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