"We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, and fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small doesn’t serve the world. There’s nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won’t feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We are born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It’s not just in some of us, it’s in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.”
Marianne Williamson

Thursday, September 22, 2011

Handmade iPad case

I have a new toy- an iPad! I can't believe how good it is. I have been using one for a little while at work. I'm finding it excellent to use with the kids I teach who have learning difficulties. There are interactive story books, spelling practise activities, language, conversation, and vocabulary builders as well as times table games and other maths games. It really is an amazing educational tool and the kids love it!

I'm looking forward to sharing with you some of my favourite apps, but until then, here is the case I made for my iPad last night. I'm really happy with the way it turned out. It's nice and padded and will keep my iPad safe and sound to and from work.


Saturday, September 10, 2011

Handmade baby shower gift

My cousin is having twins! Eek!

I made this groovy little change mat clutch for her. Handy to throw in the pram for quick trips to the shops. I wish I had one of these when my kids were babies!

Pretty Amy Butler fabric


Opens out like this and holds a couple of nappies and some baby wipes. Clear vinyl easy to wipe clean.


And it folds back up like this...

...into a cute little clutch with a magnetic clasp.
The vinyl was a little tricky to work with as it sticks to the machine as you sew. A tip I read was to place some tissue paper underneath, sew with the vinyl side down and then tear it away. This worked well.

My brother and his wife will have their first baby next month, so I will have more baby projects to show you soon.

Friday, September 2, 2011

Sock Monkey!

I have always wanted to make one of these!

 Today I was at home with my 5 year old who will be off to big school in only a few short months :(( He loves to make things nearly as much as I do so I thought we'd have a crafty day together. We used a pair of his knee-high, stripey socks to make this monkey. I sewed, he stuffed and stuffed and stuffed. I wish I'd taken a photo of him and Gabby stuffing this thing- they were soooo quiet and focussed for so long.

I found the tutorial online HERE.

It turned out super cute- nearly as cute as its owner :)