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?

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

Happy Easter Cross Stitch

I've never really done a big cross stitch project but I like doing these little ones. Didn't take too long and I wanted to give Hubby B something flower related due to his gardening obsession :) 

Here is a little pic to wish you all Happy Easter as well.

I hope you are all having a lovely long weekend and enjoying Easter in whichever way suits you and your families. 

Mrs Crafty B

More Crocheted Easter Chicks

You may remember this little guy from a blog post last Easter.

This was my first none stuffed prototype which I left empty to hide a little gift. I made some for family and sent them for Easter gifts and kept this one for Baby B. This one was crocheted using acrylic yarn and so this year I decided to make another one from 4ply cotton yarn. 

Here they are together. Baby B has been playing with them this morning. Can you guess what they are hiding?

 Obviously is was a Cadbury's Creme Egg! It's really hard not to eat the egg whilst using it for a guide!

I hope you enjoy my little chicks :). Perhaps if I start now I'll have a family of them for next year!

Mrs Crafty B

Decoupage Easter Eggs

Here is a bit more Easter Crafting for you. I have labelled this as crafts for children because it is so simple and easy to do and I know that you can get some fab little models in Hobbycraft etc for doing decoupage.

Ok, confession time: 

I actually bought these eggs last Easter, but you know me, I never got round to finishing them. Actually, starting them. I never got round to starting them! Eek. That is actually terrible considering these took me two hours in total on Good Friday!

Ok so step one, get a cup of tea. I then tore all of my tissue papers up first and place them in little tubs. I did buy some lovely Decopatch papers but before I used them, I coated the eggs with some cheap tissue papers in co-ordinating colours. They weren't colour fast and I can see why people spend out on quality papers but I wanted to make sure that if the Decopatch papers turned out through, I didn't get the brown egg colour. 

I needn't have worried. I used one layer of Decopatch papers on each half  and had loads left. Only the little one had some light colours on the pattern through which you could see the purple tissue paper. 

Despite a LOT of research into the best glue for the job, and whether it was worth spending out on 'special decoupage' glue, I just used general cheap clear PVA and it did the job for something that isn't being handled a lot. There were so many conflicting opinions on the net and I figured trial and error would be the best way to find out. I would probably use something a bit better with a sealing agent in it if I was doing more decoupage, especially if it was something being handled a lot like a keyring. Lets face it, I probably will do some more at some point! So quick, easy and effective.

Overall, some lessons learned and a discovery of a very easy and adaptable craft. Yey :-)

I'll leave you with a few pictures of the process, the finished products and a picture of them on display in my kitchen/diner.

Mrs Crafty B

p.s. Please have sympathy for my one eared sheep :-(

Hanging Easter Eggs

This afternoon Baby B and friends helped get us all in the Easter mood. As they are a bit young for egg painting (think cracked eggs once they've been dropped) I thought maybe some egg shaped cereal box cut outs, some paint, glue and different bits of tissue paper would go down well.

I was right. Messy, but enjoyed.

I helped out a bit. I cut out the egg shapes, provided bowls of tissue papers in little bits, strips and scrunched up balls and I gave the egg shapes a first coat of silver paint.

Away they went! They each made one large egg and three little ones whoch i strung together. As you can imagine, I couldn't take pictures during our activity but here are some before and after pics :)

Mrs Crafty B