Tuppence Crafts

Introducing Baby Sign Language

2010-12-02T03:01:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone...I have a special post for you today from a lovely lady called Misty Weaver...have a read it is very interesting....

Introducing Baby Sign Language

Baby sign language is easy and fun, and it’s the best way to start communicating with your pre-verbal child. You can begin to sign at any time, and the signs are simple to learn. Baby sign language is a simplified version of baby sign language for Babies. To make a start, all you need is to learn a few basic signs. When you’re starting out with baby sign language , it’s best to begin with signs you can practice on a daily basis, such as Mommy, Daddy, and Milk. Your baby will learn the sign by watching you, so practice is very important. Read on to find out more…

How To Start Signing To Your Baby
First you need to learn a few starter signs (see below for three great ones). As well as using signs it’s important to say the word that goes with the sign clearly, making good eye contact. Remember – baby sign language is a ‘stepping stone’ to full speech, not a replacement for it. Practice the signs beforehand so you feel confident about what you are doing.

Repetition Is Important
Repetition is the key to teaching baby sign language. Make the sign and say the word every time you do an action or use an object. You will need to find ways to build the signs into your daily routine so that signing becomes second-nature. Your baby will learn the signs through repetition (and so will you), and eventually it will be natural for him to sign back.

Patience Is A Virtue!
Don’t expect too much too soon. Your baby is unlikely to be signing if he is only 4 months old and you’ve been signing with him for a week. Research by Dr. Joseph Garcia, one of the founders of modern baby sign language, found that a typical baby who starts baby sign language at six months needs about two months of repetition and exposure to a sign to start using it.

Some Signs To Get You Started:

MOMMY: To make the sign for Mommy, extend and spread your fingers apart on your right hand. With your little finger facing forwards, tap your thumb on your chin.

DADDY: To make the sign for Daddy, extend and spread out the fingers on your right hand, then tap your hand on your forehead with your thumb. This is similar to the sign for Mommy but done higher up the head.

Tired: The first step is to notice when baby is tired. When it is time to begin the bedtime routine, make the sign for Tired. To sign Tired, extend your fingers and hold them together. Start with your fingers touching your chest, with your elbows up. Drop your elbows down. It is as if you are so tired you cannot keep holding your arms up.

I hope you enjoyed this post....blessings to all of you for a very happy Christmas...Patricia

I'M Back!!

2010-07-31T21:11:00.000-07:00

Warning...this is a long post.

Hi everyone...I am finally back after such a long break.
I have been so busy....and even though I haven't been posting, I have been reading your blogs and seeing that all of you have been so busy also.In my absence I have opened up two new blogs, the first is my 'Baby Comforts' blog which I have posted before, but only now have been able to post on it....when you get a chance, mosey on over and have a look. The other blog I have started is called 'All for the love of God'...as I am a very strong practicing catholic, I felt the call inside me to start this blog to promote Our Lady's messages and to post the religious items I create...I would love it if you dropped by and checked this blog out also...I would also love it if you became a follower on each blog, as making more friends always makes me happy.Do you think I am mad having 3 blogs....maybe I am, but I will sure try to keep up with them and enjoy posting on each one and making more Friends in this wonderful blog land.On my break we have also started renovating our kitchen (finally!!) here are some pics of the progress....Very dark kitchen....look at the yukky ceiling!!

This is my son David, ripping up the floor tiles...

here we have all the cupboards out...

it is late at night now and the window is out and the moths and other bugs are getting in...eeekkk!!

Here is my hubby(in the blue), my son David (stripes top) and my brother Noel ..they finally got the new window in...

my hubby and another one of my brothers (Lucian), he is the cabinet maker who is doing my kitchen, his business is called Millgrove Cabinets....victoria...he is the best in the business...do I sound bias??

Well now cupboards have been put back in position to give me a temporary kitchen until the new one goes in....I will definitely post when it is all done.

Now for more news....my business 'Tuppence Crafts' is in the new machine embroidery magazine...they have done a profile on me....take a look..

I was so happy to see myself in print....yay!

More news...I have made kits for my little mice....I actually sold my first kit through the machine embroidery magazine....the price is $15 a kit ... on my website it has the price of a fully made mouse for the same price, but these completed mice will be going up to $16.50....if anyone is interested in a kit...just email me and I will make one up for you....please let me know which colour you would like also..

Phew....that is a long post....I better stop now as this has taken me nearly the whole day (including working on the other blogs).....I hope you enjoy this post and I will catch up again real soon......many blessings to you all.....Patricia

Taking a break

2010-03-01T23:01:00.000-08:00

Things have gotten too much to handle at the moment, so I have decided to take a break from blogging.
I will still be checking to see what you are all up to, but I will be quiet on my home front until I am ready to join in again....sorry to all my followers and for all your lovely comments......Patricia

Dabbling in scrapbooking

2010-02-24T20:26:00.001-08:00

Hi everyone...it's a beautiful sunny day outside...not too hot and not too cold...just perfect. I have been having a rest day today...lying down..sitting in the sun...just relaxing...I think it does the body and mind a lot of good to just veg-out sometimes.

I have been dabbling in scrap booking a bit lately...here are some of my creations...

This is a postal container made into a storage container. I have used scrap booking paper and all sorts of pictures, lace,buttons and other things to make it look vintage and pretty. I made a fabric yoyo for on top on the lid with a ribbon to pull on to get the lid off.

I really loved making this!
This is a writing journal made into vintage style....I love to write in books! The brown and cream flowers along the spine of the book is what I won on Clare's giveaway...it really came in handy and looks lovely for this project...thanks Clare!There is so many lovely ways to decorate journals. I hope you like my creations.

Oh well...I better start getting dinner made now, before the time runs away.
Hope you are all well and happy....many Blessings to you all in this Lent time...catch up again soon.....Patricia

sorry

2010-02-21T01:38:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone....I am really sorry, (especially to the ones who follow my blog) . I haven't been able to blog lately.....not because I haven't had time, but because I have been going through one of those ongoing bad times when you feel really down all the time...I think it all comes around this age (late 40's) and I think I got a real doozy of it......I was even given an award from sandbox Gems, which I am so thankful to her for thinking of me, you are such a sweetie, but I wasn't able to write 10 happy things I like, because of what I was going through...I am really sorry. The things women go through!!!! never ceases to astound me. anyway..... I have finally started feeling better after getting myself some herbal tablets and I have started working on my website and doing my craft work again. I am hoping to be able to show you some new creations soon. I hope you are all well and happy...I will catch up again soon.....Patricia

Eggs Galore

2010-01-16T21:17:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone...here are some pictures from my sisters place and the lovely eggs she decorates...she is very talented.
Here we have three of my sisters....Michele is the first one who does the egg decorating, Marcia is the second one, she does painting (she has also done lessons with Anna Rosa)...the third one is Christine, she does sewing and painting also and the forth one is my lovely sister in-law Gaye. (her daughter Kelly Rode was the lead singer of the play 'Mama Mia'.) I wonder, did anyone in blog land get to see Kelly singing in Mama Mia? she has such a beautiful voice.

Here are some of Michele's decorative eggs she made.....she has about 3 cabinets full of these eggs...and she let all the girls pick one at Christmas time when we were at her home...when I unwrap mine (I haven't got a safe place to put it yet) then I will show you the egg I got.

Lovely, aren't they?

Hope you enjoyed the pictures...I will catch up again soon....Patricia

My gift arrived :)

2010-01-13T02:13:00.001-08:00

Hi everyone, I received my gift from Clare's giveaway....look how she went to all the trouble of wrapping it so well with a beautiful ribbon.
When I opened the package...there was so much there.
I got her beautiful patterns, buttons, fabrics, lace, an assortment of scrap booking things, ribbons and even a badge saying 'winner'.....I absolutely love it all......Thank you so much Clare...I can't wait to start creating.

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I went up to Maldon area (Vic) to my sister's place over Christmas time and we stayed at a lovely little cottage which was built in 1860....it was only for 2 days, but we really enjoyed our time there.....I think though, my teenage children got abit bored....too far away from a McDonald's takeaway!!

Here is the cottage gate...I wanted to take this home with me.

The front of the cottage...and also my new turbo Subaru..... :)

nice cosy lounge room.

Isn't this bathroom beautiful...I wanted the decorative basin also!

comfy bed with gorgeous quilts on them.

As you drive up to the cottage, the road sort of branches out three ways and in the middle is this lovely pond which had ducks in it...we also woke up to seeing wild rabbits and lizards in the garden....it was a really good holiday.(short, but good).

Sorry about sooo many pics, but I had to also show you this lovely lavender plant which was in the garden.....I couldn't leave without taking a photo.

When I post again, I will show you some pictures of my sister's place and her decorative eggs...she has a business called 'Eggsotic Eggs"...her work is amazing.

so I will catch up again....hope you are all well and busy sewing.......Patricia

I won!

2009-12-21T16:56:00.000-08:00

Guess what?...I won Clare's giveaway....it is the first giveaway I have ever won. Even though it comes after Christmas...it is a great gift for me....thankyou Clare.... Mosey on over to Clare's Craftroom and see the beautiful Christmas decoration she made. She is very creative!
Merry Christmas to all....Patricia

A quick post

2009-12-20T16:43:00.000-08:00

This is a quick post before I start on housework....again!!...

I thought I would show you another craft I like doing..... which is making journals or any type of scrap booking....I love doing this along with all my other crafts...it's so much fun using little flowers, laces, pictures....anything really and making something beautiful out of it.
These were actually done for an order...I hope the little girls like them.

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I thought I would just throw in this pic of my brother-in-laws car....nice-isn't it??
I wouldn't have the nerve to drive it though...(I don't think he would let me anyway!!...lol

Hope you all have a lovely day......God Bless....Patricia

Christmas time

2009-12-17T16:15:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone....it seems we are all so busy this Christmas, more busier than normal. Have you noticed the the Christmas cards haven't been coming, or being sent out? Christmas shopping has also been left to the last minute also...this is me anyway.....I am just trying to cram everything in. I miss the peaceful, enjoyable Christmas times....have you all been going through the same thing??

Well...I did managed to get these projects completed...

the bag below is for a little girl....I love polka dots!!
I hope she liked it....she will be able to put all her treasures in it.

My daughter is very talented on photo shop....it is something I'm hoping she will expand on for her future....here are some pics she has taken of herself and changed in photo shop....what do you think? It's amazing how we have to try and try to work things out on computers, yet to the youth, it just seems to come so natural to them.

I better finish off now and get some housework done.
I wish you all a very Blessed, joyful and safe Christmas and New Year.... Patricia

Rainy days....peaceful

2009-11-21T18:17:00.000-08:00

Hello everyone...
Today we have beautiful, much needed rain...in fact it has rained for 2 days now...I can almost hear the plants singing with joy. This has been a lovely change from the sticky hot weather we have had lately....it makes it so much easier to get things done in this cooler weather and everyone seems alot more calmer.

Yesterday I was browsing through some sites and I came across this saying on this machine embroidery site...http://www.oregonpatchworks.com/index.htm-:

'People may not remember exactly what you did, or what you said -but - they will always remember how you made them feel.'

This saying is so true...it really makes you stop and think, because we are in contact with so many people in just one day and mostly, this will be family....so we want to leave a lasting joy for them in remembering us.
Looking back on my own upbringing I remember my mum (she has passed on now..16 yrs ago), but I remember I always felt so secure and at peace with her....I remember how she was always smiling and laughing even though she had to deal with 11 of us children. She wasn't a mum that yelled or demanded...she just did what mums do to look after us in a very peaceful manner and when she was upset we would see her tears, but then she would just wipe her tear with her hankie and then just start again...she was a mum who makes me want to be like her....I hope I make my family and other people feel happy and at peace also.

I have made another baby hat ...this one I have added a lace flower...very cute! If you look closely you can see the ABC,s on the pink fabric... this hat is more for this spring/summer type of weather as it is only made from thin stretch fabric..
I have also been busy making cushions and Journals, but I haven't any pics of these...my daughter seems to have taken over my camera!!

gotta go now... hope to post again soon....many blessings to you all .....Patricia

Country Quilt

2009-11-10T23:48:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone...ooohhh, it has been awhile...I am definitely getting slack.
I have been very busy doing orders lately and I finally completed my new look website and added new products....go on over and have a look. http://www.tuppencecrafts.com.au/, you may even find something you want.

It has been so hot here in Melbourne and my craft room doesn't have an air conditioner...talk about sweating it out!! I am going to buy one though, something I should have done before this hot weather hit.

I haven't done any extra projects for myself yet so I decided to show you a quilt I made a little while back (which is also on my website). This is a very country quilt...I bought the top and bottom boarders of the little houses, with the words 'Bless our home' on it and I worked the quilt in it...then I appliqued all the flowers on as a spray.....it gives it a real homey feel....I love that.
Lately I have had so many craft ideas going through my head, but been too busy to make them up...so they all go into my little book in waiting....I'm sure you all go through this as well....we will all get there one day....don't you think?? I can't seem to get this writing under these pictures...so I will have to put it here....one day I will surprise myself and work this blogging programme out...anyway I will finish off now and get back to my work again...ho hummm...someones gotta do it...isn't it...

Hope you are all well and happy...many blessings to you all....Patricia

2009-10-25T19:10:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone...wow, October is already coming to the end..and it will be Christmas soon...time is going so fast, I just can't keep up...I think I will have to do another list of priorities!!

Here is an update of our little Jem...he is now sleeping at night. We made a section in the lounge room for him to sleep, because he was too cold in the laundry and it really worked...he now sleeps all night and also waits until he is taken outside in the morning to do his business!! he still has accidents indoors during the day, but that is improving.
Look at this cutie, snuggled up on the couch like a baby.sooo spoilt!

I have busy been making Christmas wall hangings, among other things...this one I machine embroidered with some singing mice from the Embroidery Library site. The background I did, stood out abit too much for my liking, but I am making more with other designs using a paler background...what do you think?... I am hoping to get them on my website before Christmas.
we also celebrated my son's 24th birthday in early October...sometimes it feels just like yesterday that I brought him home from the hospital...24 years has flown.
I hope you are all well and happy...catch up soon....God Bless....Patricia.

update

2009-10-14T16:23:00.000-07:00

Just here quickly to say a big thank you for all the lovely comments we received about Jem.
Yes he is sooo cute.
He doesn't like to stay in the laundry at night though and keeps us up with his yelping and crying...this morning I was up at 4 or 5 o'clock to stop him from waking everyone up...so I ended up sleeping on the couch with Jem sleeping right at my face...lol...so funny...but very tiring. If anyone else knows how to get a puppy to stay in the laundry and stay quiet...I'm open to suggestions!!
I think today I will be sewing with my eyes closed....oh well..at least he brings alot of happiness and laughter to the family.

catch up soon again and hopefully with my sewing pics.
God Bless to you all....Patricia

New addition

2009-10-12T19:50:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone...sorry I haven't been around much lately...life just seems to get too busy!!

We have a new addition to our family...his name is Jem...and he is just gorgeous...wouldn't you say so?? Here are some pics of him and I'm sure as time goes by you will see more and more of Jem.He is so small, I have to be careful not to step on him....sooo cute!!

On another note...a sewing note...I have been making lots of cushions and still making baby items and now I am also busy sewing things for Christmas...which is coming up too fast.
I will be posting pics of my new creations soon.
I have also been doing clean-outs of all things which are just cluttering up my house ...are you doing this too??...it seems most of my extended family and friends are doing this...I am wanting in my home, more space and everything looking bright and white...well I have started doing this little by little and it's amazing how good it makes you feel to wake up in the morning and see all the changes which have been made....you know the old saying..' a change is as good as a holiday'.

I better get back to my work before I get caught up on the computer for too long...
I hope you are all well and happy...enjoy your day.....Patricia

To put a smile on your face.

2009-09-28T16:30:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone...as you can tell by my last post, things have been very stressful....but I noticed everyone I have talked to has been going through the same things...very tired, busy, so much to do, feeling overwhelmed and the list goes on....now as we all don't want to keep going down-hill and it is best to think positive, I thought I would post some funny picture clips which I cut out of the old 'Better Homes & Garden' magazines...these little cartoon pics really make me smile...I especially love the expressions they put on the faces in these clips.
I think it is a good idea to bring as many happy things into our days, then it can be passed onto everyone else in some form or other...

I love this one-A good way of making money..lol checkout the expression...so funny!!
I have also added this article about negative and positive talk...I hope it helps someone...it did help me. (sorry the writing is a bit small, I couldn't get it bigger)
anyway I better start on my housework and I will do it in a happy frame of mind, It is amazing, when you do things in a positive way, it really doesn't became a downer any more....remember
smile at someone, it is contagious..

Many blessings to you all......Patricia.

I think I can..I think I can.

2009-09-20T16:08:00.000-07:00

My title is what I keep saying to myself..I have so much on my agenda to do, that it is becoming overwhelming...I haven't even got any new pictures to show you..but...I will keep repeating to myself...I think I can...I think I can, then I know I will achieve everything I have to do.
Positive thinking...isn't that what it's called.
Not giving up.. going forward. I know this is what all those positive people do and they also do it with a smile on their face. Lovely people like this are an ispiration to me.
So I will be smiling and going forward and hopefully you will see my special efforts soon.
For now though, I will leave you with my Blessings and catch up again...soon!

Patricia.

Gloomy day

2009-09-12T21:11:00.000-07:00

The weather has been so gloomy today, it really makes me want to just stay in bed all day.
But... I have cushions to sew. I have an order from a lovely lady called Trudy Allsopp...she is an interior decorator. Have a look at her site..www.colourconfidence.com.au
So I have been very busy making different kinds of cushions.

The home has also been very quiet with one son away at Phillip Island. He works for Beaurepairs and is fitting tyers in the pitts (I Think this is how you spell it) for the car races...he is loving every bit of it.....but it is amazing when just one family member isn't at home...how much quieter it is...he will be back home today though....so it will be back to the usual laughter and arguments between sibblings.

I thought I would show you this lovely towell stand my son's got me for my birthday....I use it for my quilts...I love it!I have to get myself more busy and make some new quilts...I have so many ideas in my head, but like everyone, I am trying to race against time..

I am off to mass soon and have to get ready now...so I will catch up again soon.

Many Blessings to you all....Patricia.

Gardening day

2009-09-05T05:38:00.000-07:00

I have been doing some gardening....DH
brought this lovely clay pot home from one of his jobs (the lady who owned it, didn't want it anymore) so I went out and bought these lovely flowers and started planting....I am trying to build up my own little peace section in a garden full of every one Else's cars. (the cute stone children were also brought home from the same place )

I have also been... still... sewing more of my baby products....here are some receiving blankets I made.

It has been full on lately....trying to change my website to a more modern look....trying to set up my new 'baby comforts' blog.... and sewing ,sewing, sewing....
sometimes I sit back and day dream about sipping a drink on a nice comfy deck chair out in the sun, listening to the sound of the birds and peacefully, just enjoying a stitchery or knitting...anything just relaxing....but then I come back to reality....oh well...maybe one day it will come true...lol.

Blessings to you all.....Patricia.

Closed -in syndrome

2009-08-19T17:58:00.000-07:00

It has been awhile hasn't it?

I have been suffering with closed-in syndrome!....you see I haven't had a car for quite some time now and my daughter and I have been just stuck at home...VERY DEPRESSING.(for both of us)..believe me, it really gets to you after awhile.
But a good friend has kindly lent us a car until I get one for myself...FREEDOM!! It is so good to get out and about again.

While being trapped at home, among all the depression, I did manage to do some sewing (of course)... mostly baby items for my new blog, which I am still trying to get started.This is a set I have made which consists of a baby blanket, burp cloth(backed in Terri towelling), a pocket washer and a little beanie will also be going with this set (when I get it done).

This is another baby blanket, which I used a cream lace for the top boarder and machine embroidered 3 cute bunnies at the base of the blanket.

I have been visiting heaps of blogs also and noticed cross-stitch has well and truly become a favourite again, so I fished out two of mine which I had completed some time ago and thought I would share it with you..what do you think?

I will have to make something out of these soon...maybe you can suggest some ideas.

I am trying to get myself in full gear again (somehow) and then I will be able to finally post more and open up my new blog 'Baby Comforts'..

Many Blessings to you all....Patricia.

another blog!!

2009-08-07T16:56:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone....

I have been busy trying to start another blog for all my baby items...

I love sewing all things and trying my hand at all types of crafts, but I always seem to go back to baby things...probably because baby's have always been around me...hence...27 nieces and nephews in total at last count and coming from a family of 11..(I am in the middle).

I still haven't worked out how to seperate my profile for each blog yet, but I will work it out eventually... and when I finally have my new blog called 'Baby Comforts' ready...I will be doing a firtst time giveaway as my launch...so keep an eye out.

Here is a sample of some of the product
I have made..

A burp cloth..using cotton fabric and backed with terri towelling..

This is a baby blanket I made as a special order for
my sister's friend..the design is machine embroidered, I got it as a freebie...I don't know who the designer is, but if they let me know I will give you credit on my blog.

..and this is the be first of my spring baby hats
They are made using thin stretch fabrics, which are perfect for the chilly evenings for a baby..

I will be posting pics of some sticheries I am also working on ...but in between cooking, washing , sleeping..(I mean sweeping..lol) and everything else a mum needs to do, it will still take me some time...so in the meantime I hope you are all well and stay happy...remember smile to everyone as a smile is contagious!!

Patricia

A quick bit of info...

2009-07-22T03:07:00.001-07:00

I have been making more mice!!!

Here they are when they all got together.

They are all in pairs now for a quiet chat...
I am selling my mice on my etsy for $8.00 each.

I have also been busy making quilts.... they are only 24 1/2 " x 24 1/2 ", so they were really quick and easy to make.

Now about the list for the awards!! I have decided to take the same move as Vikki from sew useful designs and Vicki from Tozz's Corner, as I am still too new to this blogging world and don't know too many bloggers yet, but the ones I do know all deserve a reward, because I love all your blogs. So the award is for all of you.

Hope you are all happy and well. Patricia

A blog award!!!

2009-07-15T03:55:00.000-07:00

WOW!!! I HAVE BEEN GIVEN A BLOG AWARD...FIRST TIME EVER!!!...do I sound excited??

I am sooo thrilled. It was generously awarded to my by Anna Rosa.

Thank you so much Anna
I am now working on my list of 10 lovely bloggers to pass this lovely award onto. So stay tuned in the next couple of days.

Catch up soon... Patricia

Just sooo cute!!!

2009-07-11T22:36:00.000-07:00

You just have to have a look at this video clip. It is of my little niece saying her prayers before a meal. Soooo cute..

It's amazing how quick little ones learn....

I have been really busy making new projects, but still haven't had time to take photos yet....
but they will be coming soon.

Hope you are all well.
Many blessings to you all. Patricia

Abit of this and abit of that.

2009-06-26T20:13:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone, I hope you have all been well.

I have been very busy sewing and sewing, trying to make new items for my website. If anyone had told me how difficult it was to get your name out there when starting a website, I think I wouldn't have started. I find it sooo discouraging....I have had it up since October.....I have links, advertising and joined different things and still no luck:( ....I feel like giving up!...please tell me it gets better.
Anyway I better get off that subject, because it will just get me down.

I thought I would show you some pics of a beautiful table my sons bought for me.
I place some of my antique class ware on it and other things-- what do you think?
The teapot is a special piece for me, as my DH bought this from an antique shop for me. (I love it!!)

The teacup sets, my eldest son got for me from an adorable shop in Fern tree gully, called 'Posh Gully". I always send my children there when they are looking for pressies for me.Here are the pics also of the quilt I made for my sister. (she really liked it)

It is a lovely sunny day here today in Melbourne, so I think I should go out and soak it all up before the clouds start rolling in.
I hope to post very soon all the new projects I have been working .
Catch up soon.
Many Blessings to you all. Patricia

Bbbrrr.. it's cold!!

2009-06-16T17:29:00.000-07:00

I'm not a winter person. I like spring... the sun, flowers, butterfly's....

Our house is so cold, because the heater doesn't seem to warm up the whole house. We were trying to buy a small pot-belly from eBay to put in another area of the house, but it went well over $1000, so we are stuck with a cold house still :(

Using little heaters also as and addition, I have been staying indoors and making nice hot soups and sewing.
so.... this is what I have been up to.

Here is a set of ballerina bags I made for an order.
Great for little girls to take to their ballet classes.

I have also finally finished my sisters quilt, but I still have to get the photos onto my computer.

Below are some pics of a beautiful plant that has persevered through the fatal hot weather. You can see where the plant was badly burnt and brown from the heat, but this plant was determined and grow on..

You don't see this everyday in winter!!! (not in my garden anyway!! lol)

Here is a pic of my DD (who is 15 now) . She got the guitar hero for her birthday in March and she is quite a whizz on it.

I'll catch up again soon (I hope)... in the meantime be happy, smile always and keep sewing.

Patricia

Baby items

2009-05-30T04:24:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone.... yes I know it has been awhile since my last post, but
I have managed to check out a few of your lovely blogs and even leave a comment sometimes.

I have had so much going on.... visiting relies, phone calls, shopping, and falling! when I say falling, I mean just that.. I tripped over a small box in my sewing room. I don't know how I did it, but I landed on all fours....lol. I was fine that day, only having two sore pinkies, which didn't seem too bad, but the next day, one pinkie was really sore. I think it might be sprained or maybe a stretched ligament... or something. I might have to get it checked out, because the swelling won't go down. It hasn't stopped me from doing housework though....unfortunately!!

I have managed to do my sewing also. Here is a quilted baby blanket I made and sold. I will be doing more of these and selling them on my site.

It is a pale yellow, but the pic doesn't really show this too well. I also made a little baby hat ,but the design was a bit too big.

Anyway, I will try to post a bit quicker next time.

Hope you are all well and happy

Many blessings to you all. Patricia

Any Ideas???

2009-05-18T16:02:00.000-07:00

After my last post, I realized my link for my site doesn't work. If anyone out there can explain to me, how to add a link when I do a post. I would appreciate it very much.

It is a beautiful sunny day here. I am hoping to get alot done today.
I hope you all have a great day today. Patricia.

From my website.

2009-05-18T04:19:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone, I hope you have all been well.
You know.. the time has been going so fast, I can't really remember what I have been doing since I last posted. Do any of you have this problem??

It's funny, but I do remember sewing...I suppose it's because this is what I really enjoy doing.

I have been working on a few projects, but they aren't ready for photos yet, so I thought I might do a bit of advertising of products from my website...www.tuppencecrafts.com.au
I am desperately trying to get people to know my website exits, but I am having so much trouble doing this. So I thought I would start advertising a bit here. You never know, I might have some luck.

Here is a circular bag I made using cotton fabric and I have lined it with a shimmering fabric with stars on it. I hand appliqued the ballerina onto the bag and
added lace and a cord for closing the bag.
I really love making these types of bags.
What do you think?

This is a little pouch bag I made for little girls. Made from cotton fabric and edged at the top with velvet ribbon. Each bag comes with a child's bracelet and a some origami star ear-ring.
The other girls bags I have made have strap handles on them.

This is a pocket face washer. I do make usable ones, but this one is more for decoration in an en suite or for cottage (where they have B&B). I have machine embroidered the lady onto the towelling and added a lovely tassel lace.
The other ones I make which don't have the tassels are great for cleaning little faces and washing baby.

I will leave it at that for now. I would really like to know what you think of these product so far.

Hopefully I will finish the projects I'm working on and will be able to show them to you soon.

I think I need to go to bed now as my fingers don't seem to be typing right.

Many blessings and smiles to you all. Patricia

I made a handbag...

2009-05-10T19:04:00.000-07:00

I have finally finished my mystery project. It is a handbag..... for me! What do you think?

I needed a new handbag desperately-- one that would fit heaps in it. So I made this one, which also has two pockets on the inside. I already have two ladies who would like a bag made for them.

My new sewing space is a dream to work in.

Hoping to finish off my sisters quilt now...that is in between all the other pressing projects and housework..hee,hee

Hope you all have a happy and blessed day tomorrow. Patricia

The best kind of friend is the kind
you can sit on a porch and swing with,
never say a word, and then walk away
feeling like it was the best conversation
you've ever had.

Unorganized to Organized

2009-05-07T15:44:00.000-07:00

I am ashamed to show you this.... but this is how messy my sewing room was.

Now, thanks to my DH... I have a lovely organized sewing room.

I even have my fabrics colour coded in plastic tubs!!

Look at all my bench space. (not to mention my cutting table (which isn't in the picture)

OH BLISS... I can't wait to start sewing.

I will post some new project soon and projects which I have been trying to finish off.....
(gee, the way I'm talking, you would think I didn't have dishes, cooking, clothes to wash, etc...)
Oh well, I will do the best I can.

Have a really happy and blessed day everyone...Patricia.

Still here...

2009-04-30T16:20:00.000-07:00

I am still here..... but I have been having my sewing room renovated by my DH. Soooo.... my house is a nightmare.
I have taken out all my fabrics , paints, laces etc.. Just from one wall area in my room and would you believe how much I had? I didn't realized I had so much. These are now stored in every corner of my house until the renovations are done. (I think I need to do a cleanout).
I have taken photos of how it looked before and I will post them when the room is complete. (I can't wait!!!)

In the meantime, I thought I would show you my raggy quilt I made.
Cotton fabrics have been used here, but I made the mistake of doing a machine embroidered design on the squares instead of the easy stitched cross. (never again. It took me ages).
The end result was good though and It is a very warm, cosy raggy quilt now for these cold nights.

I will try to post again soon. In the meantime, I hope you are all happy and well. Blessings to all. Patricia.

Sneek Peek

2009-04-23T04:45:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone. I have started on a new project even though I still have only to machine quilt my sisters quilt together, but I couldn't resist doing another project. ( you know what it's like...too many temptations).

Look at the lovely fabric I am

using for this project. I just love it!

The 'Blessings' sign I machine embroidered.

I can't wait to finish this project. Hope it turns out OK.

**********************************************

Every Thursday, I teach sewing to three ladies. It is such a fun day. We talk, have a yummy lunch and we even do some sewing....lol. My daughter (whom I home school ) also sews and helps. She is very talented in her creative skills.

This gorgeous baby hat was made by my good friend Marie. The rocking horse was done using applique. She also made a matching burp cloth and a bunny rug with applique lady bugs. (beautiful). The quilt is actually a pillow sham, done in quilt style. She has done a fantastic job.

The pictures on the right are of the bag my daughter made. She used vinyl for the outside of the bag and pink with white spots cotton fabric for the lining and handle. (clever, isn't she?)

Must be signing off now. I am having problems with my website Tuppence Crafts. Apparently on some computers, it is showing up with heading running into titles and wording in wrong fonts and so on... I don't know why this would happen - It doesn't show up like this on my computer. soooo I have to try and fix it all. Keeps me busy.

Cya for now...blessings to all. Patricia.

My Angels

2009-04-16T05:23:00.000-07:00

Well I washed dishes (no dishwasher), washed and dried clothes, made beds, cleaned house...totally exhausted by then, I was going to do some sewing. Well that didn't happen, so I don't have my project to show you.

Soooo I thought I would show you some of my angels.

This beautiful angel on the right is my Christmas angel. We light the candle every Christmas to celebrate the birth of Jesus. ( this statue weighs aton.)

Here we have my kitchen shelf angel, who watches me cook.

Then I have my kissing angels. (cute arn't they)

I do have more, but I am having trouble placing my pictures. Everytime I upload the pics, they won't stay in the place I put them or if I press the 'backspace' or 'enter' button, I lose some of the pictures. I must be doing something wrong. Any suggestions will be welcome.

Anyway I'm hoping to get sewing done tomorrow.

I hope everyone has a happy and blessed day tomorrow. Patricia

MEET LOUI AND LARRY

2009-04-12T21:32:00.000-07:00

Mice- twice as nice!!!

What do you think, cute arn't they?

I have had the pattern for these cuties for along time,

so I decided to make them and show you.

I am hoping to make more so I can sell them on my website.

(sorry for some of the blurred pics.)

Today is so sunny and peaceful that I have decided to sew and be creative all day.

I hope you all are having a happy day. Patricia.

HAPPY EASTER EVERYONE.

2009-04-11T20:36:00.000-07:00

I hope you all have a very blessed and joyful Easter. Patricia

Holy Week

2009-04-09T05:48:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone. I don't have any pictures today as I have been very involved in Holy Week.
Today I attended the Basilica in Camberwell (Our Lady of Victories church) for the washing of the feet and Holy Mass. Tomorrow for Good Friday, I will be attending the Stations Of The Cross and then Holy Mass at 3.00pm (when Our Lord died on the cross)
Then I have to prepare for sunday 19th April for Divine Mercy Sunday. (a very special day to Catholics). If you do want to know abit about Divine Mercy Sunday, just look up on your computor under 'Divine Mercy' or ' St. Faustina'.
So....inbetween I will be doing sewing also, as I need to finish my sisters quilt and quickly do another quilt for a reletive's birthday.
I will post some pics when they are completed.
I hope everyone has a very happy and holy week. Patricia.

Almost Finished

2009-04-01T22:11:00.000-07:00

I have finally finished the top of my sisters quilt.

Sooo busy, but I am determined to finish this.

I am pleased with the results so far. I hope my sister likes it.

LOOK WHAT I FOUND!!

I was browsing through a second hand shop and I found this lovely little stool, It is very old. You can tell by the underside of how it is put together .

I bought this for only$5.50 ( what a bargain).

I also bought the lace doiley for only $2.00.

Anyone who knows me, knows how much I like the old and antique things.

I will post some pics now and again to show you some of my collection.

New fabrics

2009-03-27T19:54:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone, well it has been one of those weeks. I haven't had time to breath. I have been doing alot of things for Divine Mercy Sunday, which comes up the first sunday after easter sunday. I have also been embroidering alot of the crosses which I posted last time for this special day. I did manage to get some new fabric to start another project. I have been thinking of making a raggy quilt with it. What do you think?

We also had a bit of a dilemma on Thursday, when my husband had what we thought was a sty in his eye, but after going to the doctors on friday, we found that it was actually a piece of steel in his eye. (very painful). Today his eye seems to be alot better, but still very red. He is at the doctors again today, so we will see what he has to say about it. (troubles are never ending!!!) Anyway I'm sure alot of you know what weeks like this are.

I have finally finished all the housework today and now plan to do some sewing.

Hope you all have a very happy and blessed day. Patricia

Helllllooooowwww......

2009-03-19T15:29:00.000-07:00

Yoo Hooo... is anyone there? I seem to be talking to myself. Oh well, for anyone who does happen to come across my blog, I thought I would show you some pics from my garden.

arn't the colours on these birds beautiful?

I have been sewing more of my crosses, but running out of thread. I need to stock up more on nearly all the colours of my threads.(there goes another lot of money!!!)

I went to 'Patchwork with Gail B' shop. It is a shop of temptation for me. I wanted to buy everything and the quilts hanging in the shop are just sooo inspirational. But..... I was good and only bought some chenille in a pink and moave colour. I am hoping to make a raggy quilt. I will post some pics when I start.

Must go now ..need to start cleaning up (mother in law coming today), she is such a lovely lady and so active. she is in her 70's, but can out-do me for sure.

Have a very happy day and I hope your day has many blessings. Patricia

BUSY.BUSY. ME

2009-03-14T18:49:00.000-07:00

These last 5 days have been so busy for me. First. My husband and I celebrated our 25th wedding anniversary. We had a lovely dinner at Flippin Pancake restaurant in the Dandenongs. It was so peaceful and enjoyable. I was also at Divine Mercy Publications in Caulfield helping out and they gave us some beautiful flowers and a very special card. We also got a card and a bottle of wine from a dear friend who attends my sewing classes. It was an anniversary to remember.

Just gorgeous, dont' you think?

Second. My daughter had a small party for her 15th birthday . Her birthday is actually on the 17th march, but we thought it best to have the party on the weekend. She got her much wanted 'guitar hero' , so she was very happy.

Third. I have been sewing and doing my machine embroidery. Below you will see the cross with the Amazing Grace words. These crosses take about 25minutes to stitch out, but they are certainly worth the wait. I was very happy with the finished results. What do you think?

I have also been sewing some cute cuddle cushions for little ones. These come in really handy when they are feeling sick or sleepy or just wanting to cuddle their own cushion. I still need to make alot more of these.

Today is Sunday and I'm going to try to rest. WHATS THAT? Yes we all know that just doesn't seem to happen, but I'm going to at least try.

Hope you all are happy and well. God bless you all. Patricia

My daughters creative talents.

2009-03-10T04:40:00.000-07:00

I have been very busy the last couple of days, so I haven' t been able to do much of my sisters quilt. How do you all cope with doing housework, running in and around in the car, cooking, paying bills (again and again!!!!) and then, trying to fit in sewing. I'm at a loss. One day I might be able to get myself organized.(not)... anyway I thought instead I will post some pics of my very talented daughter - she is very creative with her hands. take a look...

these are roses made from crepe paper.A lilly made from origami paper.Paper stars made from origami paper stipes.
She has even made earings out of the stars. Isn't she clever. I will post again soon. Hoping I have more of the quilt finished to show you all. Many blessings to you all. Patricia

Quilt in progress

2009-03-05T03:23:00.000-08:00

Well, I have started my sisters quilt, using all cotton fabrics in moave colours. What do you think? I'm not sure how big I will do this one but at least I have started. I have to still sew this block completely together, but I thought I would show you what I have done so far.

Below is also a pic of a cushion I am almost finished. I have done wider spacing in the word stitching for a different look. Buttons and insert still have to be made.

I will post again soon. Have a really happy day! Patricia

New gal on the block

2009-03-04T00:25:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone.

I am very nervous about starting this blog. I really don't know what to expect or how it is going to go as time goes by, but I will do my best. Any encouraging words or tips would be most welcome.

I will start off by showing you a pic of one of my little hats I make . I use fleece and stretch fabric for the lineing and I machine embroider lovely designs of childrens names onto the hat.

I have sold many of these on ebay and shops.

I just love making these baby hats, they are very warm and look gorgeous on babies.

(cute isn't it?)

Soon I will be adding pics of a quilt I am making for my sister.

In the meantime I will keep sewing and working on this new blog. Patricia