My aim is to help keep our elderly and less-abled folk busy and happy! However...many of the crafts and activities will also appeal to all ages and abilities, so do have a browse...Loads of different crafts and quizzes - very easy to find by clicking on category buttons below! Have also introduced some discussion on ACEO Miniature watercolour painting - a new hobby?
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| Fish Wall-Hanging A simple felt wall-hanging - fun and easy to make! You will need... Sheet of felt for background - mine is A4 size, but any size will do. Scraps of coloured felt Buttons - for eyes and other decoration Embroidery thread - various colours to match / contrast with your felt Sewing needle Narrow Ribbon or cord to hang with - 60cms Thin Wooden Dowel - 40cms Print out the fish templates - or use your own fish patterns if you have some. Using the patterns, cut out the fish, from the scraps of felt. Fold under and pin a hem of about 3cms along the top of the background (check that the wooden dowel will slip through here) Lay the fish on the background felt - when you are happy with your design, then pin the fish in place. I have given you different fish to work with - choose your own design and layout - or copy mine if you would rather.  Take each fish and sew on the button in the eye position - just a couple of stitches to attach it and then lay the fish on the background and continue to stitch on the button, but now attaching the fish to the background.  Attach all the fish in the same way and using simple running stitches, fix the fish bodies to the background - see in picture below. Just a few stitches are needed, to keep them in place. Add extra buttons if you wish.  Finish by sewing down the hem with a running stitch, insert the wooden dowel and attach the ribbon. When doing this with your group of elderly folk - try putting them into pairs or small groups. The whole wall-hanging might be too much for one person to complete, but even just sewing on an "eye" button will make each person feel a part of the project. Then those who are more able, can then carry on and complete the wall-hanging! Hope you have fun! Please leave me your comments below, to tell me how you get on...! |
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| Rob's Aquarium This aquarium definitely has the "Wow factor"...! My son, in Denver, Colorado, replaced his smaller-version fish tank, with this one recently. Getting it home in one piece was the major factor, but now all set up in his lounge. Who needs TV?? |
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| Louis (aka Mr Coils - don't ask!) is an avid viewer of the new Aquarium! |
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| Namaqualand Daisies This lovely South African, Spring photo of Namaqualand Daisies (aka African Daisies) was taken by family living in Pietermaritzburg. Summer in UK is officially over as from today - actually think September promises to be warmer. Let's hope so...! |
