Freebie

I'm always looking for ways to be creative in homeschooling our children, and the ideas of Charlotte Mason have been a source of inspiration to me. Today I received an email from SimplyCharlotteMason.com offering a free e-book to anyone starting out homeschooling. So I thought I'd share the link with you: Getting Started in Homeschooling.

I hope it's of use to some of you!  Pass it along to anyone you think might be interested.

Creative with a Purpose

It's always nice when the products of one's creativity can serve a practical purpose in everyday life. I have a very creative friend who makes lots of things for lots of people, and since her birthday is this week, I decided I wanted to make something for her. So, even though there were loads of laundry and bins of things that still needed to be put away after our vacation, I spent an hour or so in the art studio last night . . .

A number of years ago, our cousin showed us a simple way to make some really cute and sturdy coasters. All you need is these:

(The tiles were purchased at Home Depot -- from the tile department. The ink needs to be solvent, and the only brand I can find is StazOn. Those little circles are felt pads with adhesive backs. Did I really spend $13.99 on that stamp?!?!?!? Doubtful.)

And you can make these -- in less than half an hour (the most tedious part is peeling the backs off the felt pads!):

Since that was such a quick job, I decided to make one of the cute dragonfly clips that I saw at CAN'T STOP MAKING THINGS. Here's what I started with:

(Oops -- I forgot the wooden kabob skewer that was used to form the body.)

And here's the result:

See -- it's just wired onto the little alligator clip. The tutorial positioned it differently, but as I didn't have the instructions handy, I just did it the way that made sense to me. I also added beads:

The tutorial suggested gluing a magnet to the back for posting pictures and notes on the fridge -- but the uses are limitless, really. DH suggested they could be used as little scarf clips, my SIL suggested lapel decorations, and I was thinking of little attachments for gifts and what-not. Here's my little guy adorning the plastic ribbons that separate our art studio from the play room:

How have you used your creativity lately to make something practical or functional?

Just for fun, I linked this post at:

Tablescape

DD8 was so elated that we said "yes" to allowing her friend to stay for dinner that she and her friend decided they would show their gratitude by setting the table. Of course, they went to the china cabinet to select some pretty things to create an attractive tablescape -- starting with an antique vase that's almost 100 years old and has sentimental value!

And we can't forget the exquisite Royal Doulton figurines:

These girls have expensive taste! :)

Tablescapes are something that fascinate me, and that I'd like to get better at creating. Do you have any favourite items that you use to make a table look especially pretty? Can you direct me to any places that will teach or inspire someone who wants to learn more? Between Naps on the Porch is one such place I've discovered. Check it out and be inspired!

Neat Neckware

DD12 is currently very fashion conscious, and loves designing her own outfits. Today, while altering an over-sized t-shirt, she found a new use for a removed sleeve:

Cute idea, eh?

And here it is with a colour-coordinated outfit:

Easy-peasy, no-sew neck nicety! I suspect she might even be able to use it as a fun hair band . . .

Have you found any creative uses for parts of ordinary things that have nothing to do with their original purpose?