My mum has always said of me 'a pair of scissors and you're happy'. And she's right. I think I'm at my happiest when cutting fabric or paper, or wielding a paintbrush, and working on a project. I love it when Iget inspired and an idea wallops me in the head, and I can't relax until I've at least tried it.Something I've wanted to pass on to my little girl is that enjoyment of being creative.
Success!
On Thursday, I peeped into the dining room - I'd been banned from going in - and found this little scene. I took a sneaky photo.
(My little lady often roams around wearing a tiara or fabulous hat and fairy wings.) She was concentrating so much, she had no idea I'd taken a picture.She was creating, using the beads that came with the latest Charlie & Lola magazine. These are her very first creations (not including drawings or paintings), and I am incredibly proud.
My only part was to tie the elastic in place, but other than that, it was entirely her work. I'm so proud. I could be raising the next Theo Fennell!I love that my little sweetpea has a love of making things. Each week we buy tons of what she calls 'magzeeeeens', the magazines aimed at children. More often than not they come with crafty things to use, or pages to cut out and glue in place. Lucky for my Gorgeous Girl that I really should have been a Blue Peter presenter, so always have a stock of cardboard, matchboxes, and sticky back plastic so we can create scenes like this (it's a restaurant! The magazine provided the graphics, but we had to set it up so it didn't fall down and used a matchbox for the table and seating area).
As soon as she is old enough, I will show her how to use the sewing machine. I have a feeling she will enjoy turning fabric into clothes for her dollys or making tablecloths and napkins.I should add that I am not a pushy mum. As far as I'm concerned my job is to encourage and guide, but not to turn her into a carbon copy of me. I want her to have her own ideas and views, not to just echo mine. I refuse to push her into anything, I'd rather she made up her own mind about things. I want her to make her own decisions about everything in life! I'll be here to support her in whatever she decides to do.
But I do feel happy that the early signs are that she is a creative person. In a way I suppose she was always going to be. She loves to see what I'm making, and help if she can. She often asks me to make things for her (usually clothes for Naught-Nee).
I've made yet more bunting this week. I can't stop making it. Each time I try a slightly different way of doing so.
The latest way is not only easy, but gives double sided flags.I thought I'd show a 'how to' to prove how simple it is, absolutely anyone of any sewing ability could make it this way. You just need to be able to sew a straight(ish) line and use scissors. I promise I'll stop babbling on about bunting after this post!
step 1. Decide on the size you want your flag, cut out a template from card or paper. Take a piece of fabric long enough to fold in half, or two pieces back to back, right sides showing out. Pin a little cardboard template to the fabric to both hold fabric in place and work as a guide.
step 2. Sew around the triangle (inluding across the top) As long as the pins are in the centre don't worry about damaging the needle of the machine. They're far enough away not to be a problem.
step 3. Remove from the machine, keep the template in place and cut around the long sides with pinking shears. Make sure you keep a long tab at the top of the triangle so you can attach it to the string/braid/ribbon you will use to hang the bunting with.
step 4. remove the template, and you have a double sided flag all finished!
Making flags this way takes about 2 minutes from start to finish. I made 19 yesterday morning in no time at all! I like leaving raw edges, it's less hassle than trying to press and sew a perfect hem, and it means the fabric will fray. An effect I really like to see.I use whatever I can find to hang bunting with. If I can't find anything suitable, then I make it from strips of sheets, cut and hemmed to make a long tape.
Yesterday I rootled around and found some cord, I had no idea I had it. It was perfect to use. The tab of fabric at the top of each flag is pushed over and stitched a couple of times to hold it securely.
I didn't bother to measure out the distance between each flag (too lazy!), so the spaces aren't even, but does it matter? Not one jot!I've been using all the bunting made this week to decorate the bench in the back garden.
By summer it will look weather worn and as if it's been there for years. I had my little helper with me in the garden.
We even put bunting up by the fairy doors, so when the fairies came home they'd have a nice surprise. 
The weather has been mixed this week. Sunshine, blustery winds, rain showers. When I sat on the bench the sky looked like this. 
I'm thinking the weather will be grey and rainy over the weekend. But I don't mind, I have a new book to enjoy. I wonder how many new ideas this will give me?
Have a lovely weekend.