Action Pack is an online magazine and there's a new edition out today. It's full of amazing hands-on stuff for kids to do and make. And for bigger kids too for that matter. Also, you won't find any ads, just projects like making watercolour paints from the sea and fashioning a fleet of boats with…

A few things happening in the kitchen these days: – I've rediscovered sprouts. In my early 20s, I used to sprout a lot of beans and seeds for salads and sandwiches, then I got out of the habit. A dear friend always keeps mung bean sprouts in her fridge for Keira to eat when we…

A few things from today… – early morning hillside at a campground far away from the city – midday by the river, watching kids swim and play – a few new additions to my etsy shop, including these handmade hairclips – a boxful of postcards from the publisher arrived. I can start sending these out…

The everlasting (straw) flowers in the garden are still going strong, and they reminded me of an old linen apron in the cupboard which featured a bunch of Tasmanian wildflowers, including my beloved straws. It was pretty old and I never used it, so it's become a summery cushion to pair up with some outdoor…

Inspired by the deep blue of the morning glory flowers in our garden (i know they're a noxious weed, but isn't that blue/purple brilliant?) I made these earrings. Okay, so I didn't really make them, just found the silver pieces second-hand and thought they would make a good frame for a bit of stitching. Or…

It was a warm week. The hydrangeas started to brown. Just a little bit, but still. And I've been reading this book- The History of Love, by Nicole Krauss, which is wonderful.

Happy St. Valentine's Day, friends. I made a wildflower installation for you. I made my origami heart (to write my valentine's message inside) using these instructions that I found via A.C. and some Japanese paper. And something romantic: the ending to a very sweet film: Le Fabuleux Destin d'Amélie Poulain. I haven't seen this film in a…

I was feeling sorry for my shop, which I've pretty much abandoned over the past year, so I stocked it up with some new things. Small makes: lavender sachets with coloured prints, bird and wildflower pins, eye masks and french press cosies. Also some more baby shoes (after taking a few months hiatus from sewing…

I'm not a socialite (might even be an anti-socialite) but I do love this song by the Dirty Projectors (it sounded especially great live last week!), and this sewing pattern, put together by Anna-Maria Horner.  I've made this pattern once before– back in 2009, even. I think I like it made up in this flowy…

Have you met our new pets? We have two new guinea pigs- their names are Gizmo Joe (Keira's) and Gary Zac (Arlo's.) Much fun was had in the naming (you can probably tell.)  They are soft and silky and make a lot of noise (a high-pitched 'wheek!) when we pick them up. But I think…