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If you ask me what my very favourite thing is I would not hesitate to say my family. I came into motherhood quite late on, and was immediately overwhelmed with how amazing it is. Now I would like nothing more than to be a Domestic Goddess, and surround my family in love, good food, beautiful things and lots of happy memories. And like the majority of families these days, we need to do it on a budget!

I firmly believe we all have a little bit of the Domestic Goddess inside us, just waiting to break out. Whether that is knowing how to make a roast chicken feed a family of 4 for a week, being able to make, repair or recycle clothes, hunting down a bargain, or simply turning everyday, simple things into pretty or useful items, with a little bit of imagination we can all dip in to the Goddess inside and make our lives that little bit more interesting.



I hope you enjoy reading my blog as much as I enjoy sharing my (challenging) journey into Domestic Goddessness!



Monday, June 13, 2011

Books and Butterflies

I can't believe it is Monday already. The weekend seems to have gone by without me really experiencing it! I am now officially a lady of leisure, for the next 9 or 10 months at least, although I very much doubt that there will be much time for leisure! But there is time, of course, to have a look at what other crafters have been up to this week, thanks to Wendy over at 1st Unique Gifts and Handmade Monday I will be having a look myself very shortly!

Last week was a relatively quiet one craft wise, I didn't seem to get going until Thursday afternoon when I had a child-free couple of hours. My intention had been to sort out my two yarn boxes which are overflowing with bits and bobs of wool, patterns, unfinished projects (of which, I am ashamed to say, there are several) In fact it rather overflows into a fair few bags stuffed down the side of the armchair and even on the shelf under the telly! We are trying to make room for the baby and the inevitable increase in the number of toys and other paraphernalia, so my yarn stash is going to be accommodated in the blanket box upstairs instead. As you can guess, I got distracted, and it is still waiting to be done! Instead, thanks to my friend Sharon (and you should visit her blog : Chasing Art ) I spent those child free hours making a mini book instead. My paper craft contribution usually extends only to card making really so I thoroughly enjoyed my wee dip into paper. So much so I spent most of Sunday morning making one for my mum too!


It's not easy to see on these pictures but there are lots of pockets inside the pages for stashing small mementos. I also added the frames for mum to put little pictures in. I followed the instructions for maze books, and a quick google will direct you to some good tutorials. I think that these are a potential gift idea and I can see me making lots more in the future. Very addictive and very satisfying!

I spent most of Saturday making a butterfly puppet for Caoimhe. I made it from a book I got for Christmas from my sister in law, Crocheted Finger Puppets by Gina Alton

I optimistically thought it would be a couple of hours work at the most, even with my crochet skills being on the novice side of amateur if I am honest. But I did not really take into account how fiddly it was to make, or the fact that, although on first skim through, the instructions looked simple enough to follow, they are written slightly differently than other crochet patterns I have followed. As a result I had to redo the wings several times before actually understanding what I was doing! Moral of that tale is that I really should take more notice of the pattern I am following and make sure I concentrate!

No big crafty plans for this week as yet. We made Father's Day cards last week (although I have mine still yet to make) but I'm sure this weather will keep us in so Messy Play will probably feature at some point!

Off to see what my fellow crafters have been up to now! Til next time :)

14 comments:

Kat Shenton said...

I love the fairy cards. All things fantasy are a thumbs up from me!

I have no idea about crochet so you are a thousand times better than me already. And actually, its really cute. Make more and sew them to a blanket perhaps!

Craft and Activities for All Ages said...

Your Mum will be delighted with her mini book I'm sure - what a lovely idea - especially liked the little photo frames. Nancy

Jan said...

Beautiful frames and such lovely colours. Really pretty.
I can't crochet and it's something I keep saying I'll try, so keep posting as it gives me encouragement. :o)

Jan x

Kryshees said...

Oo I have never seen crochetted fingers puppets, just wonderful!

Alison - Belovedly said...

I ALWAYS without fail under estimate how long it will take to make something. Cute butterfly though, you got there in the end :) x

Laura Tee said...

Your mini book is really pretty! Love the little fairies. Cute butterfly, too!

fatmonica said...

The mini book turned out great-told you it was addictive!You shoud try the smaller ones too!And I really need a butterfly puppet-thank you!

Wendy said...

The mini books look lovely, I'm impressed with the crocheted butterfly - I am another one who keeps saying I'll learn to crochet one day.
Thanks for taking part in Handmade Monday x

Your Friend Susie said...

Oh gosh, I'm in love with the book you made. Amazing! WOW! :)

June said...

Beautiful mini books! Enjoy your new found break, sounds like you'll be very busy though.

Mrs A. said...

Love your mini book. I havenever heard of Maze books before so off now to search the web. This is what I like about reading other blogs you get to find out such new and interesting ideas.
Hugs Mrs A.

Carolee Crafts said...

The mini book is so pretty and I am sure will be loved. Know what you mean about instructions I tend to skim then have to read properly think this shows a creative streak.

Unknown said...

I love your mini book and I'd love to have a go so will see if I can find a tutorial.
I think your crocheted butterfly is gorgeous. I am quite good at crochet and I can see how tricky it must have been.

Martha said...

like the card with the fairy! having some add-ons inside the cards is a great idea! :)