Summer and Grandkids

I just left my daughter's house where I got to hang out with two of my grandchildren for 2 glorious weeks. We went to parks, a company picnic, a Renaissance Faire and other fun things. I made my grandson a red tunic and belt so he could be a pirate at the Renaissance Faire. I won't be able to post photos until I get home from vacation, so stay tuned. My granddaughter looked adorable in the yellow hat I knitted for her.

My grandson, who is 2 1/2, and I both took turns painting in the backyard. I did 2 landscapes, and he seemed to be painting mostly dragons. Or so he said. Then of course it was time to play in the hose to wash all the paint off.

My son-in-law is going to need new tunics as well. He's been working out a lot and now his chest won't fit in his shirts! With two kids in diapers, I don't think my daughter will be sewing much for at least 2 years, so maybe I can do it. That is, if and when I get home and my sewing machine wants to cooperate. I think it's fun when the whole family dresses up for an event.

Embroidery on Felt Bunny Ornament

I like the way my first bunny ornament came out. What do you think? I wasn't sure about the whiskers. With whiskers or without? I am going to make one for my new granddaughter that says Maggie's first Easter.

Cute Bunny Craft

Source: jennwa.blogspot.com via Lauren on Pinterest

I wish I could take credit for this, but I found it on Pinterest and had to share.

Clever Way To Make Watercolor Cartoon Animals

This was so adorable I had to share it.

Source: elviestudio.blogspot.com via Sue Hansen on Pinterest

If it weren't so late tonight I'd give it a try.

Bread Dough Art

I'm just about to do some bread dough art, which has always been a classic craft for children. But you can make complicated adult things as well. I got a fantastic book from the library on it called Country Doughcrafts by Sophie-Jane Tilley and Susan Welby. ISBN: 0-696-20460-6.  The Basic Recipe is
Two Level Cups of All Purpose Flour, 1 Level Cup of table salt and 1/2 Cup of lukewarm water. If you want the detailed directions look for the book, although I'm sure there are many resources on line for bread dough art. It's a rainy day, and I'm a bit under the weather, but I should be able to handle this.  It will take my mind off of the dreary winter day. I'll let you know what I come up with.

Sweet Tea and the Cottontail

Today I had hibiscus hot tea sweetened with sugar. The water came from my teapot which is sitting on the wood stove. I find if I mix half a cup of hot water, one tea bag, and half a cup of cold water, I can drink it right away and it doesn't need to cool.

So where is the bunny, you may ask. He is right here in my yard.
When I started this blog, I didn't know I'd live somewhere where I see rabbits daily. Funny how that works.

Make a Sparkly Christmas Ornament

I'm done moving and I haven't found my Christmas decorations. It seemed odd to miss the chance to decorate my new home for Christmas. I recently cleaned out a storage unit and found some craft supplies I hadn't seen in 15 years. I found these sparkly chenille stems and some styrofoam balls, so I took one ball and made this simple ornament.  I think you could do it with your kids. All you need is some wire cutters. Cut each piece a bit longer than  halfway around the ball and push one end into the top and one end into the bottom. Keep going until it's about 90% full of colorful chenille stems.  Then use some of the smaller bits left from cutting and push those into any areas that aren't quite covered.
I used a b.b.q. skewer to make a hole to put the hanger through. You could also use a yarn needle. It took about an hour to make this one.
Happy holidays!