Kata has a penchant for playing and creating with wool felt so we thought these adorable little turtles would be a cute project to share.  Once made, these little creatures can of course be played with or displayed on a shelf but there is so much more you can do with them.  They’d make a cute addition to a party bag, they can be used as place settings at a kids birthday or just to decorate the table.  You could make a mobile with the 3 of them or a brooch with the littlest one… the possibilities are endless.  Here are the instructions:

Print the template and cut out the template pieces with paper scissors. If you wish to make all three turtles, print one template at 100%, one at 75% and one at 125%.  Then place the pieces on the felt and cut out the felt shapes with fabric scissors.  Note that you will cut out 2 of the body pieces and 1 shell piece for each turtle you make. Stitch the eyes on one body piece using 3-ply black embroidery floss. Use a satin stitch and place the 2 eyes wide apart.

Using a blanket stitch and 2-ply black thread, stitch the 2 body pieces together.  Next, use a double running stitch to sew eight “U” shapes on the shell layer with 2-ply gold embroidery floss.  Now you need to attach the shell to the body.  To do this, whip stitch the shell piece to only the top layer of the body three quarters of the way around.  Leave an opening and stuff.  Continue your stitch and close the hole.  Repeat these steps for each additional turtle and you’re done.

Here are more details and all the templates you’ll need:

• Turtle template
• Tools, materials, tips and helpful hints
• A guide to the stitches used

You can also find more DIY projects and crafting ideas on Kata’s blog.  Hope you all have a fun long weekend and see you next week.

I love the thought of passing down furniture and toys but if you don’t have your own, the next best thing is finding a good vintage shop.  And today I wanted to share my latest find – Roger Bontemps.  It’s a new French vintage shop that looks super promising.  Their online doors aren’t even open yet but should be opening in the next week.  They will be selling vintage kids furniture, toys and more but they have also created their own small line of vintage inspired clothes, bed linen and accessories.  I couldn’t find too many pictures but I liked what I did see especially that rattan crib and the bed linen in it.  Can’t wait to see more…

While the Minimu Spring Summer 2013 baby range is to die for, the girls range is no less impressive.  The dresses and tops on offer are so pretty and so stylish without being fussy or cutesy.  They have just the right amount of subtle detail to make them stand out from the crowd.  I’ve got my eye on that yellow polka dot dress which just shouts summer to me.  Minimu is very much becoming a firm favourite here… how can anybody resist such sweet chic-ness (is that even a word?!).

1.  green linen sunsuit by wolfechild…  2.  minty green toddler duvet set by garbo & friends…  3.  forest green firs pillowcase by fine little day…  4.   shades of green bird poster by silke bonde…  5.  ice-cream green playhouse by lucky boy sunday…  6. dark green book called Grandpa Green by Lane Smith.

Happy weekend all and see you next week!

*In case you’re interested, I don’t know the name of the magazine shop but you’ll find it at 66 Charlotte St.

Little Creative Factory is the creation of 2 Spanish mama’s who make swimwear, some clothes and lots of wonderful hats for kids.    The 2 creative mums say they get their inspiration from observing the little things in life and from the enthusiasm, freshness and spontaneity of their little girls.  I love the classic styles that ooze understated glamour and are just so darn chic!  Amongst their offerings are some really adorable balloon-style drawstring tops, some cute baby bloomers and a hat collection that is just wow.  All the clothes would make for perfect beachwear or just dreamy and chic summer wear.  Little Creative Factory don’t yet sell online but you can contact them through their website to find out more.  Next time I’m swimwear shopping for Anya, I know who’s door I’ll be knocking on.

Happy Friday guys and hope the sun shines for you this weekend!