Crafty capers

Two blog posts in the one day - I hope you are impressed!

Harry and Till have been in creative spirits these past weeks.  Actually, we all have been.  And HIP HIP HOORAY for holidays - for now I have time to finish off all those half-done projects.  The house is a mess, but don't worry, I have my priorties set right: IT'S CRAFT TIME!

This morning I heard Harry and Till rehearsing for a Christmas concert they have planned for us on Christmas night. It involves lots of singing and musical instruments as far as I can tell - should be a hoot!

My very musical Dad has been playing Christmas carols on our dear old dinosaur piano.  He hasn't played for years and years. We enjoy hearing him tinker away and I love how it has inspired my children to try and play Christmas carols too. Till sits diligently trying to work them out 'by ear' and Harry is challenging himself to sight read the music!

Till's 'Baby Jesus'

After reading about their cousin Dexter's sewing endeavors Harry and Till were super eager to try their hand at some fabric pen and doily tree decorations (note to self: I must collect doilies - a collection of one will not suffice).  Auntie Lou let Dexter use her sewing machine but I was very mean and said "No, not this time"! Sewing circles is a challenge and my two haven't even sewn a straight line on the machine. Besides, I need all the practice I can get.

Fabric markers are the best! I don't know why I haven't thought to use them before.  Once the image is drawn all you need to do is iron for 4 minutes to set the ink - and I was more than happy to allow Harry and Till iron access (never to young for ironing training I say).

Harry's 'Santa' decoration

Ben has been making bag after bag of Peppermint Bark. We don't tend to branch out much when it comes to Christmas cooking.  If we make something successfully one year, we keep to the theme and continue churning it out year after year.  It's super easy to make and always well recieved!