A Crafty Creative Re-Use

Hi Everyone,

This week I got crafty with some old crockery and glassware and thought that I would share the idea with you. It only took me five minutes and a little glue to complete and the end result was well worth it. I think it would make a lovely gift idea too so I might make a few more. To make this three tier cake stand all you need is three plates and two small wine or sherry glasses and some high strength craft glue. Here is the end result.

Here are a few by professionals for inspiration, I love the idea of the china cup vase at the top.

So the next time you think about throwing out that odd plate or mismatched glass hold back I am sure you will find a use for it, for some ides on how to re-use other household items have a look at one of our old posts, The Creative Re-use

Love the Yummy Mummies and The Jetsetting Babies

xxx

Crafted Creatures Family Weekends

Spring is here and summer is on it’s way! There are so many events on that are family friendly we don’t want to miss a thing. We have put together an events listing for the coming months and as each event approaches you will be kept up to date of the details. We are going to  make the most of this year with our little ones, share special moments with them and enjoy every moment of being a mother and a family, we really are so lucky!

Amelie enjoying the first flowers beginning to appear this Spring

Yesterday I mentioned the Peas and Pods market that is happening this Sunday in the Dublin Food Co-op. If you are looking for something to do with your children over the next few weekends get inspired by 2011 being the Year of Craft and check out the '
Crafted Creatures Family Weekends' running until the 27th March 2011. The exhibition runs on weekends from 12-5pm. I think Amelie will be a little small for this one but I can not wait till she is old enough, we might go anyway to get some inspiration for craft projects, yay!. Check out the website for more information and let us know what you think.

‘Children and families can explore a captivating world of crafted soft toys, pets, insects, underwater creatures and mythical beasts, while activity sheets help reveal the secrets used to bring materials like clay, wool and willow to life as wonderful pieces of art. The Crafted Creatures exhibition is curated by Brian Kennedy and features work by 28 contemporary craftspeople.’ – www.ark.ie

The Ark Cultural Center

11a Eustace St., Temple Bar, Dublin 2.
Tel: +353 (0)1 6707788

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/