tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-61747656355186474912024-01-31T02:19:45.436-08:00Sweet CraftinessMaking each and every day a creative adventure.
Parenting, crafts, home design and more...Sarah Cooperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14004072221377836213noreply@blogger.comBlogger284125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6174765635518647491.post-36777407338455774002016-07-25T10:07:00.003-07:002016-07-25T10:11:50.198-07:00Oh Happy Day Card Kit Review - Stampin' Up! UK<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> It's the Summer holidays and crafting time is limited, however, this perfect craft kit '<b>Oh Happy Day card kit from Stampin' Up! UK</b>' is perfect for a quick crafting fix as everything you could possibly need to create a card from scratch is contained within the box. All very nicely organised too....</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKsYAeypNguZEam07F6ICjqFNNM5brB7dZVgNF-MdQ3VR9IauE7r_MOJ0nEkdgFjs2kbdMxZxn6xtnFH7ucmOaBR1VnDupOgbB3CJQBRcUigMXnvlWPwtN-sa3-vmRB98E1hxr2Cs1Spp2/s1600/Oh+Happy+Days+Kit+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKsYAeypNguZEam07F6ICjqFNNM5brB7dZVgNF-MdQ3VR9IauE7r_MOJ0nEkdgFjs2kbdMxZxn6xtnFH7ucmOaBR1VnDupOgbB3CJQBRcUigMXnvlWPwtN-sa3-vmRB98E1hxr2Cs1Spp2/s640/Oh+Happy+Days+Kit+%25281%2529.jpg" width="425" /></span></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBWHG4xof_7kw7kL_NZtRhEBa0iPmSUOxXUHfqBzR1s_Gilqm8WWNyjrPBHuxKpOKfSUhF9hpYpcujuNUOAbjtfmuWPaaFWrO-Znf2Zrr3xvtpsKts-ug1BIJ_LNZTLTkFP68-i3A1ul2v/s1600/stampin+up.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBWHG4xof_7kw7kL_NZtRhEBa0iPmSUOxXUHfqBzR1s_Gilqm8WWNyjrPBHuxKpOKfSUhF9hpYpcujuNUOAbjtfmuWPaaFWrO-Znf2Zrr3xvtpsKts-ug1BIJ_LNZTLTkFP68-i3A1ul2v/s640/stampin+up.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>BACKGROUND ON THE COMPANY</b>:The company was set up in 1988 by two sisters looking for a way to express creativity. Stampin' Up! was a result of that. More than two decades later there are thousands of demonstrators around the world using Stampin' Up! products to make beautiful cards and craft projects.</span><br />
<b style="font-family: "trebuchet ms", sans-serif; text-align: center;"><br /></b>
<b style="font-family: "trebuchet ms", sans-serif; text-align: center;">CONTENTS: </b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms", sans-serif; text-align: center;">Everything comes in a very sturdy cardboard box. You can see all the contents from the above photo. The pre-folded cards come in an array of delightful designs; I adore the contrast between the floral and bright colours and the spotty designs juxtaposed with the pastel. You also get pre-cut dies, 3d stars and hearts, string, envelopes, stamps and ink. The resulting cards that you can make from this kit look like a card you would purchase from a high-end boutique shop.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>HELP AND GUIDANCE: </b>The accompanying leaflet which comes in the kit illustrates all the various cards you can make using the kit. All the card parts are clearly labelled by number and so the leaflet features a diagram of the part numbers you need to make up the various cards. This idea worked very well as it meant I didn't have to spend too long tracking down the needed pieces.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">GREAT QUALITY STAMPS: </span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">The range of stamps included in this pack allows for much versatility; if you want to tweak a design then you are more than able. </span><br />
<b style="font-family: "trebuchet ms", sans-serif;"><br /></b>
<b style="font-family: "trebuchet ms", sans-serif;">HIGH QUALITY DIE-CUTS: </b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms", sans-serif;">The die-cuts were made out of very high-quality card and when pressed simply popped out (and had none of those horrible bumpy perforation marks that die-cuts sometimes have).</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>IDEAL FOR NEWBIES: </b>I haven't done any rubber stamping for years and so these cards were my first attempt for many years and I was very pleased with the results. The fact that the mounted cards were ready cut meant that I didn't have to worry about cutting the card accurately. It just made crafting the cards so much easier.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">In terms of design, the cards have a unique blend of pattern, contrast, shape and boldness to really create a high-impact card. Anyone receiving one of these cards are sure to be delighted!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEh7mvgsKAbUBYFd97KZPCBACQ9Xs-RBDfB-YfuNcbeH92BeGLFOg51Ns2SdcPm8lIoxpFD0alHAURpHr-KDAuchwqqgXFyIBurKdJCg7T-NAEHdtNRz-8OFKVc1O5N8slh7mymkvfzUB9/s1600/SAM_0306+%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEh7mvgsKAbUBYFd97KZPCBACQ9Xs-RBDfB-YfuNcbeH92BeGLFOg51Ns2SdcPm8lIoxpFD0alHAURpHr-KDAuchwqqgXFyIBurKdJCg7T-NAEHdtNRz-8OFKVc1O5N8slh7mymkvfzUB9/s640/SAM_0306+%25282%2529.JPG" width="480" /></span></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8xi3ROmJt56mCcSUHq4JakAhuDTTAOrDTOBbdfdLCSCMF3UchA8M_TLGa2QIyeeGmX3VsUi4q_RHjnl1DAQ1PwVvlMS6ONDIIgOBHQX6sItpF_5rG9ang-K3cxiSKCs_zVu3GptSicYrH/s1600/SAM_0307+%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8xi3ROmJt56mCcSUHq4JakAhuDTTAOrDTOBbdfdLCSCMF3UchA8M_TLGa2QIyeeGmX3VsUi4q_RHjnl1DAQ1PwVvlMS6ONDIIgOBHQX6sItpF_5rG9ang-K3cxiSKCs_zVu3GptSicYrH/s640/SAM_0307+%25282%2529.JPG" width="480" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> <b>GREAT VALUE: </b>The kit is exceptional value at £31.50, as that would work out that each card would be less than £1.60. For a hand-crafted card that is extremely good value. With over 20 designs to make, this kit will be providing me with lots of fun for some time yet....</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">If you'd like to learn a little more about the kit, there's a great video on YouTube produced by the company themselves:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Ny4Cm6zg4f0?list=PLCgx4panAEShQeVP3xt-m9krTUk6KOnt3" width="560"></iframe></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20.8267px;">For more information on the card kit visit: </span><a href="http://www2.stampinup.com/ECWeb/ProductDetails.aspx?productID=142725" style="color: blue; cursor: pointer; font-size: 11pt; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 20.8267px;" target="_blank">http://www2.stampinup.com/ECWeb/ProductDetails.aspx?productID=142725</a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Disclosure: I was sent this product to review but all thoughts are my own.</span>Sarah Cooperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14004072221377836213noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6174765635518647491.post-88633389955370873502016-07-25T10:07:00.001-07:002016-07-25T10:07:39.821-07:00Oh Happy Day Card Kit Review - Stampin' Up! UK<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> It's the Summer holidays and crafting time is limited, however, this perfect craft kit '<b>Oh Happy Day card kit from Stampin' Up! UK</b>' is perfect for a quick crafting fix as everything you could possibly need to create a card from scratch is contained within the box. All very nicely organised too....</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKsYAeypNguZEam07F6ICjqFNNM5brB7dZVgNF-MdQ3VR9IauE7r_MOJ0nEkdgFjs2kbdMxZxn6xtnFH7ucmOaBR1VnDupOgbB3CJQBRcUigMXnvlWPwtN-sa3-vmRB98E1hxr2Cs1Spp2/s1600/Oh+Happy+Days+Kit+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKsYAeypNguZEam07F6ICjqFNNM5brB7dZVgNF-MdQ3VR9IauE7r_MOJ0nEkdgFjs2kbdMxZxn6xtnFH7ucmOaBR1VnDupOgbB3CJQBRcUigMXnvlWPwtN-sa3-vmRB98E1hxr2Cs1Spp2/s640/Oh+Happy+Days+Kit+%25281%2529.jpg" width="425" /></span></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBWHG4xof_7kw7kL_NZtRhEBa0iPmSUOxXUHfqBzR1s_Gilqm8WWNyjrPBHuxKpOKfSUhF9hpYpcujuNUOAbjtfmuWPaaFWrO-Znf2Zrr3xvtpsKts-ug1BIJ_LNZTLTkFP68-i3A1ul2v/s1600/stampin+up.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBWHG4xof_7kw7kL_NZtRhEBa0iPmSUOxXUHfqBzR1s_Gilqm8WWNyjrPBHuxKpOKfSUhF9hpYpcujuNUOAbjtfmuWPaaFWrO-Znf2Zrr3xvtpsKts-ug1BIJ_LNZTLTkFP68-i3A1ul2v/s640/stampin+up.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>BACKGROUND ON THE COMPANY</b>:The company was set up in 1988 by two sisters looking for a way to express creativity. Stampin' Up! was result of that. More than two decades later there are thousands of demonstrators around the world using Stampin' Up! products to make beautiful cards and craft projects.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>CONTENTS: </b>Everything comes in a very sturdy cardboard box. You can see all the contents from the above photo. The pre-folded cards come in an array of delightful designs; I adore the contrast between the floral and the bright colours and the spotty designs juxtaposed with the pastel. You also get pre-cut dies, 3d stars and hearts, string, envelopes, stamps and ink. The resulting cards that you can make from this kit look like a card you would purchase from a high-end boutique shop.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>HELP AND GUIDANCE: </b>The accompanying leaflet which comes in the kit illustrates all the various cards you can make using the kit. All the card parts are clearly labelled by number and so the leaflet features a diagram of the part numbers you need to make up the various cards. This idea worked very well as it meant I didn't have to spend too long tracking down the needed pieces.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">GREAT QUALITY STAMPS: </span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">The range of stamps included in this pack allows for much versatility; if you want to tweak a design then you are more than able. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> <b>HIGH QUALITY DIE-CUTS: </b>The die-cuts were made out of very high-quality card and when pressed simply popped out (and had none of those horrible bumpy perforation marks that die-cuts sometimes have).</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>IDEAL FOR NEWBIES: </b>I haven't done any rubber stamping for years and so these cards were my first attempt for many years and I was very pleased with the results. The fact that the mounted cards were ready cut meant that I didn't have to worry about cutting the card accurately. It just made crafting the cards so much easier.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">In terms of design, the cards have a unique blend of pattern, contrast, shape and boldness to really create a high-impact card. Anyone receiving one of these cards are sure to be delighted!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEh7mvgsKAbUBYFd97KZPCBACQ9Xs-RBDfB-YfuNcbeH92BeGLFOg51Ns2SdcPm8lIoxpFD0alHAURpHr-KDAuchwqqgXFyIBurKdJCg7T-NAEHdtNRz-8OFKVc1O5N8slh7mymkvfzUB9/s1600/SAM_0306+%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEh7mvgsKAbUBYFd97KZPCBACQ9Xs-RBDfB-YfuNcbeH92BeGLFOg51Ns2SdcPm8lIoxpFD0alHAURpHr-KDAuchwqqgXFyIBurKdJCg7T-NAEHdtNRz-8OFKVc1O5N8slh7mymkvfzUB9/s640/SAM_0306+%25282%2529.JPG" width="480" /></span></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8xi3ROmJt56mCcSUHq4JakAhuDTTAOrDTOBbdfdLCSCMF3UchA8M_TLGa2QIyeeGmX3VsUi4q_RHjnl1DAQ1PwVvlMS6ONDIIgOBHQX6sItpF_5rG9ang-K3cxiSKCs_zVu3GptSicYrH/s1600/SAM_0307+%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8xi3ROmJt56mCcSUHq4JakAhuDTTAOrDTOBbdfdLCSCMF3UchA8M_TLGa2QIyeeGmX3VsUi4q_RHjnl1DAQ1PwVvlMS6ONDIIgOBHQX6sItpF_5rG9ang-K3cxiSKCs_zVu3GptSicYrH/s640/SAM_0307+%25282%2529.JPG" width="480" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> <b>GREAT VALUE: </b>The kit is exceptional value at £31.50 as that would work out that each card would be less than £1.60. For a hand-crafted card that is extremely good value. With over 20 designs to make this kit will be providing me with lots of fun for some time yet....</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">If you'd like to learn a little more about the kit, there's a great video on YouTube produced by the company themselves:</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Ny4Cm6zg4f0?list=PLCgx4panAEShQeVP3xt-m9krTUk6KOnt3" width="560"></iframe></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20.8267px;">For more information on the card kit visit: </span><a href="http://www2.stampinup.com/ECWeb/ProductDetails.aspx?productID=142725" style="color: blue; cursor: pointer; font-size: 11pt; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 20.8267px;" target="_blank">http://www2.stampinup.com/ECWeb/ProductDetails.aspx?productID=142725</a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Disclosure: I was sent this product to review but all thoughts are my own.</span>Sarah Cooperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14004072221377836213noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6174765635518647491.post-22652064494991260842016-07-05T12:09:00.000-07:002016-07-06T10:29:13.943-07:00Review and Giveaway: Mini Makers<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCShyphenhyphenBJVpB3R4zt0HXAueIlv6V3u2V6k96Ti_rEFrOl0JEB2a0h4DwMPf31uHvr36EzGIeSFUqb27eOp4YH0rRGC1rBrj1SGmZ6cFHM503wCza1wolJuaaZHwv-1Ig6d9uUkxoLDMzQ1oC/s1600/SAM_0248.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCShyphenhyphenBJVpB3R4zt0HXAueIlv6V3u2V6k96Ti_rEFrOl0JEB2a0h4DwMPf31uHvr36EzGIeSFUqb27eOp4YH0rRGC1rBrj1SGmZ6cFHM503wCza1wolJuaaZHwv-1Ig6d9uUkxoLDMzQ1oC/s640/SAM_0248.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
I was hugely excited about this book. If you are a follower of my blog, you will know just how much I love 'Mollie Makes' magazine. I have created many projects from the magazine and they have always been a huge success. Even the floral wreath next to this book is a front cover project from the mag. So when I found out that regular contributors to the mag Laura Minter and Tia Williams were the designers of the lovely projects I couldn't wait to see what was inside...<br />
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The projects illustrate exactly what is so great about crafting; the chance to put your stamp on something totally individual and unique. All the projects are super colourful and vibrant and are wow-factor pieces. Unlike lots of children's books most of the projects are things that you could keep for a long time. The projects are not only attractive but are highly educational - offering ways to help learn the time, count and keep track of the weather for example. I think my favourite project is the pirate ship featured below as 'Pirates' has been the topic of the school term this year. I imagine this would be great for playing with over the Summer holidays.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhquFsh6TKho7yqHkMQXHsqvWCTkYnleCCHwj7Vl3wEHnqAI-zuYagJ_FTs_QM9vRhAnaRWBxE052-8N246K2ehH39wAiAp5nEoj6nNBjvnRzkLbfEwNy0vTLK2Ea69R91A_Ng2D51rvHzW/s1600/SAM_0250.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhquFsh6TKho7yqHkMQXHsqvWCTkYnleCCHwj7Vl3wEHnqAI-zuYagJ_FTs_QM9vRhAnaRWBxE052-8N246K2ehH39wAiAp5nEoj6nNBjvnRzkLbfEwNy0vTLK2Ea69R91A_Ng2D51rvHzW/s640/SAM_0250.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
In this book you will find tons of inspiration and ideas to explore the immensely exciting world of crafting together. I liked the fact that the book doesn't stick to one type of craft too; baking, sewing, stitching, drawing, painting; there is something for everyone.<br />
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The book features a blend of projects; some which are using the average craft supplies you will find lying around the house and others require more specific items such as air-drying clay. I liked this because it meant even I could try out new crafts that I hadn't tried before.<br />
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<span id="goog_745505283"></span><span id="goog_745505284"></span>This isn't a book featuring projects which children can solely complete by themselves, but one which encourages a parental bond and a firm love of crafting together. Grown-ups can enjoy creating the basic structures and children can do the really fun task of embellishing and decorating.<br />
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Such a fun book!<br />
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You can win a copy by entering my Rafflecopter giveaway below:<br />
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This book was sent to me as a review copy but all thoughts are my own.<br />
<script src="https://widget-prime.rafflecopter.com/launch.js"></script>Sarah Cooperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14004072221377836213noreply@blogger.com23tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6174765635518647491.post-66818084346363519692016-06-28T05:35:00.003-07:002016-06-28T06:47:20.149-07:00Review and Giveaway: Now I can Sew - 20 hand-sewn projects to make by Sian Hamilton<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJuRzu14RxmudwIOrjndixR0f3oGRNsbSSyQI8HihHKuFqVfsZgtzmAf9gCSORLR24gHCpulFdvloBszCiihp8CiDvfFTRh0idsuhut_SIBrdhzU5H4Byi271WVlh7MwnnXI_dvvvqc_bc/s1600/SAM_0243+%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJuRzu14RxmudwIOrjndixR0f3oGRNsbSSyQI8HihHKuFqVfsZgtzmAf9gCSORLR24gHCpulFdvloBszCiihp8CiDvfFTRh0idsuhut_SIBrdhzU5H4Byi271WVlh7MwnnXI_dvvvqc_bc/s640/SAM_0243+%25282%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">'Now I Can Sew - 20 hand-sewn projects to make' by Sian Hamilton is a book which contains 20 fun and colourful projects to make. This is the ideal introduction to hand sewing for children from the age of 8 and up.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The main thing that instantly struck me about this book was the fact that each of the projects were things that you would use in everyday life. SO many craft books have ideas for children to make which are things which will inevitably end up in a recycling bin. This book however has ideas to brighten and enhance the usual things we use from day to day. Cushion covers, bags, pencil holders, bookmarks, finger puppets and aprons to name but a few. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">We all know boys love monsters and so my seven year old wanted to have go at making the monster pencil holder (see top photo). This was a good opportunity to test out how easy the instructions were to follow and how well the projects turned out as a whole.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">With several pages dedicated to techniques which covers things like separating strands of embroidery floss, using a needle threader, knotting thread, knotting off thread, over sewing, measuring and marking, tracing templates, stitches and much much more there is simply nothing that you could need to know that is not covered in this book. If you want your children to take up sewing then this is the book you should be buying for them. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">In fact, I would go as far as to say this could be a very useful reference book for adults just starting out with sewing as the visuals work so well together with the easy to understand language. This makes taking up sewing a much less daunting prospect.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">My son had absolutely no problems following the instructions as the pictures alone were pretty self-explanatory. Using the stitching guide as a reference the monster pencil pot was made within the hour. It involved cutting a plastic bottle in half, covering the sharp edges with masking tape and then sewing together the piece of felt. He cut out the mouth, embroidered the eyes and then we glue-gunned the eyes and fangs on. We have hundreds of coloured pencils around the house, so I love the idea of creating various coloured monsters to hold certain colours i.e. a red monster for red pencils, a blue monster for blue pencils etc.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Here are some projects we would love to create in the near future:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Overall, this is a vibrant, bright and colourful craft book bursting at the seams with inspiration for adults and children alike. The photography is gorgeous, I love the way they capture step-by-step photos so that each project is almost fail-proof to follow. Definitely a book that will be remaining in my crafting library for future reference.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">For more info please visit <a href="https://www.thegmcgroup.com/pc/viewPrd.asp?idproduct=7145&idcategory=0">https://www.thegmcgroup.com/pc/viewPrd.asp?idproduct=7145&idcategory=0</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">If you would like to win a copy of this marvellous book, then please enter through Rafflecopter.</span><br />
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Disclaimer: I was sent this book for review, but all thoughts and opinions are my own.<br />
<script src="https://widget-prime.rafflecopter.com/launch.js"></script>Sarah Cooperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14004072221377836213noreply@blogger.com39tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6174765635518647491.post-50577445712433641662016-06-19T07:58:00.000-07:002016-06-19T11:56:38.295-07:00Review: Decorative Paper Craft by GMC Books<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizTaPEe3aPDZ6E0eBnKfWh_AMQOwA4HdtJTvVpEX8SXzDJHJ2j5vqgrEweElv2VLbSRlSMWMEEII4D59TDhqv8oXMwOXP4wzGbbWZxcXPWAxg3xu_50iMleJPLwR5n3fEoNJS8LcTPVRTo/s1600/SAM_0216+%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizTaPEe3aPDZ6E0eBnKfWh_AMQOwA4HdtJTvVpEX8SXzDJHJ2j5vqgrEweElv2VLbSRlSMWMEEII4D59TDhqv8oXMwOXP4wzGbbWZxcXPWAxg3xu_50iMleJPLwR5n3fEoNJS8LcTPVRTo/s640/SAM_0216+%25282%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
I was busy browsing craft books when my eyes met upon this book. I knew I had to have it as the projects within it were <i>completely</i> irresistible. I've never done any form of delicate paper cutting before but I knew within a few seconds that this was a craft I wanted to take up.<br />
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I got in contact with GMC Books who kindly sent me a copy of the book to review and off I went to Hobbycraft to purchase my supplies. It's a really cheap hobby to get started with; all I needed was a scalpel, cutting mat and some good quality card. <br />
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I decided straight away that I wanted to make the pop-up bunny card because it just had that instant wow factor. I also imagined the ways I could incorporate the template in to books I could make for my children.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfPIGiAlAXQIWJfHlYhDBMC8Dih94QRSfMLCA8MUJizjziIhocL_51opy03eOivOLENOoXu9jgFenL86jQVYlq2hdlInaHlwhBMa-1Nz8yw4wA1kxiP35NWCJFMl4JYl54sBA1NXUjlZFx/s1600/SAM_0221.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfPIGiAlAXQIWJfHlYhDBMC8Dih94QRSfMLCA8MUJizjziIhocL_51opy03eOivOLENOoXu9jgFenL86jQVYlq2hdlInaHlwhBMa-1Nz8yw4wA1kxiP35NWCJFMl4JYl54sBA1NXUjlZFx/s400/SAM_0221.JPG" width="400" /></a><br />
The templates for the projects are at the back of the book and I did have to get a bit technical as the layout had to be enlarged by 200%. This is something I have never attempted before with my printer, but after a bit of fiddling I worked it out. It also means that more projects are packed in to the book so I am not complaining.<br />
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The instructions along with the photographs were very easy to understand and as you can see I was more than pleased with my first attempt. I didn't have any frustrating mishaps and I was left with an urge to complete more projects from the book. As suggested in the book I added my own illustrations to the blank rabbit and flower shapes to give the card a bit more character.<br />
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I liked the fact that the book gives you lots of tips along the way to expand the way you can alter a project.<br />
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There is such a lovely blend of novel projects that you can never get bored with this book, as you turn each new page there is always something new to inspire you. <br />
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Basically, the book is jam-packed with novel ideas. I have my eye on completing the following projects:</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmSlynu9eFv_vr6Sv18PHSD-7UjF9lN091ntIUVFAVYkrDLefVAoxcc0H-rnTNlPnVVtjhDBUFGKTjrprr5jzSsKHm7JdxJtxI3_Ht0sV9goSRs5QyOhiZ7RRqSapIvtlQwPgrmLwTc1IV/s1600/SAM_0222.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmSlynu9eFv_vr6Sv18PHSD-7UjF9lN091ntIUVFAVYkrDLefVAoxcc0H-rnTNlPnVVtjhDBUFGKTjrprr5jzSsKHm7JdxJtxI3_Ht0sV9goSRs5QyOhiZ7RRqSapIvtlQwPgrmLwTc1IV/s400/SAM_0222.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Money Box Bear made out of paper mache</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEippvo5_ScVILBMiWJsqLtJtJWaX9q9BKgYZe6N3Oz7e3Q9-JFcNhEwK7CBGMCJrNwLtzJ1ud0RSJPhH1pv1w9UfrEFH-TI91OMVJZY9odBEHrQRorEaevtc_HS_wOBm5pkZyvzyZOk-I-U/s1600/SAM_0223.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEippvo5_ScVILBMiWJsqLtJtJWaX9q9BKgYZe6N3Oz7e3Q9-JFcNhEwK7CBGMCJrNwLtzJ1ud0RSJPhH1pv1w9UfrEFH-TI91OMVJZY9odBEHrQRorEaevtc_HS_wOBm5pkZyvzyZOk-I-U/s400/SAM_0223.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Notelets Gift Set</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Floral Wall-hanging</td></tr>
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My next project from this book though will most definitely be the fairytale papercut project which graces the cover of the book (see above).<br />
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This will remain a firm favourite within my crafting library and with the variation of projects will be a book I pull out time and time again.<br />
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For more info please visit <a href="https://www.thegmcgroup.com/pc/viewPrd.asp?idproduct=7154&idcategory=0">https://www.thegmcgroup.com/pc/viewPrd.asp?idproduct=7154&idcategory=0</a><br />
<br />Sarah Cooperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14004072221377836213noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6174765635518647491.post-20220339762258784072016-05-31T15:36:00.000-07:002016-06-01T13:47:47.092-07:00Review and giveaway: Creativity on the go - Pirates book published by Carlton Books<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2vBDa0jOZpKFa1uSi7MMgcpJZsZHJ519iL501XGw9YVhPxPT6kKy_1EY7ALO4np6_sqviAuTpPr9DXdG2zjncEuDNy4iSDWPSXOfm5SyWvqduD6WG4gX1T7NHJnysmUe59PN5jw_Zsb3-/s1600/SAM_0164.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2vBDa0jOZpKFa1uSi7MMgcpJZsZHJ519iL501XGw9YVhPxPT6kKy_1EY7ALO4np6_sqviAuTpPr9DXdG2zjncEuDNy4iSDWPSXOfm5SyWvqduD6WG4gX1T7NHJnysmUe59PN5jw_Zsb3-/s640/SAM_0164.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
This terms topic on the curriculum is 'pirates' for my son. We have borrowed just about every pirate book known to mankind from the library (our favourite was Treasure Island) but if you think any of these wonderful stories helped the drudge of getting my son to enjoy his homework then you can think again. This was where this wonderful book came in to play...<br />
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If I asked my son to write me a story on pirates I would be met with cries of "but that's boring" or the like. Suddenly this situation was spun on its head when my son was asking <i>me</i> whether he could write a story or draw a pirate picture. The whole way this book is devised is cleverly enticing from the word go. Every page is unique and has something to constantly keep the old brain cogs ticking.<br />
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If I could show you every page I would because every page offers something truly inspiring. I will give you a sneak peak to show the pages we have particularly enjoyed completing. This book has now become part of our bedtime routine and we complete a few pages every night. My son has been poorly with a chest infection for the last few weeks and so has had to have some time off school but this book was perfect for keeping him in the learning frame of mind.<br />
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<b><u>Imagine you're a pirate</u></b><br />
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One of the first pages within the book allows children to delve in to what they imagine they would be like if they became a pirate. This involved drawing a picture, choosing their boat, picking the perfect parrot pet and giving themselves a name.<br />
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<b><u>Learn to draw</u></b><br />
Step-by step pictures helps children to learn ways to achieve an accurate drawing. <br />
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<b><u>A bit of collage</u></b><br />
I have to say this was one of my favourite parts of the book. There is a whole page of clothes and accessories to cut out and stick on the various pirates. This took me right back to my childhood. It also helped my son with his scissor skills and the accuracy which he could cut improved as we went along. Look how stylish the pirate below is!<br />
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<b><u>Crafty materials</u></b><br />
There are quite a few pages of pirate themed papers within the book which are perfect for creating whatever pirate craft projects you would like. Bunting, cards, flags etc... There are lots of ideas for using the papers contained within the book.<br />
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<b><u>Learn map skills</u></b><br />
Just like Long John Silver was excellent at reading maps, children can learn some basic map skills by learning how to understand how grids are plotted (with an added bonus of finding treasure at the end).<br />
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<b><u>Stickers galore</u></b><br />
Who doesn't love stickers?? Lots of gloriously colourful stickers for use in your own projects or to be used within the pages of the book. <br />
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<b><u>Craft projects </u></b><br />
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There are lots of fantastic craft projects within the book. Door hangers, pirate cookies and make your own pirate hat and sword to name but a few....<br />
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<b><u>Educational content</u></b><br />
Not only does the book contain all that I have mentioned above, but there are some great pages which help children to learn about the world of pirates.<br />
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Overall, this is a book that provides constant inspiration and gets children to unleash their imaginations...<br />
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Will definitely be purchasing more from the series!<br />
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For more info please visit <a href="http://www.carltonbooks.co.uk/books">http://www.carltonbooks.co.uk/books</a><br />
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Disclosure: I was provided with a free copy but all thoughts are my own.<br />
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But wait, there's more! I have a copy to give away to my readers, so to enter please follow the rafflecopter steps below. Thanks.<br />
<br />
<a class="rcptr" data-raflid="b630136b2" data-template="" data-theme="classic" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/b630136b2/" id="rcwidget_l5j5z8g2" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a><br />
<script src="https://widget-prime.rafflecopter.com/launch.js"></script>Sarah Cooperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14004072221377836213noreply@blogger.com26tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6174765635518647491.post-13676260555192649802016-05-26T04:40:00.000-07:002016-06-01T13:47:59.061-07:00Review: Chloe Tells you How.... To Sew by Chloe Owens<i><b>I am so excited to bring you this review. I only received this book this morning and I am now brimming with inspiration. Not only is the book jam-packed with awesome projects but I absolutely love the style of the whole book which is based on a 1960's girls annual theme. You pick up the book and it instantly lets you revert to the warmth and nostalgia of childhood. </b></i><br />
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I'm a child of the 1980's but this book reminded me so much of the glorious days of childhood when I could happily spend an afternoon reading my Bunty comics. There was nothing I liked better than picking up old annuals at the jumble sales as well. My favourite part was the page where you could cut out the paper dolls and dress them with the paper clothes. <br />
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If you think of the current popularity of adult colouring books, you go some way in realising how much nostalgic pastimes relax us... Therefore this book with its eclectic blend of projects, comic strips, puzzles and comic characters is a trip right down memory lane and releases lots of happy endorphins.<br />
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I'm having a hard time deciding which pages I particularly want to show you, so there are rather a lot of photos in this post for you to appreciate just how wonderful the book is. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Every single page of the book has been well thought out and from the very first page we are treated to wonderful illustrations. </span></td></tr>
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The author of the book sounds an amazing person and I would love to chat with her as this book is absolutely brimming with her enthusiasm for crafts. I immediately was drawn to these bears, so please keep an eye on my blog as once I have gathered the materials I will definitely be making one.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijUY6UsdCj5MTm7pjId4FB-H0qx1cGb2QPNiZ8Z7W-lV-kr0WOeU9yLJloYap9KWc17OcX3N2AG_fktmIpSPpXpPWPtr8U9DvDd-FrE1ez3SVeP-5GOpCnzW-_khelVoBEE0maJkINkw3U/s1600/SAM_0110+-+Copy+%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijUY6UsdCj5MTm7pjId4FB-H0qx1cGb2QPNiZ8Z7W-lV-kr0WOeU9yLJloYap9KWc17OcX3N2AG_fktmIpSPpXpPWPtr8U9DvDd-FrE1ez3SVeP-5GOpCnzW-_khelVoBEE0maJkINkw3U/s400/SAM_0110+-+Copy+%25282%2529.JPG" width="300" /></a>Sometimes craft books can be off-putting with their overuse of technical terms. It has a very daunting effect; unlike this book where we are treated to instructions in the form of a very cute story; complete with adorable illustrations!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkyRMN1L2lLyg958HzK8EXStB8UqkYTUoYdShiE4YMAhgEl6F8lLwWi2ABsiRxIjkd91azVMHcDumSQsgrWLY30WnHKGKSXkuKiT2a9sSu6enYGKkXde3j1CDTVdjSDMxc0oxdlfrkrbTI/s1600/SAM_0111.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkyRMN1L2lLyg958HzK8EXStB8UqkYTUoYdShiE4YMAhgEl6F8lLwWi2ABsiRxIjkd91azVMHcDumSQsgrWLY30WnHKGKSXkuKiT2a9sSu6enYGKkXde3j1CDTVdjSDMxc0oxdlfrkrbTI/s320/SAM_0111.JPG" width="240" /></a>The variation of craft projects in this book means that every reader will find a project to suit them; from an upcycled chair, patchwork quilts, pinafore dresses, felt biscuits, felt ball garlands, cupboard curtains and stuffed toys there is something for everyone. I would make all 30 of the projects in this book; I love them!</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_gdotid9T_Kjmo-UMh0FSaG0xkL042L8wUqfbSh3m9d-5yuSAyizejZq1BOgiNECX9uOLtAwY4aZ9OepFdjbiMp-660fLPDhkhuKHldzVDdrhwIz0KL6taDjbg3jqGZXOtEM0NZU8KsZW/s1600/SAM_0112+-+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_gdotid9T_Kjmo-UMh0FSaG0xkL042L8wUqfbSh3m9d-5yuSAyizejZq1BOgiNECX9uOLtAwY4aZ9OepFdjbiMp-660fLPDhkhuKHldzVDdrhwIz0KL6taDjbg3jqGZXOtEM0NZU8KsZW/s400/SAM_0112+-+Copy.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The stories will enchant adults and children alike.</span></td></tr>
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Here's a round-up of my favourite projects:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieArW-nCUu4Iqe97RirJPkuuOY_cAjqrHjxqJtix6CmQECRCOglNQk6evlOrwmsq8r7eV1O15pLRYv7tuV0rpIF3k1vqJpfT8WkeNe0pWwLSZhUUzsxVGkeYgZfKEnkgr3lN6ZNQ2cNyTv/s1600/SAM_0114+-+Copy+%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieArW-nCUu4Iqe97RirJPkuuOY_cAjqrHjxqJtix6CmQECRCOglNQk6evlOrwmsq8r7eV1O15pLRYv7tuV0rpIF3k1vqJpfT8WkeNe0pWwLSZhUUzsxVGkeYgZfKEnkgr3lN6ZNQ2cNyTv/s640/SAM_0114+-+Copy+%25282%2529.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jammie Dodger Biscuits</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiudm0SyVO1jnximKaJO8q2zTC-mJt-OJprQoeUkmRmR4urUXpBDZIArx98Am4-L5qswF7R3aCHFYH-8WY9Iio3-zndsrBqjpvVZLRnqym2tkArse1zjFY0pQOJ6X586H_QLNXZFQcwcMi7/s1600/SAM_0113+-+Copy+%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiudm0SyVO1jnximKaJO8q2zTC-mJt-OJprQoeUkmRmR4urUXpBDZIArx98Am4-L5qswF7R3aCHFYH-8WY9Iio3-zndsrBqjpvVZLRnqym2tkArse1zjFY0pQOJ6X586H_QLNXZFQcwcMi7/s640/SAM_0113+-+Copy+%25282%2529.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Harvey the Rabbit</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAUgvbn6-tkY39F_TINowPvdsdCCN2gIPBJ3NI9ZHgmc1M0G5TZXfWOS6t6qEek8zPWxY0xxrdZg3lu7ipy1o1GYgeH-xRPiduk9mdGhhb_TTkMUK0j6WA5OvHshs-e08UCPBrgTAYWrg2/s1600/SAM_0123+-+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAUgvbn6-tkY39F_TINowPvdsdCCN2gIPBJ3NI9ZHgmc1M0G5TZXfWOS6t6qEek8zPWxY0xxrdZg3lu7ipy1o1GYgeH-xRPiduk9mdGhhb_TTkMUK0j6WA5OvHshs-e08UCPBrgTAYWrg2/s640/SAM_0123+-+Copy.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Foxy Lady</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW0WCmLCTxyGgnmbkP0KbMl4ABSkP2iVM7aotOUyOOQM10sSyJSpZ_PPMb7tzaVk2NGx2waTcA3JEQUthrdxZ-2g1v9liW5jtLYyZ4EmusTQce73iWyi3aKcF5MBj4_vi7l-kzQUFnMp7l/s1600/SAM_0122.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW0WCmLCTxyGgnmbkP0KbMl4ABSkP2iVM7aotOUyOOQM10sSyJSpZ_PPMb7tzaVk2NGx2waTcA3JEQUthrdxZ-2g1v9liW5jtLYyZ4EmusTQce73iWyi3aKcF5MBj4_vi7l-kzQUFnMp7l/s640/SAM_0122.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Patchwork quilt</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9kWkcHeVl0C0lUmKlFJitdQ_dgDsU9p5u5inh2rczd1JD3rkFIla82qiE3uDDlxdTPW6bXhi33JwhGV7Yc-rVeEsNKPje0utyPJ0pCKS26hqRIDlhMKzVd419hw-Z8zD-Z2qQvaWLD_kx/s1600/SAM_0118.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9kWkcHeVl0C0lUmKlFJitdQ_dgDsU9p5u5inh2rczd1JD3rkFIla82qiE3uDDlxdTPW6bXhi33JwhGV7Yc-rVeEsNKPje0utyPJ0pCKS26hqRIDlhMKzVd419hw-Z8zD-Z2qQvaWLD_kx/s640/SAM_0118.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fred Bear</td></tr>
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The puzzles, games and stories combine to enhance an already fabulous book to a 10/10 rating!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieZhM0W2HxfCahyphenhyphenfpq3psz5Fwr9QjKdNqHXLHY5Ckhzau-FZ5oGRQDtTA5CxwClJZMy-h6C9Kzd5AQ7_YEbk6IMp1liGd7k3PbiEKYvNCtyi-REXo-PgYoiMSi1DJPPzGlS1hU3g1xn55Z/s1600/SAM_0116+-+Copy+%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieZhM0W2HxfCahyphenhyphenfpq3psz5Fwr9QjKdNqHXLHY5Ckhzau-FZ5oGRQDtTA5CxwClJZMy-h6C9Kzd5AQ7_YEbk6IMp1liGd7k3PbiEKYvNCtyi-REXo-PgYoiMSi1DJPPzGlS1hU3g1xn55Z/s320/SAM_0116+-+Copy+%25282%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjODf5o6OUQoc6Qihhyphenhyphen-PRpK759uK36rOT7HQ-6QejrgN_Iiln5df3e2tq5s0AEy20Hcu3DKPjktvCc6fOIF9DB1wNU2Qoyh1OqW0xHco9z9s9eK209bOUOpMBRgn3YHdDibkVkgz-AX5vy/s1600/SAM_0119+-+Copy+%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjODf5o6OUQoc6Qihhyphenhyphen-PRpK759uK36rOT7HQ-6QejrgN_Iiln5df3e2tq5s0AEy20Hcu3DKPjktvCc6fOIF9DB1wNU2Qoyh1OqW0xHco9z9s9eK209bOUOpMBRgn3YHdDibkVkgz-AX5vy/s320/SAM_0119+-+Copy+%25282%2529.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm3nTFXBG6hLpCvq0zFLdF7zGXCksZ-yGUSDEmrFArQr58Vo3L4bxuN0R0ruQqn-n0iYzp4vGVEK4GZljLiVkd97aNcloLMzhfjZRyg7Pi3tCFR5jixcuWBwiygPIBaYiO1fWszY0Vj4Nl/s1600/SAM_0117+-+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm3nTFXBG6hLpCvq0zFLdF7zGXCksZ-yGUSDEmrFArQr58Vo3L4bxuN0R0ruQqn-n0iYzp4vGVEK4GZljLiVkd97aNcloLMzhfjZRyg7Pi3tCFR5jixcuWBwiygPIBaYiO1fWszY0Vj4Nl/s320/SAM_0117+-+Copy.JPG" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicOnhddvVtrWIPZTNxqQ9ETaACmKPcQ2vkjsZHIxqzPJ0uAShPpYUJ8DoTjEWjAaHiv_1C8xIKOZhAMHFycfCOj4oeO5-XUCb5Y0bZa2PB5CuKvtoQwBKQqY5jXreJgJtO2V-yTRg0YjB8/s1600/SAM_0120.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicOnhddvVtrWIPZTNxqQ9ETaACmKPcQ2vkjsZHIxqzPJ0uAShPpYUJ8DoTjEWjAaHiv_1C8xIKOZhAMHFycfCOj4oeO5-XUCb5Y0bZa2PB5CuKvtoQwBKQqY5jXreJgJtO2V-yTRg0YjB8/s320/SAM_0120.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTG98xM1czf8G-_mq1dAbSd0GDbBdnARFAtzQTRObFWeRu_R29haLDQsu539SPejZK2NARYltv4WzO_8hazUK673v9i-nTTyM3vBYkO9OC2wzTx8zBOxGMYHfXUa_OGSlp7V4UezKJCLCL/s1600/SAM_0124.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTG98xM1czf8G-_mq1dAbSd0GDbBdnARFAtzQTRObFWeRu_R29haLDQsu539SPejZK2NARYltv4WzO_8hazUK673v9i-nTTyM3vBYkO9OC2wzTx8zBOxGMYHfXUa_OGSlp7V4UezKJCLCL/s320/SAM_0124.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A handy list of stockists are supplied for all the craft products.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiutfr9lmIWDgoLfbee4spzpKUzcZS2MPIbsHRJJYtnpNa3mHL0rjz3gmOjM1AHhR7GrmsWNibynMyJ_o-Hy7xa1Axum8D3PQVYnfHkmkPwuD1X4z43w4M_f17-zedVUIMC4zYR6lSYso4u/s1600/SAM_0125.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiutfr9lmIWDgoLfbee4spzpKUzcZS2MPIbsHRJJYtnpNa3mHL0rjz3gmOjM1AHhR7GrmsWNibynMyJ_o-Hy7xa1Axum8D3PQVYnfHkmkPwuD1X4z43w4M_f17-zedVUIMC4zYR6lSYso4u/s320/SAM_0125.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Templates are printed full size and can either be traced or scanned.</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZF_X9gvR8LHA-gzg-NooZe3lb8BXt6TDESupFmD00d5FojB0BYMtbD8pNpzYZuS5_im3e7CoDp4DGQ7xOsymw41PCFLK3ryNUiUCwn4uQbiu6AM5o3a_YUsFdDgQ0ZDSO4ULj9MVVUS6C/s1600/SAM_0121.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZF_X9gvR8LHA-gzg-NooZe3lb8BXt6TDESupFmD00d5FojB0BYMtbD8pNpzYZuS5_im3e7CoDp4DGQ7xOsymw41PCFLK3ryNUiUCwn4uQbiu6AM5o3a_YUsFdDgQ0ZDSO4ULj9MVVUS6C/s320/SAM_0121.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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All that's left for me to say is that I hope you enjoyed my review, and I know you will find this book as enchanting as I did!<br />
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For more info on the book please visit <a href="http://www.rylandpeters.com/chloe-tells-you-how-to-sew">http://www.rylandpeters.com/chloe-tells-you-how-to-sew</a><br />
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Disclosure: I was provided with a free copy but all thoughts are my own.<br />
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Sarah Cooperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14004072221377836213noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6174765635518647491.post-92025659884550802772016-05-24T06:53:00.002-07:002016-06-01T13:48:07.768-07:00Review and Giveaway: Bingosaurus by Carlton Books<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuDmdO2jl5bbbjD7XypqV2F7UVgMCqai4uwSq1h_Bkc6x7NrekyaVFaIWFs6I5qqG9c-ubLPzqPPPjpXO8hqLLUH8ujgC7_Y8gWOtM5hNzlCmogK9bCOuDvDetzoNCF5zziSGatl6X_UAH/s1600/SAM_0080.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuDmdO2jl5bbbjD7XypqV2F7UVgMCqai4uwSq1h_Bkc6x7NrekyaVFaIWFs6I5qqG9c-ubLPzqPPPjpXO8hqLLUH8ujgC7_Y8gWOtM5hNzlCmogK9bCOuDvDetzoNCF5zziSGatl6X_UAH/s400/SAM_0080.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">This is a game perfect for the whole family. Particularly so if you have fans of the Prehistoric era in the household. The whole concept of playing bingo is such a simple premise, so no time is wasted on explaining long and unfathomable rules. You can jump straight in to game-play and everyone is happy.</span></i></b></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">There are two ways of playing this game. The first is just like the normal bingo game, you have a caller who pulls out a dinosaur card, the players check to see if they have the matching dinosaur on their board; if they do, they can cover it with a circle. The first one to cover all the dinosaurs on their board must shout "Bingosaurus!"</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The second more difficult way of playing this game is you have to guess from the clue given whether you have that particular dinosaur on your board. This is where the information booklet comes in handy. Players can have a read of the booklet beforehand and not only does it contain lots of interesting information but also contains the correct pronunciations of the dinosaur names.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The illustrations of the dinosaurs are adorable and this would definitely be the type of gift I would be looking for when shopping in a museum shop for example. I was particularly pleased that up to 8 players can play this game.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5kE4LwovlMDj846YHJmmPtS_VpsygLprEnImWIUyJwWIa18WVKr5C3Hn2USDz1Ja8STjISrrIjQ0i-F1xji55S8074V9VnL6rlo72h2sxWbZze5S1-wZrY8KSgTmwuA0ifLhTD64ItDiA/s320/SAM_0088.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="240" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The information booklet</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Clues help players decide whether they own that particular dinosaur</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsjPAfcttqhZJp6eLsspcptKWgEo4xXXaAswnzwgQzgZ8362vVTi2mmweCa5prsAePsP5C8Jemafj0G2hYONCpMoZ5y-lvdSIK1s1yu0drFY8wHOnI1yOJB4p7s9Fsb4oqYgZ0rAzX1VMr/s1600/SAM_0084.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsjPAfcttqhZJp6eLsspcptKWgEo4xXXaAswnzwgQzgZ8362vVTi2mmweCa5prsAePsP5C8Jemafj0G2hYONCpMoZ5y-lvdSIK1s1yu0drFY8wHOnI1yOJB4p7s9Fsb4oqYgZ0rAzX1VMr/s400/SAM_0084.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Boards are in alphabetical order so it makes play easier.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYLxLZ0LwRv84vPtr3xVta_EYmbCPQHLo1ymuZEsbm4BIg0RqPCoXDHYIVjjV7zsyepxGlX-p2UGfuyVKNiNe2yR_y7VwctHyG0_YPThHrhcG4GHiRS9zfD4al3UdAIRxFO00xwJtEga-a/s1600/SAM_0094.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYLxLZ0LwRv84vPtr3xVta_EYmbCPQHLo1ymuZEsbm4BIg0RqPCoXDHYIVjjV7zsyepxGlX-p2UGfuyVKNiNe2yR_y7VwctHyG0_YPThHrhcG4GHiRS9zfD4al3UdAIRxFO00xwJtEga-a/s400/SAM_0094.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The caller must place the card they have pulled out on their own master board.</td></tr>
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We love this game so much, we want you to be able to play this wonderful game too. So we are giving away one copy of the game Bingosaurus. To enter please go through the Rafflecopter steps. Good luck!<br />
Disclosure: I was provided with a free copy but all thoughts are my own.<br />
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For more info on the game please visit http://www.carltonbooks.co.uk/imprints/carltonkids</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5kE4LwovlMDj846YHJmmPtS_VpsygLprEnImWIUyJwWIa18WVKr5C3Hn2USDz1Ja8STjISrrIjQ0i-F1xji55S8074V9VnL6rlo72h2sxWbZze5S1-wZrY8KSgTmwuA0ifLhTD64ItDiA/s1600/SAM_0088.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"></span></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyJpYUWuTmTsLIyg0aBZdszJ5sPIVhEoP-dwYEJ54B_VSP922FMlcWDkg9wlFZwuvvXJ6fMZ8or46cZUhWQNbfnwkvFqQM7IsKDFYdUCme7eTV2tckdHS6SFvM8NSRLR_exwwEoMnKC7Em/s1600/SAM_0091.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a class="rcptr" data-raflid="b630136b1" data-template="" data-theme="classic" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/b630136b1/" id="rcwidget_8u56esmr" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a></span><br />
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Sarah Cooperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14004072221377836213noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6174765635518647491.post-54838961436107616672016-05-12T06:53:00.001-07:002016-05-12T06:58:09.740-07:00Project: Felt Flower wreath project from 'Mollie Makes' magazine<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWslRCfT6hMLdi035DMiS20sX5JJajR-kKVSLOjTx3Mbfr10hcEyPrN4ii9tm3TQQSw_mU25_ttOuCJGPbQu0LQPTYeMuV0V5W5tS4jFJdc95rdwN5VYW-cE-Ah9sEpbTXYmnPG3Ady48d/s1600/felt+wreath.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWslRCfT6hMLdi035DMiS20sX5JJajR-kKVSLOjTx3Mbfr10hcEyPrN4ii9tm3TQQSw_mU25_ttOuCJGPbQu0LQPTYeMuV0V5W5tS4jFJdc95rdwN5VYW-cE-Ah9sEpbTXYmnPG3Ady48d/s640/felt+wreath.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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This week I am continuing my goal of making each front cover project from Mollie Makes magazine. Last month I made the deer embroidery picture which I loved, I found it so therapeutic as it felt like drawing with thread. It also gave me enough confidence to be able to design my own embroidery pictures. That's what I love about trying out new crafts, the opportunity to expand my repertoire of craft abilities. </div>
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This month's project on Mollie Makes magazine was a floral wreath made out of felt. I love flowers and this seemed a perfect way to bring some colour in to the house (without the pollen). So off I set about purchasing the craft items needed to make the project. I worried quite a lot about whether I had the right colours for the leaves, but as it turned out I just used two basic green colours from a multi-pack of felt and they worked just fine. I love the natural effect using two colours created.</div>
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Now I will be painstakingly honest, unlike most crafting I didn't find this project relaxing. After drawing round a template hundreds of times and then cutting out hundreds of leaves, one of my fingers actually became numb from what must be a repetitive strain injury. All these leaves then needed to be glued on floral wire with a hot glue gun, which also resulted in a few burns (partly because I am clumsy and partly because pinching the leaves to look natural made the glue spurt everywhere).</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNQWN1ypDt1QPdm8p_ZPG7hsqMIHMAbvn7bnnFqCR58yOvC00NEHEOW01SoQLeZ9uig_cCICa1h9X5E2xjTT4-hrbEqiIjSQxkHvPVJ60l3mSV9bB3zLv_zDjszR-vhFYJJccec90p0BWG/s1600/DSC_0053.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNQWN1ypDt1QPdm8p_ZPG7hsqMIHMAbvn7bnnFqCR58yOvC00NEHEOW01SoQLeZ9uig_cCICa1h9X5E2xjTT4-hrbEqiIjSQxkHvPVJ60l3mSV9bB3zLv_zDjszR-vhFYJJccec90p0BWG/s640/DSC_0053.JPG" width="360" /></a></div>
The best part of the project was when I started making the flowers, as by this point I could see my work coming together and knew I was actually doing quite a good job. <br />
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The wreath base was formed by wire bent in to a circle shape and then covered with floral tape. I opted to make all my flowers in orangey tones to match my room decor.<br />
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Overall, I didn't enjoy making the wreath but I do think the finished result is beautiful. It's also nice to know that should I ever need to make flowers to brighten a room I will now have the ability to do so. But for now, this won't be a project I will be repeating in the near future.Sarah Cooperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14004072221377836213noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6174765635518647491.post-53500547151039483602016-05-02T06:29:00.001-07:002016-05-02T11:34:17.939-07:00Review: Felt Wee Folk by Salley Mavor<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6qfZ7UnXeEfNtGZM_JYTwZgte0rgZ02IgjJTB2N_B6vdVkrvO2uRBPGD5-E9oALxZQCHMI3YLxgdqoMHBm9nAAk0RU9oXQjs0ev_SiubJICRbBFa000loGufCN9JzAvub4Wbymm6kRsCR/s1600/felt+wee+folk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6qfZ7UnXeEfNtGZM_JYTwZgte0rgZ02IgjJTB2N_B6vdVkrvO2uRBPGD5-E9oALxZQCHMI3YLxgdqoMHBm9nAAk0RU9oXQjs0ev_SiubJICRbBFa000loGufCN9JzAvub4Wbymm6kRsCR/s400/felt+wee+folk.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">From the minute I laid my hands on this book, it was like holding something magical. As soon as I saw the front characters I wanted to create them, and when I opened the book and discovered how simplistic Salley had made the crafting</span></i></b><br />
<a name='more'></a><b><i><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> process I was desperate to give it a go for myself. </span></i></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Unlike many craft books which are purely used as reference books, this is a book that you simply want to digest from front to back. Salley's every word is inspirational as she is so passionate about creating these little people. Her instructions were very easy to follow and I loved how all the pictures in the book were actually in scale with how big the characters would turn out when you make them.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYnZnxB1MBOAxJOGfF6T2KJMX6UtkyqS61-BhM6ZrwONUNMUHVSrCTnhYhTrbqIuVoVNLaPUJ35iN9nNjQj3uTHFcQiEai8qocrg5MtmTwBp512IDYwJaawtT0oNxsogf9NbNXy_Vpp3PY/s1600/DSC_0045.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYnZnxB1MBOAxJOGfF6T2KJMX6UtkyqS61-BhM6ZrwONUNMUHVSrCTnhYhTrbqIuVoVNLaPUJ35iN9nNjQj3uTHFcQiEai8qocrg5MtmTwBp512IDYwJaawtT0oNxsogf9NbNXy_Vpp3PY/s640/DSC_0045.JPG" width="360" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">The main supplies you will need to get started with this hobby is a box of coloured felt, pipe cleaners, embroidery thread, wooden beads and wool fleece for the hair.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">It's a fairly cheap hobby to get started with and I adore how Salley gives tips for using supplies from nature, such as acorn caps and seashells. However, I have found Ebay a great resource if you need these things at the wrong time of year.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">The hardest part of the project was definitely making the armature. This involved covering pipe cleaners with embroidery thread. As this was my first ever attempt I wasn't 100% sure whether I was doing it correctly. But it turned out well, next time I think I will be capable of making it look a bit tidier as I will know what I am doing.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOV_X2Fw36ShRg-Sy8ohoK9AaPhw_PULQ_7L03qZokLG9fwhkaPCQLq9Gu_AsHzPtpsDSYbOtZXgAAl2l4TYURLpATRp7g_zQ-kUJkPyp7pD2MXdotJ_E-i9qadEVkh90f_IxBP9xIJ7Mr/s320/DSC_0037.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The armature</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOV_X2Fw36ShRg-Sy8ohoK9AaPhw_PULQ_7L03qZokLG9fwhkaPCQLq9Gu_AsHzPtpsDSYbOtZXgAAl2l4TYURLpATRp7g_zQ-kUJkPyp7pD2MXdotJ_E-i9qadEVkh90f_IxBP9xIJ7Mr/s1600/DSC_0037.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span></a><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">For me the most amazing part of the project was when I started making the little felt clothes; I have never experienced this feeling whilst crafting before, but it felt like my creation was starting to come to life. To make the clothes you either need some tracing paper or access to a scanner or photocopier. I used my scanner and printer to print out the patterns and then used them as a template to cut around.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8JHMj9V2R9701YH45UPe79cwurGFaUyc8KHat-k6S5FZOt_5zmpCLMq2JdnNybXRZziG92q55S4gDGcetSLRs3Mnh7IiZIRpZbWZBX3hJglC4IgDguMuqRHPbbUydZkPqjpBtEl5xqHcE/s1600/DSC_0040.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8JHMj9V2R9701YH45UPe79cwurGFaUyc8KHat-k6S5FZOt_5zmpCLMq2JdnNybXRZziG92q55S4gDGcetSLRs3Mnh7IiZIRpZbWZBX3hJglC4IgDguMuqRHPbbUydZkPqjpBtEl5xqHcE/s320/DSC_0040.JPG" width="179" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: small; text-align: start;">The clothes were so enjoyable to make! With the addition of seed beads, the clothes became so unique.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi2pC1fnE8T2t8QzwnQVgmyq1vVANuF7a9tqkyG1yj_7znvh_4Wi0cklEt_WIyIO0wxJYDEmDq_8RIw3OOwNTplMTama4-DzEgP7bZUYwXzATfKhLKlZQlwd0h0426fZ_7ijF8H1VXacx_/s320/DSC_0042.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="180" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">Once the clothes were made, it was time to move on to the head! The book advises to put the head on to a chenille stem (pipe cleaner) to make it easier to paint.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">At this point, you simply need to glue the head on and then the hair. Finally, your character is completed! </span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> I am hooked on this hobby and can't wait to complete more projects from the book.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Stay tuned for more photos of these enchanting little people!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">If you are interested in making these people you definitely need to get hold of this book, as all the instructions, help and advice you could ever want is featured in this book. With instructions for over 120 characters, this is a goldmine of a book if you want to get started with mini doll-making! I don't think you appreciate until you make the dolls for yourself, how perfectly weighted they are - if you shut your eyes you can almost imagine you are holding a real little person. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Once you have this book in your possession, the potential for creating characters is endless; whether you choose to make characters from books, characters to resemble your family or just your favourite fairytales the options are infinite.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">You can then use them in dollhouses, make your own diorama, or make them as story props there is something to engage everyone's imagination.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Thoroughly enjoyed this book and I am sure you will too!</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXpTblkEuS4pLkzCCC7lzffmPDK6Iiz5FuSv2GFMhyphenhyphenI7RLniMTPt_g09d5ydnrOdh1daZK-i9mHliN9toNwoaataJbiQHgfxm0y2tugj8NyKDeB3RkFnBrQbPKBkmBjejI-rmktNV_jG5P/s640/DSC_0051.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="360" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Enjoying the garden!</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXpTblkEuS4pLkzCCC7lzffmPDK6Iiz5FuSv2GFMhyphenhyphenI7RLniMTPt_g09d5ydnrOdh1daZK-i9mHliN9toNwoaataJbiQHgfxm0y2tugj8NyKDeB3RkFnBrQbPKBkmBjejI-rmktNV_jG5P/s1600/DSC_0051.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">For more information please visit<a href="https://www.searchpress.com/book/9781607058861/felt-wee-folk-new-adventures"> https://www.searchpress.com/book/9781607058861/felt-wee-folk-new-adventures</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">*This book was kindly provided to me to review by Search Press and I was delighted to be able to peruse it!</span>Sarah Cooperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14004072221377836213noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6174765635518647491.post-69520665389312742632016-04-15T07:55:00.000-07:002016-04-15T07:55:02.710-07:00#Kitchenclearout: Lime and Coconut Loaf Cake<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGchU-auOljsu2dn7BQK13QrB0z31WRGoAz6NrmEJmWUXWPLpOMN0Sw6RuPNAc1yyJD8ygtU6QdftgU54QLCgkCPt58bte7WuKaTEUtK31GNmBFEQbsHf-pMVoBwOdwNRkCE0QasUHFxkX/s1600/kitchen+clearout+badge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="174" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGchU-auOljsu2dn7BQK13QrB0z31WRGoAz6NrmEJmWUXWPLpOMN0Sw6RuPNAc1yyJD8ygtU6QdftgU54QLCgkCPt58bte7WuKaTEUtK31GNmBFEQbsHf-pMVoBwOdwNRkCE0QasUHFxkX/s200/kitchen+clearout+badge.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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Fed up with trying to meal plan off the top of my head, I decided to use my kitchen cupboards as a source of inspiration to work from. I have so many seasoning mixes and baking ingredients that get shoved to the back of the cupboard. I think the reason for this is that I tend to stick to things that I know we like as the children are just so fussy. For the past few weeks though, my oldest son at lease will try pretty much anything I make. We have had some hits and we have had some misses, but that's all part of the fun.<br />
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As I was reading my favourite blogs, I noticed that other people are doing this too and there's even an hashtag for it. So this week I'm going to take part in the #kitchenclearout challenge.<br />
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I have had a pack of desiccated coconut sitting in my cupboard for ages, so I decided to start off with a loaf cake.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb8sKp2DFPnnNYVTdtp_WYiw98PZIqEuXY0LlK2tE-EQ7rasxGnCRXiayW480dy2VANKcQ5YiKxiRSrw8i-igGRr6jpad70xfHXF4oun3vCZ3UcFMlcUalzTXmXok8Al_-nLrRFfKSoNQt/s1600/DSC_0026.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb8sKp2DFPnnNYVTdtp_WYiw98PZIqEuXY0LlK2tE-EQ7rasxGnCRXiayW480dy2VANKcQ5YiKxiRSrw8i-igGRr6jpad70xfHXF4oun3vCZ3UcFMlcUalzTXmXok8Al_-nLrRFfKSoNQt/s400/DSC_0026.JPG" width="223" /></a><br />
This recipe is <u><b>'Lime and Coconut Loaf Cake'</b></u><br />
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<u><b>ingredients:</b></u><br />
200g unsalted softened butter<br />
180g caster sugar<br />
4 eggs<br />
200g sifted self-raising flour<br />
75g desiccated coconut<br />
finely grated zest of lime and juice of 1 lime<br />
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Topping:<br />
Juice of 2 limes<br />
80g caster sugar<br />
scattering of desiccated coconut<br />
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Line a 2lb loaf tin with baking paper.<br />
Whisk together the butter and sugar until fluffy.<br />
Add in the eggs one at a time, whisking in between each addition.<br />
Then fold in the flour, coconut and lime.<br />
Bake in the oven at 160 degrees c for around 50 minutes or until a skewer comes out clean.<br />
Whilst the cake is in the oven mix together the lime juice and sugar.<br />
When the cake is cooked, pour over the lime mixture and scatter over desiccated coconut to your liking! Wait to cool and then remove from tin!<br />
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Delicious!<br />
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Adding this to Cheryl's <a href="http://madhousefamilyreviews.blogspot.co.uk/2016/03/kitchenclearout-february-roundup-march-linky.html">#Kitchenclearout</a> linky as I have finally got round to using some of that coconut. Now to hunt for more coconut recipes!Sarah Cooperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14004072221377836213noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6174765635518647491.post-54514264605561329262016-04-10T05:11:00.000-07:002016-04-10T11:56:04.446-07:00Deer embroidery project from Mollie Makes magazine<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I have just completed my first ever embroidery project. I often browse at the inspirational projects in Mollie Makes magazine and when I saw Kirsty Neale's stunning deer project in issue 56, I just knew I had to give it a try. I absolutely adored Kirsty's design but mine differed immediately when I stuck my deer shape on the wrong way, so the deer is coming in to the picture from a different angle. This then meant instead of copying the template from the magazine I had to draw the design on as best as I could to fit the differing angle. I also made the eyes of the deer a little bigger to give him a cuter look about him. <br />
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It was wonderfully therapeutic making this project. I have mastered quite a lot of embroidery stitches now and it has inspired me enough to think about designing my own embroidery pictures in the future. I love how the felt gives the picture a 3D look.<br />
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I also love Kirsty's work so much that I have purchased her book called 'Hoopla' off Amazon so I look forward to receiving that shortly and maybe I'll post some more completed projects very soon...<br />
<br />Sarah Cooperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14004072221377836213noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6174765635518647491.post-42681286624071079892015-10-27T07:15:00.000-07:002015-10-27T07:15:17.198-07:00Review: No Such Thing by Ella Bailey<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8mxy9SDd4nzKj6qRZeEVPvzVTOculJ96KHt4C4DarqH7NkE4vIZkwZinaUhXgdRWl7__6Vs8yi2SE2dLu1x-KzrMM4Azbf8kHjAAkVa11EpQLM_B8Jprop2bCn-2LZVDz-6xsh1vAgj8g/s1600/PA271385.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8mxy9SDd4nzKj6qRZeEVPvzVTOculJ96KHt4C4DarqH7NkE4vIZkwZinaUhXgdRWl7__6Vs8yi2SE2dLu1x-KzrMM4Azbf8kHjAAkVa11EpQLM_B8Jprop2bCn-2LZVDz-6xsh1vAgj8g/s640/PA271385.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ella Bailey's <i>No Such Thing </i>is quite simply a work of art. It's the kind of book that I have to reread just to make sure I have taken in every single detail of the artwork, noticing something new each time I read. Whilst this book is best enjoyed during the month of October, simply due to the whole story revolving around Halloween, I am sure it will be a book we will return to whenever we fancy a dose of enchantment.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVrVoxyqPLpEfOCT44KReRJGcdzBIrlPKeZwxVjfyhslcSUaO6xP-Xln-WSx2Sb-jWekXiDUzK7sFbfjkjo-V9nT_Hc9KCSlDm9xH54D5htf_9Oct_F1A1DG1QUfF6XyoKP5hMDQ_T1j3I/s1600/PA271389.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVrVoxyqPLpEfOCT44KReRJGcdzBIrlPKeZwxVjfyhslcSUaO6xP-Xln-WSx2Sb-jWekXiDUzK7sFbfjkjo-V9nT_Hc9KCSlDm9xH54D5htf_9Oct_F1A1DG1QUfF6XyoKP5hMDQ_T1j3I/s400/PA271389.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8000001907349px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Every page can be marvelled at!<br /></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The autumnal palette of colours used throughout the book is breathtaking and really captures the joy of the season. The pages are jam-packed full of detail and Ella's style of illustration really captivates the imagination with the use of colour, emotion and shape. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm sure this book would work as a picture book alone (no words needed), however the text adds another dimension to the book as we are treated to the story told in rhyme. I'm guessing that teachers would appreciate this book too as it works alongside the National Curriculum with the range of descriptive words it employs.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8000001907349px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We loved the range of expressions Ella used.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Story-wise, the plot goes against what you would expect for a children's book as we usually try to instil in children that there are no such thing as ghosts, however the main character Georgia is adamant that the destruction that is going on around the house is due to everyone else (her brother, the neighbour etc.) but ghosts. She reiterates this by making posters for herself that say there are no such thing as ghosts. Whilst she looks elsewhere for people to blame, the readers job is to discover the hidden ghosts lurking behind handbags and curtains. My son really enjoyed this part of the book, and liked the fact that all the ghosts were made to look so friendly.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihKvRX7Db9NjCA90XnBGw0ZjUd8WVnuvOPIsH3glbhjp2f_m60VpOcxR0uKfKqJhXyRxJX9S0oPfwijarh2_eOP8nWGmR9kCbbz4lfgckp0qYJ-_XNMkCDY9s8sX0kqEhKmm0yUgZaBtaN/s1600/PA271393.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihKvRX7Db9NjCA90XnBGw0ZjUd8WVnuvOPIsH3glbhjp2f_m60VpOcxR0uKfKqJhXyRxJX9S0oPfwijarh2_eOP8nWGmR9kCbbz4lfgckp0qYJ-_XNMkCDY9s8sX0kqEhKmm0yUgZaBtaN/s400/PA271393.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Lots of reader engagement!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiokpphXYi3OTNzl8WYIGf8VmiEyVlRLt-OjTpNi8sf9TdE4eJ1NUS9ev3i3hW_UT31QGfptQ6Ahnx5VNOgyDoocD3uZT9ZwsC616tZo7YpejSKlutoQXTec02TaUYkhNJYhFtGmqFxeI2N/s1600/PA271394.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiokpphXYi3OTNzl8WYIGf8VmiEyVlRLt-OjTpNi8sf9TdE4eJ1NUS9ev3i3hW_UT31QGfptQ6Ahnx5VNOgyDoocD3uZT9ZwsC616tZo7YpejSKlutoQXTec02TaUYkhNJYhFtGmqFxeI2N/s400/PA271394.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Lovely range of colours used throughout the book.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This charmingly illustrated picture book will be one that we return to again and again...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For more info please visit <a href="http://flyingeyebooks.com/shop/no-such-thing-2/?">http://flyingeyebooks.com/shop/no-such-thing-2/?</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Disclosure: I was sent a copy of this book to review, but all thoughts and opinions are my own.</span>Sarah Cooperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14004072221377836213noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6174765635518647491.post-47634602077159078382015-07-30T06:26:00.000-07:002015-07-30T07:59:38.040-07:00Review: Fairytale - Gingerbread Man Satchel from Totallyfunky.co.uk<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSMkX8aMQn3GqUFGp7afxQTMtOAa9rj2NzQKZ60JkG2mm3ojFc9cqKQsy73Vl-mci3oz5anacFH8xV9u_7Yu4_v5VvhV7ETT1bIoOrOdN5FZTkizjx6lak-Ayqn00iVPwEurrUNheSc9YH/s1600/P7300510.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSMkX8aMQn3GqUFGp7afxQTMtOAa9rj2NzQKZ60JkG2mm3ojFc9cqKQsy73Vl-mci3oz5anacFH8xV9u_7Yu4_v5VvhV7ETT1bIoOrOdN5FZTkizjx6lak-Ayqn00iVPwEurrUNheSc9YH/s640/P7300510.JPG" width="640" /></span></i></a></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>I was recently over the moon to have won a £25 voucher to spend with <a href="http://totally-funky.co.uk/">Totally-Funky.co.uk</a> in connection with <a href="http://www.goingonanadventure.co.uk/">We're Going On An Adventure</a> blog. I love this blog because it always offers great ideas for days out, interesting posts on motherhood, reviews and competitions. So when I found I had won the voucher I had great fun trawling the Totally Funky website deciding on the best way to spend my £25. I'd never heard of Totally-Funky.co.uk before this competition and now I had been on their website I was spoilt for choice. Umming and ahhing over Pacman lights and Batman ducks, I finally settled on a really unusual satchel/handbag. The bag actually retailed at £39.99 which meant I had to spend an extra £15 as I had gone over my voucher limit, but when the bag arrived I was so pleased with it that I decided the best way to express my delight would be to write a blog post.</b> </span></i><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The bag comes from the 'Once Upon A Time' range from Disaster Designs and is one of a few bags which are based on fairy tales; others being Snow White, Hansel and Gretel and Red Riding Hood. The quirky illustrations were what made me fall head over heels for this bag, and the fact that it allows us grown-ups to retain a little bit of magic from childhood with this modern twist.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Although the bag looks like it does up through the use of the clasps, it is actually much easier to get in to the bag by a metallic clasp hidden on the underside of the flap of the bag. There's so much attention to detail too; with the bows, embroidery, and two Gingerbread Man zip attachments.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_GClsyDsqWuifrZ7nS7FrNWP4s-LIiEWHdD9U3sV6QI2lV0_5Mz95zIcDV3Y-GLJ6-KD5LeH8485MruSI7M0Bw9FeGsHSPQvjuUYNVfM3mOeBBKEEY9r92r6VaLagEzGuiO0XpnojpbA6/s1600/P7300511.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_GClsyDsqWuifrZ7nS7FrNWP4s-LIiEWHdD9U3sV6QI2lV0_5Mz95zIcDV3Y-GLJ6-KD5LeH8485MruSI7M0Bw9FeGsHSPQvjuUYNVfM3mOeBBKEEY9r92r6VaLagEzGuiO0XpnojpbA6/s640/P7300511.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The lining features many different fairy tales. My little boy loved spotting the various characters. How many can you spot?</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It's easy to remain organised with this bag too as there are outer pockets on either side of the bag, and a zipped compartment and two pouches inside the bag. The bag opens up impressively wide to be able to store all your bits and bobs.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; text-align: start;">Who couldn't love these gorgeous illustrations? We even have the sly fox there...</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Even the inside of the bag has gorgeous illustrations...</span></td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI6wNnMTkCjiUQock8VfAwmWmPiyQEABUwV8GVW6y69HdxBGwsvBkLLDk7UziVxZQBMpe_I-Ss8VJCfGK0mFt6TKHTsh0b0wjL2EWIaqskzQ2Di3CRIAkTSNlPvO32T-JubHK9JSy3r5Jt/s1600/P7300520.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI6wNnMTkCjiUQock8VfAwmWmPiyQEABUwV8GVW6y69HdxBGwsvBkLLDk7UziVxZQBMpe_I-Ss8VJCfGK0mFt6TKHTsh0b0wjL2EWIaqskzQ2Di3CRIAkTSNlPvO32T-JubHK9JSy3r5Jt/s640/P7300520.JPG" width="480" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">With so much attention to detail, I'll certainly be living "happily ever after" with this bag. And I will definitely be purchasing more in the range. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Thank you so much to <a href="http://www.goingonanadventure.co.uk/">Going On An Adventure</a> blog and <a href="http://www.totally-funky.co.uk/PROD4477/Fairytale---Gingerbread-Man-Satchel?gclid=CjwKEAjwluetBRD98L639p35p0QSJACC8BlKGuGiKx0mFgKWMZxCiQH95Z435mNLpKav9ihHokTpeRoCMOzw_wcB">TotallyFunky.co.uk </a></span>Sarah Cooperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14004072221377836213noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6174765635518647491.post-89916891488767546142015-07-12T14:40:00.000-07:002015-07-12T23:47:18.158-07:00Holiday Heaven: Breathtaking beauty at Rural Retreats ‘Captain’s House’ - Marazion, Cornwall<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i><b>This month I am taking part in the Ocean Finance's 'Holiday Heaven or Hell' blogger competition. I think it's highly apt that our 'Holiday Heaven' almost seemed like we had our own private ocean....</b></i></div>
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<i><b> Captain’s House
managed to encompass everything you could possibly want from a holiday home and
so much more. Our time there was
unforgettable and here’s why.....</b></i></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn9vp8XHltwhwtXJxFi9mN-zasamm8U3WBVlUKS1G9xUgySBY02Lqe_zXdKk4wyBOS8i4FG7llgp_212KHIEjbIxfwlB_C8pBrKWJ3MKr1cgVaRyy_zBJ7VrSkqlPiMuEMvaekuLKxiSo-/s1600/cornwall+109.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn9vp8XHltwhwtXJxFi9mN-zasamm8U3WBVlUKS1G9xUgySBY02Lqe_zXdKk4wyBOS8i4FG7llgp_212KHIEjbIxfwlB_C8pBrKWJ3MKr1cgVaRyy_zBJ7VrSkqlPiMuEMvaekuLKxiSo-/s200/cornwall+109.JPG" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The holiday critic; also known as me!</td></tr>
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We encountered every magical moment possible at Captain’s<i> </i>House<i> </i>in the coastal town of Marazion, Cornwall. Walking in to the house we were instantly dumbfounded
as it was even better than what it appeared in the brochure (which was a hard feat as it looked
fantastic in that). <i>Nothing</i> disappointed!<br />
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We were met with massive sumptuous rooms with each individual room offering views to die for of St Michael’s Mount. The aspect of beauty in every single room was simply breathtaking from domed lampshades to a beautiful giant dressing room. Subtle colours used throughout emphasised the massive amount of airy space and recliners and sofas added to the ambient atmosphere. Accompany this with the many outstanding home comforts such as a dedicated children’s room with a 65 inch TV, home cinema system and comfy beanbags, a spa bath, a sun terrace where you could eat your food looking straight across to the island and we quite simply thought we were in heaven. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicTcr9TsOh4I93lsPBUD2ddBAI6NHFZWdp4gXh_7icUYFzd6TRVdrMXo4TsUuPcNe-w5UCj7LgYUfMRLKG_DtObIw2ns9hH5YCjQ86CSuUM1RNQ0loqvFdZq8JyEAQnQFKB_NjT3ImOArX/s1600/cornwall+004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicTcr9TsOh4I93lsPBUD2ddBAI6NHFZWdp4gXh_7icUYFzd6TRVdrMXo4TsUuPcNe-w5UCj7LgYUfMRLKG_DtObIw2ns9hH5YCjQ86CSuUM1RNQ0loqvFdZq8JyEAQnQFKB_NjT3ImOArX/s400/cornwall+004.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The dining area</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We were greeted with this lovely hamper full of goodies and a Cornish newspaper</td></tr>
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Further to the beauty of the house, we were catered for with a wonderful hamper containing such luxuries as strawberries, scones, wine, clotted cream and much more. Every aspect of our lives was covered by them; there was nothing we wanted for. The first thing I did when I woke up the next morning was to blink my eyes to ensure the vast white room around me (which was like something out of a movie)and island was still there, because I wanted to ensure that I wasn't dreaming. Never before had I encountered this feeling when on holiday.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The kitchen</td></tr>
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The house was big, warm, luxurious and simply perfect. You could feast your eyes on nature and hear the tranquil sounds of the waves lapping up against the pebbles. So powerful was the environment that it felt healing somehow. And with the sun that shone in from every window and the sea air I am positive that it was! I left the Captains house feeling totally revived, even if we did feel quite sad at the prospect of leaving. When we came home we really, really missed it. It was the nearest thing to being in paradise for us. If the weather was bad then that just added to the mystique of the island. And if the sun shone then it enhanced the beauty of the beautiful blue sea.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A litle misty in this pic. but was amazing once the fog cleared!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Out of the window!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There was even a tennis area in the garden!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My youngest son and I</td></tr>
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<span style="text-align: start;">What was fantastic about the situation of the house was the fact that you didn’t need to travel for miles to go to local attractions. We were separated from the beach only by a garden wall and it was like having a beach for a garden. We spent one sunny blissful day on the beach building sandcastles with our two boys. I read somewhere that the beach overlooking St Michael's Mount is one of the best in the UK for building sandcastles and that was really true as the sandcastles came out of the bucket with the details of windows and doors which I have never seen happen before. We also made a boat trip over to St Michael’s Mount and after going up to the castle we enjoyed a Cornish pasty looking over the sea, which was an experience we will never ever forget. It was also very interesting to encounter the community spirit of the villagers. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lots of interesting tunnels to explore over on St Michael's Mount. Very Enid Blytonish!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The little cafe where you can enjoy a delicious ice-cream or Cornish pasty.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pretending to be a pirate!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The boat ride added to the fun.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">St Michael's Mount at night.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The naughty seagull</td></tr>
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We were told that a regular visitor to the island was a seal. Alas, we didn’t see the seal but we did get our own taste of
nature when my husband felt something hit him hard on the back. My husband
turned around ready to scold my son thinking that he must have thrown something
at him before he realised the bird had pooed on him. We were weak with laughter as he complained
how much it hurt! I guess the seagulls
wanted to get their own back on us for abiding by the sign that told us not to feed them!<o:p></o:p><br />
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It’s hard to say what was my favourite bit about the
Captain’s house but I will say the Master bedroom in the Captain’s House was
out of this world. With the massive
windows we were able to observe the daily routines of the island, the soothing
presence of the sea and an island which would from time to time disappear in to
the mist. It’s hard to imagine that you could gain much
more from a holiday home but team the views with the lavish rooms and you truly
have perfection. Captain’s House has
given us so many precious memories of family time at a truly unique place! If
you want to feel like a queen of a castle with a magical island in your garden
then Captains House is most certainly the place for you. This was most definitely my Holiday Heaven! <o:p></o:p><br />
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For more details on the Ocean Finance competition please visit <a href="https://www.oceanfinance.co.uk/blog/holiday-heaven-or-hell-blogger-competition-0-4484-0.htm">https://www.oceanfinance.co.uk/blog/holiday-heaven-or-hell-blogger-competition-0-4484-0.htm</a></div>
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Sarah Cooperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14004072221377836213noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6174765635518647491.post-15447958869398603832015-06-03T09:37:00.000-07:002015-06-03T09:37:34.743-07:00Sugar Nellie 'Transport' Card #craftbarnchallenge<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This week's Craft Barn challenge was to make a card on the theme of transport. The stamp I have used is called 'Going for a Spin' by Sugar Nellie. Still practising with my colouring.<br />
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If you want to know more about the challenge head to <a href="http://thecraftbarnblog.blogspot.co.uk/">http://thecraftbarnblog.blogspot.co.uk/</a>Sarah Cooperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14004072221377836213noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6174765635518647491.post-2877148283828190432015-05-26T10:08:00.002-07:002015-05-26T10:08:56.832-07:00Surf's Up by Penny Black holiday card #craftbarnchallenge<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbT470AXiVXk1BDTIj_S3-9DlZMXt53wnGSXD7SpPfBcUQhTZ_VLPul5U3ISxoBnj_uWBOdOWTH1zG686V67THrtmOT_POiPclc93q6xzbkIuDSlhduegG8VQ5VVwB2xcVu8HxNVVsFJfr/s1600/P5250302.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbT470AXiVXk1BDTIj_S3-9DlZMXt53wnGSXD7SpPfBcUQhTZ_VLPul5U3ISxoBnj_uWBOdOWTH1zG686V67THrtmOT_POiPclc93q6xzbkIuDSlhduegG8VQ5VVwB2xcVu8HxNVVsFJfr/s640/P5250302.JPG" title="Surf's Up by Penny Black stamp" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">This is my entry for the <a href="http://thecraftbarnblog.blogspot.co.uk/">Craft Barn's</a> challenge of the week, the theme being 'holiday.' I know my work is still looking pretty amateurish at the moment, but I am still practicing. I just used coloured pencils and gel pens to colour this image in. The stamp is 'Surf's Up' by Penny Black and I used gloss accents to make things look a bit shiny.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">For info on this week's Craft Barn challenge please visit http://thecraftbarnblog.blogspot.co.uk/</span>Sarah Cooperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14004072221377836213noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6174765635518647491.post-27824318795480146722015-05-24T08:33:00.000-07:002015-05-24T08:33:47.387-07:00Bag featuring From the Hollow 'Serena' stamp #Craftbarnchallenge<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">I've been meaning to try my hand at rubber stamping for a while, but this week's <a href="http://thecraftbarnblog.blogspot.co.uk/">Craft Barn</a> challenge to make a bag prompted me to stop worrying about how good my colouring is and just give it a go. For this I used the From the Hollow 'Serena' stamp, some Trimcraft paper and a lilac blank bag. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">I coloured my images with a mixture of normal pencils and Spectrum Noir markers in some of their red shades. I enjoyed myself so much! Whilst I know my shading of the stamp is far from perfect, it has set me on a journey of studying tutorials and getting a bigger colour range of markers to make my final results look more professional. Hope you like the bag!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">For this weeks Craft Barn challenge visit <a href="http://thecraftbarnblog.blogspot.co.uk/">http://thecraftbarnblog.blogspot.co.uk/</a></span></div>
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<br />Sarah Cooperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14004072221377836213noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6174765635518647491.post-37151464269414140282015-05-23T10:02:00.000-07:002015-05-23T10:08:55.067-07:00Balloon Memories and a Tutorial. #Weloveballoons<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">I'm <i>bursting </i>with ideas that have <i>popped </i>in to my head about balloons. When I think of balloons, I think of childhood. In fact the most traumatic of childhood memories involves a balloon, a beautiful opalescent purple helium balloon in the shape of a heart. I loved it! And so it seemed did my little sister... I'm guessing our ages were something around 8 and 4 years old. I was pretty good at sharing as a child, but I drew the line at giving my sister my precious balloon as even I was aware of the hazards. I had managed to walk back to the car with the balloon tied around my wrist, I carefully kept it out of my fathers eye line whilst he drove us home with the precious cargo, but when we got home something disastrous happened. My sister wanted to hold it, not just hold it, but hold it <i>outside!! </i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">I was not at all happy about this, but she promised my mother that she would hold it tightly outside and that my mother could hold her hand for supervision. However, the inevitable happened and she let my beautiful purple balloon slip far, far away in to the sky. I came out of the house just at the moment my purple balloon became a purple dot in the sky. The reason for this was that my sister wanted to see how far it would float. And although as children, it seemed there was no limit to how high a balloon can fly, technically the answer would have been roughly 10 km. SO there's a fact for you dear sister, you really didn't need to sacrifice my wonderful balloon. However, I suppose you did need to get me back after that wonderful haircut I gave you with that delightfully wonky fringe.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Now, I have my own children and balloons still provide a constant source of fun. From balloon battles to drawing silly faces there is much fun to be had. However,my favourite way of cheering up the children when they are ill is to make them some balloon flowers.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJXXiRws3K3_MugVGIqsmUOLr5_vv7H7BnVr2Je1fpeYeJ7WkzwJCAIw4ZuY3wwxjASK3JVkvXu5B6t_xjTcHQ13lSlTbidF6EXAe0Z8IsqLHFzk50gHd8u9Lbh1pCSiRP-Tvea0YQ_YG7/s1600/P5230266+%25283%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJXXiRws3K3_MugVGIqsmUOLr5_vv7H7BnVr2Je1fpeYeJ7WkzwJCAIw4ZuY3wwxjASK3JVkvXu5B6t_xjTcHQ13lSlTbidF6EXAe0Z8IsqLHFzk50gHd8u9Lbh1pCSiRP-Tvea0YQ_YG7/s640/P5230266+%25283%2529.JPG" width="537" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"> These are super easy to make, but are pretty impressive to look at and are great for parties or just for cheering the kids up. If you can blow a balloon you can make these...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"> <b><u>TUTORIAL:</u></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">For the above flower I used:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">5 standard sized red balloons</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">2 standard sized yellow balloons</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">1 caterpillar balloon</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Sharpie pen</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Balloon pump</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyGU4wtYEx7ESSiCE3yUFS3c0LZlC4zzyyz2WYgFLO-Xkfx_tlwudyMxEwtUDfSaRYWwhyphenhyphenAOocoTcnsbOe5lIB9dknrIY7K5gGJnBHLtnBtoaPPO691YhGGTgvps06LBu7659EdMjYpl75/s1600/P5230257.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyGU4wtYEx7ESSiCE3yUFS3c0LZlC4zzyyz2WYgFLO-Xkfx_tlwudyMxEwtUDfSaRYWwhyphenhyphenAOocoTcnsbOe5lIB9dknrIY7K5gGJnBHLtnBtoaPPO691YhGGTgvps06LBu7659EdMjYpl75/s320/P5230257.JPG" width="240" /></span></a><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">I suggest using a balloon pump as it is the easiest way to describe to you how much air you need to pump in to each balloon.</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Step 1: Get two red balloons and give them 6 pumps of air. Hold one whilst you are pumping the other as you will need to tie these two together.</span></b><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Step 2: Repeat the above step with two more balloons.</span></b><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Step 3: Fill the final red balloon with 6 pumps of air and twist and tie so that you pull together all 5 balloons. </span></b><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Step 4: Pump 2 yellow balloons with 3 pumps of air and tie together, then slide in to place and twist until they become the centre part of the flower.</span></b><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Step 5: If you want to add a stalk, I used a caterpillar balloon, but you can also use any long balloon and tie around the balloons.</span></b><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Step 6: Use a Sharpie pen to add detail.</span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">This post was part of the Perfect Party UK 'We love balloons - blogger competition.' They have some glorious balloons on their website, so if you want to take a look or just want to find out more about the competition head </span><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">to <a href="http://www.perfectpartyuk.com/weloveballoons?utm_source=B-Loony+Limited&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=5735273_New+Qualatex+B2C&utm_content=weloveballoon&dm_i=1C7Y,3EXD5,8HBQN8,C7TB1,1">Perfect Party UK</a>.</span><br />
<br />Sarah Cooperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14004072221377836213noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6174765635518647491.post-82416455284760118562014-10-15T05:29:00.001-07:002016-05-24T11:27:55.603-07:00The Real Effect jewellery - elegance and glamour at budget-friendly prices<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.bloglovin.com/blog/5121179/?claim=44jbg67mzh3">Follow my blog with Bloglovin</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I wouldn't describe myself as a materialistic person. I don't have rows of shoes or lots of bags with designer names. But I do love a few choice pieces of jewellery that truly mean something to me. I love symbolic pieces that represent things and I love delicate looking jewellery that completes an outfit by adding a touch of sparkle . There is <i>always</i> a time and a place for beautiful jewellery pieces that can be worn over and over again. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">With that in mind, I'd like to introduce you to a jewellery website called <a href="http://therealeffect.co.uk/">The Real Effect</a>. They specialise in jewellery with gemstones that feel and look every bit as lustrous as diamonds. The craftsmanship is amazing and every piece is brought together with perfection. The wonderful thing is that so many of their pieces are stunning and yet affordable.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><img alt="Stunning sterling silver and rose gold 3 in 1 ring" src="http://therealeffect.co.uk/132-large_default/stunning-sterling-silver-and-rose-gold-ring.jpg" height="456" id="bigpic" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 13px; height: auto; line-height: 19.2000007629395px; margin: 0px; max-width: 100%; padding: 0px; text-align: right; vertical-align: middle; width: 455px;" title="Stunning sterling silver and rose gold 3 in 1 ring" width="456" /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">There were two pieces that specifically caught my eye on their website. The first one being the <a href="http://therealeffect.co.uk/rings/45-stunning-sterling-silver-and-rose-gold-ring.html">STUNNING STERLING SILVER AND ROSE GOLD 3 IN 1 Ring</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I just love the way the different colours incorporate to create a really classy piece of jewellery, the crystals add a touch of sparkle and I can imagine this looking very graceful upon my finger. As I am a very sentimental person I would like this ring as a representation of my husband and two sons. It's beautiful! At £79.25 it is within my budget range too.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">The ring would make a beautiful representation of the precious people in my life.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Secondly, I was really attracted to the <a href="http://therealeffect.co.uk/rings/37-stone-set-half-eternity-cluster-ring.html">Stone Set Half Eternity Cluster Ring</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></span><a href="http://therealeffect.co.uk/rings/37-stone-set-half-eternity-cluster-ring.html" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZFxVlHouTJf1iIJXgwUNg8ynn23yjCOfjRf3ckeuA0KdgDRSnQOunuGiX4Gpd8F4slxViKjBLNj-B-e4rhkcc2j-JxroJvWSd5QqIYkmYi0AkULC8zG3UWbTul0p4M-sRuu8AFVO_YSzr/s1600/stone-set-half-eternity-cluster-ring.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">The Cubic Zirconia gemstones combine to create a thoroughly elegant ring and would be perfect for me, as this year I celebrated 15 years of marriage!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLUqRXn35q5lx4pqc-FL0VaM78Ue3aHd_GZqeUP4lxC_TOjzRpc9j-4M782rFJgHj6NErWS5yj3e5HpLqcmoxKLoN09ZQAW8adVG2EqXwEmLVjgJaFcUyWgSc-om4w8y3kCbxFAThRZvoD/s1600/10505242_10152536392765189_6043081496084112292_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLUqRXn35q5lx4pqc-FL0VaM78Ue3aHd_GZqeUP4lxC_TOjzRpc9j-4M782rFJgHj6NErWS5yj3e5HpLqcmoxKLoN09ZQAW8adVG2EqXwEmLVjgJaFcUyWgSc-om4w8y3kCbxFAThRZvoD/s1600/10505242_10152536392765189_6043081496084112292_o.jpg" width="330" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">So here's my ode dedicated to The Real Effect:</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">For elegance and glamour you need <i>The Real Effect</i>,</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Cubic zirconias and silver combine to be simply perfect,</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Fantastic craftmanship makes the jewellery a joy to behold,</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">The unique designs really break the mould,</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Budget-friendly, so much choice,</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">For The Real Effect we all rejoice!</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight: bold; text-align: center;">This is my entry in to The Real Effect blogger competition in conjunction with The Diary Of A Jewellery blog. For details please visit: </span><a href="http://www.thediaryofajewellerylover.co.uk/2014/10/blogger-competition-with-real-effect.html" style="font-weight: bold; text-align: center;">http://www.thediaryofajewellerylover.co.uk/2014/10/blogger-competition-with-real-effect.html</a></span></div>
Sarah Cooperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14004072221377836213noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6174765635518647491.post-48631882964252737682014-08-10T06:21:00.000-07:002014-08-10T06:29:01.763-07:00Review: Judge Fro-Fru Maker<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR06SH55Oo503Q0AZ0m8O3iMtwStir2vQSwTw10Jj27nLLWCc_nvSJUNg8N6U5uLjT_sTlTafv91QH_Psr44vgTS32dd4AIb-E_lr7-rGHawBMWrHNKeWyju8dNvz6hUi3RpP5wo8vNfO1/s1600/71toExwkJYL._SL1500_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR06SH55Oo503Q0AZ0m8O3iMtwStir2vQSwTw10Jj27nLLWCc_nvSJUNg8N6U5uLjT_sTlTafv91QH_Psr44vgTS32dd4AIb-E_lr7-rGHawBMWrHNKeWyju8dNvz6hUi3RpP5wo8vNfO1/s1600/71toExwkJYL._SL1500_.jpg" height="261" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifWlNck0Cv3G_15rbLA-62rHePGZhhq-aE0-KYeAdbmvzSvB3QsdxOzHeO0nDRcVh4edkMDdVoGEtMql5E8IA0mGCC62aot9hgihh_EreaZ0zaZvjgNJtnRlxhol4X3iPjCmS7IKEu8QFg/s1600/617ID4WGv4L._SL1500_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifWlNck0Cv3G_15rbLA-62rHePGZhhq-aE0-KYeAdbmvzSvB3QsdxOzHeO0nDRcVh4edkMDdVoGEtMql5E8IA0mGCC62aot9hgihh_EreaZ0zaZvjgNJtnRlxhol4X3iPjCmS7IKEu8QFg/s1600/617ID4WGv4L._SL1500_.jpg" height="320" width="168" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">If you are looking for a quick and easy activity to do with the kids over the Summer, then look no further... With this wonderful machine you can produce a delicious array of desserts in seconds. I have included a demonstration below so that you can see how easy the machine is to operate. This was our first attempt at using the machine and there were absolutely no hiccups at all. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The machine works by pushing frozen fruit in to the chute and then pushing it down with the feeder stick. This all gets grated up inside and comes out through the nozzle in the form of sorbet. Clean-up is really easy too as everything disassembles quickly and apart from the main body of the machine, it can all be put in to the dishwasher which makes cleaning up a breeze.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">We have tried various experiments with the Fro-Fru Maker. Our first attempt was a berry sorbet, but we did find this a little tart and sour so we needed to sprinkle a little sugar. Our second attempt was a huge hit and very simple; using frozen grapes we produced a delicious sorbet. The natural sugars in the grapes made the sorbet sweet and refreshing and is something that we are keen to repeat using the machine.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Finally, we tried something a little more complex: </span><br />
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<b><u><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Rainbow sorbet:</span></u></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCcItP3YP5ppdRQl8uFb1uADX3qt0CmIlzxaS8H92Lx7Mxk-s0K8Nw3mT93ebpFPjMEtbj01ztbVtYxyJ6Fk_1xmVRhEhkfldB6IgKv4LrGRGsD3UB35keAEOUwmwE983Gf7AsfAJYbNT4/s1600/P2230339+(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCcItP3YP5ppdRQl8uFb1uADX3qt0CmIlzxaS8H92Lx7Mxk-s0K8Nw3mT93ebpFPjMEtbj01ztbVtYxyJ6Fk_1xmVRhEhkfldB6IgKv4LrGRGsD3UB35keAEOUwmwE983Gf7AsfAJYbNT4/s1600/P2230339+(2).JPG" height="320" width="240" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>For this you will need the following:</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Frozen coconut milk blended with honey (do this by freezing in an ice-cube tray).</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Frozen strawberries</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Frozen bananas and oranges - mixed in as one using the Fro-Fru Maker</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Frozen kiwi </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Frozen blueberries</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">For the first layer I blend the frozen coconut milk and honey and place in a sundae dish or milk-bottle.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Then repeat as follows, until you have a number of visual layers.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> Blend the frozen strawberries.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Then the banana and oranges.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Then the frozen kiwi.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Then the blueberries.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">This was absolutely delicious and I feel we are only at the very beginning of discovering the amazing results that the Fro-Fru can produce! I look forward to creating more interesting creations in the months to come. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I really love this machine because it gives my children a fantastic way to enjoy delicious healthy desserts which contributes to their five-a-day.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>For more information please visit <a href="http://www.judgecookware.co.uk/Products/Electrical/Judge-Electricals-Preparation/Fro-Fru.html">http://www.judgecookware.co.uk/Products/Electrical/Judge-Electricals-Preparation/Fro-Fru.html</a></b></span></div>
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<b>Disclosure: I was sent this product free of charge, but I included a video for you to see just how quick and easy this machine is to use and therefore how truthful my review is.</b></div>
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Sarah Cooperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14004072221377836213noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6174765635518647491.post-7368204677033837392014-06-07T11:21:00.001-07:002014-06-07T13:13:24.445-07:00Duck Tape World Cup - a delightful array of patriotic crafts<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5F4NxyxwuLQHfes5C6v66teTWVmxjznqFPq9c8tTS1BRwA7R4vZAAF5jt5zdwJ9UIblnv5DER1FPGGIAreab3RIHzv9ZjqGz70WJ4VLcfRt5NwkUFtA0Vp9VIaTmjfQPLYsuxbmND2mNK/s1600/duck+taoe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5F4NxyxwuLQHfes5C6v66teTWVmxjznqFPq9c8tTS1BRwA7R4vZAAF5jt5zdwJ9UIblnv5DER1FPGGIAreab3RIHzv9ZjqGz70WJ4VLcfRt5NwkUFtA0Vp9VIaTmjfQPLYsuxbmND2mNK/s1600/duck+taoe.jpg" height="251" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdmdqBIu1_2OKZtj8PQo9t_aDb9WCcPLvpfpqKQN8dLxj37ByhusfMv_UM80n5hrgGfj-GfXo1jRfT3gwu7m1-Mq6m8T5BZ83B6fRxI279A4PqkhpZyGAJ8QLP_MelcQzpf46e7KPSalLR/s1600/SAM_0680+(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdmdqBIu1_2OKZtj8PQo9t_aDb9WCcPLvpfpqKQN8dLxj37ByhusfMv_UM80n5hrgGfj-GfXo1jRfT3gwu7m1-Mq6m8T5BZ83B6fRxI279A4PqkhpZyGAJ8QLP_MelcQzpf46e7KPSalLR/s1600/SAM_0680+(2).JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I was delighted when Duck Tape recently contacted me to be one of 8 bloggers to take part in the Duck Tape World Cup. The idea is that each blogger gets given a group in the World Cup. Duck Tape then sends the bloggers some coloured tape and we then have to create anything related to the country's flags. Each blogger is then in a sweepstake and whichever team wins the World Cup, the blogger with that team wins a batch of product and some additional craft goodies. Exciting!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">So the goodies arrived and I was allotted Team G which meant my countries were: </span></div>
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<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">USA</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Ghana</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Portugal</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Germany</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">This is what I decided to make:</span></div>
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<u><b><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">GERMANY: Bunting</span></b></u></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmDuDbqX7VLUJfL8jSBKBqgDrnliocuHoHquGz9UzLPBhyphenhyphenulYjYb0ef0300SWcLNkjgLnLlCFdUYaBNDQsn41LyLayHONyTigkz00lsc_1O8aNlQf6U0yqWdX8mLCmgsEPwoHHoM7fpbZk/s1600/SAM_0653+(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmDuDbqX7VLUJfL8jSBKBqgDrnliocuHoHquGz9UzLPBhyphenhyphenulYjYb0ef0300SWcLNkjgLnLlCFdUYaBNDQsn41LyLayHONyTigkz00lsc_1O8aNlQf6U0yqWdX8mLCmgsEPwoHHoM7fpbZk/s1600/SAM_0653+(2).JPG" height="478" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I started off with something relatively easy. All you need for this project is:</span></div>
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<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">black, red and yellow Duck tape</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">craft knife and craft mat</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">paper</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I folded an A4 piece of paper in to quarters and then cut them. I then drew lines so that I could see where I needed to stick my Duck tape.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRuNTekl54VtcZW-D7W5K9TaodXpf2fKaelwg6HlprE4xax3_ozdSGnPOnhPlhP8LqcPtLqEKRN_zJTxvL1j_sozDKk-TJxQCZR9UTJKKjRwSJBOJq3zdsBUd7tqbTDTBLKY6BfmaIY2x0/s1600/SAM_0646.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRuNTekl54VtcZW-D7W5K9TaodXpf2fKaelwg6HlprE4xax3_ozdSGnPOnhPlhP8LqcPtLqEKRN_zJTxvL1j_sozDKk-TJxQCZR9UTJKKjRwSJBOJq3zdsBUd7tqbTDTBLKY6BfmaIY2x0/s1600/SAM_0646.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">This was a really simple project to do.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUjywpPH1ZXOQFjDtLUEdW7T9Q7Ys8yAHG-_S9cW3WHILzjcp91RXVP3nCPFp5YiQlxXwQy3lBqf1vhteOfrmz_Pa2VvLku-BXNqAZXDeiGAL8bvH7hNzUcWVloEiT9pEhTJUkUtkHNHQ3/s1600/SAM_0649.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUjywpPH1ZXOQFjDtLUEdW7T9Q7Ys8yAHG-_S9cW3WHILzjcp91RXVP3nCPFp5YiQlxXwQy3lBqf1vhteOfrmz_Pa2VvLku-BXNqAZXDeiGAL8bvH7hNzUcWVloEiT9pEhTJUkUtkHNHQ3/s1600/SAM_0649.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Once I had finished sticking the Duck Tape on I attached them to some wool and strung them up. It looked great!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVOBn949mJHzK1WC3v3sTWGy01MQRAgY423s_zC9akQehBDPyJYl_Xy9WmN1_1EYzJJpJ9WRg2nAnQPMtMi_FKKn-8Na8A34EfNkz72ck3sRsWJxtZNzD_8woLt9Y4LlLD9oqZTEB3RW8n/s1600/SAM_0647.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVOBn949mJHzK1WC3v3sTWGy01MQRAgY423s_zC9akQehBDPyJYl_Xy9WmN1_1EYzJJpJ9WRg2nAnQPMtMi_FKKn-8Na8A34EfNkz72ck3sRsWJxtZNzD_8woLt9Y4LlLD9oqZTEB3RW8n/s1600/SAM_0647.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<b><u><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Ghana - Ghana flag </span></u></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFop29RxpGr5d6tqo55IITF3q5CI2BF08VYrVVI6NGIZoQt4dSaw3xkfyqPzMQfDQLd5-1Rx4h8E1GqqpsPZx9tiMaQRK8Av3ACDsIUMpyu8ou2qOY0lavkM-EXrnvWYz18Zc8dRMgQKRU/s1600/SAM_0667.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFop29RxpGr5d6tqo55IITF3q5CI2BF08VYrVVI6NGIZoQt4dSaw3xkfyqPzMQfDQLd5-1Rx4h8E1GqqpsPZx9tiMaQRK8Av3ACDsIUMpyu8ou2qOY0lavkM-EXrnvWYz18Zc8dRMgQKRU/s1600/SAM_0667.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">This project requires:</span></div>
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<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">red, yellow, green duct tape</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">craft knife and craft mat</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">paper</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">photo frame</span></li>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtPe0EQe4bnuTA2V35kzBPvvbOnHPhhWrIQz_fpyTIBrPkS3SQQj2on3VnLuWFCkP7awnpf4xaFkIQHNk_mt0_LvUFeR9eDv4Uw3DUQchc2_Ym0VuFVpwBPIuAzyf5zalmikcpuQjl0OFv/s1600/SAM_0664.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtPe0EQe4bnuTA2V35kzBPvvbOnHPhhWrIQz_fpyTIBrPkS3SQQj2on3VnLuWFCkP7awnpf4xaFkIQHNk_mt0_LvUFeR9eDv4Uw3DUQchc2_Ym0VuFVpwBPIuAzyf5zalmikcpuQjl0OFv/s1600/SAM_0664.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Following the same principle as above, I just drew my lines on the paper and then stuck on the Duck tape. I then free handed a black star and stuck on. Voila! </span></div>
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<b><u><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">USA - Rose bouquet</span></u></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGCCrElGV5_86B8lp8urDgg2ePfgn8cJTMMG3EYH-10yLj8eezDngBNFhV6Nqe6e45Wy1ZMmh3GA2UjM9ohsrZVjEfJzfKU8m8QP3uo8I8Y4c0k0hHRfLO8FZREpTGpWjNxtbWcThcGLW9/s1600/SAM_0663+(2).JPG" height="640" width="458" /></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioQ9ZV8cHZEYt8dTcyuBA1bzSCZOjBzM7EKXkJr6Bnb-aqrlOgjUnooZlYlhpPzwJZk8FoSHWmjg3r5ESgKQEJsgCEVy8bVcbU0jVvZ0Rmazy9q0w-_J_BtpiP7FT_vQ4BcL-TnuRVCO1Q/s1600/SAM_0654+(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioQ9ZV8cHZEYt8dTcyuBA1bzSCZOjBzM7EKXkJr6Bnb-aqrlOgjUnooZlYlhpPzwJZk8FoSHWmjg3r5ESgKQEJsgCEVy8bVcbU0jVvZ0Rmazy9q0w-_J_BtpiP7FT_vQ4BcL-TnuRVCO1Q/s1600/SAM_0654+(2).JPG" height="640" width="448" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">On to something a little bit more complicated this time, but I was amazed by how brilliant the results were. I've made some Youtube tutorials if you want to have a look at how to do this yourself. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhI_j1pfmR4G4tYJqYcnL41IlsxXdn8JQ06DlCQCdekdrNOmWTWSXsyzoHnpR81wxtTrqbFt6Ut7GUpkpQ4lju2mmNAF8J_PPCu86kBt5tw7EADvzTdEzepcqUKX4uUoKIEO4ckzB6ub1o/s1600/SAM_0659+(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhI_j1pfmR4G4tYJqYcnL41IlsxXdn8JQ06DlCQCdekdrNOmWTWSXsyzoHnpR81wxtTrqbFt6Ut7GUpkpQ4lju2mmNAF8J_PPCu86kBt5tw7EADvzTdEzepcqUKX4uUoKIEO4ckzB6ub1o/s1600/SAM_0659+(2).JPG" height="640" width="500" /></span></a></div>
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<b><u><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"> Portugal - Shaker</span></u></b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ1HSgE-UfrXS6YK32Q6WD3HNbe4XvqpTrI0sT0sF5kPS5mnaPoy7fKQ163Y4thqqe1ui7F5lzU5U4vdQZ9e3txpfyRsvgJExspB_Vk4YwQjOmGr-jAn5hyphenhyphenqBKs6xzbmE4hN2SWkI6SjiQ/s1600/SAM_0678+(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"> This is another simple project which the children actually helped me with. We covered the bottle in red and green Duck Tape and then the children drew the emblem and stuck it on When this was done we then filled it with rice. Simple!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgptpwui2FR4vtQq6mc8-ZWiRcvBcBUob33D1He2gIvptK45ySGgiPWBZSOnNdl9XEFptvQcm3QP7jf09qP274zvN07EU1TSac0qwiJmNlVlEY4LzRXJk68qe1nGUPFevAXuzcSejcZdSxo/s1600/shaker.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgptpwui2FR4vtQq6mc8-ZWiRcvBcBUob33D1He2gIvptK45ySGgiPWBZSOnNdl9XEFptvQcm3QP7jf09qP274zvN07EU1TSac0qwiJmNlVlEY4LzRXJk68qe1nGUPFevAXuzcSejcZdSxo/s1600/shaker.jpg" height="448" width="640" /></a></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvmK-QJk-KRR6PExfQpkLZEaEEsDp7v3pIvTib9xbhf3dV9z7uuwxCnYcgFQfuJeXUhMZwVZ2uMMsU4jpJBnLuEMhHCb98AeuPJ20nqeLxRddiPVJh_FkFwjZHBzIVir-0FnIsKON2GxZH/s1600/SAM_0671.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvmK-QJk-KRR6PExfQpkLZEaEEsDp7v3pIvTib9xbhf3dV9z7uuwxCnYcgFQfuJeXUhMZwVZ2uMMsU4jpJBnLuEMhHCb98AeuPJ20nqeLxRddiPVJh_FkFwjZHBzIVir-0FnIsKON2GxZH/s1600/SAM_0671.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Now all that's left for me to do is to hope one of my teams wins in the World Cup. This project has certainly made the World Cup a lot more fun than it usually is for me. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Thanks Duck Tape! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">For more information on Duck Tape please visit <a href="http://duckbrand.co.uk/">http://duckbrand.co.uk/</a></span></div>
<br />Sarah Cooperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14004072221377836213noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6174765635518647491.post-50056131259641451352014-06-01T05:21:00.001-07:002014-06-01T05:21:37.709-07:00GALT Mini Masterpiece – The Starry Night by Vincent van Gogh<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA0xwzzrWjTttzwGjnvrbjWdk8qvK-2U8eLWFzYujG2Io0VOjI53CO_xLZOSDl6i_g5XbZo40G4nIry4QnH5LPde2k_uz0taSQPALog8Fd52i-EMPKReI07kfowcs5gfbEf66GVjpSCJ1i/s1600/galt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA0xwzzrWjTttzwGjnvrbjWdk8qvK-2U8eLWFzYujG2Io0VOjI53CO_xLZOSDl6i_g5XbZo40G4nIry4QnH5LPde2k_uz0taSQPALog8Fd52i-EMPKReI07kfowcs5gfbEf66GVjpSCJ1i/s1600/galt.jpg" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">How I used to love Galt as a child... </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> My favourite thing about going to the local garden centre was being able to pick up crafty toys from the Galt range. Now I have my own children, they are even more appealing as it provides us with some important creative time together.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">This month Galt's challenge was to recreate Vincent Van Gogh's Masterpiece 'The Starry Night' using any craft materials that you wish.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">This is the template we were provided with:</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwH7U-H4s8Vbg6589qcrlYcOZ8TOm9ImYmtNKNfEPBpW77U3xJ-Z0c2-RYiqx2CEoaHVoQRjo7fNVKErUJsO_eglIfAw-cNBEc5qZ8GfvCgfyaErSslx2UJRgC6psZHK2y47amfpZWoww7/s1600/emmart-vangough+(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwH7U-H4s8Vbg6589qcrlYcOZ8TOm9ImYmtNKNfEPBpW77U3xJ-Z0c2-RYiqx2CEoaHVoQRjo7fNVKErUJsO_eglIfAw-cNBEc5qZ8GfvCgfyaErSslx2UJRgC6psZHK2y47amfpZWoww7/s1600/emmart-vangough+(1).jpg" height="323" width="400" /></span></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSq42UWw9OybvOANa-44RCQlTQt8uBbCnp-5hf_wXKLkDY1Fsao7gSTh7bz2jLTRXpzvd29V4n51aZVNFor4M4JqTc7hK6hddkqzJZ4V2cntZhJ2TJJ04wlSxbjrismHGfz00wFxGqKt9m/s1600/SAM_0583.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSq42UWw9OybvOANa-44RCQlTQt8uBbCnp-5hf_wXKLkDY1Fsao7gSTh7bz2jLTRXpzvd29V4n51aZVNFor4M4JqTc7hK6hddkqzJZ4V2cntZhJ2TJJ04wlSxbjrismHGfz00wFxGqKt9m/s1600/SAM_0583.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"> This actually provided us with an interesting opportunity to read up on who Vincent Van Gogh was. I think I actually appreciated this more than my five year old if I'm honest, but I was interested to learn that this picture was of the view from his asylum.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Here's what we did with the picture:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Step 1:</b> Print out 2 templates. Paint on the first one and us the second one for reference.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Step 2:</b> Paint the top half blue and the bottom half black. Using the picture for reference draw in detail with a cotton bud. This makes things much more interesting for children.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuA_oUCt4XW2HXDoLYKBHjZwXJR30FDHXq7RdRzoo5KjsK6y0Y1MiYrCXfcbgfDsclFq72cWJhLqQrSiBR4gLg1FrfOzGSdVGehrpukeLA6mBkmRaxxMcRAoahPFfWpoeKvmuDmedX5-1P/s1600/SAM_0560+(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuA_oUCt4XW2HXDoLYKBHjZwXJR30FDHXq7RdRzoo5KjsK6y0Y1MiYrCXfcbgfDsclFq72cWJhLqQrSiBR4gLg1FrfOzGSdVGehrpukeLA6mBkmRaxxMcRAoahPFfWpoeKvmuDmedX5-1P/s1600/SAM_0560+(2).JPG" height="400" width="368" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b> Step 3:</b> Accent and embellish the piece through the use of gold and blue glitter glue and gold beads and charms. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"> Simple but produces brilliant results.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioXm31x58Dz8RbiLwllgDiBWV_sNpj3hV9Hx4JRvfGIeW6kH1n-dboCma85mJ3FiH9OYOzE-vDbp8bB97q9tIlKDzHrafMij0AVaOccKO9qHND5gc35vNTvfRHSLsyb_xSQjPgkFiE5CML/s1600/SAM_0578+(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioXm31x58Dz8RbiLwllgDiBWV_sNpj3hV9Hx4JRvfGIeW6kH1n-dboCma85mJ3FiH9OYOzE-vDbp8bB97q9tIlKDzHrafMij0AVaOccKO9qHND5gc35vNTvfRHSLsyb_xSQjPgkFiE5CML/s1600/SAM_0578+(2).JPG" height="474" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZYpjmYXaylzqYBc5hcEn0LZm2yY_rdQHBACwZBs2uWDDtVR3ls5RRXj2aGqiUoZGngu8yfDvyYlurtTSN31yjj-1Tbvz70i-qIwl4OAgJEVelDvvMU_Qywq-_3gTJARkk_oyoOaVSVAHL/s1600/SAM_0582+(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZYpjmYXaylzqYBc5hcEn0LZm2yY_rdQHBACwZBs2uWDDtVR3ls5RRXj2aGqiUoZGngu8yfDvyYlurtTSN31yjj-1Tbvz70i-qIwl4OAgJEVelDvvMU_Qywq-_3gTJARkk_oyoOaVSVAHL/s1600/SAM_0582+(2).JPG" height="640" width="480" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"> My son loved this activity so much he even went on to do a second one:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8P_NEzEwRZkbXTFkn3-GNm71H1JsRVvx3LRbcRT2M1KpJEwQsnCp2JWE45miSifhdlIgfVIr3GFKwu0bW3EpCdTlNYk3IzgEE5Qkdnutm0I7gUk1VHlmiOlq6vkgYIRtEK0Ouuerv9ygh/s1600/SAM_0579+(2).JPG" height="640" width="500" /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">For more information on this interesting challenge please visit : <a href="http://blog.galttoys.com/2014/05/08/mini-masterpiece-the-starry-night-by-vincent-van-gogh/">http://blog.galttoys.com/2014/05/08/mini-masterpiece-the-starry-night-by-vincent-van-gogh/</a></span></div>
<br />Sarah Cooperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14004072221377836213noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6174765635518647491.post-14762073377434950992014-06-01T04:12:00.001-07:002014-06-01T04:24:55.665-07:00Review: Magno-Z from Brainstorm<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrDl0NpjKSp_idhePiEXQjubL-ApRMCUXlYd8myf9KL6UqwHO8acOQKf5O1ep-TFX1M3J_vFpzx1Xe8L-DisObaqSWCOkqfXTKuBqDb3IdqnyZpxWkhvte-JeLroOKiAeSfFk323YKpmiH/s1600/Magno-Z+Ambassador+Button+(4)+(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrDl0NpjKSp_idhePiEXQjubL-ApRMCUXlYd8myf9KL6UqwHO8acOQKf5O1ep-TFX1M3J_vFpzx1Xe8L-DisObaqSWCOkqfXTKuBqDb3IdqnyZpxWkhvte-JeLroOKiAeSfFk323YKpmiH/s1600/Magno-Z+Ambassador+Button+(4)+(1).jpg" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">We were recently picked to be a <b>Hair-ee Spring Magno-Z ambassador</b>. This is an exciting opportunity which allowed us to get hold of the toys and test them out before they are even out in the shops. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Here's the video review of what we thought of them:</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcHpONXlwBTcOVk5hBCXl41tI2H76HV2IEcVWlbRG1ABKSPbpHfJcpwU8l3VLK9c2dM109V7f6bDgtRjNQ1L_QjY-2Rn6hJoQsW8bxMOtERl57y7ED5AnXqQwyecOKXOcHAuuG6rp3F9Zb/s1600/SAM_0585.MP4" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">But I'll sum up what we loved about them for any of you who simply wish to read about them.</span></div>
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<u><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Magnetic properties:</b></span></u></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">These toys are educational without children even realising it. It's a great way for children to understand the basic principles of magnetics ie the way that they repel against each other if you have opposite sides facing each other. It's also a great way for them to find out about the materials that magnets work with.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTgh8P6OR0wADGExVM5emlvqBBb1TXC8pZ9r8TfVHL1qywsblELycMlxPVoMnmZQKgi4RCdhzib3iQFLe9_m-i2AYSZEHXcp8izqdGTvpvKCOD1V0JGY93UEolC08iRTpE0m-NdcwspTjZ/s1600/SAM_0586+(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTgh8P6OR0wADGExVM5emlvqBBb1TXC8pZ9r8TfVHL1qywsblELycMlxPVoMnmZQKgi4RCdhzib3iQFLe9_m-i2AYSZEHXcp8izqdGTvpvKCOD1V0JGY93UEolC08iRTpE0m-NdcwspTjZ/s1600/SAM_0586+(2).JPG" height="640" width="388" /></span></a></div>
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<u><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"> <b>Play potential:</b></span></u></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Children will love the way in which Magno-Z connect. Magno-Z characters can compete with any circus performers with the crazy positions and stunts they are able to pull. The springiness of the arms and legs allows for backflips and lots of other fun.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVXX1Z8Y7caJzDLNkPKsAWZ7wkHYLwdgUj1ky24Jq5dvjwnCs_wkinqp2Zdy8r8MD4DTMXsLpKn5cFi5NzxoaBLRbTRxK06_AgQUGqahTu1VDKmAUj4Zs9RP_-Wa2byO1va1PURPVj_W7K/s1600/SAM_0598+(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVXX1Z8Y7caJzDLNkPKsAWZ7wkHYLwdgUj1ky24Jq5dvjwnCs_wkinqp2Zdy8r8MD4DTMXsLpKn5cFi5NzxoaBLRbTRxK06_AgQUGqahTu1VDKmAUj4Zs9RP_-Wa2byO1va1PURPVj_W7K/s1600/SAM_0598+(2).JPG" height="640" width="480" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"> <u><b>Collectable</b></u></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Children love things that they can collect and the fact that the back of the pack gives you a bit of information on each personality allows children to develop this personality through imaginative play.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCXODtooHW3vilNGCu763Flb2At6GzFVniN_ILBBTDhuE38mieBYaoGdhPSZqFYKwar0RZxqx4hyphenhypheniZ2D6MEOk2vrX-dNTvdL83cT91xEwFqWr-QHlYBGBwDXR5ofzlOTjzkgUC8hYXgCv2/s1600/SAM_0601+(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCXODtooHW3vilNGCu763Flb2At6GzFVniN_ILBBTDhuE38mieBYaoGdhPSZqFYKwar0RZxqx4hyphenhypheniZ2D6MEOk2vrX-dNTvdL83cT91xEwFqWr-QHlYBGBwDXR5ofzlOTjzkgUC8hYXgCv2/s1600/SAM_0601+(2).JPG" height="640" width="480" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">If you would like to compare how our review lives up to the advert you can watch this here:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Magno-Z will soon be available from Smyths Toys, Amazon,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The Entertainer,Toymaster and all good Toy Stores.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">You can also visit <a href="http://www.brainstormltd.co.uk/MagnoZ.htm" style="color: #888888; text-decoration: none;">- www.Brainstormltd/MagnoZ for more Information</a> </span></div>
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Sarah Cooperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14004072221377836213noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6174765635518647491.post-83909090163622541612014-04-26T08:13:00.002-07:002014-04-26T08:14:58.020-07:00Center Parcs April Challenge: Easter Egg Nests<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">We tried to pack in as much Easter craft and cookery as we could this half term, but we were very pleased to be prompted in to making some Easter Egg Nests in order to take part in this month's Center Parcs Challenge.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjmttPueRa9kbzfbQm3-pxlkky2z3kcYA6YHsvwCLOaeRkuQ-S2G00kUoieXJYrLxR8CrTT5cN-yhT8DIehIdaNmBRvmdYOT3vd45v7SiZItXBaZc6McQIAFFWmem3ilr14Ym8SOoLNh3A/s1600/P4180079.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjmttPueRa9kbzfbQm3-pxlkky2z3kcYA6YHsvwCLOaeRkuQ-S2G00kUoieXJYrLxR8CrTT5cN-yhT8DIehIdaNmBRvmdYOT3vd45v7SiZItXBaZc6McQIAFFWmem3ilr14Ym8SOoLNh3A/s1600/P4180079.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Taking inspiration from Center Parcs Creative Director Lynne Dixon we decided to use some cereal as the base for our Easter Egg Nests. We opted for cornflakes.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">The great thing about making Easter Egg Nests using cereal is that most of the items needed are store-cupboard items, so there's no need to hunt down that elusive ingredient.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Ingredients needed are simply:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">225g Chocolate</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">50g Butter</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">2 tbsp Syrup</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">75g Cornflakes</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">36 mini chocolate eggs</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">This is such an easy recipe to do with kids. Just melt the chocolate, butter and syrup together by putting the ingredients on a plate over a saucepan of hot water. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNgV0jXp4m7VnFycIsdbYACA42ga7b8k_qr4XmBJujcAJ4Skd_Kbj-WtZnJozW_3B2eZY3Kn1_o-Ngit2yEbJ2oldepMt4O1puJ1zPYjjots-ZnuZezfaTeGNDHBzu3SfSlpTP6CxXZy61/s1600/P4180069.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNgV0jXp4m7VnFycIsdbYACA42ga7b8k_qr4XmBJujcAJ4Skd_Kbj-WtZnJozW_3B2eZY3Kn1_o-Ngit2yEbJ2oldepMt4O1puJ1zPYjjots-ZnuZezfaTeGNDHBzu3SfSlpTP6CxXZy61/s1600/P4180069.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"> Then for the really fun part.... Mixing the melted chocolate with the cornflakes.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-rOl03b89yRjsaHNCdliTd1QZ6LrhloEVhQO_4MB8Zz1nizIxHMBsvA2KtGfjj6uO2FrlIciT0BAZhk_t-fiqtj6FE-xT-KUnpBbVF0TxRRzWhNCfoWUdBpFGeAwvhscvJAfAxNetpxQ_/s1600/P4180075.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-rOl03b89yRjsaHNCdliTd1QZ6LrhloEVhQO_4MB8Zz1nizIxHMBsvA2KtGfjj6uO2FrlIciT0BAZhk_t-fiqtj6FE-xT-KUnpBbVF0TxRRzWhNCfoWUdBpFGeAwvhscvJAfAxNetpxQ_/s1600/P4180075.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"> Then divide the mixture in to paper cases and top with mini eggs.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"> And then refrigerate. Of course, some little people have to have a taste first.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ2N4eB_xR66PRN8RyHRrHy-IL-xpHehErUu0yFBmYC52K5Dmolmp7TMKoUgfxsQRigYj56gcMNGiAF8Y3rDrehEY_YE37pemd3BJzgY5y_jh2DYLInm5CW5WEMLep2ISj1U78woHvjZYh/s1600/P4180080.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ2N4eB_xR66PRN8RyHRrHy-IL-xpHehErUu0yFBmYC52K5Dmolmp7TMKoUgfxsQRigYj56gcMNGiAF8Y3rDrehEY_YE37pemd3BJzgY5y_jh2DYLInm5CW5WEMLep2ISj1U78woHvjZYh/s1600/P4180080.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"> And he gave the big thumbs up!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_FkY7nWD6bn5KZuUCFOKWYfk-2CdzUg7uo0YZMIfaVbhWYPHscOJOetmNMZoFLsg-qc9cwcwxlnqe_rgJsNSoqTyPqmfbY90EhHwfeJE6wLhyphenhyphen7BRhX6Iz2ri9UDXxvLJxiZr9lqSGW7rW/s1600/P4180084.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_FkY7nWD6bn5KZuUCFOKWYfk-2CdzUg7uo0YZMIfaVbhWYPHscOJOetmNMZoFLsg-qc9cwcwxlnqe_rgJsNSoqTyPqmfbY90EhHwfeJE6wLhyphenhyphen7BRhX6Iz2ri9UDXxvLJxiZr9lqSGW7rW/s1600/P4180084.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">We also made some Easter Egg Nest cakes too using desiccated coconut and green food colouring - yummy!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjziimT2mKvAl4zHxRYrBVjXEy8XhoVAUb45PWHzaNTrjCCgBC3gtTgDKwozvO4W0D95foSVqNxbmpYehM58ef3FJNYmAqSg9q1mwlzIbKxVmJ2WbeNULLrwJG2u2zxBoweV5PD9yotDwU7/s1600/easterbaking.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjziimT2mKvAl4zHxRYrBVjXEy8XhoVAUb45PWHzaNTrjCCgBC3gtTgDKwozvO4W0D95foSVqNxbmpYehM58ef3FJNYmAqSg9q1mwlzIbKxVmJ2WbeNULLrwJG2u2zxBoweV5PD9yotDwU7/s1600/easterbaking.jpg" height="640" width="572" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">This is my entry to the Center Parcs and Tots 100 April Challenge. If I'm chosen, I would like to visit Longleat Forest.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">If you would like to find out more about the challenge then please visit <a href="http://www.tots100.co.uk/2014/04/04/center-parcs-april-challenge-easter-egg-nests/">http://www.tots100.co.uk/2014/04/04/center-parcs-april-challenge-easter-egg-nests/</a></span>Sarah Cooperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14004072221377836213noreply@blogger.com0