30 Days Of Creativity - Project 13 - Recycled

Recycling should be a way of life for all who inhabit Mother Earth. Seven billion people leave much waste daily and our carbon footprints are affecting our present and future. There are plenty ways to recycle and once it becomes habit, you won't even realise it becoming a way of life.

In South Africa our government has failed, even with ample warning decades ago, that our nuclear substation is overloaded. We needed to build a new one back then which would take about 10 years to build. 2013 - nothing. As a consequence the citizens of this nation pay the price with 'load shedding'. What is load shedding? - well, load shedding is when suburbs go without power for a certain time period, each suburb gets their turn. A few years back, load shedding plunged our city into utter chaos. When traffic lights don't work during peak hours, the consequences are huge. I recall sitting in traffic for 2 hours to drive 3kms with a hungry, tired, child and screaming baby. I almost resorted to drastic measures. I'm convinced walking would have gotten me further faster. Let's not forget our summer months hitting temps of 35• and higher!

When load shedding came our way, we used our gas skottle to cook on, boil water and even use as a lovely bright light, provided we had the right accessories to attach to our gas cylindar. I loved our cool breeze patio dinners. They are so romantic when using candles.

South Africa is well know for our wines which our nation is proud of. Winning plenty awards for various brands internationally, my brother in the UK says he misses a decent bottle of delicious 'plonk'. SA wines there are very pricy but life is short and there are no guarantees for tomorrow so make every occasion a red wine day :)

For this theme, recycled - I used the empty bottle of a much enjoyed red wine, Shiraz (my favourite, favourite) You can remove the label by soaking it in a little warn soapy water but I like the character it gives the bottle. Using a standard tall candle, I transform it into a unique candle holder on the patio. This is especially nice as you can burn a few around the garden. It's somewhat hypnotic watching the wax trickle down. Romantic too. In this picture, I have started a new bottle, over time, using different colour candles - the wax builds up and looks so pretty. A lovely recycled centre piece on your patio table during summer nights.

1.

Repurposed and reused.

Happy Crafting
SunshineMac
#30DoC

30 Days Of Creativity - Project 20 - Bear

I enjoy all things origami and there is practically anything you can make from one folded and folded piece of paper. It's an art and beautiful talent. Remember, it isn't origami if you use glue or cut in any way. YouTube has countless videos of how to make an origami bear. Some very simple and others rather detailed and time consuming, not to mention confusing at times.

For this theme - Bear, I got chatting to a local Zimbabwean man whom we support in buying his handcrafted goods.
He is very talented and can make anything you request from his basic materials of beads and wire.
Although I myself did not craft this particular craft, I felt it appropriate to share this space with him.
He does not have the added luxury of internet or modern technology to market and sell his goods. He sets up his tables daily outside a restaurant in the hopes of a few sales to make ends meet. Can you believe he pays 'rent' for his table space!

This beaded bear is about 30cm high and 20cm wide. Made to order so colours and size vary. I think it's creative and talented to have made such items freehand from pure savvy.

1.

Support our locals.

Happy Crafting
SunshineMac
#30DoC

30 Days Of Creativity - Project 12 - Lantern

Of all the lanterns, I love most the skylantern and the mason/glass jar recycled lantern. A close follow on is the mason/glass jar solar garden lantern handmade. The china town here sells the paper lanterns in a mix of beautiful colours perfect for so many occasions like weddings, Halloween, parties, valentines, Christmas and so much more. They are super cheap too. I have been told the sky lantern has been banned in SA for the obvious dangers they possess not only to our wildlife but to suburbia too. However, I have seen them used, and used them myself with great caution and responsibility. The line here is blurred at the moment.

For this theme - lantern, I went with a craft that was simple, quick to make and really so pretty on conclusion.
You will need the following:
You can use any glass jar. I hang onto my baby purity jars and removed the labels,
Tiny pebbles for effect
Tea candles
Floral wire as it is so soft and easy to use.

I used the wire to create a handle around the neck of the jar. For an added hook, I attached a paperclip to the wire handle.
Tiny pebbles in, tea candle on top and .... light.

I hang them around the garden, which gave the night such a lovely ambiance with a touch of magic.
I can't wait for summer to arrive with warm evenings to enjoy this craft more often.

1.

A little history on the sky lantern

A sky lantern, also known as Kongming lantern or Chinese lantern, is a small hot air balloon made of paper, with an opening at the bottom where a small fire is suspended. In Asia and elsewhere, sky lanterns have been traditionally made for centuries, to be launched for play or as part of festivities. In recent years there has been growing concern about their potential to cause crop or building fires and harm animals that may eat their remains. Several countries have banned them for that reason.
Sky lanterns are a possible explanation for some UFO sightings.
2]The name "sky lantern" is a translation of the Chinese name tiān dēng (天燈, 天灯). Sky lanterns have also been referred to as sky candles or fire balloons, however the latter term is also used to refer to balloon munitions used during World War II.

1.

Because of their dangers, several countries have banned sky lanterns in recent years.The city of Sanya in China has banned sky lanterns due to hazard to aircraft. It is illegal to launch a sky lantern in most parts of Germany, and in the remaining areas where use is technically legal, such as Herford, it is still necessary to obtain advance permission from local authorities. In Austria, it is illegal to produce, sell, import, or to distribute them in any other way. In Argentina, Chile, Colombia it is illegal to launch lanterns in the whole territory. In Brazil, since 1998 it is classified as an environmental crime and may be punished with up to 3 years in jail. A permanent ban on sky lanterns sold by Australian retailers, that "rely on an open flame to heat the air inside the lantern" was made in Australia on 1 February 2011. Possession and use of those purchased from overseas remains legal.

Happy Crafting
SunshineMac
#30DoC

30 Days Of Creativity - Project 8 - Clutter

A little OCD here and there has never hurt a person, I did say, and I repeat - a little.
Generally I run a house with great organisation skills that I can tell you exactly where anything is in my house.
Can't say the same for the garage run and managed by my man and our teen mechanic who are always fiddling with cars and motorbikes. It doesn't phase me as that space is theirs. I respect that - nuff said.

For this theme - Clutter, the only thing, next to my filing chore, is my craft ribbon box that is a serious mess. An organised mess on some level.
I have plenty ideas to sort it out, thanks to Pinterest , I just haven't taking the task very seriously. A clear indication that this particular box of clutter really works for me. Out of character I know, but it is what it is.

1.

Happy Crafting
SunshineMac
#30DoC

30 Days Of Creativity - Project 7 - Laughter

I really had such a laugh at a few things sent to me over the years from friends and family.
Laughter is such a strong medicine for ones soul it's worth the energy spent and sore stomach muscles.

My family are witty and share a wicked sense of humour.
When we are together, there is no mercy.

For this theme I came across an old video link my sister sent me.
As wicked as it is - I crack up laughing every time I've watched it. I can tell you though - that anything funny in a joke, is so, as there is an element of truth to it.
So in this clip, as my sister put it 'you'll find it so funny 'cause it's so something you would do'
Although I can't say I have ever done this, I laugh at the thought that such action be ever so humiliating and embarrassing.

I guess this didn't quiet qualify as a craft but the end result is there.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TJSqT1Rfyh8&feature=youtube_gdata_player


Have a sense of humour and enjoy the laugh.

SunshineMac

30 Days Of Creativity - Project 15 - A Little Big Thing.

A little big thing I could say are my three children although children are not exactly things now are they!
The smallest person in our house happens to also be the 'biggest'. The biggest noise maker, the busiest, the most messy one of the lot. When he leaves a room, any room - you sure know he has left his trail of evidence behind. But we love him something crazy.

For this theme I used a little abstract in my picture. This little big thing, is little but means something big to me.

Can you guess what it is?

That would be my ring. Not just any ring but my sapphire.
This sapphire is a little big thing as it is the birth stone for the month of April which is when my son was born. It's refered to as a 'mothers ring' .

It's what this stone represents to me, that makes it my Little Big Thing.

1.

Happy Crafting
SunshineMac

'

Teacher Appreciation Gifts

Today marks the end of our second school term. My friends in the US are enjoying their 104 days of pure summer vacation time and the end of their school year. In South Africa, our school year runs from January to December. We have 2 - 3 week holidays in between, we call these 'terms'.

My son has three teachers for first grade and two tutors in the learning lab. Being the last day of term two, it was that time again to send his teachers a little something to show our appreciation for all that they do for him. He has come along so nicely and settled well. I'm especially proud to be informed at how advanced he is in math. Apparently the best in his grade, not class, but grade. Proud, bragging rights moment.

Paper handbag gift boxes are perfect for his lovely lady teachers. Filled with hand cream and chocolates. For Mr T we went with nuts, raisins, biltong aka beef jerky and chocolates.

Appreciation gifts are always well received and I enjoy showing my son how important it is to give and show appreciation. Here's to the much needed holidays for all teachers and staff.

1.

Happy Crafting
SunshineMac

30 Days Of Creativity - Project 11 - Nostalgia

Without a doubt, photos are the most treasured pieces of paper in my house.
A simple picture really is worth a thousand words. One look and your memory triggers an entire story taking you back to that time, that moment, those emotions and for me, at times - a smell.

My Mr was and still is his fathers favourite, his baby and childhood photos speak volumes in testament. I know as parents we shouldn't have favourites and on some levels it's wrong but it is what it is for whatever reasons. I know in our house growing up there were favourites. My siblings and I knew this and worked it to our advantage. For example - I was my moms favourite,she never said as much but we knew. So when we wanted something or to go somewhere, we knew the possibility of a yes would more likely happen if I were doing the asking. We knew this too of my brother and grand. My aunt and my sister. In our house - favouritism was not an issue. When we grow up, we realise your perspective and mine were perceived differently. Doesn't make either right or wrong.

For this theme - Nostalgia, I took a very special photo of my husband as a toddler standing in front of the massive wheel of an earth moving machine. My Pops in law is a Diesel Mechanic by trade so in this photos at his work place, was the annual Christmas party. My Mr was in his element playing on all the vehicles booked in for repairs. I love this photo of him. Three sons later and our sons too love their toy Ton as and digger Lego sets too. They always refer to their gramps when we see them on the road etc.

We have a favourite song too which hubby dedicated to his dad - Nizlopi, JCB. Here is the link To go with the photo. Fond memories for him.

http://m.youtube.com/#/watch?v=DQDnFTtr2UQ&feature=related

1.

Happy Crafting
SunshineMac
#30DoC

30 Days Of Creativity - Project 9 - Robots

In South Africa a traffic light is considered and referred to as a robot, not some mechanical man operated piece of machinery.
With three sons and Peter Pan living under this roof, we have plenty various construction and building toys. Lego and Meccano being the top of the lot.
Our Lego collection is constantly growing with contributions for birthdays, Christmas, rewards, tooyh-mouse and more. I love how Lego brings the whole family together for some creative challenges using imagination and savvy.

Duplo blocks for our toddler, Lego and bionicles for our little boy and the more advanced Lego and Meccano for our teen.
For the Robot theme I spent some quality one-on-one time with my toddler building a robot, train and car as we learnt through play together.
I thought building a robot would be a quick task but my toddler was more entertained with taking the pieces I set aside for himself or taking the pieces off as I built the robot was more attention seeking fun than helping. What was most important was our time together.

I did manage a Duplo robot in the end and to brag a little - I managed it within my set time frame.
My toddler and I had extended fun after the craft in re-arranging Mr Robot to a train.

1.

Happy Crafting
SunshineMac
#30DoC

30 Days Of Creativity - Cards - Project 19

I love weddings, if I could go to a wedding a day, I would be in my element.
I love all things 'Princess about them, the joy and happiness around the day.
The beginning of a beautiful journey with your soul mate.

I received a 'Save-the-date' invite from a dear friend recently, with today's theme being 'cards', this is the perfect opportunity to get my creative juices going and make her wedding present card. I'm a big supporter of recycled paper, I mean, how can one profess to love trees then only use designer papers for paper crafts! Besides, I like the rustic homemade look of such a card as today's making.

Red, red and more red. The colour of love, lust and passion. Appropriate I'd say. Using the different shades of red and different textures of paper, I created a card opening from the front centre - love cards like this too. I know my friend appreciates gifts with a personal touch so I think this will be well received.

1.

Happy Crafting
SunshineMac
#30DoC

30 Days Of Creativity - Purple - Project 10

They say if you wear a lot of the colour purple and often, you are somewhat sexually frustrated. I gather this be of the female species. How contratictory since men tend to have a higher sex drive.

For this theme - Purple, I used a batch of purple craft buttons from Crazy Crafts to made a small wreath. I love floral wire for crafting as it is so easy to work with and it's uses endless. I decided on using the floral wire vs ribbon or stretch thread as the wire allowed shape changes and held whichever shape best.
Uses for the small wreath - curtain tie, Christmas ornament, tied to the ceiling fan string as a handle with extra length.

I've added a few facts about the colour Purple too:

Meaning & Symbolism of the Color Purple

Purple embodies the balance of red simulation and blue calm. This dichotomy can cause unrest or uneasiness unless the undertone is clearly defined at which point the purple takes on the characteristics of its undertone.A sense of mystic and royal qualities, purple is a color often well liked by very creative or eccentric types and is the favorite color of adolescent girls.

The Effects of the Color Purple

How the color purple affects us mentally and physically UpliftingCalming to mind and nervesOffers a sense of spiritualityEncourages creativity

Purple Around the World

In Thailand, purple is worn by a widow mourning her husband's death.A "purple heart" is a U.S. military decoration for soldiers wounded or killed in battle.In Tibet, amethyst is considered to be sacred to Buddha and rosaries are often fashioned from it.In Japan the color purple signifies wealth and position.Purple denotes virtue and faith in Egypt.More About Color Around the World...

Fun Facts About the Color Purple

Purple represents the planet Jupiter.February is the month associated with the color purple and the birthstone for those born is February is Amethyst.Purple Stones: Amethyst, Ametrine, Sugilite, Lavender Jade, Sugilite, Selenite, Iolite, Lavender Quartz, Lepidolite.In 1999, formal moral majority spokesman Reverand Jerry Farwell, came out publicly against the children's show Teletubbies. He believed that it's character "Tinky-Winky" was gay-- stating that he was purple- the colour of gay pride and that his antennae was triangle shaped- the symbol of gay pride.In stained glass the color purple or violet are seen as the uniting of the "wisdom" of blue and the "love" of red and symbolizesr justice and of royalty.


1.

Happy Crafting
SunshineMac
#30DoC

30 Days Of Creativity - Mandolin - Project 5

Following the #30DoC tag I notice most people have done cards time and again or photos of the themed craft. I didn't see that as most challenging to be honest. Personally I wanted to challenge myself in being creative, no matter how small or quick - within my 30 minute time frame. This makes it fun. Especially when my son joins and my baby insists on being part of the company. A challenge on many levels.

The theme for the 5th is the Mandolin. It took me back to my teens when my mother dated a musician. There were countless picks around the house, music equipment and band practice nights. I love music. We are a music mad family. I still max the volume to legends like Janis Joplin, Queen, U2, ZZ-Top, Tina Turner, Fleetwood Mac and much more as I clean the house. I am in my element when my boys join me and we go crazy silly. My Mr though fears dancing and doesn't sing out aloud unless alone to me *special*.

Crafting this theme I made a simple box out of card stock, used a little floral wire for the string, then finished off with a few embelushments and glitter glue.
Quick, simple and inventive ;)

A little history on the Mandolin:

Mandolins evolved from the lute family in Italy during the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, and the deep bowled mandolin, produced particularly in Naples, became common in the nineteenth century. The original instrument was themandore, which evolved in the fourteenth century from the lute. Over time and as the instrument spread around Europe, it took on many names and various structural characteristics. The instrument is also very popular in Goa, India (a former Portuguese colony).


A.

Happy Crafting
SunshineMac
#30DoC

30 Days Of Creativity - Green - Project 24

As you can see, I have jumbled up my #30DoC. Looking at the themes on the calandar, I get creative with what craft idea comes to mind from the calandar. To add to that, I'm a little behind as some days I just don't get the planned crafting time. Other days I manage two crafts - yay me. Still aiming to complete the challenge on time. No promise but it is after all - a challenge as in a challenge to myself.

We are a few days away from the start of our winter school holidays and boy could we all use it. It's been a very busy term indeed. My son and I have been making our 'Teacher Appreciation' gifts. Of my sons 4 teachers, one happens to be a male teacher. How nice. We couldn't exactly give Mr T a girlie paper handbag gift box so I used this opportunity to create a gift box from all things green. Using an A4 card stock, folding a milk cart box shape. We crafted the perfect gift box to put some treats in for Mr T. Rather proud of my creative abilities.

Happy Crafting
SunshineMac
#30DoC

30 Days Of Creativity - Project 6 - Sticks

Popsicle sticks are the most versatile when it comes to being creative with 'sticks'. The possibilities are endless and we had so much fun creating various crafts with them.

With this theme I created a game to help my son with his sight words. It had to be fun as learning through play is more effective with little boys. Using food colouring, I dipped part of the popsicle stick and left to dry. A good tip is to seperate the coloured sticks per colour you are using, until dry.
Once dry, on the non-dipped end, write the sight words on using a fine tip marker. Set aside 1 in 10 and label these with the word 'POP'.

The game is as follows:

2 - 4 players.
Choose a stick from the jar/cup and read the word within 3 seconds.
If it is read within the 3 seconds the player keeps the stick, if not, the player has to put the stick back in the jar/cup.
Should the player get a 'POP' stick, the player loses all his/her sticks returning them to the jar/cup to begin again.
The winner is determined once the sticks are finished and the players tally up. The player with the most sticks is declared the winner.

My husband and son had such fun playing this game last night as I cooked dinner. Always brings me such joy seeing their laughter and togetherness.

Happy Crafting
SunshineMac

30 Days Of Creativity - Project 4 - Pineapple

Pineapple is my sons favorite fruit, with his recent 'fruit day' at school, every child in his class brought their favourite fruit which the children shared in making fruit kebabs. The theme was healthy eating and the aim - to introduce new fruits to their taste buds. Pity Dragon fruit wasn't in season as that's another favourite too.

For this #30DoC I wanted to create a craft using paper. I almost went with a pineapple origami but it is time consuming and my challenge is to try keep all crafts within a 30 minute time frame. I kept to both. Using yellow craft paper, I folded a simple gift box. Filling the box with green creep paper to top off our pineapple replica gift box. Perfect when transporting the prickly fruit by little hands. Yellow card stock gives extra support as a gift box too.

Happy Crafting

30 Days Of Creativity - Project 3 Iron.

Rattled my brain a little for this one. Couldn't quite find the inspiration I was looking for. While watering my herb pots, it came to me. Labels. Digging through my craft box I found a few A8 size sheets of pewter. Using my creative freehand, I made individual labels for each of my fresh herb pots. Using my glue gun to stick them on and there you have it. Fast, simple and creative.

30 Days Of Creativity - Project 2 Spiders

Project 2 theme is spiders. I love most spiders, with my favourite being the Jumping Spider. The most adorable, intelligent and beautiful hunter of them all. I can watch and play with one for hours. They have such character it's hard not to be smitten with them. My son's passion for tarantuls began about two years back - his favourite being the Cobalt Blue, can't blame him. It's a beautiful spider. His collection consists of a Mexican white knee, Mexican Rose, Curly hair and Mexican Red Rump. Three sons and a tomboy mum leaves no room for the scared. Not sure were my hubby got his fear for insects and hairy, slimy creatures from. The man becomes a pro-ninja when near anything creepy. Snake in the bathroom - call mom. Wasp in the house - call mom. Black Widows on the patio furniture - call mom. Thank goodness my boys enjoy crab and frog exploring and don't mind the odd visitors. However they don't like snakes. They are not afraid yet just don't like them.

For this craft we went with an Insy Winsy. Using a polystyrene ball, black tissue paper, black card stock, wiggly eyes and glue.

We began by covering our ball with tissue paper using the glue. Once that dried, we glued the eyes and legs on as per the photo. For added Glam, we finished off with black glitter glue. My son and I enjoyed crafting this together creating such special moments and memories. I love his imagination and creative thinking. Mr Winsy has spent time hanging from the garden tree to the bedroom curtain.

Happy 30 Day Of Creativity Crafting.

30 Days Of Creativity Project 1 - Toys

The first project for the 30 Days Of Creativity is a fun one - toys. Nice and simple with countless ideas. My son has joined me in these challenges as he is such a creative kid always stretching his imagination. He enjoys most construction toys like Lego, Bionicles and bricks. Never a birthday, Christmas or reward without a lego so our collection keeps growing. Three sons put them to good use too. Google games or toys in a jar and plenty ideas pop up. We made three toys for this challenge.

First - a water glitter globe.
2. A sugar jar with various shape and colour buttons. I photographed the contents of the jar, this is part of the game. Find the red heart, the blue square, and so the game goes.
3. A plastic jar with rice and little toys for a 'I Spy Rice Jar', the same concept as the sugar jar game. These were made with special mom/son time together. My son loved all the toys and games for this challenge.

30 Days Of Creativity 2013

I love pinterest, inspiration and ideas are never hard to find. Of course giving back is just as rewarding as a share. I came across two projects that I thought I would give a go at. The first being the #30DoC aka 30 Days of Creativity or @createstuff - which is in it's fourth year running now. A challenge to use your creative juices. Twitter and Pinterest are a buzz if you follow. I know I'm a little late in posting but being on my own timeline, I'm sure come the 30 days - I'll be on time to finish up.

For those of you not in the know, the challenge is to complete thirty crafts in thirty days. Each day has a new challenge and theme. Take a look at the calendar below. Good luck to all who partake. I look forward to the share. The second project is a similar concept only using your talents with a lens and a brilliant eye for photography. My niece will love this one as she goes into photography.

Good Luck to all Crafters

SunshineMac