Amelie's 1st Birthday Invitations - Getting crafty with Art and Hobby!

Hello all the Mummies out there, I hope you enjoyed our last review on Tonic in Blackrock. We will keep posting weekly reviews to help you discover all the baby and family friendly cafes and restaurants in Dublin South. If you have missed our reviews go back and read them so far we have posted reviews on:

- Giddy Goose Cafe, Dun Laoghaire

- Sea Green Tea Rooms and Emporium, Monkstown

- Muggs Cafe, Dalkey

- Tonic Restaurant, Blackrock

This a quick blog that might inspire you to do a little arts and craft. If your children are older why not get them involved too. I have fallen in love with the Art & Hobby stores that are in Dun Laoghaire and Blackrock. There is something special about hand made gifts, invitations and cards plus I love to get creative.

Arts & Hobby stores have:
- Excellent children's toys (brightly coloured wooden puzzles and fabric hand puppets are some of my favourite) 
- Endless art supplies for all my creative ideas (some of which I really should complete!)
- Exceptionally friendly staff who always give great advice and excellent service.

Art and Hobby - Blackrock

My latest little project was to make invitations for Amelie's first birthday. I really wanted to do something special for her birthday because she is so special herself.

Here are some photo's of what I did.

 Rubber stamps, blank cards & envelopes, an ink pad and some markers are all you need!

I stamp the cards lightly then go over the outline in a black marker for a better finish

I did the lettering myself but you could print it or stencil it

I put a photo of Amelie in every card and the details of the party.

One more stamp on the envelope and it's all done!

Check out the Art and Hobby stores in your area for some great ideas on how to get crafty. It is fun to have something to work on other than the house work and gets you away from the tv and computer for a few hours in the evening and gets the creative juices flowing. I forgot how much I loved creating things with my hands and I can't wait to get crafty with Amelie as she grows up.

To locate your nearest store why not log on to their website http://www.artnhobby.ie/