old fashioned birthday fun!

Yesterday I took Lucy and three friends to Sovereign Hill, an historical town in Ballarat. It's such a great place to visit, we all loved it! We got there early and spent the whole morning drifting in and out of all the amazing buildings and spaces.  First stop was the Photography Shop where the girls got to dress in old fashioned clothes and had their photo taken.

We were lucky as there were not many people visiting so we almost had the place to ourselves.

Of course we had to have a ride on the Cobb & Co coach, aren't the horses gorgeous?

There are plenty of other animals too. I noticed some sweet little hens, bantams I think, turkeys, more horses and this rather surreal looking goat.

The lolly shop was a big hit of course!

And so was the very cool bowling alley. 

I loved all the old signs..

the shops,

and the real life characters that walk up and down the main street. 

The girls really got into the spirit of it all and had fun in all the old buildings, and churches, being silly but also enjoying the history and magic.

Everywhere you look there are little touches of the gold field era.

So much work has been put in to make Sovereign Hill a replica 

of an 1850's town, including the schools. Billy & Lucy went to school camp here last year, dressed in the clothes of the day, played games that children played long ago and learnt about life in the gold rush. Pretty cool!

The girls took me to the candle making shop where they got to dip, 

and colour their own candles.

All in all it was a great & different way to celebrate Lucy's birthday.

 After all that walking around and fresh air it was soon time to head home for...yep, cake! 

Another birthday over and another one on the way,

Sunday turns 8 in a week or so.

More fun...of the sleep over kind!

Hope you are having a happy weekend,

see you soon xo

My Creative Space

What's been happening in my space lately? I think I mentioned last week that I'm not making that much at the moment, I think my head is in a different zone right now. I have been enjoying making cosy spaces to nest in though, now the weather is getting colder. Little spots within the chaos to rest for a minute, a place to snuggle or read a book. Although I may not be pumping out work I'm always thinking. looking, appreciating, dreaming, photographing, collecting, mothering, partnering - all of which takes creative, and often, emotional energy.

I'm concious lately that it takes a lot of get up and go to run this ship I'm on. I'm finding that I really need more time for myself, and although it's still crazy busy here I am making that happen more than I used to. Looking after the needs of five children & one partner & numerous pets (don't make me count...) all of whom I love and adore, is pretty much a full time job. If I can make a few things too along the way then I'll be as happy as a clam.

So I'm going a bit easier on myself, slowing down a bit. I feel happy with my space, it's work in progress!

These two bunny girls were finished last week and are probably living it up in Paris with their new little girl owners.

I wonder if they will get sweet French names?

One of the joys of bunny making is the thought of them hopefully becoming part of someones life, part of their history.

I loved my toys so much when I was little. Not many of them were new, some were missing limbs or were a little wonky, often they were handmade. They all had names and were loved & treasured and played with endlessly. They were a big and magical part of my childhood. I hope my little bunnies are busy making happy memories too.

I'm working on two new bunny girls, another set of twins-

I'm thinking of using this gorgeous fabric, given to me by a beautiful friend, for their ears & skirts. It's just so adorable & should look pretty snazzy paired with one blue & one red cardi.

What's been happening in your world? Are you managing to find some time for you?

Yesterday two of my children went on school camp, one for the first time. They are off to Sovereign Hill to experience life in the 1850's, wow! Bill didn't even say goodbye, he just hopped on the bus and that was that! At least I got some cuddles from Lucy (far right), who looks like having a fun time with her mates. I'll be glad to have them both home, safe & sound on Friday night.

Well I'm off to have a look at some more creative spaces over at Kirsty's,

hope you are having a wonderful week,

see you soon xo