Hinterland Mama

Opal Rocks - Water Glowing

2012-03-09T09:52:00.002+10:00

A friend told me that if you put Opals into water, they appear to glow!

The colours are magnified. Vibrantly enhanced.

I had to try this out for myself. I thought this would be a wonderful experience for Our boys to witness too.

So when next in Cooroy on a Thursday, I visited the Gem Man at the local markets and bought a few pieces of Opal Rock.

I poured a large bowl of water and took everything out into the sun.

I must admit, I didn't expect such dramatic results.

What do you think?

Magical, aren't they?

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Walnut shell beeswax candles

2012-03-08T13:17:00.000+10:00

It is tricky to split a walnut exactly in half.

I found that using a knife and tapping it with a mallet, makes it easier.

There are many projects I would like to use the successful walnut shells for.

Several are outlined in the wonderful book 'The Children's Year'.
(Some of us refer to this book, with a smile, as the Waldorf-Steiner craft bible).

I especially love the idea of the walnut shell's potential as a cradle.

And another idea I have wanted to try for a while...

I used Queen B's pure, delicious beeswax to make a few walnut candles for the centre of our dinner table this Autumn.

*Hint~ to pour evenly, I placed a dot of homemade playdough under each shell, before pouring. And while cooling.

Little fingers enjoyed helping with this and with adding the wicks to the cooling wax.

The result.

Scrumptious ~ Delectable ~ Natural, seasonal candles.

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Making for our Pre-school

2012-03-06T21:32:00.000+10:00

I mentioned that my hands have been busy.
With projects for handmaketh, with pieces for our own Seasonal Nature Table, creating with my children and

with making Autumn goodness, for our pre-school.

A wee Harvest Mother

Autumnal Gnomes

Needle felted pears

Needle felted apples

Needle felted pumpkins

Hand-sewn & embroidered Sleep-time gnomes

A few more embroidered leaves

I couldn't resist showing my sweet Harvest Mother again, complete with her basket of apples.

I love these little dolls. They fit into my hand comfortably and so, are just the right size for our inquisitive, playful, little ones.

With all of the wind and heavy rain on the Sunshine Coast these last couple of weeks. And with these joyful Autumn colours passing through my hands. Perhaps it is beginning to feel like the seasons are changing.

Can you feel it too?

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Hippopotomonstrosesquipedaliophobia

2012-03-05T18:48:00.001+10:00

Just for a bit of fun.

"Hippopotomonstrosesquipedaliophobia"

means fear of long words.

Finding that out tickled my funny bone.

Thought perhaps, it might yours too.

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How to make an Autumn Flame Tree Leaf

2012-03-02T12:09:00.001+10:00

Although I usually prefer to wait for the equinox, to acknowledge the change of season, from Summer to Autumn. This year, many things going on in my life have dictated otherwise!

So, here is a short tutorial on how to make some beautiful Felt Leaves, to enjoy this Autumn.

This was a great time for me to have a browse through my felt scraps, and pick out those with what I deem to be an Autumnal colour palette.

Here is the (my first!) PDF Leaf template for some of the leaves I have made recently.

Flame Tree, Lilly Pilly and Gum Leaves.

Use the template to cut out the leaf shape onto a piece of felt.
Sew blanket stitch around the outside of the leaf.
Sew using backstitch along the vein lines, within the leaf.
Once finished, fold the leaf along each of the stitched vein lines, in turn, and press with a warm iron.

Quite simple really. And I think, very effective.

I mostly cut these gum leaves from my felt, by eye. Therefore acheiving slightly differing lengths and shapes. Then I used a sewing machine to sew the single vein up the centre.

I made many of these for Seasonal Nature Table gifts recently. For our 'handmaketh' workshop folk and for the pre-school Mr Turtle attends.

I think they are all gorgeous.

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Sharing at:Natural Suburbia

Butterfly Wing Stone with Mod Podge

2012-02-28T10:36:00.039+10:00

Summer brings with it butterflies. In abundance. I love that this stone is a way to preserve that beauty, once they have left our skies.

Wanderer (Monarch) Butterfly

Male Orchard Swallowtail Butterfly underside

Male Orchard Swallowtail Butterfly from above

Wanderer (Monarch) Butterfly found on our recent camping trip.

The process is simple really.
I smeared a thin layer of Mod Podge underneath where I would place the wing. Carefully pressed out any air bubbles until it was dry. Then gently covered over the wing with more Mod Podge to seal it, and to protect the wing from fingers and the elements.

I have placed it on display with other Summery things. On our Seasonal Table Display in the kitchen. It gets many comments.

Next time, I will use a much paler pebble, so that the beautiful natural colours of the butterfly's wings, are shown with more justice.

ღ °•.☼.•°ღ

Sharing at:

Frontier Dreams

Banana Breakfast Milkshake Iceblocks

2012-02-27T17:03:00.021+10:00

I have let the iceblock making slip a little this Summer.

So Little Pip and I got busy while Mr Turtle was at school today, with

Banana Breakfast Milkshake Iceblocks.

We added two bananas, 2T sheeps yoghurt, 2c Rice milk, 1T honey, 1T sultanas, 1T coconut and 1T rolled outs.

We blended it all up. Poured the yummy mix into iceblock making containers and Little Pip added the lids and sticks. Finally, into the freezer for after school treats.

Then we sat down to drink and enjoy what was left!

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Autumn 'handmaketh' Workshop - in pictures

2012-02-25T13:16:00.034+10:00

Tomorrow (Sunday Feb 26th, 1-4pm)

is the day of our first handmaketh workshop!

Our focus is to create for our Seasonal Nature Tables.

ღ Autumn is almost upon us! ღ

We'll be learning how to sew and stuff sweet felt gnomes.

How to needle felt pumpkins, or a pumpkin vine if we have time...

And using our felt scraps to create something wonderful!

I have been making Autumn leaves.

And we plan to tomorrow too!

We have had a couple of places come available. So if you are tempted and would like more details, please write to Carly and Aleta right now. There's still time!

We would love to have you come along to our Autumn Workshop (in Eumundi, QLD).

emailhandmaketh@gmail.com

ღ ♥ ღ

Busy Work - Walking / Hiking Sticks

2012-02-24T11:57:00.000+10:00

Mr Turtle made a Walking Stick for his hiking trips through the forest, when he went to NatureWeavers (Forest) School, through the summer holidays.

He didn't completely finish it, he had said.

Yesterday I was in town and thought to buy some sandpaper for all of the woodworking, my boys have been busy with of late.

They were ecstatic to find it was 'their own'!

So while Mr Turtle sanded with his 3 grades of sandpaper this morning before school, Little Pipkin found a piece of wood and worked alongside his brother.

He then raided my craft room to find His Handle, which we added together.

Mr Turtle's walking stick has a lot of character. A very strong and beautiful, gnarled branch.

Which is now extremely smooth and beeswaxed against the elements.

On these rainy mornings, it is wonderful to help keep these little hands busy, and with their own real purpose.

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Our Camping Trip: 5 ~ Tin Can Bay Dolphins

2012-02-22T13:00:00.052+10:00

On our final day~

Another lucky and truly blessed animal encounter for us all.

A very well organised interactive dolphin experience.

A lot of clear information on signs and in discussions

This is Patch.
An Indo-Pacific Humpback Dolphin.

Little Pipkin did everything perfectly and had the time of his life.

Mr Turtle was lucky enough to get to feed Patch TWO fish.
With the organisers giving him a second for free.

A proposed marina development near Fraser Island may drastically impact the wildlife (eg turtles, dugong & dolphins) of the Great Sandy Strait area. You can help prevent this, by joining their Click and Save campaign. It takes 3 seconds to act. And you can click HERE for further information on the marina project and expected risks.

I did.

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Our Camping Trip:4 ~ Our Op-shop finds

2012-02-21T13:03:00.085+10:00

In Childers, our massive thrifty discovery.

Oh My!

As a rule, I don't buy Disney. However, this 55 story compendium
was published in 1976 and cost us 20c!
A trip down memory lane...

Just a portion of the Grandpa shirt selection!

Our 'new' Old Skool camp cooker.
Green - perfect!

My Man doing his best to fit everything in!

My Man's favourite board game when he was a child.
So we 'had' to snap this up.
This game is still in fantastic condition.
Containing an envelope inside, postmarked 1973.

Across the road, still in Childers.
I was blown away by the commitment of the volunteers.
Matching and sewing their donated buttons, to cards!

Now at the Op-shops of Maryborough. We needed to stop again on the way back through town. Just in case...

A fantasy puzzle, with all of it's pieces. In PERFECT condition.
Was given to our boys, for Free!

I can't wait to turn this 70's dress into a skirt. A treat for me!

Womble pillowcases! And African animal ones too.

Do I make both into shorts for the boys?

I'm tempted to keep the Womble ones whole.

♫ Underground, Overground, Wombling free.

The Wombles of Wimbledon Common are we.

Making good use of the things that we find,

Things that the everyday folks leave behind ♪

I couldn't leave this wool blanket behind.
So many colours to cut out and use,
once I have fulled it into felt.

Whitby was one of our favourite towns we visited in Britain,
when we lived there.
(Whitby was on our short list of girl's names, although, we had two boys.)
I wanted this tin, so very much, to remember Whitby every day.

More fabric for shorts, for my boys. And this fabulous pincushion!
I plan to re-cover it with some fabric, that is more me.

We can't wait to head out to these towns again, to see what other exciting treasures we may discover.

And really, they're only just up the road!

Lucky Us

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Our Camping Trip: 3 ~ Mon Repos Turtles

2012-02-20T13:00:00.000+10:00

Well, this is it. This is what we came away for in the first place.

It has always been a dream of mine to experience wild turtles, nesting on the beach. And their little ones emerging from the sand. (I have had a couple of false starts). The entire life cycle of the marine turtle fascinates me. Only 1 hatchling, in a thousand survive. Incredible.

Our turtle experience was blessed from the beginning.

'Mr Turtle' strokes an hatchling

We arrived at 6:45pm. Were told we were numbers 36-44 out of 250 visitors that night. Therefore, in Group One (important to us, with our small children). We were only in the Mon Repos Conservation Park Visitor Centre for 15minutes, before we were called to walk as a group on to the beach.

The emerging nest took two hours to empty.

"Gorgeous little acrobats dancing through the sand."

All of the children there grew tired, but it was worth it.

We watched 66 flatback sea turtle hatchlings emerge from their nest in the sand banks. They were adorable! Two were selected to be lovingly caressed and photographed by the group.

(We were assured that research has suggested this has NO detrimental effect on the future survival of the hatchling).

Source: The Age article

Then finally, we watched in delight, as part of our group formed a corridor, with their legs and torches, as the babies made their way down to the sea.

Tired, yet elated, our group proceeded up the beach toward the centre. Mostly carrying our children. And then, we happened upon a turtle track that crossed our path. There were already 3 volunteers documenting a 106kg mother turtle, laying her 4th nest, extremely late in the season.

Such luck!

Even our boys, who were asking to go 'home' to bed. Wanted to stay and witness this miracle.

Our second of the night.

And here is the nesting mother we gratefully saw, as we were heading back to the Mon Repos Centre.

Remember, the beach is intentionally dark, with little interfering light, so it was difficult to get a clear picture. I hope the outline is helpful.

When we did finally return, our group was the second to last to leave the centre. We were the only ones to have the experience we did. And we were told how very fortunate we were. Although, I think each of us already had that inner understanding.

Our experience was completely wonderful. We had the perfect weather. And had taken with with us, some gorgeous new friends to share it all with.

One of my favourite quotes is:~

“Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take,

but by the moments that take our breath away..."

- ANONYMOUS

Have you had any close encounters with wildlife that took your breath away?

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Boys Making Stick Spears & Paper Targets

2012-02-19T12:18:00.063+10:00

Writing this post makes me feel a little uncomfortable. You see. I don't understand the appeal of weapons. AT ALL.
I've been consulting with those wiser in the world of children, than myself. And also those with testosterone levels, higher than myself. They all assure me that this latest obsession is quite natural for boys. And has been since the dawn of time...

One of the Stick Spears

I have wanted to encourage my eldest boy. Who in this photo is wearing pyjama pants. Because, he has been working morning and afternoon on woodworking.

Making "weapons".

He has been planning, creating, sanding and waxing.

Each, wonderful skills to learn and practice.

Some reassuring advice I was given by two extremely wonderful parties, was to make targets to throw these spears at. Make it a game. Give them purpose away from weaponry.

Here Our boys are creating their targets.

As I stood back and watched. And took photos (apologies for any blurriness, I wanted the boys to work this out without too much interference). I found positives.

Look at this cooperation. Little Pip hands Mr Turtle a tack, from a pile, and passes him a small hammer.

Mr Turtle using hand eye coordination and rhythm, to mount the target onto the fence.

Again, coordination and balance as he aims his 'spear' at the target. He learnt here too, that the 'spear' was too heavy at the end and soon snapped that off so that it 'flew' straighter through the air.

The boys were also having 2 throws each before swapping. Taking turns was their own solution to wanting to both throw at the target.

Again, the boys work together to find the Stick Spears, which are well camouflaged amongst the leaf litter.

When the target was too marked to decipher where the Stick Spear had hit it, Mr Turtle used the fork end of the hammer to remove the tacks and replace the target with a new one.

So in the end, how do I feel?

I still feel queasy and would rather they were hammering more aeroplanes or sitting still, finger knitting. But it's not up to me, as my boys get older. I need to trust and guide them, as safely and encouragingly as I can. Thank Goodness there are others in my life that I can turn to for my own guidance!

I have never agreed that there can be differences between boys and girls, just between children. But when things like this come up, and none of my advisors with daughters can help. I find people say to me 'Boys will be Boys', and well, I am inclined to agree with them.

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Our Camping Trip: 2 ~ Beach Boy(s)

2012-02-18T16:15:00.001+10:00

My eldest is a Beach Boy. Like so many Australians. Like so many people around the world.
He is at peace when he is near the ocean. He yearns to be in the water. Diving through the waves. Climbing rocks on the shoreline. Collecting treasures along the beach.

Little Pipkin is beginning to get a feel for the ocean too.

Especially on the shore.

But always with his brother, not too far away.

Here they play a game where they lay and wait for the waves to roll them about.

Yes. It is Mr Turtle who is most himself, when by the sea.

He is so comfortable.

He is at home.

And So Very Happy.

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handmaketh

2012-02-18T09:22:00.000+10:00

Introducing to you... handmaketh!

A side project I have been working on, alongside my co-conspirator Carly, of Guildmaker.

If you have been reading along with me, are on the Sunshine Coast (or able to get here), are available on the mentioned dates and would love to learn some crafty skills, please drop me a line...

HinterlandMama@gmail.com

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Our Camping Trip: 1 ~ Maryborough, Burnett Heads and Bargara

2012-02-17T16:34:00.000+10:00

Ok, let's set up the tent!

We stopped for lunch and a quick op-shopping excursion in Maryborough, along the way.

I didn't realise, until we were there, it was the birthplace of PL Travers (who was christened Helen Lyndon Goff) ~ Author of Mary Poppins!

Our boys (aged 3.5 & 5.5) were both included in setting up the tent.

An activity we all immensely enjoyed and they were extremely competent at.
Tremendous discovery!

We had a powered campsite, for the Engel fridge. And I was ABSOLUTELY DELIGHTED, to find 8 green tree frogs resting sleepily in our meter box!

The first afternoon we grabbed the scooters and headed along the esplanade to play in the rockpools at Burnett Heads.

We found sea slugs, hermit crabs, limpets, rainbow coloured stones, fish and a starfish!

Personally, I was fascinated with the crab holes all over the beach. The tiny little balls of sand. The star shaped tracks running here and there. I actually took about 20 photos of them.

The following morning, we headed to the Turtle Tracks playground at Bargara.

Such a beautiful setting.

Water shooting out from a hatching turtle in the playground.

Mr Turtle and Little Pipkin looking enviously out at the sea.

I had asked them not to climb the rocks here, as the waves kept crashing quite high up.

When the boys did go swimming with Dad, I sat under a palm tree and found this little grouping by my feet. There were so many treasures to be found along Bargara Beach.

Mr Pipkin gently picked up a delicate butterfly, and was disappointed to find it's time had passed.

We stopped at the Windmill markets in Bargara before heading back to camp for a rest.

We needed to rest up because this was all before the big night. Heading to Mon Repos!

Naps were in order, because the night begins at 7... until who knows when.. Tourists are on Turtle Time.
More about that in a future post!

And after our naps, Mr Turtle surprised us with the contents in his 'Adventure Backpack'. He had packed all manner of things that he and his brother may need (like wings and a Doctor's costume)

Stay tuned, there's more to come...

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Summer time Mango Loving

2012-02-14T08:59:00.009+10:00

Our favourite Summer time fruits.

I love white flesh nectarines. My Man loves yellow peaches. Little Pipkin loves rockmelon.

And Mr Turtle? I think you can guess the answer...

So much to Love.

Happy Valentine's Day!

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Mosquitoes and Natural Insect Repellents

2012-02-10T21:56:00.001+10:00

Photo source: End the neglect

Mosquitoes LOVE me. And Little Pipkin.

I mean, they flock when we're around.

Living where we do, that's somewhat of a problem. And we wear repellent almost every day.

So, these last few months we have tried various natural insect repellents, with varying levels of effect.

I am wondering. What do you use and have success with ?

OR Do you make your own? And if so, do you have a recipe that's simple, natural and effective that you're willing to share?

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Bunya Nuts

2012-02-09T16:41:00.000+10:00

Photo Source: Slow Food Australia

We gratefully received a gift of Bunya Nuts this week.
A generous person left some at the pre-school for parents to help ourselves to.

After an extremely interesting history lesson and several recipe suggestions later, we felt properly introduced to this endemic treat, and took several home.

Wanting to try them almost immediately, we boiled the nuts (removed from the cone) for 20mins and then peeled open the shells. We heard they were nutritionally rich & extremely nourishing, and so were excited for each of us to try them.

Mr Turtle happily used a meat tenderiser to whack them open!

I thought they tasted like a combination between potato and artichoke. With the texture of roasted chestnuts.

I can imagine using Bunya Nuts in all sorts of recipes, like fritters, dumplings, biscuits or sweet pie filling. Friends also mentioned pesto, curry, stuffing, pikelets & soup.

I'll be looking out for more of them. This is the time of year that the nuts ripen on Bunya Pines on the Sunshine Coast.

I hope we get to try more soon.

Yum!

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My Summer finds on Etsy

2012-02-07T16:00:00.001+10:00

As we have started to incorporate a few Autumnal songs into our morning welcome circle at school, I began thinking about 'Summer' and how the colours of Autumn will soon take precedence.

I want to celebrate Summer a little more, before Autumn is upon us.

And so, a Mosaic Celebration & a nod to some of the many talented folk out there too.

A teensy selection of some of my delicious Etsy discoveries of late.

Vervain wide leg organic pants
Yellow flowers in summer garden print
Summer salad handspun yarn
Woman dress flowers and butterfly
Natural Doll wool felt (seasonal rainbow dolls)
Mr Turtle exploring at Noosa Beach
Summer forest wooden playset
Guardian Dryad and 2 Gnomes (wood carving)
Glass sea turtle pendant
Summer Day Dreams print (sky balloons)
Rainbow wool fleece
Oakleaf leather hairpiece
9 Pockets Paisley Flowers handbag

Go ahead and have a closer look, by clicking a link.

Support Small Business, Support Hand-made and Support Art & Craft!

Feel Warm Inside & Be Inspired.

ღ ♥ ღ

Our exciting gift from Happy Whimsical Hearts!

2012-02-03T21:52:00.000+10:00

An extremely special gift arrived this week.
Made by the very talented Kelly of Happy Whimsical Hearts.

I feel so blessed that Kelly thought to ask if we would like one of her treasures, so obviously heart-made!

Little Pipkin has adventured around the entire garden with this faerie door/portal (as we like to think of it).

He places it everywhere.

Waiting...

Patiently...

Trying the handle now and again...

Anticipation...

Surely soon?...

Kelly doesn't sell these wonderful hand-made doors, or any other of her wood burning creations, yet...

I think she should, don't you?

Maybe we should all drop by her blog or facebook page and let her know!

Thank you (again), Kelly. We are so grateful to you!

ღ

Wet Felted Free form Bowl

2012-02-02T20:53:00.001+10:00

I have always wanted to make some Wet-felted bowls. To hold little treasures, around our home.

I haven't wet-felted in a while, but was inspired to when the boys were making their mice recently.

As usual, I went ahead without reading any 'how to's' first, so please give me any obvious hints and tips, in the comments!

I wanted to use this gorgeous purple Nepalese fleece for the interior. So I placed it, around my ceramic bowl, first.

I blended some gorgeous Summery colours together (that worked with the purple fleece layer) and laid these carefully, at varying angles, over the first layer.

I then carefully created friction by pressing with soap and hot water until the loose fleece began to come together and felt.

I then placed netting between my ceramic bowl and my pre-felted bowl. And worked quite roughly, to shrink the inside and outside together, especially around what would be the base of my bowl. I tried to work in a horizontal motion, circular, around the bowl - to draw it inwards. Rather than vertically, which would shorten the sides.

I could have trimmed the top edges, to make it look more uniform. And then felted those raw edges again to finish the piece. However, I like the free form look it has taken on. Truly an individual piece of work. And perhaps representative of waves.
It is Summer after all!

Little Pipkin tipped out the crystals I was using. Having a whole other preference instead, for this bowl's use. (Incidently, it was also He who painted the gorgeous watercolour I've used for the photograph background)

I feel confident that I can try some bigger bowls now. Perhaps around a balloon? We'll see.

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Newest vintage sheet pants

2012-01-30T13:26:00.000+10:00

Yesterday afternoon, we were all in need of a little quiet time, after another wonderful weekend. So while Mr Turtle sat flicking through an Animals in Nature book. Little Pipkin and I pulled out the sewing machine and finished another pair of pants. (He pulls out the pins ~ & tries to sneak in the odd pedal push ~ as I sew).

These were made from a cotton vintage sheet discovered while on an op-shop treasure hunt.

I'm making good progress through my cut-out pile of pants and shorts.

Of course, as always happens with my little boy who really loves and appreciates hand-made (& comfy clothes), the pants almost haven't come off since they were completed. And have been worn in the last 20 hours with a green t-shirt, aqua singlet, orange t-shirt and purple long-sleeved top.

All of which suit my son and his new pants, very well!

ღ ♥ ღ

Wet Felted Mice (Mouse?)

2012-01-28T16:02:00.000+10:00

At our recent Pre-school picnic, Mr Turtle spotted new animals to play with in his classroom.

"Can we make a mouse at home, Mama?" He asked.

Mr Turtle wet felting an egg shaped body
out of white Romney fleece

Little Pipkin starting a Blue tail

Mr Turtle about to begin on ears for his mouse

This photo is of Little Pipkin's completed mouse. I needle felted the tails, ears and noses into place, once the boys had wet felted the body, tail and two ears.

However, I only have photos of Little Pipkin's finished little guy.

Why?

Because very soon after these were complete, the boys began swinging the mice around in the air, by their tails (well, I would, wouldn't you?). And then the unthinkable happened. Mr Turtle let go and his mouse flew...Far...Away...

...We're not exactly sure where.

We've peeked over fences. We've climbed amongst tree branches. We've searched the garden nooks.

Oh well. At least he was made of all natural materials. And it really won't take long to make another one.

However if you happen to find a woollen felted mouse, with brown ears and tail, and a sweet pink nose. It may be Our Home it's escaped from.

ღ

Spiced Biscuit recipe with a Berry shake

2012-01-25T20:36:00.062+10:00

Every day we munch on something Really yummy.

Sometimes we eat endlessly yummy things. Although I don't always have the energy for that.

Today, for our afternoon snack, we made Spiced Biscuits to have along side a Berry Shake.

The berry shake was made from frozen blueberries, strawberries, redcurrants and mulberries. With bananas, rice milk and sheep's yoghurt. And a drizzle of maple syrup ~ just because.

As always, the boys helped just about every step of the way.

And so, the recipe~

Hinterland Mama Family Spiced Biscuits

Organic ingredients where possible

2T chia seeds (soaked for about 10mins in 1/4 cup milk)

125g butter (melted)

1t vanilla

1T fresh grated ginger

1T molasses

1/2cup rapadura sugar

1 cup raisins

1/4cup flaked almonds

1 1/2cups wholemeal Spelt Flour

1t ground allspice

1t baking powder (additive free)

1 egg

Oven heated at 180deg. Lined baking trays.

Soak Chia seeds and set aside.

Melt butter in a saucepan. Stir in vanilla, ginger, molasses, sugar, raisins & almonds. Set aside.

Sift Flour, allspice and baking powder together.

Gently beat egg and then pour all wet ingredients (egg, butter mix & soaked Chia seeds) into the sifted flour mix.

Once combined, dollop teaspoonfuls onto baking trays and bake for approx. 10-15 mins. Leave one minute or so, before transferring onto wire racks to cool completely.

Then DEVOUR Delectable, Natural & Nourishing morsels until someone says "stop~ leave room for your dinner!"

Hee hee

ღ ♥ ღ

Making bees wax (& Orange) candles

2012-01-24T16:15:00.001+10:00

Another one of those ideas, that I came across somewhere

and stored in the back of my mind, until, One Day...

And with all of the Aussie fruit in season right now.

Today is the day.

Removing the orange flesh.
Taking care not to pierce the skin.

Removing as much orange flesh & pith, as possible.

Heating the bees wax to just the right temperature,
in my enamel teapot. Bought specifically for this purpose.

I am so very pleased to 'bee' using my Queen B order.

Slowly pouring bees wax into orange halves
and tea light cups.

Little fingers could help here.
Adding the wicks, very carefully.
(And doing a splendid job!)

PURE. NATURAL. ECO.
4 hour tea lights.

I added some Terrashield Oil into the orange skins before and after pouring in the hot beeswax.

Sitting in the warm humid air, on our balcony. In the twilight.

With the heavy rain pouring down all around.

And now, I have lit this candle.

Candles centre me somehow.

We made this.

This is how to experience a Queensland Summer,

& enjoy a few moments of quiet Bliss.

ღ

Creative Paving Project @ Eumundi Markets

2012-01-22T21:46:00.000+10:00

We were privileged to be involved in the Paving Project, at Eumundi Markets yesterday.

I am completely in love with the idea, that in a month, in a year, in 15 years... we can visit this functional piece of artwork (creative footpath) that we contributed to.

I love the memories that seeing the pavers again, will evoke.

I love that we will always be part of this beautiful town.

I love that this small piece of our lives will be frozen in time, in this way, to visit and remember. Perhaps with other family members as time passes.

Mr Turtle, assessing a ceramic tool.

Even when showing me their artwork,
there was no pause in their creative process.

My Contribution.

Such a wonderful event to be involved in.

ღ

Cupboard door knob ~ Painted Toadstools

2012-01-20T14:20:00.001+10:00

I found this collection of cupboard door knobs at an op-shop a while ago. First thing I thought, was toadstools! And snapped them up.

I painted a few for gifts then, and finished the rest of them yesterday.

I'll be on the hunt for more of these in the future... I think they turned out so well!

My boys of course accompanied me,

with painting their own projects.

So delightfully sweet.

ღ ♥ ღ

A train ride to Brisbane

2012-01-18T15:59:00.000+10:00

Our day out in Brisbane began with a 2 hour train ride, at about 7:45am!

Our first stop was the Queensland Museum South Bank, which was disappointingly closed.

So we walked on (through the marvellous rain) to GoMA ~ the Gallery of Modern Art.

And visited the Yayoi Kusama exhibition.

Mr Turtle found the colours and crowd quite overwhelming.

Although, it was an amazing experience to be part of.

Then on to the library. Where there were songs, dancing, displays, computers, craft activities, bubbles and lots of toys.

My library growing up, was a little different to this, from memory.

Our kids had a turn at everything.

Including singing and dancing on stage.

And finally, the train ride home.

Watching out of the windows at the rainforest, turned wetlands.

(glad we decided to travel by train and not car)

And then, our final treat for the boys, were Paper Dolls to play with on the train ride.

My Man and I cut out the intricate pieces a few nights prior.

(Unfortunately neither of these books came with perforated pieces.)

For Mr Turtle (who is very in to Knights right now).

The Medieval Costumes Paper Dolls by Tom Tierney

And for Little Pipkin ~ Best Friends Paper Dolls in Full Colour by Queen Holden

Originally printed in the 1930's, the designs are very sweet. And the clothing and dolls themselves are printed on strong paper and a very easy for little fingers to manage.

This is my favourite of the two books we bought.

So, an enormous day. Loads of fun. Everything was a new experience for our boys. Which made the whole trip just as exciting for us.

Children provide such a fresh perspective on the things we as adults, often have begun to take for granted.

ღ

Whimsical Rainbow Art

2012-01-16T15:52:00.001+10:00

What would You gift, to a beautiful little faerie, turning Five. Who appreciates Hand & Heart-made. Who's own Mama is an extremely talented crafter/sewer/maker?

I spent a few hours drawing.

Imagining Innocence.

Feeling the Fun.

Creating Rainbows.

Happy Birthday, A.

ღ

Shiny Craft

2012-01-13T10:18:00.000+10:00

When you combine the following...

A selection of sparkly things
Glue

Treasures from nature
Some googly eyes

At Our House,

with two little boys...

You get an hour of shiny crafting,

fun and plenty of giggles!

ღ

Pool Noodle Faeries

2012-01-12T09:57:00.001+10:00

Magical Rainbow Faeries appear at our home on occasion.

They have super powers.

They can fly.

They run at the speed of light...

...However, walking through doorways can be a bit of a struggle!

ღ

Necklace Branch

2012-01-11T11:58:00.000+10:00

For too long, I've had my jewellery piled in a glass jar, a small basket and a cardboard box. My Man has taken Our Boys out this morning to Underwater World and I thought I'd do some sorting. I was suddenly inspired when looking at my necklace knot in the box, to do something very quick and simply, about it.

We have branch cut offs in the workshed, for Our Boys to do a little woodworking when the mood takes them. This particular branch looked the right length, size and weight.

Isn't that knot in the wood, so sweet?

A quick hammering of some nails and there we have it.

I am on my way to being a little more organised. I only wish I could hang it somewhere (we're renting so "no holes in the walls/ceilings, please"). So for now, the spot by my window, on my craft table, is great.

Hot Day = Fruit Lassi

2012-01-10T11:06:00.000+10:00

It is HOT this week. Anyone reading this on the Sunshine Coast, would know that already.

So keeping cool is necessary on the outside (dressing for the weather & regular pool dips) and on the inside (cool, light foods and lots of fluids!).

We have snack time around 10am. Here are my boys hovering, as they do. See Mr Turtle's reaction in this photo (The Tongue) when I said I was making a fruit lassi today.

I blended 3 apricots, 6 small passionfruit and about a punnet of our frozen strawberries.

Then blended in about 400g natural sheep's yoghurt, a cup of Cold water and some ice-cubes.

Sweet, Sour, Cold, Healthy, Nutritious & Delectable!

This milk moustache above Mr Turtle's grin, says it all.

Yum!

For more info on the delicious Lassi, click here for the Wiki link.

ღ °•.☼.•°ღ

Taking a ride on the Noosa Ferry

2012-01-09T12:09:00.056+10:00

Handy ~ Binoculars for Christmas

We had a call during the week from our gorgeous friends. Asking if we would like to join them on the Noosa Ferry?

Oh Yes!

So we did.

We travelled from Tewantin to Noosa Heads.

We grabbed an icecream and walked along the boardwalk, before returning home again.

A few hours, so much to see, on a beautiful day.

Sounding the horn

Skipper of our 'Riverlight' ferry

Things to see in all directions

PERFECT for our young crowd ~with four little ones: aged 2-6

ღ

All Natural ~ Peach face mask

2012-01-08T11:18:00.018+10:00

We bought up big on the local produce at Yandina markets yesterday.

So I thought I'd treat myself.

While my boys were outside gardening with My Man, I whipped up a (yummy) recipe ~ first told to me a little while ago (ahem!), in my Uni days.

Peach Face Mask

use organic ingredients where possible

1 whole peach, roughly chopped

1T water

1T raw honey

generous handful of oats

Gently cook chopped peach in water. Remove from heat and blend with honey and oats.

Take handfuls and press all over your face and throat.

Relax for 10 minutes and then rinse off in cold water.

Such a girly treat. And the left overs are delicious!

*smirk*

ღ

A reminder to Keep Calm and Change Focus

2012-01-07T11:01:00.000+10:00

excerpt from Babies Don’t Keep

by Ruth Hulburt Hamilton

The cleaning and scrubbing can wait till tomorrow

But children grow up as I’ve learned to my sorrow.

So quiet down cobwebs; Dust go to sleep!

I’m rocking my baby and babies don’t keep.

I've had these words up on my wall now, for almost 6 years. I adore them.

I laid with my little ones (aged 3 & 5) yesterday as they napped. Just watching them. They were so peaceful and warm and delicious.

However, today, they are awake, squabbling and my house is looking unloved!

The words of this poem help keep me mindful, at moments like these.

ღ ♥ ღ

Jane Austen

2012-01-06T15:15:00.002+10:00

I am a Jane Austen fan.

I do love her writing. Her imagery. The manners of the period...

On my latest op-shop jaunt, I found the final book missing from my Jane Austen collection.
Hooray!

Emma.

And am happy to be finally reading it.

♥ J ♥

Ps - My favourite of her novels is 'Persuasion'. Followed closely by 'Pride and Prejudice' (of course).

How about you?

Picturesque & Peaceful: The Perfect Party

2012-01-04T20:20:00.002+10:00

Today, was another wonderful day.

Spent with friends, at one of those 'Locals Only' known, special locations.

You know the ones? A gorgeous spot, that you hope is never discovered on a larger scale.

To Keep It Special.

It was Picturesque. It was Oh So Peaceful. It was the ideal location to celebrate a 5 year old's birthday party.

The kid's splashed in shallow, un-polluted water, adventured along the shoreline and gently played amongst the mangroves.

They made all sorts of treasure discoveries. Lots of shells. LOTS of clay!

There were just the right number of children and such a beautiful set of Mamas. The kids were so wholly entertained, the Mamas were able to have complete discussions.

(That hasn't happened for this Mama, in the longest time!)

Yes, it was a wonderful day.

Happy Birthday

to this Magical no-longer-so-little Faerie Girl.

ღ

Happy New Year Everyone!

2012-01-01T16:42:00.000+10:00

¯`°º·¤.¸¯`°º·¤.¸¯`°º·¤.¸ ♥ ¸.¤·º°´¯ ¸.¤·º°´¯ ¸.¤·º°

.¤·º° ♥´¨`•° Happy New Year °•´¨`»♥ º·¤.

¤·º°´¯ ¸.¤·º°´¯ ¸.¤·º°´¯ ♥ ¯`°º·¤. ¸¯`°º·¤. ¸¯`°º·¤.

I wish for Joy, Health and Wealth for each of us

in 2012.

Love and Light,

ღ Aleta

Flower Seed Compost Shapes

2011-12-30T12:06:00.017+10:00

Prior to Christmas, I had a lovely afternoon with my boys creating some flower seed compost shapes (or so we've called them).

We used about 4 cups of compost and a large handful of air dry clay.

We tore the clay into tiny pieces and rubbed them into the compost (like rubbing butter into flour). Then added perhaps a cup of water, slowly, until the mixture combined. Finally I gently folded in all of the flower seeds by hand.

We took handfuls of the mixture and pressed it into the shape molds, until it was completely full and compressed. Similar to the process for making mud bricks. The resultant firmness helped us to remove the molds and still keep the shape.

We then left them to dry outside for a couple of days.

Then for every lucky recipient, we packaged a couple up in a box and presented it with absolute Love and Pride.

Ready to be planted at any time of the year here (Aside from not being natives, we chose our seed varieties carefully).

♥

Sewing Kits for my Boys

2011-12-28T20:21:00.001+10:00

I completed the sewing kits in time for Christmas. And they were very well received.

I wanted to use tins, rather than baskets, to hold all of the notions. To avoid the smaller bits from getting lost. I just happened to find these retro fridge tins, the perfect size AND the perfect colours.

I am so pleased that one of the consistent things my boys have asked me for over the months, has been Their Own sewing kits.

Mr Turtle has a narwhal for his needle wallet image. And he chose for his kit to be blue.

Little Pipkin has an echidna for his needle wallet image. And he chose for his kit to be red.

I thought they could further embellish and blanket stitch their needle wallets themselves, down the track. To really make them, Their Own .

I also gifted my boys, a selection of coloured wool felt pieces, to use as they pleased.

Little Pipkin has been making since Boxing Day. I took this photo this morning.

He is in the process of creating : "a jug to hold lentils, that a baby can throw" (translation - a jug shaped small beanbag).

I am so, darn proud!

ღ

Joining in with Creative Friday at Natural Suburbia

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-27T17:01:00.046+10:00

An Australian Christmas Seafood feast. Celebrating at Nanny's this year. This was how we started lunch, buffet style. Oysters, Prawns = 3 ways and Thai fish cakes.

(For our main meal we had Crispy Fish, Moules Mariniére, Roasted Parmesan Potatoes and lots of salads.)

Before going to bed in our tent (a VERY special treat in itself), our boys played with the obligatory sparklers.

My Christmas present were two of these Mosquito Coil burners. (I love nature, but I LOATHE mosquitoes draining me). Bought from the 'Global Justice' magazine site ~ New Internationalist. Purchase of these Fair-trade burners, helps women's cooperatives in Bangladesh.

My boys received a Yidaki (Didgeridoo) from their Uncle G & Auntie Mellie. Made by a local fellow, the traditional way (he told us). He also gave the boys a half hour lesson. I love to buy local!

Little Pipkin really has taken to it.

ღ

I hope everyone had a Very Merry Christmas.

Joy's Knitted Kitten

2011-12-26T21:33:00.001+10:00

This adorable little kitten is now sitting quite at home at my cousin Joy's house.

A gift that took me a little too long to make. But was so rewarding when it he came to life!

~~I am not sure of it's sex or if it has a name...~~
It's a Boy! And his (just perfect) name is: Spice
ღ
I do know ~~it's~~ he's cheeky. Likes to get himself into mischief. And simply adores being cuddled.

ღ

Queen B candle delivery and decorating candles for Christmas

2011-12-24T11:26:00.001+10:00

When my nephew, J-man was here for the day. We decorated some delicious beeswax candles. A simple activity for any age child.

You see, a present for ME arrived this week. It took only 3 days from online order, to delivery. AMAZING at this time of year?!

I treated myself (well, all of us really) to a candle making delivery from wonderful, wonderful ~ Queen B.

Beeswax Blocks

Essential, quality bits to make our candles

Beeswax rub and tapers

Tools for creating our Christmas dinner table candles

Mr Turtle had been eating purple carrots.
Please excuse his stained fingers!

J-man's pressie for my beautiful Sister

Little Pipkin always seriously pursuing his craft

I'll see you again after Christmas.

I wish you all a peaceful festive season and the creation of beautiful memories with your loved ones.

ღ °•..❤..•°ღ

Baking Day ~ Organic Cherry Brownies & Chocolate Rum Balls

2011-12-23T12:55:00.039+10:00

Organic, Wheat Free, Cherry & Brazil Nut Brownies

I had a wonderful day, yesterday. Caring for my nephew. All the cousins together.

We kept busy and had the best fun!

J-man is TWO and so very capable. His parents involve him in everything they do.

I know they ought to be fresh cherries this time of year. But to hand, we had a jar of sour cherries, which I gently stirred into the mix, at the very end.

Fresh from the oven

Organic, Wheat Free, Cherry & Brazil Nut Brownies

(As inspired by 'Gluten free brownies', by Deborah Parish in Living Crafts Fall 2011)

I prefer to use Organic/Biodynamic and Home grown ingredients, where I can

125g Dark Choc ~ 85% cacao

125g butter

2 eggs

3/4 cup Rapadura sugar

1/2 cup Ground almond meal

1/3 cup Khorasan (Kamut) Fl0ur

1T cornflour

1t Xanthum gum

1/2 t Himalayan rock salt

1/4 t Baking powder

3 t vanilla

1/2 cup brazil nuts, chopped

1 cup pitted cherries

Combine all dry ingredients.

Gently melt the chocolate and butter together over a low heat.

Separately, beat eggs until fluffy. Beat sugar and vanilla into eggs. Then beat in choc/butter mix.

Fold dry mix into the wet mix, and then once combined, GENTLY fold through chopped brazil nuts and cherries.

Pour into lined biscuit/lamington tin.

Bake at 180 degC ((350 degF).

Test after 30mins. If skewer comes out clean, then cooked. If not, leave for a further 5 mins and test again.

Leave to cool on wire rack and cut into squares.

Serve once cooled.

* * *

Ingredients for the adult version of our

Christmas Day Rum Balls.

Mr Turtle rolls mix into a ball

We coated the kids' version in coconut, so there could be
no mistake on the day, whose were whose.

Organic gluten Free Rum Balls (ADULT)

1c Ground almond meal

1/4c Carob powder

1/4 cup Cacao powder

2T Butter

2T icing sugar

1/2t vanilla

2T rum

1t water

Chocolate cocoa powder for rolling

Organic gluten Free Rum-Free Balls (KIDS)

1c Ground almond meal

1/4c Carob powder

1/4 cup Cacao powder

2T Butter

1 1/2T icing sugar

1/2t vanilla

2T water

Coconut for rolling

Method ~

Grind almonds (if whole). Then add Everything and mix!

Roll into balls, roll into powder or coconut and then refrigerate.

I feel the flavours come 'together' and they taste their best, after 24hrs.

Will freeze happily, for a few months if required.

THE adult Rum balls

MORE fruit and nut ball recipes here and here.

♥ ღ ♥

Outdoor Adventures

2011-12-22T12:37:00.006+10:00

We have been watching Steve Irwin episodes lately, and have discovered Bear Grills recently.

My eldest, Mr Turtle, LOVES them both. To say the least.

He's always been animal mad, but I hadn't realised until now, the Adventuring spirit is well and truly within him.

So, we sent him along to the NatureWeavers (Forest) School these last couple of weeks.

A wonderful experience for all of us.

As we drove up to where the school was being held, I stopped and took these photos. We were exclaiming what a Wonderland it was. ❤

And my Big Boy was able to explore and take it all in, over 5 mornings!

* * *

And then, yesterday we were here.

At a friend's family property in Black Mountain. 37 acres of Hinterland beauty.

Playing with clay from the creek bed.

Swinging on a vine hanging over the creek,
to cross it.

Testing a fallen tree to use as a bridge
to cross the creek.

Mr Turtle kept setting himself challenges (his exact words). I must admit I was a little nervous. But he was in his element! I also got a real insight into what he had taken on and responded best to at NatureWeavers School.
And I'm guessing, the extreme confidence in himself and his abilities, were a reflection of the afore mentioned professional nature lovers.

Little Pipkin insisted on following his brother's every move. Resulting in his 'first ever leech'. The blood resulted in a little distress and panic at the time.

But once we got to the point of this photo. He was VERY excited at being the first one to be 'sucked by a leech', between himself and his brother.

Despite the loud voices of the children. The wet and soggy clothes and shoes. And the leech attack (*grins*). We adult girls managed to enjoy the beauty, peacefulness and tranquillity of the environment we were in. And appreciate the sheer nerve, excitement and awe exhibited by our children.

ღ

Moreton Bay Chestnut, Seed Pod Cradles

2011-12-21T16:27:00.005+10:00

We collected many of these Moreton Bay Chestnut seed pods recently, from a friend's garden here in Eumundi. I thought, with the single hole, they would make wonderful cradles. Mr Turtle did too.

Today I impulsively decided to needle felt a baby Jesus, for our Christmas table. And use one of these as cradles.

My boys decided to join in as well.

I went ahead and completed the family.

I have only just seen Joseph's smile, while putting up these photos.

And look at them here. I can see such detail in the baby's face. And everyone seems to have their face tilted upwards, toward the camera.

Can you see it too?

.☆..* Magic *..☆.

This years Christmas Tree

2011-12-20T12:51:00.000+10:00

Last year, we made a paper Christmas Tree. Which was a hit with all of the family. My boys actually asked to do it again this year, but I have had something else in mind. With sticks.

Although, as happens, plans change.

A friend mentioned that last year, they used a palm tree seed-fruit branch. One that perfectly looked like a Christmas Tree. And wouldn't you know it? 2 days later, a perfect one dropped onto our driveway, from above.

I also had planned to dress and decorate it with fallen gum leaves. However, on our morning decoration hunt, Little Pipkin decided he would prefer to take little bits of nature from all around our garden.

So, we went with that.

We will add to the decorations in the coming days, as the flowers wilt and the leaves dry and curl.

We ate our homemade Gingerbread and sang
(mostly) Christmas carols while we worked.

Instead of threading and hanging the leaves,
I simply poked a hole in each one with the end of a paintbrush.

• • . :☆°•.❤.•°☆:.••

Sewing Summer Shorts

2011-12-19T13:38:00.026+10:00

My littlest guy has been in dire need of new clothes, especially Shorts, for a while.
So, finally, his Mama got sewing.

And I have had my eye on some particular fabrics in my stash, just for him.

This pile is actually 6 shorts and 2 pants, all cut out and ready to go. Using my own slap-dash method for sewing shorts and pants. Written about here.

This time I completed 3 pair for Little Pipkin and one pair for his Big brother.

Little Pipkin was more than happy to model.

I AM a fan of Home, Hand and Heart-made, I have to say.

ღ °•.☼.•°ღ

Baking Gingerbread

2011-12-18T15:14:00.000+10:00

We made Gingerbread yesterday. To eat while creating our Christmas Tree and to take along to share, whilst Carol singing.

We used this recipe. It was loads of fun to make.

Mmmm. Looks good doesn't it?

As a treat I made a butter icing and applied it really thinly. AND I found some cachous (made with natural ingredients- woohoo!) to decorate with.

Yes. The boys were in one of those moods in front of the camera. But I think this sums up what they thought of our baking.

ღ

Little Pipkin irons

2011-12-17T20:18:00.000+10:00

I DO let my boys attempt things when I think they are capable and can achieve, safely.

I wrote a post about it, here.

Little Pipkin loves to do the housework. He feels very grown up and accomplished. And to be honest. I believe, if I encourage and teach him when he's interested, he'll learn some pretty good habits and will be able to look after himself well, when he has eventually flown away from our nest.

As you can see. He likes to Iron. I am happy to let him, with the more uncomplicated items. And I also have been known to use this as a distraction technique.

When the boys are growing restless. They begin to niggle and tease. I pull out an animal book for the eldest and the iron for the youngest.

It works a treat!

ღ