Happy Summer Holiday!

We are off on a family holiday and there isn't any internet. or tv. or much of anything.  But I'm so looking forward to it. I'm not saying there won't be facebook withdrawals or an internet intervention (or two) but what there will be is a whole lot of beach and family time.  I have enjoyed my time here on the blog in 2013 and am looking forward to sharing lots more in 2014.  But until then stay safe this holiday season.

tutes cute tuesday - perch cookies

What are perch cookies you ask?  These are the cutest little cookies you ever did see, designed to 'perch' on the edge of you cup or mug...... but you make up your mind, I'm pretty sure you will agree though that they are too cute for words.

Sugar Star Cookies

tiny gingerbread house

xmas trees

a little heart

Happy Baking x

elf donuts - the recipe

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To make your tiny treats, you'll need:

Cheerios

Nutella

Sprinkles

Icing/Powdered sugar

Chopsticks

A small match box

These are so easy to make, but can be a little fiddly. Trust me about the chopsticks, they make all the difference!

Pop a spoonful of Nutella in a dish & microwave it for about 20 seconds. (You could also just use melted chocolate, but Nutella is the lazy option.) You just need to carefully dip one side of your Cheerios into the chocolate and then shake sprinkles over the top. Poke one of your chopsticks through the hole to keep your doughnut shape. Place them on the side to dry.

To make the plain chocolate ones, do the same minus the sprinkles.

And for the powdered sugar ones, just roll them in the powdered sugar. If it wont stick, give them a very little lick, like a stamp, and try again. (The elves wont mind a bit.)

When you have all the doughnuts you need, pop them into a match box, with a little tissue paper folded underneath. If you were feeling particularly festive, you could even decorate your match box!

Thrifty Thursday - last minute diy gift ideas and stocking stuffers

There are always a few last minute gift moments that leave you  running around like a crazy person scrabbling for an idea (or two).  Here are some thrifty gift ideas that are under $10 and most of them have a free printable to go with them - easy peasy!  I love the 'mistletoes' idea, I know a few lovely ladies whose feet could do with some pampering after a busy festive season.

For the kids (big & little).....

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For those who love a little baking with love.....

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For those whose feet need a little pampering.....

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For the tea drinker in your life.....

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Something a little cute for the stocking.....

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For those who love a little jam session.....

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Happy crafting x

Tutes Tuesday - Xmas Wrapping

Its getting to that time, where the shopping is almost done (I have to say I stay at that 'almost done' phase right up until Xmas day - there is always something I forgot to get) and it's time to get wrapping.  Here are a few different ways to wrap and create a cute statement underneath your Xmas tree.  My personal fave is the Pom Pom wrapping... so cute *sigh*.

Parcel Pressies

Xmas Trees

Pom Pom Gift Wrap

Pom Pom Gift Wrap 2

Interactive Gift Wrap

Joyful Wrapping

Candy Canes

Reindeer Wrapping

And that's a wrap.......

Tutes Tuesday - Oh Xmas Tree............

I'm feeling a little bit of mum guilt..... in that I haven't got the Xmas tree up yet.  Shhhhh don't tell EVERYONE! Everywhere I look, there are xmas trees, decorations and circulars piled up high advertising Xmas like we didn't see it coming.  I got to my daughter's preschool this morning and the look on Lily's face when she saw the tree was pretty cool.  She even stood back, looking it over, crossed her arms and declared it 'too cute mummy' - all this and she is only 2!  Her Preschool teachers asked what she wanted from Santa and she said 'a Xmas tree'. Cue mum guilt take 2.
So guess what we are doing this week, the first day I get off?  Oh yes we are going to go xmas crazy.  I have seen an opportunity and decided let's get into this Xmas spirit thing.  Let's do Xmas like it's 1999.

I came across these super cute Xmas Tree tutorials and thought if you were looking for some crafty ideas to do with the kids or just to get yourself in the jingle bells mood, then these might be just the thing to inspire some 'too cute mummy' moments at your house too.

Tutorial over at ohhappyday

Tutorial over at scrumdillydo

Tutorial over at mysimplehomelife

Thrifty Thursday - Upcycled Suitcases

Last week, I did a post about Upcycled Furniture Ideas for kids, if you didnt see it you can find it here.
One of the ideas was a dollshouse made from a suitcase and it got me thinking about upcycling (again!) and suitcases.  Now I'm no stranger to an upcycled suitcase, having upcycled one for our wedding, as a cards case.  Super easy to make and handy too.  I still read the cards from time to time, brings back so many memories!

So it got me thinking, what else could you make from an old suitcase?  Well there's quite a lot of ideas but I thought I would show you some of the quirkiest ones (and the cutest of course)

For something around the house............

Bedside Table, Pet Bed, Breakfast Tray, Welcome Sign, Side Table

Some fun storage ideas...........

Dress Up Box, Craft Storage, Fabric covered cases, Dollshouse

I love the Dress Up Box idea......Lily is getting to that age where I could see us dressing up most days in something magical, one does look pretty good in a tiara you know.  The Portable Dollshouse is a treasure of an idea too. Below is a better close up, you can find the tutorial on how to make it over at Pretty Prudent. My brain really hurts with all these ideas... does anyone else have this problem??  What are some other ideas you have seen upcycling suitcases?

For more ideas and their sources head to my Pinterest board Upcycled Suitcases

My Inspiration Monday - boozle & popcorn

My Inspiration Monday is a series of blog posts about fellow bloggers, crafters and small business owners who all in their own special way exude cuteness!  This series is about where their inspiration comes from and why they do what they do.

Introducing ...........

If you are looking for something a little special and a little bit cute (of course) for your littlies this Xmas then check out these cuties from boozle & popcorn. I had a wee chat with Megan who is the force behind boozle & popcorn, about what inspires her, and how that cute name came about.

How did boozle and popcorn come about?

Boozle and popcorn has been a work and progress for a good few years, lots of ideas and sketches and looking at fabrics but not a lot of time to create.  After purchasing my first sewing machine about 18 months ago, and my little ones in a pretty good afternoon sleep routine, I decided to get cracking and put some of these ideas to the test. I began with making creations for friends and family with little ones. With their encouragement and comments ‘how cute, gorgeous and different’ my creations were, I thought why not give it a go making some to sell.  So I guess it was inspiration from my little ones who helped me with my ideas and the things I wanted to create as well as family and friend who supported me and still do.

Where did the name come from?

boozle and popcorn are my kiddies nicknames. Austin is boozle and Poppy is popcorn. It just stuck and I love that I can use a name that is unique and related to my children.

How long has b&p been running?

Officially just over a year. I launched b&p on facebook September 2012 and launched my website about 4 months ago. 

The best thing / favourite thing about what I do?

I love what I do…I find sewing / creating therapeutic to be honest. I love that I can do it all in my own time and my own pace. It keeps me sane (most of the time) but I love that I have something that is truly mine and I love that there are others out there that love what I create too. boozle and popcorn is my other baby (so to speak) I have watched it start and grow into something bigger than what it was. So watch this space…

GIVEAWAY DETAILS

Head to the boozle & popcorn website and tell me in the comments below what your fave cutie is (it's pretty tough, there are so many!)

For an extra entry head to the boozle & popcorn facebook page, roam around, and click like while you are there.

- one comment per person

- you must live in New Zealand

- giveaway closes on Sunday 1st December

IMPORTANT 

- make sure there is some way for me to contact you! Leave an email, or have your name clickable to a profile or something.  If there is no way for me to reach you then I'll have to draw another entry!! This has happened previously, so I wouldn't like to do this and disappoint someone!

The website is www.boozleandpopcorn.com  and on facebook www.facebook/boozleandpopcorn

To contact Megan you can email her at : 

boozleandpopcorn@live.com

Thrifty Thursday - 7 Upcycled Furniture ideas for Kids

I see cool play kitchens and dollhouses in stores and think how cool would that be for Lily?  And then think no too expensive, I don't have enough soul to sell to the devil to pay for that.  But then I travel the world of Pinterest and Craftgawker and see upcycled versions and then think hmmm trademe anyone?  And then before you know it there's a whole treasure trove of ideas and a few trade me auctions on the go to get the right bookshelf or cabinet to create something pretty special.  If you are looking for a Xmas gift idea for a little someone I think one of these would be just the thing to get that "oh wow! i'm so excited, I can hardly contain myself" squeal on Xmas morning (and that's just the parents! because let's face it, we all have a little kid in us somewhere.)

Bookcase Dollhouse

From this.....

To this!

You can find the tutorial here at the Land of Nod

Suitcase Dollhouse

From this.....

To this!

Check out the tutorial here at mypoppet

Play Kitchen

From this.....

To this!

You can find all the details here at vintagesongbird

Hardware Store

From this.....

to this!

Read all about how Harry's Hardware came about here at Kates Creative Space

Puppet Theatre

From this.....

to this!

How to make your own puppet theatre here at twice lovely

Lego table

 From this.....

to this!

Recreate this here at Meet the Dubiens

Workbench

From this.....

to this!

Check out all the details here at diy network

For more ideas and inspirations check out my Pinterest board - Upcycled Furniture