Learning a new skill

You are never too old to learn something new, and whilst I was having a bimble through some of my favourite crafty blogs recently, I came across something that immediately grabbed my attention. Tunisian crochet, otherwise known as Afghan stitch. Definitely something I wanted to try!
It's done with a Tunisian hook, which looks a bit like a cross between a crochet hook and a knitting needle, and it is a little bit like a cross between the two arts in actual fact.
I'm right at the beginning of my Tunisian obsession, and once I master it I'll gladly share my finished pieces. In the meantime if you are intrigued take a look at www.mooglyblog.com, there are some great tutorials available.
Happy hooking!

Broken crayons? No problem!

I posted recently on my Facebook page about recycling old, broken crayons and making them useful again, instead of throwing them out.
Here's how I did it!

You need:
Broken crayons with all paper removed.
A silicon tray/mould  such as a muffin tray, ice cube tray, cake pop mould. Please note it must be silicon.
An oven

Preheat the oven to about 150 c
Organise your bits of crayon into colours and fill the moulds with the crayon pieces. You can really play with the colours here, putting them together as a single colour or a rainbow of colours. Be careful not to overfill the moulds!

Put the tray in the oven and set your timer for 5 minutes. You'll need to put it on top of another tray just in case of spills - you don't want wax on the bottom of your oven! You'll also need to stay nearby and keep a close eye on the wax as it melts. It might take a little longer than 5 min, that's just a guide.  As soon as it has melted, take it out of the oven and set it aside to cool.
Please note, the wax will be very hot and will cause burns if spilt. This is definitely not a job for the children!
Once cool, push the crayons out of the moulds, and set the children free with them, to create their masterpieces. Or just play with them, as my 3yr old likes to do!

An accidental find

My #100happydays photo today is a ball of yarn. I came across it accidentally whilst at the haberdashery stall in the market for something else, but somehow I came home with wool and not the sewing needle for leather as intended.... I was too distracted by the fact I'd found some wool in a lovely shade of blue, almost the same colour, and certainly close enough, to match my eldest's new ballet uniform. I completely forgot to ask for the needle (needed to sew elastic on some new ballet pumps...)
I intend to make a headband for Caoimhe to wear for dancing. Which means I will have to dig about in my stash for some pink wool to make a headband to match Tig's pink ballet uniform too.
The joys of being owned by 2 daughters!

Mummy's Easter Egg

I've been carrying on with my #100Happydays photos on instagram/facebook/twitter and today's picture is my special Easter Egg from my Tornado Tig. It's not easy to see properly because it's covered in cling film (to keep the mini chocs in and little fingers out I should think!) But it is a painted jam jar, decorated by Teaghan Alice aged 2 3/4's (with a bit of help from Grandma!)  The apology is for making me stressed and cross because she is 2 3/4's and is doing it very well!  Even though it isn't my *own* handmade item I would like to share it on Wendy 's blog over on HandmadeHarbour
For Handmade Monday. I haven't posted there for a while so I'm looking forward to catching up with everyone !

100 Happy Days Day 4

Today was a day for making Easter bonnets. Caoimhe started hers yesterday and I put the finishing touches to it today, all ready for her Easter Bonnet parade at school tomorrow.  Tig enjoyed making hers with a bit of mummy help (ok, a lot! ) especially sticking the picture of 'Humpty Duddle' on!

100 Happy Days: Day 2

I am pretty rubbish at meal planning, even though I know it's the way to go in the quest for Domestic Goddessness... Tuesday was no exception.  But some leftover chicken and a few rashers of bacon inspired a chicken and bacon macaroni cheese. It was a hit on all fronts and Caoimhe even asked for seconds. #result.

100 Happy Days.: Day 1

I have been enjoying seeing friends' #100happydays contributions so I thought I'd join in with my own. We've had a busy day today but this made me smile the most. We walked past a busker who was singing My Girl and Tig just had to dance right there in the middle of the pavement. She loves to dance (just like her big sister) it makes her so happy. It makes us all happy :)