Printing on fabric...part 2

We all loved our workshop on printing on fabric so much that we headed for our local Art shop to stock up on supplies this morning. We bought inks, a roller and calico. This afternoon we set to work.

We made a simple block by cutting out our shape, a cupcake from foam and used double sided tape to stick it to firm cardboard. 

The kids took turns rolling the ink on the block and applying the block to the fabric. MJ was pattern manager, he was quite strict on how it should be repeated. While I was 'mess' coordinator and tidy uper, of course!

Now we wait for our printed fabric to dry before we turn it into something special...watch this space.

Our Bank Holiday Weekend

Our May Bank Holiday Weekend has come and gone...and with it the sunshine, as it seems that we are to have 24hrs of rain tomorrow!

But while the sun shone we made the most of it...

At Audley End House...

...we had a picnic and play

...we relaxed in the beautiful walled gardens

and we played dress up in the old stable block.

At the Henry Moore Foundation...

...we learnt how to print on textiles

...Lj and I did a daisy pattern (she loves daisies, picking them up where ever she sees them) while MJ etched out a steam ship. MJ really engaged with the activity and is keen to do some more.

oh and just so I don't forget...we laid a new laminate floor and painted M's study, went to church, played with our neighbours, painted another section of our 'blue' fence, planted out the beans at the allotment and harvested a whole lot more rhubarb!

A fun cushion for 'Happy Friday'

It's the start of the Bank Holiday Weekend!

Lately I have been re inspired by The Purl Bee. I love how they use simple colour combinations to create something really striking. I'm not sure I am brave enough to use neon's but I'm working out my own style!

When taking the photos I asked Lj to get me a toy as a prop. So she choose her stacking cups. I think they work lovely!

Hope you have a 'Happy Friday' and a great Bank Holiday Weekend!

Fabric Notice Board

While in N. Ireland at Easter I helped my Sister in law make a fabric notice board for her kitchen. Since then I have been meaning to make one for Lj's room. Something which she could hang her little bits and bobs on or hang the latest masterpiece.

It is made using canvas, covered in wadding and fabric. The ribbon allows cards etc to be slotted between and the buttons help keep everything where it should be!

Now, can I keep it til her birthday in a month or so? Hmmm I'm not very good at that!

Rhubarb & Vanilla Jam

My second attempt at making jam...ever! I have to say I find jam making so satisfying. It produces great results quickly and easily. This year has brought another great crop of rhubarb to our allotment so as much as MJ could have rhubarb crumble every night of the week it is not good for my waist line. We are also jam lovers so making our own from our free produce is a good money saving exercise.

This time I especially enjoyed using all my new jam making gadgets which I received for my birthday back in October.

Today we have friends coming to visit so I think I will try a Rhubarb muffin recipe this morning or perhaps some scones with Rhubarb and Vanilla jam!

Celebrating the return of the fabric lady!

Finally the fabric stall is back at our local Thursday market. The owner was recovering from a broken hip. Believe me, after not seeing her for 3 weeks I was getting worried they might never return. So in order to welcome them back and breathing a sign of relief I had to purchase some fabrics...of course!

I bought 1m of the pretty patterned polycotton, and 1/2m of each of the pink and yellow polycottons and today was able to turn it into yet another bag for Lj!

Teach kids to crochet

 

After finding this beautifully inspiring kids crochet book in the library I have started trying out some of the patterns. It is a lovely book and I will definitely be using the patterns when I start teaching kids to crochet. 

It is almost half term and I have a ton of activities to try out on MJ to see whether a 5yro can learn to knit, crochet and sew...or perhaps the task is whether I can teach a 5yro to knit, crochet and sew!!!!

Page 63, Crochet a small daisy. This pattern uses the very basic stitches. Chain stitch, slip stitch and single crochet.