47/52

A portrait of our little girl once a week every week in 2013

Our little flower-loving girl.
We love you so.

xx

Previous portraits here

Joining in with Jodi and the 52 Project

Op Shop Finds - Little Wooden Board

I found this rather interesting little wooden board the other day.  I'm not sure exactly what it was designed for but am enjoying seeing it sitting on my kitchen shelf!

It is quite small, I'm thinking perhaps it could be used for a cheeseboard, or for serving some small delicacy.  I just need to keep it high up as it might be swiped by a little girl I know who loves little kitchen things for her playhouse :)

x


Linking up with The Op Shop Showoff,  The Nifty Thrifty, Coastal Charm, Magpie Monday and Sirthiftalot.

46/52

 

A portrait of our little girl once a week every week in 2013

Tentatively exploring the garden with her new moon boot.
We planted our wee berry patch at toddler level so she can wander past and enjoy them straight from the garden.
Hair clip a souveneir from Grenny and Pop's recent trip to Hawaii.

xx

Previous portraits here

Joining in with Jodi and the 52 Project

TV Free Childhood - Snail's Tea Party

 

Entertaining a toddler with (or without) a broken leg...

Snails!  Our little girl is often pointing out snails in her storybooks and making them from play dough, but I'm not entirely sure she has ever seen a real one.

So today a friendly fellow came inside on a big leaf, much to someone's utter fascination!  We invited him to our tea party and made him a delicious cup of tea.  After he had joined us for our picnic he ventured back into the garden (for another afternoon snack no doubt!).

Did you know snails can live for 15-20 years!  Or that their slime protects them enough to go over a razor blade without being hurt?

Here are some more interesting facts about snails so you can can amaze your children at your next snail's tea party :)

xx

Joining in with Miriam.

Elves in the Studio

Preparing little flowers...

On My Worktable - Needle Cases

 

Sweet little needle cases, hand embroidered with wildflower botanicals have been on my worktable this week.  A lovely small gift for a friend who sews or embroiders.  Perfect for keeping needles safely and beautifully stored.  

The needle cases are constructed from off-cuts of woolen blankets left over from making children's wool coats and are simply lined in cotton.  I love using up all the small pieces of wool which would otherwise go to waste and "prettying" them up with embroidery.

xx

Needle cases are available here in my Felt shop.

45/52

A portrait of our little girl once a week every week in 2013

Watering the garden in the cool spring sunshine.
Those sunglasses are her favourite fashion accessory and have been for quite some time.
They make me laugh.

xx

Previous portraits here

Joining in with Jodi and the 52 Project

Elves in the Studio

Once upon a time there was a little elf who created hand embroidered garments and other lovely little things in a secret studio, tucked away in the New Zealand rainforest.

Not many people knew the location of the secret studio, but those who did popped over to lend a hand, knowing how busy the little elf is at this time of year. (Thanks so much!)

The little elf's studio is in full swing for Christmas - sewing, embroidering, hand stitching, pressing, packaging.  Stocking up shops, preparing for seasonal markets, filling orders...

With little time for blogging, the little elf is going to post a series of photos over the next week instead.  How exciting! You might see glimpses of new items and a little insight into what goes in in the Big Little studio at this time of year.

(The little elf's cleaning schedule is a bit lax at this time of year, so please ignore any mess you may see in the studio :)

Linking up with Show and Tell 

Op-Shop Finds - Embroidered Bag

 

I love this delightful little embroidered bag so much.  I could barely believe I got this for less than a dollar, and apart from needing a bit of a wash, it is in great condition.

The little elves hats are so beautifully worked, with lovely texture and incredible detail.  The tiny turquoise wings look so delicate too.

The bag made it through the wash, but it didn't reach the ironing board before our little girl spied it.  "Mine bag mummy?"  It has been lugging her favourite books, a crocheted deer and some walnuts around ever since.

Too sweet.

x


Linking up with The Op Shop Showoff,  The Nifty Thrifty, Coastal Charm, Magpie Monday and Sirthiftalot.

World's Best Play Dough Recipe

For soft, smooth, luscious play-dough you simply have to try this simple no-cook recipe.

A single batch of play-dough creates so many hours of entertainment, and is ridiculously simple to make.  We wheeled our little girl into the kitchen for the very important job of holding the bowl and adding the glitter!

In just minutes you will have made your very own ball of gorgeous play-dough.

I feel rather chuffed with myself when something this awesome comes together with very little effort.  And it works every time.  Like magic.

2 cups flour
1/2 cup of salt
2 tablespoons of cream of tartar
2 tablespoons oil
1 1/2 cups of boiling water

Mix the dry ingredients together with the oil, then add boiling water.
Stir until combined - it will be quite sticky.  You can add food colouring and glitter at this point.
Let it cool, then knead on the bench for a few minutes until it reaches a great consistency with no stickiness.  Add a touch more flour if needed to get it perfect.
Original recipe here.

So there you have it, my entertainment life-saver.
Do you have a good play-dough recipe you use?

xx

The Time Has Come 44/52

 

Teddy and his girl finally had their casts removed.

I suppose what I saw for the first time, was a glimpse into what she thought her future held.
Even though we prepared her for the cast coming off, and talked about it, she didn't really have a concept of what that meant to her.

Someone felt a little vulnerable when the cast first came off.  I guess the sensation of that support disappearing after so many weeks of it being part of you can be a little distressing until you adjust.

When the doctor encouraged her to take some steps, she could barely believe it. "I walk?"  Although the stamina for walking isn't quite there yet, she stood up and put weight on her leg and the puzzled expression turned to a smile.  You could literally see the opportunities running through her mind.   "I DANCE?"  Yes honey, you will be able to dance soon too!

The joy on her face brought tears to my eyes.  She was so utterly delighted.  I melted.

I'll leave it at that.

xx