As you know I finished by Scrappy steps afghan and mentioned that I was hunting around for a new crochet project. I have settled on Bullseye (which I fell in love with back here and again when Kate made it). I have made a bit of a start – my first circles are pictured below, and so far I am finding it meditative and interesting. I am going for clashing contrasting colours this time around and have chosen a very dark grey for the background (Rustic Graphite 8 ply). I am mostly using wool from Bendigo woollen mills — I love them because they are Australian, I can buy online, they are wonderful quality and because you can get 200gram balls for the price of a 50gram ball.
Also this week my boy was in the paper (he is the cute blondie with the big smile) because of the controversy over compulsory national assessment in schools. The irony of course is that his school did really well even though they don’t agree with the process. The article is here.
In other news: I launched our latest Action Pack Magazine just for kids — it’s the Mad Scientist Issue: In our 9th issue of Action Pack Magazine for kids, we continue to encourage kids to think and do for themselves, to be independent and creative learners, they are able to explore science through art, cooking and experimentation. We also encourage parents to become observers and co-learners rather than having to take control in a teacher role. In this issue kids are able to go through a journey of self discovery and learn that science is indeed fun and real! You can purchase a copy here.
And because I am already thinking ahead to the next Action Pack (Go Tribal) I came across these cute arrow and feather inspired crafts: make an arrow necklace :: make newspaper feathers :: tribal inspired bangles
More cool and quirky crafts:
- Chevron braided chair cushion and there is a rug too
- Design and sew your own leggings
- Create hand painted papers
- Make rustic storage wall bins
- Three indoor gardening projects for kids
- Make leggings for baby
- Make some felt tulips
- Love the Sparkle punch quilt from OhFransson
On my coffee table:
Doodling books: Both of these books have a similar aesthetic — a little bit bohemian and a little bit street — Creative Doodling & Beyond
Spinning books: Two incredibly art yarn books that will teach you how to spin textured art yarn — it’s not easy, and is not for beginner spinners, but once you have mastered the basic techniques of spinning then you can move on to create some fabulous art yarns. Hand Spun
Knitted toy books: Fast & Fun Knits
[Thanks to publishers and distributors for sending me books to review, I don't get paid to post reviews but I am an amazon affiliate] (Australian’s can purchase craft books online through can do books or booktopia or else browse booko for the best prices.)
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: A practical no-nonsense guide to being frugal and eco friendly at home. This book favours the slow cooking and slow living way of life, take your time with process, live with less stuff and enjoy life more fully. Included are recipes and tips for everything from making bread from scratch to making your own oven outside and from dyeing your own fabric and yarn to making your own dye from natural sources. As well there are tips on saving energy and water, making your own beauty and hair care products, organising your pantry etc etc. Accompanied by the loveliest of illustrations this book is another must have for your library. The author, Richard Freudenberger, has written books on carpentry and renewable fuel, and is the publisher and technical editor of 
: ‘Wear your patches with pride’ is the byline of this book and I love how inventive and unique many of the ideas presented here are. This book is also a really great introduction to sewing for beginners – it includes info on setting up a sewing kit and includes instructions for the simplest of tasks, like threading a needle and unpicking a seam. A whole bunch of clever contributors offer up innovative solutions to mending dramas, from free-form jeans patches and pocket patches to cross stitch mended holes and brightly darned socks. Definitely a book for your home library. [By 
: If you can get your hand on a copy of this book then you will find more of Martha and her teams signature stylish projects. This book focusses on the holidays — crafts for Valentines, Easter, Mother’s day, Halloween, Hanukkah … you get the idea. I always think that Martha’s books are good value simply because of the sheer volume of information and ideas contained within. Plus they are beautifully styled and laid out and easy to understand. This is a great standby for when you are stuck for crafty ideas for gifts, school or decoration – you will surely find something in here to suit your skills and budget!
is published in the US by 
and 
. These books include a CD of motifs and which can be manipulated and adapted for your own projects.
by Martena Duss and Sissi Holleis (published by Andrews McMeel Publishing 2011). This indie style sewing book is written by the gang from the Paris based social sewing shop: ‘Sweat Shop’, it’s a cafe — a social sewing drop-in centre. The designs featured in the book are unusual and unique, hippy and punk and rock n roll diy — utilising refashioning and deconstruction, knitting and crossstitch, beading, glueing and stitching techniques to make a variety of hip and fashionable clothing and accessories as well as a bunch of playful things too.
, by James Marshall Reilly, published by Portfolio (December 29, 2011). Interesting and insightful book full of interesting real life stores about how people came to be where they are today – fascinating look into the journey of life.
, by Bruce Duffy, published by Doubleday & Profile books [distributed in Aus through Allen and Unwin]. I have always been a huge fan of Rimbaud’s poetry so was very interested to read about his life. A true story written as a novel — full of awkward moments about a bizarre and brilliant man.
, by Susan Waggoner, published by Hearst (September 6, 2011), distributed in Aus through Capricorn link. I do love these sorts of books, a combination of tips and tricks about organising, reusing, eco living, simple decor etc .. and lovely photos and peaks into people’s homes and lives.
