Wednesday 29 August 2012

The Gallery - Movies


Joining Sticky Fingers for The Gallery... the theme this week is Movies.


When we visited Hollywood last year, we looked at all the hand and footprints in the forecourt of Grauman's Chinese Theatre. Julia was very happy to find that a movie star had hands that were just her size.

Christine xx

Monday 27 August 2012

Mini-Me Handcrafts - Spring Racing Carnival

I am so excited to have been invited to take part in the Spring Racing Carnival showcase which starts 30th August at Handmade Boutique Showcase on Facebook.  

Here are the items I have entered: 


This ladies one size lace shoulderette is the most beautiful spring colour and feels so soft in gorgeous merino rich cashmere. 


This horse & rider are about 20cm tall, and the bucket of carrots is so sweet! 

There are so many beautiful items displayed in the showcase, from dresses and dolls, to jewellery and hair accessories. All are available for purchase from 7pm (EST) on Thursday 30th August 2012. Please take a look at Handmade Boutique Showcase and support Australian Handmade! 

Christine xx

Wednesday 22 August 2012

The Gallery - Sky


Joining Sticky Fingers for The Gallery... the theme this week is Sky.


I think this photo is all about the sky. 

Sunset over the Aegean Sea in Greece. Taken in March 2003 at the end of a wonderful day cruise to the Saronic Islands of Poros, Hydra and Aegina. 

Christine xx

Monday 20 August 2012

The best "Thank You" card ever!

I have been spending a bit of time with Julia's kindergarten class doing some one-on-one reading. It is truly amazing how much each and every child has progressed during the past 7 months. 

I enjoy my time with them and it's nice to think that maybe my little contribution could be encouraging these kids to develop their reading skills. 

Last week I was surprised by a fabulous (and enormous) card which they had made for me: 


I think this is the best "Thank you" card ever! 

Christine xx

Wednesday 15 August 2012

The Gallery - Emotion


Joining Sticky Fingers for The Gallery... the theme this week is Emotion.


Two and a half years old and a little bit naughty. A face full of sorrow, remorse and a touch of defiance. 

Christine xx

Monday 13 August 2012

Mini-Me Handcrafts - 100 Beanie Drive


A few weeks ago I stumbled upon this blog post at Epheriell Designs. Jess is looking for crafters to crochet or knit beanies, scarves or mittens for the Day Oncology Unit at the Royal Brisbane Hospital. 

This got me thinking - if I can make teeny tiny premmie beanies, then surely I can make a few adult size beanies as well? 

So I made up a pattern for a unisex style beanie, and used some warm, soft acrylic yarn in gorgeous colours to make these: 


I have posted them to Jess today. I hope she gets a lovely surprise! 

Christine xx

Wednesday 8 August 2012

The Gallery - Sport


Joining Sticky Fingers for The Gallery... the theme this week is Sport.


Julia's chosen sport is Calisthenics. Here she is in her team uniform, ready to head off to her competition. She looks quite enthusiastic for so early in the morning! 

This is her second year. She loves performing on the stage, dressing up in beautiful costumes and being part of a team. 

Calisthenics is an artistic and performance sport which promotes teamwork, encourages physical development and co-ordination, and takes a series of routines set to music and turns them into beautiful performances. 

Between 4 and 8 routines are learned during the year with each routine lasting between 1.5 - 4 minutes. All routines are taught and performed with emphasis on teamwork and uniformity. There are many different disciplines or routines that can be taught in Calisthenics, which is why it is considered such a diversified sport. The core items for the Tinies age group (4-6 year olds) are Free Exercise, Rods and Aesthetics. A fancy item is also taught which may include Folk Dance, Song and Dance or Song with Actions. Figure March and Club Swinging are added as core items in the older age groups. 

You can find out more about Julia's Calisthenics with more pictures of her beautiful costumes in my previous blog posts here

Christine xx

Monday 6 August 2012

Calisthenics - preliminary competitions

Saturday mornings are usually sleep-in days, but not for the last two weekends. We have risen early for Julia's calisthenics competition days. A quick breakfast, then out the door for hair and makeup, then on to the theatre.


This is Julia in costume for her sub-junior rods routine. Very bright!


Julia in her team uniform - and hamming it up for the camera.

Both her tinies and sub-junior teams did really well, and enjoyed their performances.

Thanks again to her coaches Kirsty and Kari, the team assistants and the team managers, who all put so much work into making the day such a success for all the girls.


The tinies teams at the presentation - Julia's team is in red on the right. 

The final competition for the year is just six weeks away so there is lots of practice to do! 

If you'd like to find out more, please take a look at Calisthenics ACT if you are in Canberra like me, or Calisthenics Australia for more information about Calisthenics in other states. 

Christine xx

Wednesday 1 August 2012

The Gallery - Delicate


Joining Sticky Fingers for The Gallery... the theme this week is Delicate.


This photo was taken the first year we went to the Canberra Show with Julia. She loved the animal nursery and was very excited to be able to pat some of the baby animals.

She looks quite focused but I think her Daddy looks a little concerned; I can just hear him saying "Gently, gently...".

Christine xx