C Percy Designs

Santa Themed Jar Gift

noreply@blogger.com (christine_percy) — Thu, 19 Nov 2020 10:30:00 +0000

The final jar we made at the MyTime group was a Santa themed one filled with Jaffas. I love Jaffas!!

I found this idea by Balancing Home in a Pinterest search. It's American and uses HERSHEY’S KISSES Santa Hat Chocolates which we can't get here in Australia.

I used their belt printable, and I made a swing tag using Picmonkey.

Participants jar. They used jars they got from Kmart.

For this project, you will need:

Glass Jar
Jaffas or Red Lollies
Printables
Twine
Clear Contact Paper

Red Shredded paper

Add shredded paper to the jar and tip Jaffas into a jar. If there is still some room at the top, add some shredded paper to fill the gap.
Seal the jar tightly.
Print out the lid topper and the printable from the Balancing Home blog. I used my Scan n' Cut to cut out these.
Stick down the belt using clear contact paper. Stick down the lid topper using double-sided tape.
Use twine to attach the swing tag and to finish it off.

*print on cardboard.

Email me at christinemcinerneypercy@gmail.com to get a copy of the free copy of the printable I created.

Another participant's Santa Jar and Lavender Bath Salts. She used coffee jars.

Chill Pills Teachers Gift in a Jar

noreply@blogger.com (christine_percy) — Thu, 19 Nov 2020 10:06:00 +0000

As you know, due to Covid restrictions, the MyTime Group at work could not make the planned Mason Jar Food Gifts. When I was researching jar gifts, I came across this post by Little Biskut. It was perfect, but I wanted to customise it for the ladies and create a matching lid label.

Participants finished creation.

I made up my own version using picmonkey.com.

For this project, you will need:

Glass Jar
Lollies / M&Ms
Printables
Curling Ribbon
Clear Contact Paper

Add shredded paper to the jar and tip M&Ms into a jar. If there is still some room at the top, add some shredded paper to fill the gap.
Seal the jar tightly.
Print out the lid topper and label. I used my Scan n' Cut to cut out these.
Stick down the label using clear contact paper. Stick down the lid topper using double-sided tape.
Use some curling ribbon to finish it off.

*print on cardboard.

Email me at christinemcinerneypercy@gmail.com to get a copy of the free copy of the printable I created.

Lavender Bath Salts in a Jar

noreply@blogger.com (christine_percy) — Thu, 19 Nov 2020 09:37:00 +0000

Due to Covid restrictions, the MyTime Group at work could not make the planned Mason Jar Food Gifts. Instead, I had to think up some alternative items to put in jars, hence the Lavender Bath Salts.

I created some sweet labels using Canva.com - my go-to graphic design platform. I used a label template they had and changed it up a bit.

Participants completed jar.

For this craft, you will need:

Glass Jar
Epson Salts
Lavender buds
Lavender Essential Oil
Printable* - Lid Topper, Label and Swing Tag
Clear contact paper
Lace and braid

1. In a bowl mix approx 2 cups of Epsom salts with 1-2 tablespoons lavender buds. Pour this mix into a clean pasta sauce jar.

2. Add 10-15 drops of lavender to the Epsom salt mix. Shake the bottle to mix it thru.

3. Seal the jar tightly.

4. Print out the lid topper, swing tag and label. I used my Scan n' Cut to cut out these.

5. Stick down the label using clear contact paper. I used contact paper to stick down the label, so water won't ruin the tag. I used double-sided tape for the lid topper.

6. Use some lace and twin to add the swing tag and to finish it off.

*print on cardboard.

A jar one of the participants made.

I got the Epsom salts and essential oil from Woolworths. I got the lavender buds from Spotlight. The braid and yarn were from the local variety shop, and the lace was from my stash.

Email me at christinemcinerneypercy@gmail.com to get a copy of the free copy of the printable I created.

The saying is: As Rosemary is to the Spirit, so Lavender is to the Soul – Anonymous

GLITTER FREE - Magical Reindeer Food in a Jar

noreply@blogger.com (christine_percy) — Thu, 19 Nov 2020 08:57:00 +0000

I came up with this Glitter Free Magical Reindeer Food Jar for the Bay and Basin MyTime Group. We were supposed to be making Mason Jar Food Gifts, but because of COVID restrictions at the community centre, I had to change things up. I think this would be a cute gift to give to the families in your neighbourhood.

A Jar made by one of the participants

It's a pretty simple craft. All you need is:

Glass Jar
Bird Seed
Muesli
Printable* - Tag, Lid Topper, Antlers and Swing Tag.
Twine

1. Grab an empty pasta sauce jar, fill it will muesli and birdseed. We layered ours to give a cool effect. Fill all the way to the top.

2. Seal the jar tightly.

3. Print out lid topper, swing tag and antlers. I used my Scan n' Cut to cut out these.

4. Using a glue gun to stick the eyes and nose to the front of the jar, and use some double-sided tape to affix the lid topper. Affix the antlers to the back.

5. We added some twine and the swing tag to finish it off.

*print on cardboard.

The Swing tag has the following saying - I found this on Pinterest. The graphics were complied using PicMonkey.

We used some wild bird seed that I got from Woolworths. We also used some cheap muesli. Please note that if you have a dog, I'd suggest using just rolled oats as grapes, raisins, sultanas or currants as these can be poisonous for dogs.

Wildlife groups prefer that you don't add glitter to your reindeer food mix. Why? Glitter is terrible for the environment, its made from plastics which is a huge problem for marine life. When glitter is washed down the drain, it becomes part of the growing problem of "microplastics".

Another jar made by a participant.

Email me at christinemcinerneypercy@gmail.com to get a copy of the free copy of the printable I created.

Elf Isolation House Letter

noreply@blogger.com (christine_percy) — Sun, 08 Nov 2020 04:33:00 +0000

I am going to deliver the Elf Isolation House to the children at playgroup in late November. I thought it would be cute if I included a letter from the Scout Elf Department explaining what the house is for.

I will use this house and the letter to reinforce the centre's COVID safe measures at playgroup, i.e. temperature checks, washing hands, using hand sanitizer, social distancing etc.

I made the letter using a template on canva.com. Email me at christinemcinerneypercy@gmail.com to get a pdf copy of this letter.

Check out my Elf on the Shelf Pinterest Board for more ideas.

Elf on the Shelf Letterboards

noreply@blogger.com (christine_percy) — Sun, 08 Nov 2020 04:26:00 +0000

As you know, I made an Elf on the Shelf Isolation House for work.

The Letterboard says "I'm in quarantine for 14 days use a marker to note down the days."

To add a little bit of fun to the Elf quarantine experience, I created some letter boards. Initially was only going to make 14 for the days but then I got carried away. I added jokes challenges, strike notices, reasons why the elf didn't move, etc.

Letterboards seem to be pretty popular, so I thought these mini ones, created using Canva.com, would be an adorable addition.

Contact me via email at christine.mcinerneypercy@gmail.com to request a copy for your personal use.

Elf Quarantine House

noreply@blogger.com (christine_percy) — Sun, 08 Nov 2020 04:03:00 +0000

This weekend I made an Elf Isolation Jar for the children at playgroup. I got the idea from Simplistically Living.

I made my Elf Isolation House using an SVG file I purchased from Fox and Willow Design Co on Etsy. I cut out the Oracal 651 vinyl, which I got from Craft on Line using my new Brother Scan n Cut DX machine. I used a glass jar I got from my local variety store. Stay tuned for some additional touches I've made to this unique covid safe idea.

Stay tuned for additional touches - Mini Letter Boards and letter from the Elf Scout Department.

Check out my Elf on the Shelf Pinterest Board for more ideas.

Spotlight

noreply@blogger.com (christine_percy) — Fri, 05 Aug 2016 23:03:00 +0000

I'm in the spotlight this week over at Madeit.com.au blog. I've been selling on Madeit since 2009 and this was the first time they have featured me. Click here to see the interview.

Making beanies for Four Ducklings

noreply@blogger.com (christine_percy) — Thu, 07 Jul 2016 00:29:00 +0000

I've been kept busy lately making a range of beanies for Four Ducklings. It's been lovely seeing my beanies on display in a bricks and mortar store and then seeing them in their Instagram feed.

Bear Beanie, made using a Speckled Frog Crochet Pattern

Cable Beanie - using my very own pattern

Fox Beanie - based on Unravel Me's pattern

Another Bear beanie, this time in cream.

If you would like to have my products in your store, please contact me at cpercydesigns@aanet.com.au

Find us at 4 Ducklings

noreply@blogger.com (christine_percy) — Sun, 12 Jun 2016 13:27:00 +0000

Follow my blog with Bloglovin

This weekend I dropped off some beanies and a blanket to 4 Ducklings, a gorgeous children's' boutique in Gerringong. I adore this store and are honoured to have my beanies stocked there.

4 Ducklings are about to go online so those not on the South Coast of NSW can visit virtually.

Featured on Handmade Cooperative

noreply@blogger.com (christine_percy) — Mon, 06 Jun 2016 03:23:00 +0000

Our Ella beanie was featured on the Handmade Cooperative blog on Friday. Thank you Alison from Sweater Doll for choosing our beanie.

Shelfie

noreply@blogger.com (christine_percy) — Fri, 03 Jun 2016 03:14:00 +0000

Recently I took part in a cute Shelfie project. Here are the fantastic results. Thank you, Emma, from Squiggly Monkeys for taking these great photos.

Panda Beanie by C Percy Designs
Panda Softie by Skinny Malinky Designs
Shoes by Anomaly Leathers

Panda Beanie by C Percy Designs
Mask by Ebony Shae Designs

Shoes by Anomaly Leathers

Rose Pink Cable Beanie by C Percy Designs
Cloud Softies by Skinny Malinky Designs

Rose Pink Cable Beanie by C Percy Designs
Monkey by Squiggly Monkeys

Panda Beanie by C Percy Designs
Panda Softie and bib by Skinny Malinky Designs

Shoes by Anomaly Leathers

Panda Beanie and Cable beanies are available for purchase through Quirky and Quaint Australia or by contacting me directly.

Top Tips to making play dough

noreply@blogger.com (christine_percy) — Sat, 14 May 2016 04:42:00 +0000

I make a play dough a lot. This weekend I'll be making a lot of playdough as a giveaway for an expo I'll be attending. While I was getting ready for this undertaking I thought I would share this on the internet for other Mums/teachers/childcare workers doing a late night internet search

Tip 1: Dissolve the salt in the hot water.

Tip 2: Grind the salt! By grinding the salt down into a powder you will get lovely smooth playdough that looks like the shop bought one.

Tip 3: Homemade playdough is way cheaper than store bought and you won't cry when the kids mix up the colours.

Tip 4: Shake it up - add some food colouring, add some essential oils*, add some glitter. I like to add the essential oils and glitter when I'm kneading it at the end.

Tip 5: Make inside dirt aka brown playdough. I like to add leftover coffee grinds to give it that dirt texture. You could also add some Vetiver** to make it smell like the right thing. Add some plastic dinosaurs, cars, twigs etc. Hours of fun and cleaner than playing with real dirt.

* A tip from The Oil Nurse is to match the label colour of your essential oil to your food colouring and DO NOT USE hot essential oils as children handling the playdough may rub their eyes, eat the dough etc.

** You can purchase Vetiver and other essential oils through DoTerra. Vetiver has a calming, grounding effect on emotions and some immune-enhancing properties. I personally adore the earthy smell.

Here are the two recipes I use.

Christine’s no-cook Playdough

(the recipe I use at work)

2 cups plain flour

4 tbsp cream of tartar

1 cup salt

2 cups water

2 tbs cooking oil

food colouring

1. Boil water and place in a heatproof jug/bowl. Add salt and stir to dissolve. Allow to cool off a little.

2. Add all ingredients into the bowl, mix together to combine.

3. Turn out onto a floured work surface and knead to form playdough.

Thermomix Playdough

(based on FatMumSlim's recipe)

1 ½ cup boiling water

100g cooking salt

1 tbsp cream of tartar

2 1/3 cups plain flour

1 tbs vegetable oil

Food colouring of your choice

Place salt in Thermomix bowl and blitz on Speed 9 for 3 seconds.
Add cream of tartar, then add water and food colouring. Heat for 3 minutes at 60 degrees on Speed 3.
Add flour and mix for 20-40 seconds on Speed 3.
Add vegetable oil and knead on and off to combines oil into the mix.
Turn dough onto the bench, allow to cool. If the dough is a little sticky, place flour onto surface and knead.*

Suggested colours and essential oils

Yellow – Lemon

Purple/Blue – Lavender/Serenity

Brown – Vetiver

Orange – Citrus Bliss/Wild Orange

Pink – Grapefruit

Latest creation - V-Stitch Infinity Cowl

noreply@blogger.com (christine_percy) — Thu, 28 Apr 2016 10:49:00 +0000

After my last blog post I actually felt like crocheting. Alison from SewGood, KnitToo in Sanctuary Point gave me some yummy bamboo blend yarn for my birthday and I decided I make something for myself.

Using a 6 mm hook I created a simple V-Stitch Infinity Cowl based on this pattern by makesandtakes.com. I didn't count rows I just used 2 skeins and joined one end to the other using a double stitch (dc) [US sc). Its very warm and not too itchy.

Yarn: King Cole Bamboozle
Colour: Denim
Blend: 48% Bamboo, 44% Wool,8% acrylic yarn.

Have I lost my Cro-jo?

noreply@blogger.com (christine_percy) — Wed, 20 Apr 2016 13:53:00 +0000

I’ve lost my desire to crochet. There I’ve said it. So what do I do now?

A few months ago I had a fall, yet another one. The fall I had about 2 years ago saw me with a black eye and a slight crack in my skull. I also lost some sense of smell, which is helpful when you work with small children who have a habit of filling their pants. This time around when I fell over I hurt my wrist and I took a month of crocheting due to the pain. I can now crochet without any pain but I still have issues picking up heavy objects etc. While I’ve had an enforced break I’ve also seemed to have lost my drive and desire to spend my time playing with yarn.

Maybe it's my slight addition to playing The Sims.

Maybe it is because winter hasn’t hit yet, it has been a long hot summer and to be honest playing within wool during an Australian summer isn’t fun.

Maybe some orders will inject some enthusiasm.

Maybe it is time to take a break, I'm incredibly busy with work and at home.

Maybe I'm just lazy and I should get my butt into gear and finish some UFOs.

What is crojo? Just think mojo for Crochers. I've lost my crochet mojo = cro-jo

To the kid shat in my Autistic sons tent at camp … I feel sorry for you.

noreply@blogger.com (christine_percy) — Fri, 04 Mar 2016 22:59:00 +0000

My Son is by no means perfect, he can be annoying, he can come across as rude and yes he’s odd. He frustrates me and drives me wild. In his short life, all 11 of them, he’s been teased, called names, made fun of, humiliated, provoked, as well as physically assaulted all because he doesn’t conform to what society says he should be, because he has Asperger Syndrome, a form of Autism.

To the child who shat in my son’s tent at school camp I feel sorry for you.

You must be truly a sick individual. You are a coward for not coming forward when questioned and for not taking responsibility for your actions. You are a disgusting individual. You truly need some help. You are a sadistic piece of work. I really feel sorry for you.

What you don’t know is that this is just one of many things that happen to my son on a daily basis. My son's comment to me when I found out about this disgusting act was “someone mustn’t like me much”. This was said lightly and with a smile. Thankfully his Autism hasn't allow him to process this fully, what this act signifies but it will one day.

But it will one day!

My husband and I are very fearful of that day. The day when our beautiful kind hearted boy, who only wants to have friends, puts two-and-two together. When he adds up all the times he’s been shoved, humiliated, laughed out, decimated against, left out and much, much, more. What will he do then?

Will he consider suicide?

Will he turn to drugs or alcohol to numb the pain?

Will he finally lash out? Will he attack or threaten another person? Will he take a gun to school? Will he damage property?

We hear it happen and usually society blames the parents, they blame the education system, they blame the government.

Do these abusers stop of a second and think about my son's life? Do they think about all the other people who hurt my son on a daily basis?

Do they blame themselves?

All those people who have

put a person with a disability into the too hard basket
who rolled their eyes when they think the person isn't looking
who are blatantly rude or simply ignore people with a disability
who laugh at the disabled person's expense
who pulled a humiliating pranks
who purposely do things to get a reaction out of a person with Austism

Do you ever think that what you are doing is wrong and harmful? What if someone did this to you on a daily basis? Would you like it?

So to the person who shat in my son’s tent at camp, I ask you to consider your actions.

Consider his family. His crying and deeply upset Mum. His Dad who wants to protect his son but who can’t be at school everyday to stand guard. His brother and sister who do not have a disability but have a disability-by-proxy. Jon's siblings have to deal with the fall out and at times face the brunt of your actions, my two other kids get teased and excluded because of their brother.

Lastly I want you to know that while you live your so-called normal life, where you will never face the day to day struggles my son faces, the following is happening in the Autism community.

Almost 40% of the autistic population was treated for anxiety versus 17% in the general population.
The numbers for depression were a close second – just a couple percentage points less.
Suicide attempts were the most troubling – near 2%. Can you believe almost one in 50 autistic adults attempted suicide at least once in that five year period?

(Taken from Look me in my eyes)

So next time you think about taking a dump in someone tent or anywhere for that matter, I hope you think about what the impact of your actions will be.

Further reading:

Depression, Sucide risk and Austim
http://www.autism-help.org/family-suicide-depression-autism.htm

The Other Public Health Crisis
https://www.autismspeaks.org/sites/default/files/docs/the_other_public_health_crisis.pdf

Asperger Syndrome in the Criminal Justice System
https://www.aane.org/asperger_resources/articles/miscellaneous/as_in_the_criminal_justice_system.html

Autistic Symptoms Make Higher Risk for Substance Abuse

https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/ending-addiction-good/201407/autistic-symptoms-make-higher-risk-substance-abuse

Instagram Photo Prop

noreply@blogger.com (christine_percy) — Mon, 21 Dec 2015 04:45:00 +0000

I've spent the morning creating a Instagram photo prop for some upcoming community events - "Make Healthy Normal Family Fun Days".

I started off where I usually do for such things looking at pictures in Pinterest. There are some cool instagram props on Etsy but as this is a community thing I wanted to keep the prices down. I did come across a psd download on "Taking the Leap and Learning as you go" blog but I wanted to change things up a little.

Taking inspiration from the download I used my ipad to take screen prints of Instagram and I cropped various elements down using picmonkey.

From there I opened up PhotoShop Elements and created a blank document (45.7 x 68.6 cm). I added the cropped elements, added text etc and voila I have a cute Instagram.

Here is the final result, which I'm pretty impressed with.

Now all I have to do is upload this to Vistaprint and wait for it to arrive!

Updated Cable Beanie

noreply@blogger.com (christine_percy) — Fri, 13 Nov 2015 23:00:00 +0000

Now that the mad rush of winter is over I've been spending some time reviewing some of my patterns. I created this crable twist pattern a few years back, it's based on my basic pattern, which I use for all my beanies so I can get consistent sizes.

This was my initial Cable Beanie.

Since then I've added the the ribbed detail at the base of the beanie which I thinks completes the look. I've also played with the pattern, I've opened up the centre of the cable slightly and I've made its slightly longer so you get a 'slouch' at the back. Finally last night after speaking with my sister I've added a pop pom.

What do you think?

Do you make beautiful things for kids?

noreply@blogger.com (christine_percy) — Sat, 05 Sep 2015 00:13:00 +0000

I've been a member of the Handmade Cooperative since its humble start in 2009. I have had the pleasure of seeing the blog grow and become a great place to meet and support other makers in the handmade industry.

The Handmade Cooperative is currently running is Membership Drive, the only opportunity this year to join the Cooperative. If you make handmade goods for children I urge you to apply.

From the Handmade Cooperative Blog:

"Bringing together a select group of 70 businesses that create handmade cloths and gifts for kids, at Handmade Cooperative we work together to support our dynamic community and to help spread the word for Australia's truly inspirational handcraft marketplace.

Our community has a two fold purpose:

(1) to celebrate and promote the best in Australian handmade kids clothes and gifts, and

(2) top provide a safe and supportive network for like-minded businesses.

Numbers are limited to 70 members in order that Coop members can easily interact with one another. In September each year we run a membership drive to restore our numbers. - See more here"

Instagram Update - July

noreply@blogger.com (christine_percy) — Sun, 26 Jul 2015 04:20:00 +0000

A collection of my instagram photos to show you what I've been up to in July.

Its been a while

noreply@blogger.com (christine_percy) — Tue, 30 Jun 2015 07:59:00 +0000

You can tell it's the school holidays because I've actually got some time to update my stores (madeit and website) and write a blog post.

While I've been quiet I've been busy working on blankets for Four Ducklings at Gerringong. If you are heading down the South Coast of NSW I suggest to take the turn off to Gerringong and pop by this delightful store full of beautifully selected baby and kids items.

I've also been filling wholesale orders for Quirky and Quaint. This year I have an exclusive range titled "Into the Woods". To my surprise the Koala and Kitten beanie have been pretty popular. They are great fun to make and I love the fact that I came up with my own version of animal beanies - there are so many types of them out there, so it was hard coming up with a design that no one else had come up with.

NB: The Fox beanie pattern I use was designed by Unravel Me Designs. I have played with the ears so that they are double the thickness and have a 3D effect so they stand up. I also use my own basic beanie pattern to make sure my sizes are consistent.

Apart from that I've been working 4 days a week at my day job. This coming term I need to complete a qualification so I have dropped down to 3 days, hopefully this will also enable me to create and blog more.

Til next time,

Christine

The waiting game

noreply@blogger.com (christine_percy) — Sun, 17 Aug 2014 01:00:00 +0000

Don't you just hate it when you a working on a large project and you run out of the yarn you need.

A work in progress photo from last week

I'm currently making a Dog Rose receiving blanket which was in Crochet Gifts magazine. Its a lovey, very easy blanket to make. I've enojoyed making the blocks but I have run out of the right coloured white yarn. I did think I had enough to finish it off but shortly after attaching another motif to the blanket I realised the colour I was using was too creamy and not the crisp white I had already been using.

So now I'm waiting for my Bendigo Woollen Mills order to arrive. I only ordered it earlier this week and its not late or anything, I'm just really keen to finish off this lovely blanket.

I'm not very good at waiting.

This week

noreply@blogger.com (christine_percy) — Sun, 27 Jul 2014 06:52:00 +0000

Well its been a lovely week in Percyland. I've finished off a number of orders (including two blankets)

and I've had some lovely feedback.

The week was topped off with a lovely afternoon at our local park/beach today.

I hope you've had a lovely week.

Make her stop taking my photo SALE

noreply@blogger.com (christine_percy) — Mon, 14 Jul 2014 09:18:00 +0000

Tonight on my Facebook page I'm hosting a silly sale to celebrate the fact that over the school holidays I was able to finish off a number of UFO beanie
(UFO in crochet speak is UnFinished Objects).

It was such a great feeling having completing these beanies as many were nearly done or had the increase rows completed. Alas I went back to work today, so I won't be as prolific in my crocheting - boo!

Here are the beanies that I finish.

Safety First

noreply@blogger.com (christine_percy) — Sun, 13 Jul 2014 00:33:00 +0000

This post was originally posted on my Facebook page in response to Kidspot's 'Beware of the baby headband!' article.

In my day job and in my handmade business I take choking hazards very seriously. A few years back I did a Kidsafe Australia course and it brought home the real danger children face with strangulation and choking. That is why I no longer add ear flaps to my baby size beanies and I firmly affix any embellishments to my beanies.

Yes the ear flaps look really cute but they also pose a
strangulation risk, one I'm not prepared to take anymore.

Ear flaps keep the head warm and they are cute too.

We all know babies put lots of things in their mouths so be extra vigilant about items that you put on your child's head (beanies, hairclips, headbands), things you place around their necks (amber necklaces, dress up necklaces), on their clothing (dummy clips with bling) and in their mouths (dummies, bottles).

For more information go to your states Kidsafe website or Product Safety Australia

C Percy Designs

Santa Themed Jar Gift

Chill Pills Teachers Gift in a Jar

Lavender Bath Salts in a Jar

GLITTER FREE - Magical Reindeer Food in a Jar

Elf Isolation House Letter

Elf on the Shelf Letterboards

Elf Quarantine House

Spotlight

Making beanies for Four Ducklings

Find us at 4 Ducklings

Featured on Handmade Cooperative

Shelfie

Top Tips to making play dough

Tip 1: Dissolve the salt in the hot water.Tip 2: Grind the salt! By grinding the salt down into a powder you will get lovely smooth playdough that looks like the shop bought one.Tip 3: Homemade playdough is way cheaper than store bought and you won't cry when the kids mix up the colours.

Tip 4: Shake it up - add some food colouring, add some essential oils*, add some glitter. I like to add the essential oils and glitter when I'm kneading it at the end.

Tip 5: Make inside dirt aka brown playdough. I like to add leftover coffee grinds to give it that dirt texture. You could also add some Vetiver** to make it smell like the right thing. Add some plastic dinosaurs, cars, twigs etc. Hours of fun and cleaner than playing with real dirt.

Christine’s no-cook Playdough

(the recipe I use at work)

Thermomix Playdough

(based on FatMumSlim's recipe)

Suggested colours and essential oils

Latest creation - V-Stitch Infinity Cowl

Have I lost my Cro-jo?

To the kid shat in my Autistic sons tent at camp … I feel sorry for you.

Instagram Photo Prop

Updated Cable Beanie

Do you make beautiful things for kids?

Instagram Update - July

Its been a while

The waiting game

This week

Make her stop taking my photo SALE

Safety First

Tip 1: Dissolve the salt in the hot water.

Tip 2: Grind the salt! By grinding the salt down into a powder you will get lovely smooth playdough that looks like the shop bought one.

Tip 3: Homemade playdough is way cheaper than store bought and you won't cry when the kids mix up the colours.