Crafty !!

I have two incredibly talented nieces when it comes to arts and crafts.  Amongst other things, one specialises in sewing, knitting and cooking, the other in card and glass making along with baking.  They really put me to shame (though I like to think they got their talents from me ;-)).  I like to dabble in creative things and really enjoy scrap-booking, sewing and watercolours.  I have brought everything with me except my sewing machine - so I do keep myself busy.  My scrap booking is coming along although I have to confess I have still not finished our 2004 big holiday book.  I blame the previous constraints of working but cannot believe it will be 10 years ago this October.  Well, that focuses the mind!  Best crack on with that.

I've also in the past encouraged my cousins (on Mr John's side) to get creative and when they were younger, they came to stay with us and I got them into mini-scrap booking.  Anyway, on a visit to us in 2012, cousin Abi returned the favour and bought me a kit to make a star. 

I loved the look of it but was coming to Thailand on holiday that Christmas and knew we were testing the country out to move here, so I put it to one side.  When it came time here to put up the Christmas decs out came the kit which I'd kept especially for the event.  And in order to remind my nieces that I too can be a bit creative, here's the process.

There's actually two stars in this pack, one large and one small.  It also says it is for ages 7-15 so about the right level for me!  A word to the wise, if you do give this to a seven year old be prepared for a lot of helping as you need to cut out a lot of stars!  The instructions are pictorial.

Now I'm a visual person so I thought, brilliant.  Until I got part way through and realised I was meant to be putting clear sticky dots on the points of the star as I was going (and that the white sheets they were on weren't just to keep the paper from being damaged).  I kept wondering the benefits of just showing a star point ....

It kept me quite for ages and I enjoyed listening to my iPod as I spent a very productive two days - yes I know, but you'd be surprised!  I was however, thrilled to bits with the finished product and it looked amazing in our new home. 

Thanks Abi x