The Cushions Ban

I love cushions! but I'm not allowed to buy any more...

so I've been making my own. I've made a heart shaped cushion out of a brightly coloured stripy fabric remnant for Lexi 


and a nice rectangle one out of a lovely teal remnant, for me!

crochet and upcycled

I also turned what was going to be a crocheted blanket for Lexi that I never finished into a cushion that even hubby agreed was actually a lot nicer then the one I covered.


I've been fascinated by the idea of turning old jumpers into "knitted" cushions and have finally made two, both of which hubby liked and one he "really quite liked". I'm loving the upcycled factor as well as the shabby chic/vintage look, and now I'm thinking the plainer one could do with some crocheted flowers...


I received a "suggestion" from my Mum that I make a very Mum looking cushion with crocheted flowers on it, so guess what she got for Mothers day?! You guessed, some crocheted flowers, and a suggested layout! Lucky lady. 

Cushion topper layout suggestion

I think I'm on a winner here, I can make as many cushion covers as I like, as long as I'm covering existing cushions or giving them away! Do you think he would notice if I snuck in a few new cushion inserts..?


next...

Kiss Goodbye to MS

Once again I am going to do my bit to raise aware so we can Kiss Goodbye to MS!

MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS IS A DISEASE THAT AFFECTS OVER 23,000 AUSTRALIANS.

WHAT IS KISS GOODBYE TO MS?

An initiative of MS Research Australia, Kiss Goodbye to MS calls on people with multiple sclerosis (MS), their friends, family and colleagues to raise funds for vital research into the cause and cure of MS.

The campaign calls on supporters to wear, dare or share to fundraise in May each year: Get sponsored to WEAR red lipstick (or anything red!) in May,DARE: get sponsored to do a Kiss Goodbye to MS dare, SHARE by holding a Kiss Goodbye to MS fundraising event and spread the word on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter using #kissgoodbyetoms. - Taken from www.kissgoodbyetoms.org/about 

We are going to do a cupcake event at work, cos everyone loves cupcakes! and hopefully my friend Penny can come and have a chat to everyone about living with MS.

(actual cupcakes may vary from picture ;))

I've also found a "picture a day" list in the kiss goodbye to MS May list.

So if anyone wants to join me in the photo a day or do your own event, please feel free! and if you have any questions just ask me or go to www.kissgoodbyetoms.org

WHAT IS MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS (MS)?

MS is a chronic disease that affects the central nervous system (the brain, spinal cord and optic nerves). The progress, severity and specific symptoms of MS can not be predicted. MS is a lifelong disease for which a cause and a cure are yet to be found; however, doctors and scientists are making discoveries about the treatment and management of MS everyday.

Over 23,000 Australians have MS and the average age of diagnosis is 30 years old. MS affects three times as many women as men.

MS is the result of damage to myelin – a protective sheath surrounding nerve fibres of the central nervous system. When myelin is damaged this interferes with messages between the brain and other parts of the body.

The symptoms of MS are different for each person. Sometimes they even vary within the same person. For some people, MS is characterised by periods of relapse and remission while for others it has a progressive pattern. For everyone it makes life unpredictable.

WHAT DOES MY DONATION GO TOWARDS?

The Kiss Goodbye to MS campaign is an initiative of MS Research Australia whose mission is to accelerate Australian research targeting the prevention, better treatments and cure for MS. Australian scientists are optimistic that a cure can be found and it is your support that will make this happen.

For more information about MS Research Australia and the research projects we support, please visit www.msra.org.au.

If you would like to kelp find a cure for MS, please leave a donation at https://www.kissgoodbyetoms.org/fundraisers/individuals/vicki-saunders

“Don't cry because it's over, smile because it happened.” ― Dr. Seuss

“Don't cry because it's over, smile because it happened.” 

― Dr. Seuss

“A person's a person, no matter how small.” 

― Dr. Seuss, Horton Hears a Who!

for my nephew

Pinterest, Modge Podge and Washi Tape

I Love all three!!

From decorating tin cans to glass jars for the bathroom, I'm always looking for things to decorate and new supplies. I have been wanting to Modge Podge the top of my boring black desk with some lovely paper I had and finally managed it whilst Lexi was in childcare and we had the day off ;) Not the tin can, that was already done.

            So, since there are more then enough tutorials on how to do this, here are my tips: 

1. Make sure it's completely stuck down before modge podging, if I did it again, I would dip in a very watered down modge podge mix before placing on the desk, the paper stretches and bubbles once it's wet and doesn't shrink all the way back to it's original size once dry
2. Don't put any heat on it once it's dry, that is; do not place a towel down and iron your fabric for that sewing project your working on cos hubby has set his laptop up on the ironing board...

The sewing project meanwhile is another Pinterest inspired project. I didn't take the pattern or instructions from Pinterest, just the inspiration. I was meaning to make some leggings for Lexi but didn't have enough material. In hind sight, I probably did but had over estimated how long they needed to be. I did a box pleat as this would be easier then threading elastic and perhaps less home made looking. In the end, it is too long and a bit wide, but it will fit her next year or perhaps I can sell it on Etsy too... 

Distraction from teething!

So for 2 weeks Lexi has not been sleeping or eating well, this of course meant moodiness and lack of energy. Of course we were completely wrong with all our diagnoses, proven by 2 molar teeth sticking through and the other 2 gums being all swollen! 

So now that we are dealing with the correct issue, quality of life in the Saunders household has quickly improved. 

So after chewing on some pieces of dried apples and very cold grapes, we set out for a proper distraction, the best if which is painting... 

A friend had given Lexi a small canvas and paints for her birthday - don't worry, they have a baby now and we will repay them in kind one day. So while the grapes were being devoured I set everything up. I had another canvas lying around and a bonus brown paper bag. Lexi watched with increasing excitement until she could contain herself no more and demanded her Daddy lift her from her high chair. 

I've given up in paint brushes and we just use our fingers now...

And hands! 

Which means we combine creativity and sensory play in one activity. 

We were left with a couple of masterpieces,a designer gift bag, a painted toddler and one face painted mummy! 

All in all, very happy with the outcome, and when you combine the bath time after, almost an hours worth of distraction!!

Edit:

And then because I could help my self and I had some embossing powder I'd never used... 

Vicki has an Etsy Shop!

Well Mum and I have been talking about it for a while now, and then Mum started knitting scarves on mass!! I've bought a few from her and given one as a birthday present, but really we wanted to see if we could sell something on Etsy.

Mum found some great knitting yarn and an easy pattern, which along with some spare craft time, she whipped up 10 scarves! I've been waiting for the cooler months to arrive and after the recent cold spell I bit the bullet and uploaded them all to Etsy! 




I found Etsy very user friendly and it was quite quick in the end as I could just copy the previous listing and make a few small changes for the colours and photo's. I created a shipping profile which I could just add to each one and i made one small error I could bulk edit, which was great!! 

made to order gloves

The pictures could do with a bit more work, but it was raining and I couldn't take the photos outside. Lexi and I were the models and I took the close ups on a dark chair. Lexi really seemed to enjoy her small role and seemed to know exactly what to do!





I then Pinned, facebook and Twittered them, in the hope that someone would see and love them!! I absolutely and very nerdy like, love to watch the stats and watch as my views, loves and followers increased! 

Mum has since made 2 more scarves which she took photos of and I have add to etsy. 



So come and have a look and if you don't want to buy one, know that I noticed your view and would very much appreciate your Love!!

TuckLeeCreations

Another successful day!

Although perhaps slightly less successful, we did do well today. The washing up went ok with the main difference being that Lexi seemed only interested in washing the outside of things... In the end I had my own sink with soapy water and I washed and Lexi rinced. She really didn't seem to mind this. 

Morning tea was a cupcake, of course! 

The rain, once again, didn't eventuate, so we watered the garden instead. Well, Lexi watered the garden and I tried to stay out if firing range! 

Next I pulled out some Thomas flannel and did some sewing. I wasn't really sure where we were going with this, but after some Pinterest browsing we decided on pajama pants, of which we are in short supply. Lexi got the hang of sewing quite quickly. 

We also made a bag out of the leftover material. 

    

The afternoon found us taking a quick walk up to the shops to buy elastic. We took the trike and Lexi had her first successful attempt at peddling and steering herself. 

She was pretty pleased with herself. 

Another successful day!