More Frogs

I've been having fun, finding fabrics with eyes for some more frogs;

Froggy

I cannot quite explain what came over me when I saw the absolutely adorable Frog Beanbag made by Ashley at Lil Blue Boo. I simply had to make one too. Thankfully, Ashley is incredibly clever (you should see all her crafty ideas and tutorials!) AND kind - She not only made up the pattern herself, but shared it on her blog too!

While hers is a Frog Prince, mine is a (rather unusual looking) girl.... meet "Frogette":

I thought the flowers on this Amy Butler fabric would be perfect for the eyes... And while I initially spent some time thinking about who I could give her too, I think I will keep her for myself!

Felt Bunny

My lovely friend Nikki is so thoughful and gave me a magazine clipping with a pattern for a cute little Bunny;

I made this one, intending to give it to Nikki for her new little bub due early next year, however Elly has become quite attached to it (despite it not having a face for the past week).

So it looks like I'll have to make another. But that's ok. I learnt a few thing the first time round so the second one will be even cuter (I hope!).

To market, to market...

Today we went to one of our favourite places - Paddington. It's got everything we love; coffee for Nick, parks for the girls and the markets for me!

I had the pleasure of meeting the lovely Amy from Badskirt. I have long admired her blog (I especially love seeing all the quilts she has made or is making and she also did a great series of posts on colour), and all her wonderful handmade hippos and other creations. Well, today I discovered not only is she crafty and clever, but totally lovely and generous too...

My girls were very excited to each receive a pair of these beautiful little button hair ties from Amy;

Livvie insisted on wearing hers to bed tonight, hair still in pigtails, 'So my little froggy can whisper in my ear when I'm asleep'...

Thank you, Amy!

Tote

I really needed a new bag for toting around all the toddler paraphenalia when we go to the park, beach etc. I came up with this over the weekend. It's just a large tote, with another attempt at some panels and some padded straps. Because, really, it is ridiculous how much stuff two little girls require on a simple outing; changes of clothes (or 'costumes' as my husband says), multiple hats, snacks, drinks, special toys and assorted odds and ends. Apart from the fact that I really love, love, love the fabric, this bag can fit it ALL in. And doesn't make me feel like I need a shoulder reconstruction at the end of the day!

[Squeal!]

What an honour, to be featured on Party Perfect!

It's the fabulous blog of Sara Hicks Malone and a really wonderful place to be inspired for your next party. Make sure you also check out her designs on Hicks Paper Goods for modern invitations and personalised stationery. So many beautiful designs to choose from... Makes me want to have another party!

Thank you, Sara!

Busy Books

During the month of August, my goal was to make a Busy Book for each of the girls. I was inspired by this very creative Mum of three (under 3!), who made some fantastic books for her boys and shared an excellent Tutorial full of ideas, tips and techniques.

A Busy Book, for those who have never heard of one, is the perfect thing to keep kids amused, with lots of little activities for little hands. They are good for fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, dexterity, etc. The idea is to take the book with you to places where the kids should be quiet - the doctor's, church.... I made ours to use when travelling on a long car trip (which we should have done last week, except we came down sick!)!

Anyway, I chose a fish theme on the front of Elly's because she loves fish. She actually squealed with delight when she saw her book for the first time;

Inside, I made a bunch of padded fabric pages with zippers, buttons, buckles, colour matching games, hide-and-seek-in-the-grass and other fun things;


[click to enlarge]



Liv's book was covered in her love; Cakes!

Her activities were quite similar (the button page exactly the same) and also had a page of belt buckles.

[click to enlarge]

I had a few time constraints but I intend to add a couple more pages for her; one of a girl's face with wool for hair that can be plaited.... and a page of shoelaces for tying.

Sewing these books together was really fun. I tried to make at least a page (1 hour) every day. And I must admit, it was quite a labour of love... hours and hours and hours of cutting, pinning and sewing. Good practise for button holes, zippers etc. Not so easy on the purse-strings (I vaguely recall the purchase of just one set of buttons costing $40. Shhh! Don't tell Nick!) ... not to mention the ribbons, elastic, zippers, felt, other adornments and a pile of fat quarters. Yikes! [I shudder to think of the total cost... but it was spread out over a number of weeks). I'm sure most could make something like this out of their stash and scraps...

The great thing is that the girls really love these books and it was a great little sanity-saver when we were sick last week. But I really do need a holiday now!