KissKus

::200::

2007-07-10T22:02:00.000+02:00

I've just written my 200th post on my new blog. It's also my official housewarming party on Typepad... I do prefer it over there ;)

This blog is from now on closed. Head on over to Typepad if you want to be included in the give-away!

Happy happy joy joy

2007-05-03T15:14:00.000+02:00

Lots of excitement going on in our lives, such as winning cars and stuff...

Read it all here!

I am...

2007-04-15T23:19:00.000+02:00

... still over at Typepad, you know ;)

Please, join me there!

Rounding off

2007-04-02T22:40:00.000+02:00

I'm slowly rounding off this blog here and will continue blogging on Typepad.
Would you all be so kind to update your links & bloglines? Thank you so very much... I wouldn't want to leave anyone behind ;))

I'm thinking of holding a housewarming party at my new place, but first I must go to England and have lots of fun :))

---> I'm happy to be home again!

Invitation

2007-04-01T20:44:00.000+02:00

Hello everyone,

you're all invited to visit me at my new blog space!!

When you're there, you can read all about the skirts I made today.
So please, follow me :)

Need help picking out my birthday present!

2007-03-29T21:21:00.000+02:00

People, I need you for advice!
My lovely hubby (or hush puppy as my colleague said yesterday) wants to give me a Typepad-account for my birthday. I've been wanting to make the switch for quite some time and now he's made the decision for me... isn't he the sweetest?!

So just now I've been checking out the website and what I really want to know is whether Basic will be good enough, or do I really need to get Plus?
What do you have and are you happy with it?
Is Typepad the best choice anyway?

Please, share your experiences with me! I'm so excited at the prospect of switching that I really want to do it NOW!

This photo does it no justice at all, but the sunrise was amazing this morning. A huge bright red ball of fire.

Big girl, small shoes

2007-03-28T22:10:00.000+02:00

Amber has achieved something that took many months (years?), tears and a whole lot of courage.
For that she deserved a reward...

Tiny shoes that are impossible to walk on!
She was like Cinderella's step-sister trying to wriggle into these, but you should see how happy she looks when she has them on :))

Now what was the big project that we finally managed to tackle? She now sleeps without a nappy (diaper for you Americans) and that's a BIG deal!
It's been a long road for her, but apparently the time was right now. It's been more of a mental struggle than a physical one; she was just scared to go to sleep without a nappy.

However, on Monday morning -after another dry night- she earned her final sticker and that was that.

We're so proud of you, little big girl!!

Simon fell out of the tree... does he care? No way!

And how do you like my new sunglasses? These were the only remotely normal ones that I could find!! Michel now calls me Queen Bee Bling Bling. Well, this will be the summer of the bee then :)

Hanging out with the bunnies

2007-03-26T14:43:00.000+02:00

Look at the latest batch of freshly graduated students from Easter Bunny College.
Don't they look eager?! They just can't wait to collect their basket of eggs and start hiding!

Actually, this is only half the group that I'm working on, but I'm taking so long to finish them that I just didn't want to wait any more. Sometimes you just have to be realistic, Easter may be over before I've finished the rest of them (hope not).

Hmmm, I wonder whether I'll be able to change my banner... it will give my blog a nice seasonal touch ;)

I also want to give a big thank you to Kirsten. A couple of days ago a cute little package arrived, in it were this beautiful brooch (currently proudly displayed on my bag):

And this wonderful rocket patch:

It was immediately confiscated by Simon and I think I'm going to use it on a bag for him.
Thanks again, Kirsten!

Mama made a brand new pair of trousers

2007-03-22T14:18:00.000+01:00

I am ashamed to say that in all 2,5 years of Simon's life I've have NEVER made him a piece of clothing... bad, bad Mummy!! Even though my sewing machine has been working overtime, I produced nothing wearable for him (nor for Amber...I can't remember what the last thing was I made for her).
However, the time was right now! Probably spurred on by the first signs of spring, I made a pair of trousers for him of fabric that I bought last year. Of course when they were finished I wanted to see how they fit (and yes, take a photo of it too!). Simon didn't think it was such a good idea.

After lots of begging and pleading he felt it was a very BAD idea...

Eventually this is the best photo I got:

He couldn't wait to take the damn trousers off!

Don't you look so pleased, young man! You ARE going to wear them, even if it means I have to glue them to your bottom!!

(I'm making a skirt for Amber right now... thank heavens for my dear daughter who'll wear anything as long as there is a hint of pink on it)

When little boy's dreams come true

2007-03-19T23:08:00.000+01:00

Simon was in awe!

Egg flowers

2007-03-11T21:21:00.000+01:00

May I present to you... egg flowers!

The other day when I was digging through my scrapbasket, just itching to make more tissueholders, I suddenly had an idea for a new scrappy project. Eggwarmers...hurray! Don't you love it when a new idea just pops into your head?

It all went so smooth too. Sorting fabrics, cutting, sewing and the result was as I had hoped.

I made the coordinating eggholders from wool felt. Later I realised that these can also be used to hold napkins... multi-purpose holders, wow :)

They are super easy to make. All you need is two pieces of fabric and a bit of elastic for the eggwarmers, and a piece of wool felt and fabric for the eggholder. Don't you think they will brighten up the Easter breakfast table?

I just came across this, which is also a wonderful way to use up your scraps.

I can't help myself...

2007-03-09T21:07:00.000+01:00

I felt a bit at a loss a few days back, so I made another batch of tissueholders... they're just too wonderful to make!

I did however started a totally different scrap-project too, more on that soon.

And I'm glad to say that this WIP is finally in its last stages. If that could be finished, photographed and blogged about this weekend, then I would be a very happy girl indeed.

Wishing you all a very relaxing and crafty weekend!

They deserve a frame

2007-03-04T21:08:00.001+01:00

New thrifted frame + favourite trimmings =

Over the years I've built up quite a collection of trimmings. Last week I bought some more and then my mother gave me a few too (yes, I know :))). I just love to look at them. They're so pretty! Then last Thursday I found a very decent frame in the thriftstore (an excellent new one we went to) and after a lick of paint I just knew that my trimmings would look great in it.

So now it's right here next to me in my craftroom and I keep gazing up to it (a lot). Such a source of inspiration... don't you think your trimmings deserve a frame too?!

I heart England!

2007-03-02T15:42:00.001+01:00

And that's why I've just booked our flight to London!

I'm so excited that it's definite now after lots of thinking and planning... and I'm so looking forward to it :))

I don't know what I like best of everything:

spending time with my sister (and my youngest sister might join us too)
going away with Michel
stay out late, go on long walks, do lots of shopping --> do everything you can't do with kids around
embrace EVERYthing English

Oh and do you know what more? I might even meet up with a very lovely fellow blogger! Anyone else wants to meet up somewhere in the vicinity of London/Oxford between 4 and 8 April?! It'll be fun!

These hearts were designed and cut out by Amber. She also did a bit of sewing until she grew tired of it.

Old and expensive

2007-02-27T21:10:00.000+01:00

Bit of a dubious title ;)

Today we went here.
Michel heard about this place that sells old building materials that are saved from demolition.
It was quite a magical place. Old treasures stacked up everywhere. You simply didn't know where to look first. Very expensive stuff though (I held on to Simon tightly!).

Staircases.

Lots of beautiful tiles.

Amazing doors.

The main reason why we went there was to look for a dining table that they make from different kinds of wood. We loved the tables: simple, old, solid. Prices varied from € 700-€1400. Something to think about.

Here I am on the road:

And we haven't booked yet, but we're definitely going to England in April :))

Small projects

2007-02-20T21:29:00.000+01:00

I've been working on lots of small projects lately. Although I have a continuing lack of time for myself, my inspiration and creative urge are still very much present. Hence the small projects!

First my My Little Window project. This was my prototype, I want to work on this more.

Then a birthday present for my youngest sister. A little bag for the bikini we got her.

Look at that bikini!

I wanted to keep it for myself, but I knew it would look (much) better on her!

Then my first attempt at textile stencilling...not perfect yet ;)

And some aprons for the washingup liquid...

Finally, my current -a bit more elaborate- WIP.

A bright day

2007-02-15T21:20:00.000+01:00

This was today:

And this was last week:

Nothing changes like the weather, right?!

When I came home from work, I received this wonderfully sweet present from Amy. Amber complained: 'Oh no, not ANOTHER package for mum!' Such a lovely Valentines gift, thank you so much Amy!! You and your stash are just the best! And I can assure you that the fabric will be put to good use. Like the other fabrics you sent me:

I made this little princess tote for Amber last week.

It really was a bright day today, filled with sunshine and signs of spring approaching. I just had to take some garden photos...what will the garden look like in a couple of months time?!

This tree was filled with ladybirds. A little get-together to discuss their plans for the summer (we did just that today and will hopefully be going to France in August)?!

Things

2007-02-12T20:55:00.000+01:00

First of all my apologies for my long absence!

Let me make it up to you by showing you all the super delicious things Michel and I scored for me this weekend. While I was at the thriftstore, he was at Hema and we both had some great finds.

First up are these two cute boxes that Michel found for just 2 euros each. Look at those polka dots!!

Then these two hobby kits (also 2 euros each) which contain everything you need to make a scarf and a child's cape.

How could I not buy this mug? Especially when it was only 30 cents?! I'm hoping this will mean that Michel and I are really going to England this spring... I would so looooooove to go!

I found the fabric on the left and Michel bought me the fabric on the right. Isn't it funny that the flowers are exactly the same?!

This book is wonderful. Lots of fun crafts.

But these two creatures really made me decide to buy it... I think they're both adorable and I would love to try them out.

Not pictured, but treasured nonetheless: 2 more hobby kits, a tiny bag for my I-pod and a fantastic basket for my sewing things.
I know it's superficial, but sometimes buying lovely things really makes me happy.

Today I've been cleaning and sorting again...when will I ever be finished?! I've been trying to unearth my craftroom. In some areas I've been successful, like sorting out my stash:

I hope to have more pictures very soon!

Book love & wonky sewing

2007-01-31T20:56:00.000+01:00

Michel brought home this book yesterday. I believe it's from Pottery Barn. I don't exactly know what Pottery Barn is...is it sort of the American Ikea?

It's filled with beautiful photos of wonderful kids' rooms.

Lots of inspiration.

I love this.

***

Last week I had a great idea for a flowerlike placemat. I thought it would be so cool. So I drew the shape and cut all the fabrics and sewed them all together...so far so good. But when I added the back-fabric, I suddenly thought it would be nicer to make a cushion out of it. Uh-oh, mistake! This is how it turned out:

I can tell you that it looked very different in my head ;)

Oh and this is what got this weekend to make up for Michel's maggot eating. Oh I didn't tell about the maggot eating yet?! Well, one day Michel made three crackers with cheese for himself. After he had eaten two, he noticed a little wriggly something on his plate. After a closer look it turned out to be a maggot. Michel looked at his remaining cracker and saw a couple of other maggots in there too...did I mention he already ate two at this point? Soooooo grooooooooosssssss!!!!!!!
So I wrote an angry letter and this what we got. Maggots are supposed to be very nutricious by the way ;)

*just 1 kilo this week, so that's 8 in total*

New-new-new

2007-01-28T20:56:00.000+01:00

I made a whole new batch of tissueholders.
I always feel the urge to display them as cakes... don't they look scrumptious together?!

These were inspired by the upcoming Valentinesday, hence the red, pink & hearts.

I've said it before, but I love making these. They're so cute and small and they're a great way to use up my precious scraps. However, I think I must consider another satisfying scrap-project, after all, how many tissueholders do you really need? Any scrappy ideas?!

Something else that's new:

Our stairs are finished!!
These photos are not brilliant, but we're so happy with the result!
This is such a big step in making our house a nicer home... what a relief. Running upstairs to grab something is a real pleasure now :)

I regret not having taken a before photo to show you the difference. Fortunately I am able to show you a before photo of my current project: my craftroom.
Brace yourself!

A bomb explosion, I know.

Will be continued...

Moo's the best!

2007-01-23T17:48:00.000+01:00

Today my mini-cards arrived!!!
They are so cute, I love them :)))

I picked out 12 different photos. Some turned out a little better than others, but I still think they're all wonderful.

I'm already brainstorming of what I can do with them other than using them as a tag on a gift or something.. oh the possibilities!

Other great mail: 50 bundles of bias tape scored on Ebay. I can't help it, but this makes me happy! I'd better think of a good way to use up all that bias tape though ;)

And and and, I made a new bib today. I finally managed to sort out enough space in my craftroom to put the sewing machine back in its place... I'm definitely on right path here!

Oh AND! I've now lost 7 kilos!!

Paint everywhere

2007-01-22T17:30:00.000+01:00

This weekend we've started some serious painting.
I'm ashamed to say it, but after 15 months in this house we still had the ugliest bare stairs. It's funny how you get used to seeing things unfinished. Even so that you hardly see it anymore.
However, we're still in our 'house-improvement mood' and the stairs was our next project.
Unfortunately, I don't have any photos of the before, but this stage is still pretty horrible:

Without consulting me Michel had bought lime-green paint and when I got home he had already put it on. Ouch, it took some getting used to, but at least it's a very fresh colour and it does brighten up the staircase.

While Michel and our friend were attacking the stairs I painted the kitchen, another project that we stopped halfway. I used the same lime-green as well as pink, orange and turquois...I know!!! It's going to look very interesting! I will definitely post photos of the result :)

A day of fun and inspiration

2007-01-18T16:15:00.000+01:00

Yesterday we went to Deventer, a town that we love to visit.
Michel in fact loves it so much that he always shouts that he wants to live there.

We had lunch (a healthy salad!) in a wonderful cafe that serves delicious high teas and real English food like crumpets.

We then went shopping in the little streets off the main shopping area. We came across such delightful shops selling such cute things!

I thought these lights looked wonderful so I took a photo. Later I saw that they were Tord Boontje...check out the website because this Dutch designer makes the most beautiful things.

I bought a couple of metres of oilcloth from Kitsch Kitchen and even managed to find some new shoes (not my favourite thing to do)!

We then had dinner at oma & oma's. They're leaving for Australia today to visit Michel's sister who lives there. I am worried about their flight though, because we're experiencing some very bad wheather here today (storm). Hopefully they won't be delayed too long.

And I've been tagged to share six weird things about myself, but since I think I'm the most normal person in the world, I need tonight to sleep on it ;))

This 'n that

2007-01-16T22:20:00.000+01:00

The past three days have been filled with cleaning, sorting, biking, sewing and not thinking about chocolate. To begin with the last, the diet is going very well... -4,5 kilos already! I'm proud to say that I've been very strict, not even licking my fingers when I made sandwiches for the children.

Ofcourse I've been trying out my bike lots. On Sunday we went for a proper tour. I started out with Simon in front and Amber behind, later Amber switched to Michel's bike. Man, it feels good to be cycling again... I even used it to do the weekend shopping!

And I can't tell you how much fun it is to have Simon so close to me. I never had that with Amber, she was always sitting in the backseat.
The only thing was that when we got home the children were very cold... luckily they defrosted over a cup of hot chocolate. Sorry babes, we'll put on more clothes next time!

The bit of sewing that I did was a new blanket. We needed another one, because Michel and I kept fighting over the one we had.

I haven't been able to take decent photos of it, because there was hardly any light and the blanket was already wrinkled from use. I love the colours though, nice and bright and hardly any orange or yellow in it ;)) I will add it to my collection.
I wished it were this easy to transform my sofa!

And last but not least, have you heard of MOO yet? They make mini-cards that I think are supercute! I just ordered 100 using my Flickr-photos and I can't wait to get them!

New!

2007-01-11T22:49:00.000+01:00

Meet my new bike... it's RED!

In order to take this whole new healthy lifestyle seriously, a good bike for me is a neccessity. And anyway, I really weren't allowed to call myself a proper Dutch mother without a child front and back. I can't wait to try this baby out! A little less rain and wind here, weather gods!!

And here is a photo of the old seventies pouffe that I gave a new pillow-cover. It's made of a thrifted tablecloth. So simple and yet so lovely!

And I made another small cushion just for fun. I love quick projects that look cute too!