Oh boy, November already. Even the local op shops have their christmas gear out already, which means I need to explain to the little ones that santa is still a while away yet. It also means my dubious but effective parenting technique is nearing the end of it’s run for the year….

What is this technique? I hear you ask. Perhaps your parents used it too, mine did… it is the myth of SANTA’S BLACKBIRDS. Oh yes, santa has blackbirds everywhere. Spies that watch little children, monitoring their behaviour and then reporting back to the big man himself. Now the birds need not be black, Zoe believes that any bird could be one of santa’s. Tate on the other hand, like I did as a youngster, suspects the miners that constantly hang around our place pestering the cat. Here are a few examples of the ’santa’s blackbirds technique’ in use…Zoe won’t get into her car seat? ”Uh Oh, I just saw one of santa’s blackbirds flying over, he is checking on you” *young girl gets into car seat*. Tate refusing to get changed into pyjamas and it is getting late? “Oh dear, I think I just saw one of santa’s blackbirds peeking in the window”. Works a treat, go ahead and try it if you need to!

Now, I made a mermaid tail on Monday night. I used THIS TUTORIAL from craftzine. I was attracted by the word ‘easy’, and easy it was! I bought some shiny fabric at spotlight and all the other bits and pieces I had on hand. I also bought a hot glue gun, oh my gosh!!! why didn’t I buy one YEARS ago? Here is the tail, ‘modelled’ by Zoe. It is a little big for her, I have made it for big cousin Emily (we are off to her 5 year old party on the weekend ).

Please note the very special jewel embellishment on the waistband…. oh yes, I have a hot glue gun! I made the crochet top/dress too… long & boring story to that one.

Here is the tail I’ve half made for Zoe, the first thing she said when seeing Emily’s one was “where’s mine?”. Bless.

Nighty night, let’s hope I can stop coughing and get some sleep. Back tomorrow with some awesome books to show and something that needs a little ‘design*spongeing’.

xoxo