Saturday, 14 September 2013

DIY Projects for Spring!



The weather is all over the place here in Sydney, one day it's excruciatingly hot & the next it's windy & rainy... I find it reassuring to have a few little projects (perhaps the correct term is experiments, most of the time) going to keep me busy & expand my craftiness.
There's so many cool things you can now teach yourself off the internet the more you look, the more there is! Not only does it save you cold hard cash but creating or improving your own stuff makes you feel empowered, it gives you a better understanding of how things work & you are left with a really unique piece, that will have it's own story to tell for years to come. It's also a great way to get your child to discover that they're able to make their own things & tap into their creativity & logic. And lastly it can be a very sentimental gift to people you care about, that's to say that your end product is ok!

I looked high & low for some of my favourite DIY projects that might improve your child's room, nursery or make a great baby shower gift.


Shadow Puppets!
Easy & cheap to make, this handy little printout is so much fun to play with. It could definitely become a nightly tradition in your house (& in mine too one day) & you can just keep creating your own wacky shadow characters, that might pop up in your bedtime story.



Cloud Light
This project is a little more challenging (impossible unless you translate it to english too :) but the result is pretty impressive and the total cost of materials is around $60 & will take you about 3 hours to complete.



Cardboard Playhouse
Who doesn't like a good old cardboard box? the possibilities are endless, i scoured around many sites but was drawn to these 2 houses:
This is the perfect project to keep little munchkins busy on a rainy day (like today) they can sit and plan it for days before too.... check it out!!



The simplicity of this wee house struck me and also the fact it folds down for storage.... Please note my slight obsession with Washi Tape---  That stuff is dope. 




The Modern Dreamcatcher
This makes a beautiful present for someone special; I love the meaning behind what a dreamcatcher represents and it's refreshing to see one without so many feathers & bits! The process of making it is very cathartic and I really loved the result.



Sock Monkey
Every kid should have a pal made from an old sock right? These 2 guys are best buds and you can really let your imagination go wild with funky accessories or trendy fashion for them.



Beautiful Geometric Mobile
So many mobile to choose from why not have a go at making your own? I found this on trend geometric one encompassing origami & craft together, you could change the palette to suit your bubs room easily!



Gypsy Tent
Anther popular way to create a special hiding spot for your koala right now is the tepee! They are on sale all over the place but I've noticed most have a pretty hefty price tag, with this one you just need a few bits of timber & a piece of crocheted material>>  ie nanna's old tablecloth!


Stenciled Wall
I love the wallpaper in our daughters room but I must say it wasn't cheap and it sure was a tricky process, so on finding this tutorial I can't wait to try it out......


Raindrop Cushion
I choose this cute sewing experiment as it is at a beginners level! I'll let you know when I'm finished.... It will make a really special present & add an extra bit of sweetness to someone's bed no doubt.




Hope these might inspire you to start a few of your own projects let me know if you do! Would love to hear how they go..... xx


Thursday, 29 August 2013

Gift guide to Fathers Day

Fathers Day........




can be tricky with gifts varying from sentimental to outright extravagant. To cater for the huge variety of rad dads out there I have picked out a few essentials that should please even the hardest to buy for....










Handmade cut outs

























Hope you all have an amazing day whatever you do even if it's just a yummy breakfast in bed....





xxxxxx

Saturday, 3 August 2013

Top 5 art picks!

Choosing artworks for your child's room can be a bit overwhelming..... What kind of a mood do you want to set? What images do you want your kid to be looking at everyday? Well it's a good idea to have a few different prints in the room if you have the wall space, also consider swapping artworks from time to time & rotating new finds to give your child the most exposure to the wonderful world of art....

Here were a few of my finds in this month:

1. Laura Amiss Illustration

Laura has a beautiful way of capturing colour and lines, it's a quirky and imaginative world she draws and leaves a young mind wondering which adventure will come next. Purchase here!

2. Beth Emily


A long time fan of Aussie Beth Emily's intricate illustrations I suggest a collection of 3 of these gorgeous prints in a plain white frame either on the wall or above a cupboard will be the perfect addition to any room from baby to teen. 


3. Parada Creations

A little astrology in a kids room is fun right? & when I see this print I smile..... this is a good indication of the kind of piece you want hanging on your child's wall, something that evokes a positive response so buy it here


4. Love Mae Wall stickers
Wall decals (what's up with the word decal anyway?) are a raging trend that is high in kiddies design & there are many to choose from but if it's quality you're after you really can't go past the sweet Love Mae designs. You can place the images all together or spread them across the room, I also love that the quality means that they will last for a long time have a squizz here


3. Swaantje & Frieda
Cute and linear this print will be sure to pop nicely into any nursery & brighten your baby's day here






Saturday, 20 July 2013

Top 5 Picks!

We are smack bang in the middle of Winter & damn if it isn't  ICE-y? Might be best to focus on making our little ones as snug and cosy as possible....

1. Cloud Cushions
   

Float away to another planet aboard this cute cloud pillow, perfect for cuddling & making bedtime fun

2. Merino Blankets

This soft and funky throw will no doubt keep someone bundled up nice and warm also the great colours should add a sunny warm glow

3. Hot Meercat

Every kid needs their own warm meerkat to cuddle up to right?! Well, this guy will do just fine; made for the 3+ year old it's sure to cheer them up when the cold gets them down.

4. Dinosaur jacket

I need one of these babies for myself!! Crafted entirely of felt and wool this amazing coat may be a challenge to get off.

5. Night Light

Never underestimate the power of lights for kids! Although cute and a bit of fun these lights can make them feel safer if fear of the dark is an issue.