Scallyoop Scoop!
November 26, 2012
Tuxedo Sam (other characters available) USB sticks.
Today I want to tell you all about a fantastic online store.
It’s owned by my fabulous little sister Hayley and a friend… so I am a little bias in my recommendation…. but after I have shown you a small selection of an enormous range of products, I am sure you will agree with me.
Firstly, I will show you some of the items we have enjoyed from Scallyoop and a few reasons why I like them…. and then give you my recommendations for Christmas….. and leave you with a special offer!
Tuxedo Sam (and Friends) USB stick. 14 year old has one and loves it! Once the kids get to high school the USB becomes their best friend. These little guys wont be lost like the boring generic kind…. and are easily recognisable. Even Dad’s and nephew’s would enjoy these.
Djeco Art Nouveau Workshop.
Djeco make fabulous product. They provide great structured art projects which are vital for building skills. Over the years we have enjoyed many of these craft boxes. They are beautiful indeed.
Covering crafts from colouring, collage, puppet making, folding and knitting these sets ….made for boys as well as girls are highly recommended.
Made by the same company (and often included in the kits) are these felt painting textas and oil pastels. Be warned however….once you buy a child these beautiful textas they will never want normal ones. They make truly beautiful marks and last and last. Well worth the investment.
The oil pastels are also lovely to create art with. you will want to sit alongside your child and draw with them. I think they are better for older children ….. maybe 8+ as they can be a little messy (like oil pastels are)
Felt paint textas.
Oil Pastels.
Ni Hao Noodle Bowl. Now $19.95
The Ni Hao Noodle bowl is a fun way to introduce chopsticks to your children. The set comes with a noodle bowl, a patterned plate and a cute set of ‘kid friendly’ chopsticks. The little rubber man holds the chopsticks together making the pinching action that much easier! ….almost like holding a pencil and squeezing. A great gift for 6+ noodle lovers.
Roll-up chalk placemat.
We have enjoyed our chalk placement outside and inside. The girls use it to make signs on the cubby house and I sometimes use it to write a list of jobs for them to do…. It’s so much more fun to rub a job off with your hand after doing it!
Alice in Wonderland necklace or brooch.
What is not to love about this sweet Alice in Wonderland necklace (also available as a brooch)? Wood cut and light. Beautiful. You can also get other Alice in Wonderland characters.
Ride on Lady Bug.
The ride on bug.… yes, sadly we are past this, but have many fond memories of the girls zooming around on these. Stylistically so much more beautiful than the plastic ride on…and great for imaginary play.
Skwish classic.
Past this one too but loved it when the girls were very little. I loved the lightness of the elastic and wood….didn’t hurt when it inevitably hit them in the face! Skish Classic.
Throwing Game Klop.
I think my all time favourite gift from Scallyoop is Klop. A fantastic park game. It plays like a cross between bowls and boules with a twist or two.
Our family regularly take Klop to the park just with us or with friends and play across generations. The game is well weighted so adult or child can win….. but it’s not all luck. Brilliant!
Now….. my picks for this Christmas and beyond.
Ziggy Platter….. How groovy!
This one is for me! Yes there are gifts for adults too!
Balsam wood postcard…… can think of a few granddads who would like one of these.
Love this idea! …..and Balsam wood Plane Card just $7.95
Kokeshis Paper Dolls…. great holiday fun.
Another Djeco kit! Un-tricky origami Only $12.50
Beautiful wooden 3 layer puzzle.
How about this exquisite wooden puzzle? Lovely.
Make-a-do. Reusable connective pieces for creating straight from the recycling box.
I have loved these for a while. Such a great idea for the ‘construction kids’. Make-a-do kits.
There you have it!
Some of the best gifts you will find…. and you don’t need to go to the shops! Yay.
The site has soooo many more things to love….. and if you get in quick (before Dec 9) adding the code scallyoop10 will give you $10 off if you spend over $30 and put you into the draw for a $150 scallyoop shopping spree.
Why are you still here?
Spring Fair Photos
November 12, 2012
A quick slideshow of photos in case you missed our fabulous school fete.
The other half of a GIANT list of fete and fair tutorials and printables…. (Part 2)
October 27, 2012
- The Scrapbooking Jar by Crate Paper Blog
- Chalkboard Serving Platter by Wit and Whistle.
- Knitted Snake by Purl Bee
- Paper Fortune Cookies by design wash rinse repeat.
- Pebble Mat by Junk Hippie
- Clay bird ornament by JessicaJane Handmade.
- Owl cushion by button bird designs.
- Pillowcase shopping bag by Grow Mama.
- Mouse Ornaments by Family Fun
- Crocheted Washcloths by Purl Bee
- Monster Bags by harrysdesk
- Pram cards by The Pleated Poppy
- Salt dough Christmas Ornaments by Oleander and Palm
- Rice filled heating Owls for children by Just another Hang Up.
- Beaded Heart Wand by First Palette
- Circle Zip Earbud Pouch by dog under my desk
- Tea Bag gift Tag by The Studio Of Mae.
- Cardboard Horses by Design Sponge
- Mooshy Belly Bunny by Chez Beeper Bebe
- Felt Crowns by hellobee
- Easy Drawstring Bag by Purl Bee
- Recycled Book Bird Decoration by Under the Table and Dreaming
- Present Cards by Craft and Creativity
- Babies Triange Dress by Purl Bee
- Monster Slime by all things simple
- DIY ice cream sundae box by family bits.
- Monster bibs by stubbornly crafty.
- Cloud and rain mobile by dailylike recipe?
- Bunting by the yvestown blog.
- Lunchsacks by All people quilt.
Enjoy….and let me know if you think you might make anything.
Monster/Fort Kit mash-up.
October 24, 2012
Yes, the monsters are back!
Lately…. I mixed together two of my favourite creative gifts into a monster/fort mash-up.
Previously,I have made fort kits for gifts. I got the idea from saltwater kids, who got it at Bloom.
The contents of the monster pillow.
…and more recently I have been making monsters. You can see a tutorial here if you would like to make your own.
For this particularly creative 9 year old boy, I joined them together.
I’m particularly loving the eyes!
The monster fort mash! ….and a cheeky foot.
Would the 9 year old boys in your life like these?
Half a GIANT list of fete and fair tutorials and printables.. (Part 1)
September 15, 2012
Often we are keen to help with school or church fetes but are not sure where to start.
So, I have put together a giant list of fete and fair tutorials from around the blogging world.
So many clever people out there!
For me…. what makes a great craft to make for a fete or fair, is one that is inexpensive to make and buy , fun, quick to make, fairly easy to put together, and something people would want to hand there money over for.
All the images below are by the original tutorial writers. If you want to try one… just click on the creators name and it will take you straight there.
Stay tuned for the next instalment.
Let me know what you think.
- Bunting Cards (tiny party invite) by The Pleated Poppy.
- Tissue Paper Pom Poms by diy Wedding
- DIY sugar body scrub by Craftiness is not an option.
- Waterproof shower caps by Smashed Peas and Carrots.
- Felt Tissue Pouches by My Growing Home
- Simple Shopping Bags by The Purl Bee
- House pillows by Craft and Creativity.
- Beaded Heart Wand by First Palette.
- 3D Owl printables by Craft and Creativity.
- Any colour chalk board paint by Salt Tree.
- Angel placecard by Allsorts.
- Covered Mouse pads by Coming Home To Roost.
- Fairies in a Jar by Organised Chaos.
- Paper Decoration Star by Craft and Creativity.
- Button Thumbtacks by FellowFellow
- Reindeer Gift Tag Printable by Eatdrinkchic.
- Knitted Mini Stockings by Little Cotton Rabbits.
- Edible Teabag Cookie (Gluten Dairy and Sugar free) by Whatever’s left
- Wooden Fork Dolls by Craft and Creativity.
- Spray Painted Animals on lids by Pysselbolaget
- Fabric Covered Lights by Rebeccasdiy.
- Time for tea Soap by Cumbersome.
- Owl iphone case by handmade.
- Tea bag gift Tag by the studio of Mae
- Monogram bags by zszywka
- Plush Monsters by Blueberry Moon.
- Plush Penguin by Purl Bee.
- Felt ball garland by The SoHo
- Lavender Satchels by Purl Bee
- Chalk Paint Cheese Tray by Wit & Whistle
A quick upcycle
June 26, 2012
Image from Etsy store CraftieRobot.
At the beginning of the year I bought this bag for 12 year old to take to school.
It was a little too small from the beginning and was pushed to it’s limits many times.
….. and ….well it broke.
The closures came away and it got a ‘cannot be mended’ hole in the base.
She was very sad because she really loved the illustration…… so I upcycled it into a new bag.
I used the picture as a zippered front pocket with a little pen pocket to the side.
She needs a bag for her extras…. PE clothes, dance clothes, drama costumes….that sort of thing.
I even reused the original bags inside pocket on the new one.
The black bag was already made I bought it at BlankClothing for about $4.
Commission for Winton
June 18, 2012
Winton’s bag.
I haven’t shown you anything I have made in a while.
This neat little tie bag was made using all those ‘novelty’ ties most men who grew up in the 80’s have in their cupboards.
My little friend Winton helped me select the ties to make his ‘go everywhere’ bag. As you can see he chose cyclists, lions, sun and moons, dogs, hot air balloons….. Lots of inspiration for any 8 year old boy.
He told me about his love of photography, so I lined the bag with velvet to protect the lenses and gave it a little extra padding for general protection. Unfortunately the bag was delivered before I realised I only had one good shot!
I’m told he is rarely seen without his bag.
Commission for Deb and Tim
March 5, 2012
Before Christmas, the house move and the best holiday we have had as a family yet, I made my first ever unisex nappy bag. It was quite a fun process, so I thought I would share some of it.
It all began with an email out of the blue from all the way over in WA…. Deb wanted a bag that both her and her husband were happy to carry. She liked the Phoenix Files Bags shape and colour palette (although wanted to see some other ideas for colour), but wanted to make sure it was still ‘male enough’ for her Tim.
Blue/ grey Combo
Black/Avocado combo.
Red/Black/White/Grey Combo.
Tan/Brown Combo.
School Tie combo.
I emailed her a number of tie combinations. They settled on the black and avocado greens combination. To make sure it wasn’t t too feminine we stayed away from florals, paisleys and shiny ties. After we decided on the colour-way Deb cleared out her husbands wardrobe and asked if it were possible to upcycle one of his shirts for the lining.
The shirt was a King Gee style one made for a church men’s weekend away. The shirt had special memories for Tim but wasn’t something he wore. It didn’t yield quite enough fabric for the lining alone….so I added some ikea fabric from my stash.
Here’s what we ended up with.
Finished Nappy Bag with Change Mat.
Bag back....
...change mat.
Deb also wanted lots and lots of pockets.
Pockets for wipes, wallet, diary and notebooks, bottles and creams and of course nappies.
She also requested a special hook for her keys so that she wasn’t constantly searching for her keys at the bottom of the bag.
Inside looked like this.
Lots and lots of pockets. Open and zippered.
Button on key holder.
One of the more obviously telling details of the nappy bag are the side bottle pockets. I enjoyed getting my head around shaping these without compromising the given shape of the tie too much.
The strap is adjustable so as to be able to lengthen it for going over the handles of a pram or stroller and then shorten it again for carrying on the shoulder. I used a reclaimed computer-bag shoulder pad for extra comfort.
Right bottle pocket ...
Left bottle pocket.
Shoulder pad.
After I posted the bag off I received this lovely email from Deb’s husband Tim.
Hi Ally,
This is Tim (Deb’s husband) here.
Just wanted to say a massive thankyou for your superb work with our new ‘man-friendly’ nappy bag! It’s sooooo cool 🙂
The incorporation of my King Gee shirt is really, really nice as that was the camp uniform for a men’s retreat that I organised while I was working for church (it was a huge hit and really had a tangible impact on the friendships between the guys). So, needless to say, I am stoked at that memory being interwoven with the practicalities of caring for my precious girls!
Tim.
I really enjoyed making this one.
Anyone else need a nappy bag?
34 Handmade Gift for Little Boys + Little Girls….. with Tutorials
November 28, 2011
Ideas for Little Girls
1. Upcycled Knit Pom Hair Accessories by Lil Blue Boo.
2. Puffy Bead Bracelets by Running With Glitter.
3. Non Slip Hair Bows by Make It and Love It.
4. Little Girl Romper by Make It and love It.
5. Braided Headband by Skip To My Lou.
6. Bonsai Tree Applique by Lil Blue Boo.
7. Lazy Days Skirt by Oliver and S (download).
8. Black Apple Dolls by Martha Stewart.
Ideas for Little Boys
9. Upcycled : Shirt to shorts by Saltwater Kids.
10. 'Gak' by Make It and Love It.
11. Picture Matching Word Cards by Canon.
12. I Spy Bag by Make It and Love It.
13. Boys Shorts with Cargo Pockets by Craft Passion.
14. Upcycled Fused Plastic Belt by Lil Blue Boo.
15. Green Robot Stenciled T-shirt. by Lil Blue Boo.
Little Kids
16. Personalised Memory Game by Momtastic.
17. A frame play tent by My Cakies.
18. Alphabet Wall Art by The Handmade Home.
19. Owl And Elephant Collages by Martha Stewart.
20. Kids size Ironing Boards by Duo Fiberworks
21. Rolling Pin Stamps by Redefining Creativity.
22. Nesting Dolls by the ETSY blog
23. Stick Horse by Light Blue Grey.
24. Felt Cookie Presents/Playfood by Redefining Creativity.
25. A Matching Game (Tutorial and Download) by Lil Blue Boo.
26. No Sew Pennant Banner by Place To Bloom.
27. Libray Totes by Noodle Head.
28. Dr Suess Activity Blocks by Sugar Bee Crafts.
29. Painted Block Puzzle by Momtastic.
30. Window Garland by Noodle head.
31. Accidental Painting by Lil Blue Boo.
32a. Thrifty Fort Building Kit by Saltwater Kids.
32b. Fort Building Kit ( all packed up) by Saltwater Kids.
33. Birthday (or Picnic) in a Suitcase by Funky Time.
34. Fabric Dollhouse (or Barn) by UK lass in US.
22 Handmade Gifts for Men or anyone really….. with Tutorials.
November 21, 2011
1. Vintage Trophy Coat Rack by Design Sponge.
2. Gardener's Apron by Martha Stewart.
3. Leather Journal by Duo Fiberworks.
4. Honey Walnut and Dried Fruit Topping by Martha Stewart.
5. Car Wash Kit by Martha Stewart.
6. Oilskin Zippered Pencil Case by Momtastic.
7. Upcycled Messenger Bag From Cargo Pants by Noodlehead.
8. Framed Initial by Make It and Love It.
9. Whimsical Key Chains by Living With Punks.
10. Dishtowel Apron by Made By Petchy.
11. Wooden Pendant Necklaces and Keychain by Lil Blue Boo.
12. Retro Duffle Bag by saltwater Kids.
13. Personalised Coffee Blend by Martha Stewart.
14. Toffee by Martha Stewart.
16. Homemade Book Plates by Martha Stewart.
15. Jam recipes with Printable Labels by Funkytime.
17. Rollie Pollie Pillows by So You Think You're Crafty.
18. Large Paintings Full of Text by Redefining Creativity.
19. Paint Chip Wall Art by How About Orange.
20. Car Travel Kit by Martha Stewart.
21. Monogram Mugs by Designmom.
22. Big Scrappy Painting by Redefining Creativity.
harrysdesk 