Making Home Link Up #31: Making Wind Chimes With Your Mini Makers

Welcome to the #MakingHome weekly link up!

Be inspired by posts all about moving house, home decor, DIY, crafts, family activities, recipes, gardening and more. It’s all here under one roof at Mrs Crafty B’s.

Don't forget to join in and link up your own posts. The linky is open from Friday until Tuesday. Find out how to take part at the end of this post which is a tutorial by Amy of Hooked showing us how to make wind chimes with our little ones. 

A Crafty Sparkly Christmas with Pink Pear Bear

Today for #CraftyChristmas we are joined by the lovely Louise of Pink Pear Bear who is giving us a lesson or two in making Christmas crafty and sparkly. What more could you want?! Louise is drawing inspiration from this fabulous looking Usborne book '100 Christmas things to make and do'.

I'm lucky enough to have several shelves jammed full of craft idea books, many of which are kiddy ones, as I can't resist when I see an offer on. In actual fact, all the ideas came from just one book. It was small and light enough to take out and I ended up finding so much in there I didn't even need to look at the others.

My craft bible for this post.

A Craft Box Subscription for #MiniMakers: A JacDo Review

Over the last few weeks my #MiniMakers have had the pleasure of dipping in and out of their very own JacDo 'treasure chest'. If you haven't yet discovered JacDo; this is one not to miss. Especially with Christmas around the corner.

Halloween 2015 With Dylon

Here at Crafty B's HQ we are big fans of dressing up. The Little Bs have a dedicated storage unit in their room with all manner of costumes and items to use in role play. With a few ideas of what the Little Bs might like I was keen to find out what Dylon had come up with for this years Halloween palette. I was not disappointed. 

A Cardboard Dream House with Ocean Finance

We have taken a different stance on #MakingHome over the last few days and I am excited to show you what me and my #MiniMakers have been up to. A few weeks ago we were invited to take part in the Cardboard Dream House campaign with Ocean Finance. Baby B (aged 4) was so excited when the house arrived and we wasted no time in putting it together. Armed with a brief dictated by Baby B, we set about creating his Cardboard Dream Home; with a little supervision from Littlest B (aged 2) 

How to Make a Pom Pom Rain Cloud

You may remember a few months ago that I acquired a neat little gadget that gave me the ability to make up to 20 pom poms in one go. The Multipom has been hiding away for a short while with the busy summer we have had at Crafty B's HQ but the list of pom pom projects is ever growing. In this post I am going to give you a little instruction on how to make a cute little rain cloud with all those pom poms you will be making. Perfect with the coming of September. See, rain isn't all bad! 

A Simple Craft Guide For Beginners by Sykes Cottages

Here is something I thought you Crafty B's would enjoy. I have recently discovered this Simple Craft Guide which was put together by a collection of bloggers for Sykes Cottages. It gives you instructions for several simple craft projects to try your hand at. Perfect for a bit of inspiration or to get you into the crafting spirit.

Homemade Hanging Bird Feeders with Moulds and Pine Cones

On visiting a friend of ours when Baby B was around 2 years old, he enjoyed putting seeds out each morning and watching the birds fly down to feed. Always keen to encourage wildlife in the garden (and create a welcome environment for anything that will eat plant eating bugs) we then began to make our own bird seed 'cakes'. 

With the colder weather in sight and our feathered friends always being glad of a little extra food, these are great to make and store in the freezer ready for hanging.

Mini Maker Activities with Science Made Simple

I am always on the lookout for fun activities to keep Baby B entertained on different levels as he becomes more inquisitive about the world. We are a massive fans of fun learning activities and encouraging a genuine desire for wanting to find out new things and there is great value in doing science experiments with your #MiniMakers…aside from the fact they are SUPER fun and sometimes a bit messy!

Re-Create Upcycled Stamps

It's no secret that I love a bit of upcycling. Sometimes I'm on the hunt for materials for a specific purpose and sometimes I just grab stuff or save 'bits and bobs' because one day, they might be useful. I decided that my die cutting machine could be used for more than cutting shapes from card and I wanted to make some stamps from the lovely dies that I had. 

My local scrapstore had plenty to inspire but I grabbed some black foam stuff that looked like old packing material for something and some flooring material.

A Week of Puke and Puffy Paints (and other crafts)

I would say 'we're all crafted out' this week, but that would be a total fabrication. See, I can't escape it!

This week we have had sickness bugs, colds, more sickness bugs, teething and more colds. Alongside Hubby B being away, it has been a long old week. Or has it? I remembered how much messy play I used to do with Baby B and with us all being home a few days, we made the most of the energetic moments and I got totally involved with just the boys and ignored everyday chores (that would still be there, waiting…sadly). The boys were immediately calmer and seem satisfied with the one on one attention so much so that they were happy for independent play afterwards. Baby B was also SUPER excited and proud of his puffy paint picture. Littlest B didn't much enjoy the taste of the play dough but seemed strangely happy with the taste of the shaving foam we used for the puffy paints. That boy eats all sorts!

I also made the most of evenings for crafting rather than staring at my phone! Of course The Great British Sewing Bee started this week (#GBSB) and I also got blogging about my pursuit of craftiness at an ICHF event in March.

Here are a few snapshots of our crafty week:

Christmas Crafting with The Early Learning Centre: A Felt Gingerbread Man

Last week was full of school runs in the car, (which I'm not yet used to) errands and housework and late afternoon trips to supermarkets and shopping complexes trying to get everything together for Christmas. Our holiday always starts when Hubby B finishes work and does the big Christmas food shop so I'm trying to be super organised and get prepared for that.

Last Thursday via social media, I told you I went into Cardiff for the first time on my own to start (and intending to finish) our Christmas shopping. Whilst in the Early Learning Centre I saw a little kit to make a felt gingerbread man. Baby B is a little bit besotted by gingerbread men so I thought it would be a lovely afternoon activity at the weekend and would be a welcome addition to our Christmas decor, which I am ashamed to admit, is looking a bit bare!

Excuse me, do I know you?

This week whilst at a soft play with my Little B's and my niece, a lady and her little one sat on the table next to us. I double took both of them and after a while of thinking 'I know you but I don't know where from,' (don't you hate that?) I simply said with a smile, (how I do, such a chatter box)  "I recognise you both but I can't remember where from!" 

Mini Makers: Mess Free Painting!

My crafty workshops were always a quick turnaround. With a 40 min drive between two sessions, two little boys demanding my attentions as soon as I came through the door and the tea time/bathtime/bedtime routine to be done,  I had to be super organised. Especially with used glue sticks, paint brushes and dirty pots. My Little B's love to get crafty but when unpacking and clearing away after three workshops, it wasn't the ideal time. Then I discovered a cool activity.

When I finished my groups, whilst packing up, I used to throw all the paint brushes into a plastic bag for washing at home later. On taking this bag out on one occasion, I started squidging the paint around inside the bag (you're never too old). I took a picture and used it for a note to self for my next idea as 'Head of Home Entertainment' (I gave myself that job title, amongst others ;-) ). 

Easter Catch up and Crafts!

Well a little post Easter catch up over here on Crafting a Daydream. It's been a busy couple of weeks with four Easter crafting sessions for all the mini makers in Cambourne, Cambridgeshire, Easter egg hunts with family and friends, roast lamb dinners and of course, eating chocolate.

I fully intend to share the crafts we got up to with the mini makers and you may have seen a few details already via my social media sites but here's a little run down for you. The sessions were held in the lovely building that is Cambourne Church. The volunteer run cafe, 19, only opens on two days a week for a couple of hours in the school holidays so the mini makers sessions were held at the same time. On the first day we decorated Easter biscuits and paper eggs. Day two was glue...lots and lots of glue...as the mini makers made mesh eggs and decorated Easter bonnets and panamas. The third session saw some lovely egg cups being decorated and promptly filled with chocolate eggs whilst paper crafting fun was had by all and mini makers in the final session decorated plant pots, made paper flowers and sowed some bee friendly seeds...obviously. Here's a few pictures.

Baby B loved getting involved and came along to the final session but littlest B is still very dependant on his mammy so he joined me at each group. He was very well behaved and joined all the other little babies on the play mats whilst children aged from 2 to 12 crafted and mummies, daddies, grandparents and carers enjoyed a cup of tea and a bite to eat from the cafe. Each session was finished up with an indoor picnic.

I had heaps of fun organising these sessions and was very nervous on the day of each (children can be tough audiences) but I've learned a lot along the way and the children inspired me greatly. It's refreshing to witness creativity that has had minimal influence from the big wide world relative to 'growned ups' and they put me completely to shame with some brilliant ideas and creations. These sessions were a good lead up to something new and exciting coming to 19 The Church Cafe. I can't wait to officially start the first 'Crafty B's Cafe.'

On a Wednesday morning from 9-11am, I will be at 19 The Church Cafe at Cambourne Church armed with creative bits and bobs, kits, books and magazines in the hope that some more Crafty B's will buzz on down, grab a cuppa and join in the crafty fun. Whether they be a new Mummy looking for an hour of 'me' time whilst little'n plays, a childminder with a group of little ones on an outing, a parent or carer with a tot to entertain whilst they enjoy a yummy coffee or simply an adult looking to meet like minded people; I hope that the Crafty B's community will continue to grow.

The Monday night group in Hardwick is still going strong and I have plans for the next craft day in Bourn so I will be sure to keep you posted. Don't forget to join me on the Facebook page (and make sure it is set for you to receive notifications) and I will keep the blog up to date with new events. I also have a new calendar page with all of the events and if you wish to stay posted via email, just let me know at mrscraftyb@gmail.com.

I look forward to seeing you all soon!

Mrs Crafty B

Cambourne Craft Fair

The sun was shining, stall holders were displaying their wonderful goods, the bouncy castle was inflated, the cakes were out and the kettle was on as the lovely lot from Cambourne and the surrounding areas came through the doors at Cambourne Craft fair last weekend. 

Whilst grown ups, mums, dads, grandparents and carers enjoyed a bacon roll and a hot drink, the little ones had a turn on the bouncy castle and enjoyed a recovery cup of fruit squash. Then there was cake! Cupcakes from the Crafty B's cafe (Cherry Chocolate, Lemon & White Chocolate and Very Vanilla) or a vegan selection from the lovely C.A.K.E stall (amazing). 

Crafty B's moved over to squeeze in the Wildlife Trust (stupid wind) who came and made pipe cleaner dragonflies with the children and Crafty B's teamed up with the Re-Imagine Centre in the lobby to run pay as you go craft workshops using recycled materials. We decorated pots and planted flowers, made flower brooches, cards and gift tags.

Once through into the main hall, children had the opportunity to partake in a bumble bee hunt around the stalls to win cake, see the balloon man and make some beaded jewellery and ladies (or men!) had the chance to visit a nail bar as well as browsing the 35 stalls filled with children's books, art, handmade jewellery, aprons, jams, cards, children clothes & accessories, fancy dress, bunting, glasswork and more. There was a huge selection of suitable gifts for Mothers Day and I dare say that there will be some happy mums receiving handmade cards and presents this weekend purchased or made at the Crafty B's Craft Fair. 

Next up on the list of Crafty B's events is the Mini Makers Easter Craft workshops at Cambourne Church. They will take place on the Monday and Tuesday of both weeks in the holiday, 10am till 2pm. Visit the events page on Facebook , the calendar on the website or email mrscraftyb@gmail.com to book your place or for more info. 

If you came to the fair last weekend, head on over the the Crafty B's Facebook page and tell us if you enjoyed your day. Did you get anything nice? 

Look forward to seeing you all again soon!

Mrs Crafty B

p.s. Did you spot Baby B in the pictures?

Mini Makers: How to Make Puffy Paints

Happy Friday! During the Easter holidays, I will be running some children's Easter crafts workshops in Cambourne followed by a 'Crafty Cafe' every Thursday thereafter.  I wondered what better opportunity to begin integrating my home crafting, my Crafty B's craft groups, my childcare business and my blog then to make sure I get some tutorials and crafty tips, ideas and activities on here on a regular basis!

So welcome to what will hopefully be a regular feature, #MiniMakers. This post is all about my little B's favourite crafty activity; puffy paints.

There are so many recipes out there for puffy paint, some of which require microwaving to make them 'puff' but this one uses shaving foam and we love it because it smells nice and saves electricity!

To make your puffy paints you will need:

- PVA glue

- Shaving foam (we use an own brand one which cost 26p!)

- Food colouring or paints.

- Mixing utensils

- Paint brushes or the like or just your hands!

Start by mixing equal parts PVA and shaving foam. Our mixture sometimes going a bit 'unpuffy' here but its ok, you can add a bit extra afterwards.

Add a bit of colour. These dishes contain different examples of types of colouring. The blue pot has a metallic poster paint swirled through it for a marble effect. The blue paint in the red dish contains finger paint. The green dish is brown poster paint and the yellow dish contains purple food colouring.

At this point, you can add a bit more foam if its looking a bit 'out of puff.'

Your puffy paints are ready to go! 

Baby B and I got in too much of a mess when we did this yesterday for the pictures so I didn't get examples of his beautiful artwork but I did manage to resist his hands in the pots in the beginning whilst I painted up these little examples for you.

Our projects with these have included a paper plate sunshine, a white fluffy cloud (just leave the colour out) and a hand print tree. We painted a trunk and used brown handprints for the branches and green fingerprints for the leaves. This would be a great seasonal activity to demonstrate the changing colours of the trees outside! These paints are best used on card or thick paper as they can make thin paper a bit soggy.

Early Years Foundation Stage

This activity addresses or can address the following areas of learning:

Prime

- Communication and language - Talk to your little ones about what they are doing. How does it smell? What colours are the using? How does the paint feel?

- Physical development - Using brushes, sponges or other paint applicators will help with motor skills.

- Personal, social and emotional development - Children can feel a sense of achievement from their creations.

Specific

-  Literacy - Controlled strokes of the paint all count towards practice for writing.

- Mathematics - Can your little ones counts how many colours you are using? Can you paint numbers? 

- Understanding the world - Is there a theme to your painting? Are you creating outdoor scenery? 

- Expressive arts and design - Allows little ones to be creative. 

I hope you give this one a go. Don't forget to share your puffy paint creations on the Mrs Crafty B Facebook page.

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Pancake Day

So how do you make your pancakes? What's your favourite topping...?

Sorry, in my pancake day excited frenzy I'm going backwards!! Let's rewind. 

Today is pancake day or Shrove Tuesday. It marks the start of Lent. Admittedly we have pancakes weekly in the B house but today marks an opportunity for an extra naughty topping or two! Biggest Baby B loves pancakes. They are such a great family breakfast or brunch and extremely cheap. Great if you have house guests.

Today Baby B has had his normal raisin pancakes with banana but with a bit if chocolate spread and some cream. He couldn't believe his luck. I opted for some lemon and sugar. Simplicity at its best. 

We make our pancakes using:
- one egg
- one small mug of self raising flour
- one small mug of milk
- pinch of salt

Just throw it it the jug (or bowl) and whisk it till you have a thick smooth mixture. I spoon one tablespoon for each pancake onto a hot non stick pan sprinkling raisins on the top. (I used a tiny bit of butter today...naughty :-) ) Once little bubbles start to appear flip them over to cook the other side for a couple of minutes. Keep the pan on a consistent low-medium heat. Once your happy they are golden coloured and cooked, flip them out onto your plate.

Then comes the fun bit. Toppings!!! We're not gourmet. Sugar and lemon. Banana and honey or chocolate spread. Blueberries and Greek yoghurt. I think my days of jam and cream are behind me. I know you all have your favourite toppings so share them with us? What do love to have on your pancakes? What is the best pancake batter recipe? 

Mrs Crafty B

A Crafty 2013 in Summary

Well, the festive season is almost over and most of us have returned to work and our daily routines. For us here in the B household, that is on Monday 6th so our family festivities will continue through till then with lots more snuggling on the sofa, watching telly, playing with new toys, scoffing our way through the copious amounts of chocolates and biscuits left over from Christmas and avoiding taking down the Christmas tree!

As I look at my blank 2014 calendar with a list of things to fill in just 4 days into the year, I have a feeling there will be lots of things to report on in the next 365 days and a lot more projects to put in my craft bag, but not before taking a quick look back over 2013. 

I started the year with intentions of exploring paper crafts with my new (Christmas 2012) Sizzix machine and taking a look at needle felting. Just before the new year, I found out that I was expecting a new addition to the family. Having suffered a miscarriage in 2012, I fell into a nervous 'don't do ANYTHING' trap not made easier by ridiculously horrible pregnancy sickness. The 9 months of sickness saw me not able to concentrate on much else other than childminding two days a week and looking after my first born. I couldn't even face crocheting! This was bad!! So crafting and blogging took a back seat and I once again found myself in a constant crafty daydream. This led to my new project, Crafty B's. 

Baby B number 2 arrived in September and amidst the arrival of a new baby, a 21st birthday, a 30th birthday, a craft fair and a Christmas crafting workshop, a little bit of crafting activity resumed but I was left with very little or no time for blogging or socially networking.

So here's a summary of 2013. January saw the start of 'Meet the Maker' where my readers could meet the person behind one handmade item which was the focus of the post. (Email mrscraftyb@gmail.com to take part in 2014). In February my blog was one year old :-D and this was followed by a bit of Easter crafting with decoupage eggs, cross stitching and hanging eggs that the children made. I also featured my crocheted chicks which serve as cosies for small chocolate eggs (I'm now taking commissions on these. Again, email mrscraftyb@gmail.com). Then there was a cupcake decorating party, a so far failed attempt at an online shop and crochet tutorials, the start of a crocheted ripple blanket (STILL unfinished), we met Mr Bumble, I took a few commissions on infinity scarfs and I hosted Summer Sharing. I made a wedding gift, cheated on a 60th Birthday cake, won business cards (thanks Deeper Insight), took over the organising of a craft fair, held a Crafty B's workshop and got creative with paper pom poms. There was a bit more undocumented crafting here and there and I had a baby (who sort of just appeared by the way) whilst my blog was taken over and then I took a nice break for Christmas and spent uninterrupted time with my best boys! 

I can safely say that 2013 was jam packed but I know that there is loads more to come in 2014. I will continue with childminding in April but only part-time because I will be starting to slowly but surely turn Crafty B's into something bigger and better. I cannot wait.

I guess my first job is to check out my unfinished craft projects! 

I hope you all had a fab Christmas, saw the New Year in with excitement and are ready for 2014!

Mrs Crafty B

Upcycled Denim Bag

Remember back when I started Crafting a Daydream, I told you about a denim bag I made out of one of my mums old skirts when I was younger? Well here's Sam to tell you about a much better version made by her daughter this summer.