Creative Reuse - The Art Space

One day Ame and I were having a nosy over the neighbours fence and we spotted a skip, they were doing a big clear out. I noticed that just next to the skip was a giant wooden box.. the cogs started churning and I just had to pop over and see if they were getting rid of it. They were. I was delighted. I had no idea what I would use it for I just knew that I had to have it. After much huffing and puffing and twisting and dragging with Ame trailing me on her scooter I got the box to my apartment (with strange looks from some other neighbors non of whom offered to help might I add.) Ame was delighted with her new box and I hadn't even done anything to it at this point. I thought that I would share the finished product, an Art Space.

I see it changing over time as Ame's interests change a puppet theatre perhaps or a fort or a mini stage for dress ups. I can picture a huge vintage suitcase filled with Ame's dress ups sitting on top with some deep red curtains and a mini spot light... oh I cant wait. When she out grows it it will make a great raised garden bed filled with strawberry or chill plants.. oh the possibilities!

 

Love the Yummy Mummies and the Jetsetting Babies

xxx

A fabulous weekend at Peas and Pods

Last week I posted about Peas and Pods Market in the Dublin Food Co-op. It was my first time going to the market but I can say that I will be back the next time, no questions asked.

What a totally brilliant day, I do not even know where to being maybe by recounting the chilled and relaxed atmosphere that oozed from the markets the moment we walked in. I went in with a friend and her son and we really had no idea what to expect.  The market is located in the Dublin Food Co-op which in itself was a wonderful experience, Katie and I picked up some tasty organic food for ourselves and the babies and we were both really impressed at how reasonable the prices were, they beat Tesco any day!

I was blown away by the market stalls belonging to different mothers with different ideas from eco-friendly baby products and birthday decorations to hand made booties, shoes and clothing. It was quite inspiring to see so many mothers with their own businesses managing to be successful and do such a wonderful job at parenting.

There were so many activities for toddlers and children. Amelie and her friend Hugo began with a sing-a-long lead by the gospel choir all of the favourites, twinkle twinkle, row row row your boat and some new ones too, the choir were singing in aid of Bernardos and it was great to see the little ones having such a great time and supporting a well-deserved charity at the same time.

After a lunch break and some delicious pizza’s Amelie had a try at getting her face painted, after just a minute she was squirming away so I gave up and took her to an activity she would enjoy a little more. A baby dance and music class where she got to have another dance and make a lot of noise with different instruments.  

Baby Wearing Ireland were in attendance with a wide selection of slings to try or buy, I did spend a lot of time at their stall but it is a great reason to go to the next Peas and Pods Market. The next Peas and Pods Market will be held in the Dublin Food Co-op on the 3^rd of April. If you are looking for a really great day out, a chance to meet  some new people, eat some good food and have fun with your babies and toddlers!

Amelies face was painted by Elder Trindade, he was wonderful with the children on various ages and the face painting was brilliant, I got chatting to him and guess what he is on blogspot too so if you are looking for something different for your next party check him out!

www.eldertrindade arts.blogspot.com

 

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/