It's been a busy Pumpkin-filled couple of weeks as I've been making preparation for Pumpkinfest 2011, and I think I'm just about there. At least I hope I am: I'm not sure I can cope with any more orange!! Here's a rundown of what we've got: 1. Pumpkin wreath, made using neon handwarmers I picked up in the 99p store and a Sainsbury's shopping bag* 2. Awesome Autumn Sensory box: orange buttons left over from the Button Pumpkin, some fake rose … [Read more...]
Planting spring bulbs: upcycled crockery
I've been inspired by the amazing Chris Mosler, to get some bulbs planted inside. I can't remember if I've mentioned my total inability to keep anything of the green kind alive for any length of time, but it's true. There are days when I'm amazed and baffled that I've kept a dog, husband and my two precious girls going all this time. But in an effort to up the ante on myself and actually become the Domestic Goddess I've aspired to be for so long, … [Read more...]
Autumn leaves are falling down
It's peculiar: you leave the country for a week and you miss the seasons changing. Or rather you miss the leaves turning. We got back from Kefalonia last week to find that Britain was expecting a heatwave: it got as warm in our back garden in the last few days as it had been by the pool in the Greek Islands! Which is why The Girls could be found painting in their underwear in the back garden. Painting the leaves falling from the trees. I ask … [Read more...]
Orange is the only colour
I think that giving a prompt like 'colour' and then casually saying after it 'just one' is mean. Because a colour immediately springs to mind. And another one, a third hot on it's heels. "That's OK," you say to yourself "I'll do them both." Except you read the small print which clearly states 'only one.' Bugger. So this evening, having gone through almost every chart on the Farrow and Ball colour chart, which features such intriguing … [Read more...]
Kissing Hand Craft
I don't know what it is about my children. Though they are very different, they have one thing in commomn: they always cry when I leave them at 'school' (Kindergarten and Nursery have always been referred to as school at DG Manor. I've no idea why anymore.) Before you start thinking that I am a Bad Mother (and I am, regularly) they LOVE school. They excitedly ask if it's a school day when they wake up, and LBG happily puts her uniform on when … [Read more...]
Inspired by September
Please don't ask me how it is that we are already at the end of September. The year seems to be flying by in a breath, but I assume that's having children for you! And now, here I am on the eve of the Shine 2011 walk that I have been working towards for nine months. Thanks so much to the generous souls who donated to a very worthy cause: you've inspired me to go out there and do my best. I'll be cursing your names by that half-way point, I'm … [Read more...]
Put on a happy face
If you are in need of a simple preschool craft, then take a sharpie everywhere. It's amazing the things you can put a smile on: … [Read more...]
