Handmade Christmas inspiration

Did anyone watch Kirstie's handmade Christmas (Channel 4)?

It inspired me to do a few bits and pull out the creations from previous years (indoor wreath below).

Made my star print wrapping paper, my son did some lovely hand prints to turn into Christmas robin thank you cards and I created a cinema gift set for my parents.

We then decided as a family to go for a Sunday walk to find some ivy and have a go at making our own Christmas wreath for the front door after seeing the programme.
Seeing our gatherings of ivy, holly and twigs, some lovely ladies gave us some cuttings to contribute to our collection of goodies.
Now for the wreath making to commence, watch this space!

Mammamaker x

How times have changed!

Every year where we can, the girls and I get together for an annual Christmas gathering. There's four of us that have stayed in touch since university (like most girl groups we thought we were like sex in the city back in the day). We have extended friends that have gradually built up the group to join in with the frivolities.
In our twenties, our annual gathering was very much based around dressing in our best party frocks, the more sequins the better and then we would hit the nightlife. Dancing until we could dance no more, drinking rosé and shots and end the night with some greasy food as we made our way home in the early hours.
How times have changed! This weekend we met for a civilised afternoon of Christmas shopping and then an afternoon tea with our children and another one on the way.
Fun times had by all and although it has changed, it is a phase of our lives and friendship we are happy to embrace.

Mammamaker x

Weekend wonderland

Having been out of action due to illness, finally felt in the land of the living, enough to get round to doing the nice creative bits I'd planned for my son and I to do.
Got out the ceramic bauble's and paints for my son so he could go wild and draw a masterpiece to catalogue his abilities at 2yrs. 

Last year we got a hand print done on a bauble, so the plan is to try and keep it going for as long as he's willing!

Between us we came up with a bauble to treasure for years to come and a lovely reindeer headpiece we decorated with bows and buttons.

Mammamaker x

First Frost

Well we've have our first frost in the UK, truly feels like winter now.
Having been ill with chest infections and viruses for almost 8 weeks now, hoping the age old myth that the first frost kills off all germs is true.
Although with a little one how true can that be as bless them, they are walking germ factories picking up everything from each other as they innocently share kisses, drinking cups and anything they can find off the floor.
Generally what they get, can guarantee it will circulate the family.
Having had a few days off work recently it has highlighted the need to find child care nearer to home. Working over 30 miles away it is an added challenge but do have the luxury of a newly built nursery at my workplace (mainly for the companies benefit both financially and to get us back to work quicker!) However, I can't expect someone else to do the 4 hour round trip to take my son when I'm off which means he stays at home with me and I get no recovery time and he's around a poorly mummy. Not the best for both parties.
Debate nursery v's childminder- which is best? Don't know where to start and what option is best.

Mammamaker x

Christmas is coming

Christmas is fast approaching and love nothing more than a bit of festive crafting. Whether it be making Christmas tree decs or homemade gifts.
In recent years I've made pom pom tree decorations, homemade chutneys and Fudge's, hampers, to name a few.
What to do this year?
Given my recent craft experiment is block printing, I've bought some brown paper to make my own wrapping paper and the little man is going to help me create some personalised bauble's. Found a good cookie design and Christmas cake decoration idea that I'm hoping to try too.
Although, somebody did inform me that there is just over 4 weeks until the big event and given that weekdays are tied up with work that's not many weekend days to get stuff done- eek!
Better start planning my time and maybe even write a few lists.

Mammamaker

Work venture

Myself and a work colleague who is also a good friend have recently been doing some nappy cakes for other people at work with good reviews.
We've decided to advertise on the work website used for all general notices in the hope to get the word out there.
Both having children and generally a bit fed up with work and the lack of compassion towards working mum's like most I'm sure. This could be a good way to test the market before we take it further.
We've decided to expand our repertoire and do a few trial runs on other designs.
It's all quite exciting and the possibilities are endless.
Also gives the opportunity for another board I can create on Pinterest for inspiration!

Mammamaker x

Love Autumn

At the weekend we went to our local park for a run around with the rugby ball and to look for cheeky squirrels (my son's words not mine). We shuffled through the leaves on the ground and picked some of our favourite coloured leaves.
The weather was glorious, sunny with that slight autumnal chill in the air.
We took some bread with us and fed the ducks which was a bit of a frenzy with the naughty gulls swooping in for the steal from the ducks and swans.
Love days like that and find nature such an inspiration. Just wish I had taken my good camera as got some nice shots on my phone but just kept thinking how great they would be on my digital SLR.
Even better when the fresh air and exercise makes the little man so tired that he could barely stay awake and had an epic afternoon nap.
Oh what a day!

Mammamaker x

       

Pin tastic

Think I might have got slightly obsessed with pinterest. It takes me back to when I was studying fashion and we always had to create mood boards for everything. Although my college tutor was very particular and on one occasion took one of my boards to pieces and rearranged it (not scarred by the experience at all!)
I've created a board for my projects, inspiration, my sewing room, ideas for almost every room in the house, photography, gardening. You name it I've probably got a board for it.
It seems that whatever the event you can find something to pin to a board, be it a hen do, ruby wedding anniversary and most definitely you will find inspiration for children's birthday party ideas.
Maybe my next challenge is to find something which there isn't a pin for!

Lost in Pinterest
Mammamaker x

Car antics

Just had a year doing a managers role maternity cover and the luxury of a company car. However, it has now come to an end so had to start searching for a car.
Despite advice I really wanted a Fiat 500, not completely practical with a toddler but as its like Luigi from the film Cars he enjoys it just as much as me.
My biggest challenge was what buggy to get that would fit in this chic but small car/boot. I searched all blogs, forums and retailer websites. Looked at the folded measurements given in specifications but my advice would be not to rely on this information and if you can, go into stores to measure in person (or ask sales person as I did).
After much research we chanced upon the perfect buggy for a Fiat 500 boot (chanced in that it happened to be on offer in Aldi on a random visit). The hauck sport buggy, lightweight & compact- perfect!

Eggis & Boo Project

Spare time is rare these days but what time I do get I love to try my hand at anything crafty. Sewing has always been my passion from a young age thanks to my Nan who was a seamstress. Lots of my childhood memories were Nan teaching me how to make pom poms and how to make clothes for my dolls and teddy bears. She was my inspiration for pursuing a career in fashion.
Whilst on maternity leave while the little man was asleep would spend my time making cards and having struggled to find a tag blanket I liked, made my own. Thus was the creation of Eggis & Boo.
As I had to go back to work and no option for part time, the project has gone on the back burner.

However, do keep adding to my collection of crafts to hopefully one day take it further.

"Some people want it to happen, some wish it would happen, others make it happen"

Mammamaker x

 

 

Inspired children Training

https://m.facebook.com/inspiredchildrentraining

The nursery where my son goes ran a pilot course for parents and the nursery staff. It was great fun and very inspirational.
It took us back to basics of play and encouraging children and adults alike to interact and use the imagination.
Was interesting when asked to draw our childhood memories of play, most of us drew outdoor activities. Apparently if they do that task in most schools now children sketch indoor activities such as computer consoles and tablets.
We then built dens, created a rocket which we set off, played last ninja (tag) amongst other games but changed the rules so no one felt like they were the odd one out.
Worth checking out there page as they have interesting posts which make for a good read.

Mammamaker

Dotty's weekend adventures

Well I think Dotty had a good weekend with us, it was a reasonably quiet and uneventful one. Kept calling her Lottie so hopefully she wasn't too offended and will come back again!
We had a trip to IKEA to try and find a big boy bed with a buggy ride alongside Nelson (sons favourite soft toy) and a hotdog and chips treat at the end. She was then treated to a teddy bears picnic in the lounge.
On Sunday we went to the supermarket so she could have a ride in the trolley but had to keep an eye on her to check she didn't pinch any grapes!

Managed to get a bit of crafting in too. My latest project is block printing tea towels and canvas bags, need to start getting to craft fairs to start selling some of my project work.

Time to hand Dotty back to the nursery and back to work tomorrow, where do those 2 days go? Need to start looking for part time work or pursuing my dream of setting up my own business. Achieving a good work life balance, has anyone managed it?

Mammamaker x

Handmade play dough fun

Found this on pinterest and we had good fun making. Ideal for children with infantile eczema.

DIY ~ soft and silky play dough recipe for sensitive skin types. - http://pinterest.com/pin/482659285036882856/?utm_source=android_share

Dotty the weekend bear

Another long week at work with the 2 hour daily commute but it's Friday and looking forward to spending some quality time with the family (just need to persuade my other half we need a cleaner and would enjoy even more free weekend time!)

This week the nursery where my son goes for 3 days (2 other days are with Daddy as he's a fireman so we work around shifts) we've been given Dotty 'the weekend bear'. Typical as the last few months we've been on many adventures and this week we planned a chilled one as we've all had the lurgy.

What to do with Dotty? She's already been to the beach, soft play, park and theme park from reading her journal and looking at the pictures of her adventure so far.
My thoughts so far are that we could do our usual teddy bears picnic in the lounge so she can join in, not planned a Halloween party but maybe she could give trick or treats to those who knock the door. Maybe I'll give her a duster to help me with the housework!
Any suggestions welcome :-)

Happy weekend
Mammamaker x

First post

So I've decided to enter the world of blogging. Heard so much about it and my main reason to get on board had been that I feel I would like to share my experiences. Having loved keeping a diary growing up seems like a good way to share my thoughts in adult hood and as my role as a mummy develops how I juggle being a working mum and my ventures in arts and crafts.

I'm always trying my hand at something new, some turn out good and others well may need practice!

Having worked in the fashion industry for almost 12years, one craft there is no issue with is sewing and cherish the moments I can sit on my sewing machine (more rare these days as time is so precious) but watch this space for project sewing room to commence!!

Mamma Maker :-)