

up, up the mountain to Kuranda and then

down,

down, down

on the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway!

We have been locals of Cairns for nearly 8 years and have never been on the train..oops!

Between the trips we had a lovely lunch in Kuranda at the local pub.

It was a lovely (and a little bit scary for Mollie, she is holding on tight in the photo above!) day out :)

Lotsa summer pyjamas

2011-10-02T10:30:00.000+10:00

I made these for my 3yr (top photo) and 5 yr old nieces.
Patterns: Imke T shirt and Riviera leggings (cut into shorts) from one of my favourite books Sewing Clothes Kids Love.

Very simple sewing using all fabric from Crafty Mamas. I love my huge stash of STELLA!!!

No embroideries on these (shame) but as I have to prepare for another market, I thought for pjs, that is ok.

Fotobella

2011-10-01T22:25:00.000+10:00

As soon as I saw this epattern in the Farbenmix shop I knew I had to make one for my little sis!!

The fabric is grey denim (from Mum!) and the embrodieries are Pimpirazzi from Huups

Front - under the flap

Back

And the handly little padded camera holder that sits inside.

It took a fair bit of brain power as the instructions where in german but with the photos in the pattern, and google translations, I worked it out in the end. I had never made anything like the padded camera holder before so that was fun to work out.

And..she loves it YAY!!

Next, one for me :D

Happy Birthday Mollie

2011-09-27T14:28:00.002+10:00

The beach, chocolate cupcakes, lego, gifts from friends, and then ending with fish and chips on the beach with the family.

What a perfect birthday for our 8 year old girl!!

What has been keeping us busy!!

2011-09-25T15:19:00.000+10:00

While Dave has been away!

Lucas is now onto book 4..he is loving Harry Potter.

He finished the 3rd book at 11am yesterday and by 11.10am we were watching the DVD. Mollie was happy to have my laptop in her bedroom to watch Annie.

Me..knitting another farm mat. I am really enjoying this simple knitting project

Lots of swimming. Even I jumped in today!

Dollmaking for my nieces...

Lychees!!! Fingers crossed we win against the fruit bats this year.

Waiting for these babies to ripen. I can't wait!!
Mangoes...yummy...

And because I always have too many projects on the go, a queensized quilt

And a art journal for Mollies birthday on Tuesday...

and Choc chip and oat biscuits...

And while all that was happenning Lucas participated in a tennis clinic last week. 4 days of tennis, 5 hours a day, what a life :D

This week..I should have lots of finished projects- as long as I don't start anymore ;)

Photo studies

2011-09-15T16:10:00.000+10:00

The children enjoyed taking these photos and using the software to create the collages...

Lucas was a study using the macro function on my camera, Mollie was happy just snapping away.

First Market!

2011-09-15T13:12:00.000+10:00

Location wasn't too bad I suppose!! :D
This market was at Holloways Beach

Here are Lucas and Mollie with their friends. The market was very slow..probably not the best handicraft market but the beautiful location more then made up for it.
I did sell 3 dolls which I am very happy about :D

Next market: At the Tanks in Cairns at the end of October.
ps..check out the crooked tablecloth!!

Caramel Fudge...

2011-09-14T16:09:00.001+10:00

Made by Lucas!!

Recipe is here

Absolutely devine :D

LEGO cable car

2011-09-09T19:53:00.000+10:00

Made by Lucas!!

You can see the finishing line go over the first wheel, under the second and over the third.

Next project: a Star Wars droid space shuttle.....

yummmm pizza!!

2011-09-08T22:20:00.002+10:00

Making your own pizza is THE BEST!!

You have to have a go at making it yourself :)

I was going to write my recipe out but then found this one online.

It is so similar that I decided to use the link instead...lazy I know!

Go on try it!!

family raffle

2011-09-08T14:38:00.001+10:00

Mollie decided to organised a family raffle last week. She made the prizes and charged 50c per ticket.
I bought 3 tickets, Lucas bought 3 tickets and Dave bought 4 tickets

Here are the prizes:

First prize

2nd prize

3rd prize.

Guess who won ALL the prizes!!!

What a clever way to make $5.00 :)

Chook feeders

2011-09-03T13:40:00.000+10:00

It was time to add permanent feeders to the mobile chook run / tractor.

We talked about the design over lunch one day and after a trip to the hardware shop, Dave built and installed the feeders - one for grain and one for water.

Here is the water one....note the water can be added from outside the coop

And here is the grain feeder.

I am sure this is Florence...the smart chook, my chook of course :) using the feeder perfectly :D

We needed a quick door redesign as we had a constant escapee in the group.

Dave added a frame of poly pipe to hold it nice and sturdy. There is mesh at the top, so the small gap at the top is fine. We have had no escapees since the new door..Thank goodness!!

We truly had NO idea how she was getting out lol

The chickens have settled into the system well and now give us 3 eggs most days.

Knitted Farm mat!

2011-09-02T23:22:00.000+10:00

I have had this pattern in my head for months. I believe knitted farm mats are just perfect for children. Add some felt or knitted animals and people, some wooden blocks for a farmhouse and you have a toy that will grow and develop with any child.

I actually had two middle size people waiting in my sewing area for this one to be finished :)

They were keen to have a play!!

I am just finishing off writing the pattern and it is so simple to knit - YAY!!

For Grandad

2011-09-02T18:02:00.001+10:00

Happy Birthday Grandad!!

Lots of Love Lucas and Mollie

Good Morning Wednesday!

2011-08-31T07:47:00.002+10:00

A 6.15am we all got up and drove to the beach

reason: Mollie wanted to sketch the sunrise..

And while we waited, there was a whole beach to create in, so inspired by a show we watched last night....we built...

The Pyramids - the Great Pyramid, the first Step Pyramid, the Sphinx (x 2, boy competition!) and a couple smaller pyramids.

Gotta a have a photo of a friendly visitor...

What beautiful way to greet the morning.

All terrain sample collector

2011-08-27T08:26:00.002+10:00

I had to show you all Lucas's All Terrain Sample Collector.

Designed and built for the LEGO Mindstorm Explorerbot Challenge

He spend about 2 week building, testing, and adjusting it and then a couple days getting the program sorted.

It is designed to go over all terrains to collect samples of mulch, dirt and pebbles.

Here is a link to his Legoboys blog video to see this machine working.

Very proud Mama moment here!! :D

Busy, busy, busy!

2011-08-20T21:52:00.001+10:00

Talking about, looking through patterns and eventually making a costume for a disco Mollie was invited too.....YES Little Red Riding Hood

Lucas finishing his entry into LEGO NXT latest challenge..designing, building and programming an Explorerbot.

For me, finishing of 4 lovely Feliz dresses!!

And for Mollie, building her own "Mollie Shop" in the lychee tree.

Just the place if you need grass, shell grit, gravel, mulch, chicken food and the best bit ALL FOR FREE!!..even if it takes 10 minutes to pick the gravel out of the feed, it IS free!!

And for Dave..it is all about his trains at the moment. I will remember to take some photos of his latest buys...the track is getting very full. We are talking about a room extension for his set atm!!

With more fun things to come. The Festival of Cairns Parade tomorrow night, visits from family, sisters birthday (I must finish her pressie :D) lots more orders for Bel at Spiral Garden and hopefully a market with friends in September.

We have a pink Koala

2011-08-19T07:04:00.001+10:00

In our tree!!

It looks like Mollie is up over the BBQ but she isn't. The tree is in front :)

She can't get enough of tree climbing at the moment....

We love Lego!!

2011-08-18T08:55:00.001+10:00

Yes, Lucas has some Lego!!

Had to share this photo..(gulp!)I didn't know he had so many minifigures and guns!!

Our new (old) Encyclopedias

2011-08-17T08:49:00.001+10:00

Cairns library had a book sale last week. I know we have the internet but we just love sitting on the lounge reading. We have always had a 'child' encyclopedia and now it was time to update.

We got a Student world book set, Encyclopedia of the Aquatic World and Encyclopedia of Earth and Physical Science...all for $60.00 and they we in perfect condition.

YIPEE Love a bargain!!

Chook Tractor!

2011-08-16T13:16:00.004+10:00

It was either going to be the dog locked up while the chickens free range or we build a chook tractor...we, what am I saying..Dave builds the chook tractor. :D

edit to add, I helped a bit!

We wanted it to be big enough to sit over our vegy gardens so when the season finishes they can get to work in there. They already have proved they are excellent at it..cheeky things!!

We are now getting 3 eggs a go HOORAY!

And at the end of the day, we open the door and they walk into the coop..what lovely ladies!!

Yesterday...the pool season has started!!!

Bit cold for me yet but I love seeing the kids swimming.

I love that she has the time....

2011-08-16T08:44:00.001+10:00

While on a sewing break, I noticed I hadn't seen Mollie for 1/2 an hour.

I looked out her bedroom window and this is what I found...

Mollie on her very own swing. A bit of rope, a stick (to sit on), a fav toy and the lychee tree branch.

A perfect spot for a swing...

And sometimes it needs a little adjustment...

Break is over!

2011-08-15T20:40:00.002+10:00

A bit of a forced blogging break here at Rainbow Made. Dave went away, I had orders to fill and the kids had the flu. We are back on track now and I have heaps to show!

A bit of star wars, Mama made quilt and some fruit...just heaps when you have the flu.

Blossom Baby

2011-08-03T17:02:00.002+10:00

My newest design for the Spring Nature Table...

Blossom Baby.

Kit with pattern and supplies available at Spiral garden

What we are enjoying at the moment....

2011-07-26T23:29:00.005+10:00

Lucas can be found anytime day or night, curled up on the lounge with his new favourite book.

And Mollie, hanging with 'The Girls'.

Photos of what I have been up to tomorrow!!

Meet Madeline

2011-07-25T21:35:00.006+10:00

A very special girl made for some much missed friends in Perth!

The Family Chickens

2011-07-25T11:01:00.007+10:00

We have four chickens. Their names are Leia, Reddy and Cornwall and Florence.

We have got three eggs from them so far in the two days they have been here.

Chicken pecking in the dirt

Chickens drinking out of the water trough

Chicken on the roost

The nesting boxes

The chicken feeder

Close up of chicken

Photos and words by

And the ladies.......

2011-07-23T17:35:00.007+10:00

They have arrived!!!

Florence, Ginger, Princess Leia and Cornwall

(In order of naming - mine, Lucas, Dave and Mollie)

A chicken named Cornwall..what a crack up!! (sorry :D)

Here is the sandpit conversion all finished

And here are our 4 Isa Brown chickens, all snug and cozy in their new home

Lucas's close up photo of.......(not sure how to tell them apart yet lol)

Dave designed nesting boxes...filled with straw and a couple of Mollies wooden eggs

And for those interested in the henhouse design, here is the back of the nesting boxes..

There was a mad rush on this morning to get the house finished in time to pick the chickens up by 11am but Dave and Lucas got there!!

We already have one egg...YAY

In a couple months time, we are going to raise some chicks. And for Odie, I think he is more put out that they get more food them him :)

Lastly....the Scarecrow Competition

2011-07-20T21:34:00.003+10:00

The show had a Scarecrow competition and a couple families from the homeschooling group (including us) entered two scarecrows......guess our theme....

Yes the Royal Couple :D

My Show results

2011-07-20T17:01:00.007+10:00

Elporto Bag got a first place in the bag section

Feliz dress got a second place in the Child Garment section

Rainbow Cushion came 2nd in the cushion section

Isabella came 2nd in the dressed doll section

Flower Ladies came 3rd in the machine embrodiery section

Recycled Jean Jacket came 3rd in the Thrift Article section

All in all a great day!!!

Mollies Cairns Show enteries

2011-07-20T16:51:00.007+10:00

Mollies photos

Daisies in Pot

Elves in a garden

Strawberry Puppy

2nd prize win: Toy Doll

Loch Ness Monster

Paper Mache Submarine

Flare Picture using crayons

All by Mollie

Lucas Cairns Show enteries

2011-07-20T16:36:00.007+10:00

Here are most of the photos entered in the Junior photography section.

Lucas won 3rd place for this Ferrari Pits photo

And here are the other three photos he entered.

He was very excited to see his photos on the wall.

He did so well :)

Cairns Show today

2011-07-20T07:25:00.000+10:00

Image from here

Back tonight with photos :)

Lucas' photos for the Show

2011-07-12T14:22:00.001+10:00

I have put the four photos he took into a collage here. IRL they are single photos....

Lucas isn't obsessed with Lego is he? :D :D

Flourishing Frolleins Pillowcase

2011-07-12T08:00:00.000+10:00

Second last for the Cairns Show :)

This is for the machine embrodiery section. I just LOVE these Flower Ladies
In my usual style...I made this pillowcover up as I went. I started with my fav colour combo, stitched out the embrodiery and then decided on border fabric. I decided to keep the fabric plain to make the embroideries feature.

Soooo, fabric is quilters cotton and the embrodiery is from HUUPS

I am really happy with the result..and Mollie has claimed it when it returns

Two more NXT creations!!

2011-07-11T08:00:00.000+10:00

A Crazy lawn mover.

One of the buttons on the handle turned the lawn mower on and the other turned the blades underneath spinning. It moved back and forth across the floor and if he left it for long enough, it did a complete 360' turn :)

And this one was called a mystery machine...lots of different things turned and spun. It was a quick build that was tested and then taken apart for the next creation...

Guess what his next creation is going to be.....

A gearbox and clutch!!

Something much more practical :)

He has finished the clutch plate already....

We are loving this NXT Mindstorm!!!

Two gifts for their Mama

2011-07-10T13:40:00.004+10:00

After a sleepover at his mates house on Thursday, Lucas went into town to a NAIDOC park event. When he returned, he gave me this box....

He decorated it himself.

And the night before, I climbed into bed and under my pillow was a very special picture Mollie drew for me....a picture of all my favourite things :)

These are living pride of place on my bedside table.

What a lucky Mama I am!!

Now..she paints

2011-07-07T22:36:00.004+10:00

Mollie can draw, sew, knit, create anything with some paper, sticky tape and scissors, is bursting with ideas for anything creative and this afternoon, she learnt to paint....

It was a girls craft afternoon here today - Lucas was at this mates house, and Dave at work. She and I decided this afternoon was going to be our first painting session together.

I used to paint regularly and then I found sewing and the painting fell by the wayside. Mollies LOVES drawing but felt she couldn't paint well enough so together

we set up the sunroom as our painting studio and together we painted.

She did so well. We decided a simple frangapani design would be easiest...So basically, she painted and I was back up support. She hasn't finished but she has the main blocking in completed.

Tomorrow she has friends over for a pottery morning, but in the afternoon, we will do more. She really is a creative little soul and I am sure will finish this painting beautifully!!

Edit: to add the finished artwork. It is sitting up on the wall in the sunroom..beautiful!!

Wood and Wire Doll kit

2011-07-01T20:43:00.002+10:00

Close up photos of my Wood and Wire Kit available at Spiral Garden

Plait and small pocket detail

Shoulder seam for waistcoat

Pant sewing guide

Triangle shaped hat for the girl dolls

A few things I have made of late!!

2011-07-01T20:25:00.004+10:00

I have been a little slack uploading photos projects of late....busy with life I guess!!

First is a set of heat mats using HUUPS embroidery file. I LOVE these...I have ideas of following the tutorial and making In the hoop ovenmits, an apron and even a wall hanging for the kitchen.

They are such FUN designs aren't they!!!

Second...is a new skirt and top set for me.

The skirt is made from fabric from spotlight, using my own pattern and the top is my fav FANO pattern using STELLA knit. I am really happy with the match!

And lastly, my latest tie dyeing effort.

I am planning to make it into a handmade picnic blanket..The kids will never miss it would they :D

Next on my list is 4 feliz dresses for a friend, a machine embroideried pillow case and designing a NEW kit...something for spring!!!

And the kids have been busy too..I will be back tomorrow with photos of their Cairns Show entries :D

Our visitors!!

2011-07-01T20:12:00.005+10:00

Isn't it fun when your big brothers come to stay!!!

One of the Mollies and Lucas favourite activities...

Building our very own beach shelter!!

It was a very special weekend for us all....

Bella Boo

2011-06-20T12:01:00.006+10:00

This pattern is from Melly and Me book 'Kaleidoscope'.

She is made using fabric from my stash, filled with wool fleece and two buttons 'borrowed' from Mollie (she expects them to replaced... pronto!) :D

She was very straightforward to make (except my dodgy hand embroidery which I really need to practice) and the dress finishes her off so sweetly :)

She is the last thing I am making for the Cairns Show!!

Progress photos.....

2011-06-17T07:18:00.005+10:00

Day three of the sandpit to > henhouse conversion...
We have taken out most of the sand, put two loads of mulch in and covered it all in with fine mesh. (I am predicting a cubby conversion in the future too :D)
So the outside snake protection is up.....

Next is nesting boxes, roost and boards for the outside....The kids really enjoyed hammering in the nails.And Odie really isn't sure what all the fuss is about......
We have been given some great ideas on preparing ^him^ for the chickens arrival in a weeks time. I have spoken to lots of people on good chicken breeds and sometime next week (or the following) we will be driving up to The Poultry Shed to buy some chickens!!
Probably New Hampshire Reds and something white :D

Guess who are getting chickens!!

2011-06-12T20:52:00.006+10:00

We have been looking after our neighbours chickens this weekend and look how many eggs we got tonight!!

Getting chickens has been on the 'thinking' list for months now but today we have decided...8 chickens are moving in soon!! So this week, our family project is a sandpit conversion!!The kids want to keep the cubby but really haven't played in the sandpit for months so it is going to become a chook house!!! With (in time) a mobile chook tractor for the vegy gardens
Mollie is very excited..she has wanted chickens forever. Photos of the conversion as we go.

Watching the Triathlon

2011-06-10T14:41:00.000+10:00

Last Sunday, there was an International Triathlon in town. The competitors swam in the ocean at Yorkeys Knob, rode their bikes up to Port Douglas and back and then ran into Cairns....

The bike leg went right past the end of our street so naturally..we packed up our picnic things and went down to watch!!

So while ^ they^ did that..
We ate theses Cinnamon Scrolls *DEVINE* :D

Building with Dad

2011-06-08T21:23:00.004+10:00

On Monday, Lucas and Dave decided their slot car track needed an over and under bridge.
After some measuring, drawing, calculating, sawing, nailing..and the rest :D
Oh and some painting

An over and under bridge was made... It works like a beauty!!!

It's Alice in Wonderland!

2011-06-03T20:28:00.008+10:00

Mollie was invited to a fancy dress disco tonight. The theme was 'Come as your favourite Tv or Movie Character'

The dress was an OTTO dress pattern that I added a collar to and the apron was kinda made up :D

All the fabric I had and the pattern I had..so all we had to buy was the very standard black headband from Coles. :D
She had a great time!
And I had enjoyed every moment of making her dress..she was so pleased with it!!

Catching some RAYS!!

2011-06-02T13:08:00.000+10:00

Yes, even in the tropics!

Rainbow Cushion and Dolly

2011-05-25T07:14:00.000+10:00

Designed and created my me!!
I have had this cushion design in my head for a couple months now and last weekend I put it onto paper and made it.

I have used my own hand dyed homepun, a cushion insert I nicked off the lounge and completed it with a dolly :D
I am really happy with it!

I might make a couple up for the markets. Now that I have the pattern organised..they are super quick to run up...
But first, you guessed it, to the Cairns Show!

A photo for Mama :)

2011-05-24T21:12:00.000+10:00

By Lucas

My favourite, The Ulysses Butterfly!

Isabella!

2011-05-22T20:10:00.000+10:00

A new doll I designed and made a couple months ago.

I got a little stuck on clothing but then two weekends ago, I decided!

How cute are her little pants!!

I am really happy with how she turned out, I just love making these dolls :D

From Daddys jeans to a SILVERLAKE JACKET!

2011-05-22T19:41:00.000+10:00

Via the embrodiery machine :D
This SILVERLAKE JACKET pattern is in my all time favourite sewing book Sewing Clothes Kids Love. It goes together so easily and you can really play round with fabric and embroderies.
The embroderies I used are London Calling from HUUPS

Mollie isn't sure about it...I have hung it in my sewing room so hopefully she will grow to love it. But first it is off to Cairns Show!!

Sorry if causing confusion!!!

2011-05-19T16:49:00.000+10:00

Just trying to combine blogs....and I really have no idea what I am doing (very embarrassing!!)
If you are getting heaps of postings, I am sorry.

I am keeping this blog and in time deleting my other...

Feliz for Mollie!

2011-05-10T14:12:00.000+10:00

This is such a pretty pattern!!
It is Farbenmix FELIZ pattern.
It is a real combination of fabric from a Stenzo overdress to quilters gingham to Michael Miller Dots!!

I have used a couple different ribbons to decorate the front with a Huups mandala embrodiery from Florafox set

And another off to the show!

El Porto for the show

2011-05-08T14:09:00.000+10:00

There was alot of :D this going on when I finished it this morning. I have been working on it for two days now and I am well chuffed with the result

Pattern: El Porto
Fabrics: denim, red stars and red and white dots (inside fabric) from SL, a little homespun and blue gingham
Decos: embroideries- Deerstar, littlechirp and star tag from Huups, red and blue bias, blue and red star ribbon and lots of ric rac from CM

I am making a few pieces for the Cairns show this year as a way to kick start my market plans (yep, still planning) I thought El Porto was a great pattern to showcase my sewing skills.

There are 7 pockets including a media one for your ipod (nice), two zippers, a few new techinques for me ie hong kong seams, it a good size duffle bag!

For those planning on making one: I worked out a trick too. After I attached the first side of the bias on the circular ends, I hand stitched down the other side. It worked a treat, a much neater result. I know I would make a mess if I used the sewing machine but this way worked fine!

Phew..it is one of those patterns that is unreal..when you have finished :) I really enjoyed the challenge though!

Chocolate Crunch Cake

2011-05-02T13:42:00.000+10:00

MEGA yum yum!!
Lisa found this recipe in the Herald Sun (3rd April) and posted it on Crafty Mamas.

You have got to make it..devine!

A couple more NXT creations

2011-04-26T09:34:00.000+10:00

And these are as different as can be :D
Santa and his reindeer annnndddd.....

Yes an automatic weapon...sigh...lol
Yes it shoots little technic pieces, not at anyone, into a plastic container..BOYS!

And a lego something he has been working on with Dave. A Lego Crank Shaft, that you would see in an engine..

The motor is attached to the shaft running through the lego mounts which turns the arms which are pistons...yes I am right, I just checked! :D

Time to cruise the NXT website for more ideas!!

Garden Fairies

2011-04-25T15:09:00.000+10:00

I designed these about 3 months ago and finally finished them today. It has been a long design process lol

They are made using cotton tricot, bamboo velour, silk skirt, cotton knit tights and filled with wool fleece. They are a basic doll with a few added touches.

The little flowers are made with wool felt.

The hair is a mixture of handspun yarn and wool yarn and the first has a silk ribbon in her hair.

Such sweet little faces...
I made these to go with the little garden children I made last year.

Easter Bunnys by Mollie!

2011-04-22T15:50:00.000+10:00

Thankyou for your Dorkey Rabbit pattern :D Tracy!!

She made 5 rabbits - One each for us and one each for her friends next door. She has made them as part of an easter hunt. She has written clues for everyone to follow and the bunnys with an egg in the pocket is their prize.
Cute hey!

She thought drawing the faces was a easier option then embroiderying them.
I will secretly make one for her today so she is part of the easter hunt.

And she took the photos herself..I better watch out, she is getting good!

Crafty Mamas goodies!

2011-04-19T08:33:00.000+10:00

A lovely big parcel arrived from the Crafty Mamas Shop last week.

In it was STELLA knit in white, purple and black, dots and stripes and see the fabric on the top HILCO toadstools!! Love it!

I am thinking a cute Olivia dress for Mollie.

And because we have a year full of summer here in the tropics, a cute summer dress pattern was a MUST!

I have some dutch fabric that is sitting in my stash from our trip overseas a couple years ago, would be perfect for this dress. :)

Sketching @ the beach!

2011-04-14T07:25:00.000+10:00

On Tuesday we all got in the car, including Odie (our dog) and drove 10 minutes north of here to Ellis Beach. Mollie has been wanting to do some sketching at the beach for a while now so we packed a morning tea and headed out. We found a lovely elevated spot for the kids to set up on and after a run round they settle down for some sketching.

Mollie loves her drawing!!

Lucas did a drawing too, which I am thrilled about and then he took off with my camera to take some photos too. He is really getting into photography lately.

And while this was happening, Odie got a lovely long run on the beach with Dave! We were there for an hour and in that time we saw three people. How nice it is to have a tropical beach to yourself!!

Mollie has asked for the botanical gardens next for a sketching morning...perfect!

Rollerblading FUN!

2011-04-08T07:27:00.000+10:00

On Wednesday we met our homeschooling friends at the local Skating venue for the kids first try at skating. There were many downs with lots of laughing.......

But finally they GOT it...well kind of :D

The skating venue is opened during school hours BONUS! so we can get lots more practice...

What a fun day to share with friends :)

BTW: they tried both blades and skates but said the blades a definately easier.

Farbie OWL

2011-04-04T06:52:00.000+10:00

Yes..(confession!) I have a farbenmix obsession. I have worked out how to buy epatterns from the Farbenmix shop now, and you wouldn't believe it, I have bought three patterns already! :D

First up..the cutest OWL cushion ever!!

It is made to fit a 35cm square cushion insert inside so now we have a cute cushion on the lounge in the sunroom.
Kids LOVE it, I LOVE it...Dave, yes well..he isn't sold. Mollie reckons I should make a couple of matching babies to sit with the 'Mummy', good idea Mollie :D (Daddy would love that too LOL)

Fabric is from the stash...the body fabric from Tas and the embrodiery is from the Florafox embrodiery set from HUUPS.

Mama and son designed quilt - step 1 design.

2011-03-28T06:59:00.000+10:00

Lucas needs a Mama made quilt on his bed as he still has his little boy transport one. This boy does not like change and he likes 'just plain' :D

So off to spotlight we went to pick fabric. He chose the printed one - I had to convince him that a blue and light blue quilt would just to be TOO plain so he went with a 'plane' ;) printed fabric and quilters homespun to match.

While he was playing his flight simulator (would you be surprised if I said Dave is an aircraft engineer...no I didn't't think you would :D) I got my lined paper, and coloured pencils and YES my design was approved..phew!!

In the white squares I will use my embroidery machine to add embroideries of his favourite things..yes first up a plane :D

Next step..all that cutting!

Angel Dolls

2011-03-15T13:43:00.000+10:00

Here is a photo tutorial for these little darlings..Angel Dolls

Cut out each pattern and sew the body and head up

Turn the pieces right side out and fill with wool fleece

Sew the head to body, stitch the eyes and mouth - use top photo for placement and then follow the directions for hair, crown and threading to make the wings.

This photo shows the top of the angel dolls head!

Our angel doll had pride of place on our chritmas tree and is now hanging in our daughters room :) Very sweet!

Rainbow Pouch Dolls

2011-03-15T13:38:00.000+10:00

These are a delightful addition to a childs toy collection.

Cut out pattern pieces and sew together

Fill the body and head with wool fleece

Sew eyes and mouth and then attach the hat.

Sew the head (and hat to body).

Here is a photo of the back of the head. I like to tuck the bottom of the hat into the body and sew. Like this...

Thread up your long needle and following the directions to create the wings on the doll. They should look like this when finished.

Too cute for words :D

We have SUN and BLUE sky!!

2011-03-15T07:03:00.000+10:00

What a beautiful sight after SO much rain.....

BTW, the tree with the yellow flowers on the right, it is called Golden Penda. One of my all time favourite trees!!

Guess what!!..it is raining LOL...

More robot creations!

2011-02-24T07:18:00.000+10:00

The Mindstorm robot has been re created into a

Robogator

Scorpian

Ball Sorter

This Lego Kit is heaps of fun!!

SNAP!

2011-02-24T07:11:00.000+10:00

Mollie has entered the world of photography!
She desperately wanted a 'pink' camera and when Dick Smith had these on sale, well..we just HAD to!

One small downside of Mollie getting a camera..I have had more photos taken of me in the last couple of days then I have had in 10 years lol.

She is learning to take movies and download them onto my laptop. I should let that 'my laptop' go shouldn't I. Between the robot and Mollies camera, I only get to use it at night or early morning..for my embroidery files of course!

A robot has arrived!

2011-02-14T06:59:00.000+10:00

Our boy needed a challenge so after much discussion we decided it was time to leave the basic lego kit building behind for a while and enter the world of Robots!!

After work last week, Dave bought Lucas (and himself if we are being honest :D) The Lego Mindstorm. It was pricey but so worth EVERY cent.

Lucas has made it into a robot (see below) a ball shooter, a robogator and next, he has plans for a colour sorter. He has to built it, programmed it (off my laptop) and tested it. Perfect for his mechanical and mathematical brain.

I have put an order in for a housework robot..but that idea always gets an eye roll, so I am guessing not yet!

And the best thing about this robot, we have our boy back!!

Hand dyed Circle Skirt

2011-02-05T10:30:00.000+10:00

This skirt arrived in the mail last week from Kel @ The Handmaden.
Mollie is delighted with it!!

The colours are beautiful and it is so well made.

It has twirl :)

And it is perfect to wear while you are doing your homeschooling
I can see this skirt getting HEAPS of wear. Thankyou Kel :D

After the cyclone......

2011-02-05T09:52:00.000+10:00

We were very lucky to be spared the full force of cyclone Yasi last week. After a scary night of high winds, we walked outside to find no damage to the house, just branches down and twigs and leaves everywhere.

All our bananas trees were knocked over

After a couple days of chainsawing, raking, picking up sticks and mowing..we are all back to normal. We are so thankful!

Yarn -A -Long over at Crafty Mamas

2011-01-30T06:00:00.000+10:00

I am joining in over at Crafty Mamas in a knit a long. I would really like to finish this Tropical Lily top for Mollie. It is such a sweet pattern and the part I have done, I am really happy with!!

Tracy @ Mad Quilter has kindly organised it..Thanks Tracy for getting me back into knitting :D

Just when you are trying to test out your homemade billy cart......

2011-01-29T07:02:00.000+10:00

You are under attack..by a big black dog named ODIE!!!

And after you yell "BACK" enough times that he finally listens, he grabs his favourite toy The Coconut!
QUICK, get out of the way of the flying coconut :D

The joys of having a PET :)

The value of STRING GAMES

2011-01-27T15:00:00.000+10:00

What fun I am having teaching the children string games. It first started while sitting in the back of the Motorhome touring round England, trying to keep Mollie amused. As we always have a ball of yarn close by, I cut a piece tied it in a circle and taught her Witches Broom.

Now two years later, we have searched the internet, Mama has dug deep in my memory to remember more and now we have 6 string figures - Witches broom, cats whiskers, bridge, hand trap, cup and saucer and the wink.

I think all children should enjoy learning this game not only it is excellent for their hand eye coordination and fine motor skills but it is just basic good FUN!

Edit to add: our favourite website is here and we have just added 'the moth' to our repetoire!

Nut baby tutorial

2011-01-26T21:47:00.000+10:00

I designed this Nut baby for our Autumn Nature Table. The kit and supplies are available at Spiral Garden Here is a photo tutorial to help with your kit! Cut out all pieces using the pattern provided in your kit.

Stitch the body, and make the head

Stitch the hat together and fill body and head with fleece. Using your embroidery thread, stitch the face .

Place the head into the body and stitch to secure. Then pop the hat on the dolls head and stitch down.

This is such a sweet addition to an Autumn table and so quick to make :)

Rainbow Made ~ toys to inspire ~

New creations!

Cushion recovering

More lego!

Where did that month go!!

Hand dyed yarn

Handmade Christmas

Our visitor

Wooden blocks - one of the BEST toys EVER!

Snow Baby!

Harry Potter Story prompts

Sunflower Baby

Mango party time!

Building Bedrock in the creekbed!

Back from Alice Springs!

Simple (ish) skirt

Some cuties for the market

Girls dollmaking!

Hand dyeing cotton for Mum!

Hanging Angel

An Extension, to be built by Dave

Marinated Fetta

Planning a little bit of artwork

Cattana Wetlands

Sweet fingerbuns

Big Day out!

Lotsa summer pyjamas

Fotobella

Happy Birthday Mollie

What has been keeping us busy!!

Photo studies

First Market!

Caramel Fudge...

LEGO cable car

yummmm pizza!!

family raffle

Chook feeders

Knitted Farm mat!

For Grandad

Good Morning Wednesday!

All terrain sample collector

Busy, busy, busy!

We have a pink Koala

We love Lego!!

Our new (old) Encyclopedias

Chook Tractor!

I love that she has the time....

Break is over!

Blossom Baby

What we are enjoying at the moment....

Meet Madeline

The Family Chickens

And the ladies.......

Lastly....the Scarecrow Competition

My Show results

Mollies Cairns Show enteries

Lucas Cairns Show enteries

Cairns Show today

Lucas' photos for the Show

Flourishing Frolleins Pillowcase

Two more NXT creations!!

Two gifts for their Mama

Now..she paints

Wood and Wire Doll kit

A few things I have made of late!!

Our visitors!!

*Bella Boo*

Progress photos.....

Guess who are getting chickens!!

Watching the Triathlon

Building with Dad

It's Alice in Wonderland!

Catching some RAYS!!

Rainbow Cushion and Dolly

A photo for Mama :)

Isabella!

From Daddys jeans to a SILVERLAKE JACKET!

Sorry if causing confusion!!!

Feliz for Mollie!

El Porto for the show

Bella Boo