Rainbow slippers and a non slip soul

my crafty fingers have been springing forth a multitude of projects in the past weeks

the creative processes soothe me while my inner processes spin me

there has been much sewing (a dear friend has lent me a machine while mine is still in the depths of storage, she needs a cake or something in gratitude…) of trousers, a skirt, a dress, curtains, mending, a witch hat, a witch dress, many cutesy felt toys {more photos and tutorials soon}

just the sunhats on my list did not eventuate…

some knitting of baby bonnets and some crotchet of boy slippers

he chose the yarn, row by row and the pom poms (bom boms)

this means he is more willing to keep his toes warm because he was a part of the creation journey…

clever mama moment!

lily made her own pair, proclaiming about how much faster crotchet is to knitting… IMG_0087

i painted on latex to make a slip free sole

{if only sometimes i could paint my own life with latex to prevent slip ups}

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the rainbow slipper tutorial

crotchet yourself a rectangle which is as long as the foot and wide enough to meet over the top of the widest part

gather the toes and stitch up the topside about half way

stitch up the back of foot section

you may want a gathering string around the foot entryway particularly for children

make and join on pom poms {essential for good humour}

if you can get a little paint on rubber latex, coat the soles evenly for non-slip and longer life

be warm toes and soul

xx

ps remember to make a second one…

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cedar loving being spooked by a hiding papa

{yes i made his vest and his doll… she had  bath later this day}

{did you enjoy all the bracketing in this post?}

make a paper bag…

on a cold and rainy day

we had school at home

after songs and circle games

for morning tea some nuts where cracked to accompany our fruit

our morning craft lesson was making origami paper bags from an old phone book

then a ‘shop’ game evolved between the children

go get yourself a piece of paper, any size will do, try newspaper or an old telephone bill…

here comes the method to make a handy paper container to use for a multitude of purposes

including gift wrapping, games, shopping, seed saving, storage, envelopes and and and…

{hover your mouse over the images and the written instructions will magically appear}

lay out your paper in the landscape position

i just think that’s a great re-use of our waste paper!

Lily made a bunch of little sacks to package little craft items in for the school stall.

today i feel like making a big sack to put over my head…

 

with giggles

R

ps let me know what you use your paper bags for

 

 

 

tutorial ~ make a pocket gnome

assemble materials

  • cut yourself a pattern of the square body {6cm}  and cap  {5×2.5cm} has come curvature to it
  • two colors wool felt fabric
  • a wooden bead for the head 12mm or so
  • thread and needle {if child is making it, be kind and use bigger needle and thread/embroidery floss}
  • scissors
  • fluff to stuff {wool or cotton wool}
  • craft glue

 

cut pattern pieces

1x square for body

1x cap in matching color

1x square for pocket

1x triangle for pocket front

 

mark centre of doll’s body and firmly attach wooden bead head upright

use a dab of non toxic craft glue to secure the thread in the position of the ear line

stitch seam of the cap {i prefer blanket stitch, but over stitch is equally good and easier for children who are at the beginning of their crafting life}

insert a finger into the cap to open it out in readiness for the head bead

use a dab of glue to secure the cap on gnomes head ensuring you cover the strings

begin at one hand and stitch around the body two thirds of the way to the other hand

stuff your gnomes body with fluff

continue to stitch to other hand and bind off

tie off hands at the wrist with a little string

your gnome is complete,  Yay for you!!

decorate if you wish

to make the pocket lay your triangle piece over the diamond piece and stitch the two outer sides

decorate with fancy stitchin if you wish {stars, flowers, colorful lines, beautiful embroidery etc}

{children can do ‘dolphin stitch’ simple in and out stitch in a line, like a dolphin diving up and down for decoration}

then pop your little gnome into bed!

too cute!

very sweet gifts, children’s activity, stocking fillers and a friend for special times

in a childs {inner children too}  life when they need a comfort in their pocket

 

a little felting

a mysterious ball of fluffaround a hollowed giant passionfruit of all things!rubbed with dish detergent and water and patient handsmakes a sweet little nest for a little friend
I love being able to help my children live out their creative inspirations and see what is yielded…