Little Chillies heat up

If you haven't already discovered Little Chillies, here's a taste of what you've been missing...

Really cute don't you think? (I wish there was a brand that made dresses with matching fabric shoes for grown ups.) Up until now, their range has only produced designs up to size 2, but the great news is that like so many Australian online businesses, the Chillies are growing! They've enlisted a pattern maker and new fabric suppliers and will be wholesaling their new designs (that will now extend up to size 4) from February. So keep an eye out for Little Chillies at your favourite spots both online and instore, but in the meantime, head over to their site (here) where you can still buy their designs direct. (and you'll be able to say, "Little Chillies? I knew them back when...")...

Make it: Homemade Glue

Image via

A good thing to have on hand for any craft undertaking is glue. And, in an effort to instill some of those Simple Living principles I posted about last week, I'm hoping to teach the boys that not everything has to come from the shops. This recipe comes from Rae Grant via Simple Mom. So here goes...

Organize the Project with Your Kids

Let’s be honest, sometimes it’s much easier to not have the help of children but it is valuable to your child when they learn to listen to directions and are involved in the process. Before you begin, here are a few extra steps to do in advance of the paste project. Definitely get your kids to help in this stage of the project.

1. Make a list of necessary items you will need and gather all materials such as craft sticks for stirring, measuring cups, measuring spoon, and a mixing bowl.

2. Gather and collect small yogurt containers. Have a washing session in the sink with soap and water. Wash and dry and set containers on a clean dish towel.

3. Lay out newspapers or a plastic tablecloth on your work surface.

4. Once this is ready you can begin making the paste.

Making the Paste

Here’s my favorite simple no-cook paste recipe to try. It is perfect for pasting collages, homemade cards, or paper chains. I like it a little watery but if you want a thicker paste then add one or two tablespoons of flour to get the consistency you desire. I prefer to start with small batches to avoid waste. This recipe makes about 6 oz (a small yogurt container). These 6 ounces will go a long way in one day. If you have several children you can let them each make their own batch or divide the recipes into small containers. Adding a dab of tempera craft paint to each container can make this an exciting project as well. Cover with a lid and refrigerate when not in use for about 1 week.

Ingredients

1/2 cup all-purpose flour

1/4 cup cold water

pinch of salt

Craft stick or fork for stirring

Method

1. Measure 1/4 cup of flour and place in a small mixing bowl.

2. Gradually add water to the paste and stir well with a fork to combine.

3. Add the remaining flour and stir until the consistency is smooth and creamy.

4. Pour the paste into a clean plastic container and cover with a fitted lid or waxed paper and a rubber band until ready to use.

Make it: NYE Crackers

If you've got as many leftover christmas sweets lying around the house as we do, you're going to love this idea...

Step 1. Take your leftover choccies, lollipops and sweets

Step 2. Gather a collection of empty cardboard toilet rolls (you know, the centre bits)

Step 3. Add some shiny wrapping paper (there should be no shortage of this at the moment...)

Step 4. And finally, some confetti or shredded paper (but confetti works better)

Step 5. Fill each roll with confetti and sweets.

Step 6. Wrap each tube like a bon bon and tie with ribbon!

Voila! Crack away!

Via Make&Take

I feel a tonne of craft projects coming on....

 Steady yourself for a month of craft madness here at nooshloves! I am the proud new owner of not one, but two of Kelly Doust's incredible books, The Crafty Minx and The Crafty Kid and I do love to share...

Glue gun at the ready... Hold onto your hats! 

And if you just can't wait until tomorrow - have a look here at Kelly's blog. I love her....

Reuse & Repurpose - great cheap craft materials

Lovely huh? There's still time to knock one together if you happen to have a thousand spools handy. Places like Reverse Garbage in Sydney often sell things like this for next to nothing. If you aren't in Sydney they have an online store where you can order lots of great craft bits and pieces for kids in small or bulk quantities at super cheap prices and have them delivered to your door anywhere in Australia. How good is that!?? 

I love trips to RG at Marrickville. The kids get so excited rumaging through all the interesting stuff. You never know what you'll find! And that's half the fun!

Etsy's best! Lovely Lockets

Is it just me or do you end up buying things for yourself when you're supposed to be christmas shopping? I was snooping around the A Cup of Jo blog this morning when I saw this...

...and I have to say, she quite literally took my breath away. She's designed by Alyson Fox, her name is Colour Study and you can buy her here at Verabel's etsy store. It is possible that Hugh's rainbow fetish is rubbing off on me but hello!? Isn't she beautiful? I thought so - and yep - I bought her. Noosh-daddy is soooo busy at work I thought I'd be helping him out... 

You need to hop on over to Etsy and ogle these beauties... 

amelia inspired locket

filigree rose locket

bird lariat

the orb

If you still need more persuasion, the prices on these are really reasonable, and with the exchange rate being soooo kind at the moment.... Go on! Go!!!!