Hey Bernice!

Heidi’s nursery (whilst temporary) is quickly filling with amazing hand made items, and gifts – making it feel more like home for her.

Knowing that we will be moving in a few months (when our new home is built), I didn’t spend a lot of time decorating her nursery…
a) because I will be packing it all up soon, and,
b) because we will be leaving the bright blue walls behind, and welcoming an entirely new wall colour in our new home (giving me more freedom with colours!).

In addition to the few items I did make, many other crafty people have contributed in their own unique way to making her nursery feel homely (many have also crept out of the woodwork. The quilting fraternity is still alive and well – it seems to be the hidden talent of many!). And those that aren’t crafty (or just can’t find the time – fair enough!) have also provided simply adorable gifts for our little Heidi. This post is a pictorial display of the eclectic hand made items, and gorgeous designs that together make her temporary nursery a warm and welcoming home…

Quilts & Blankets
My first attempt at making something for Heidi was to try my hand at a (very basic, especially compared to what Heidi has been given…) quilt. I had never made one before, and with my new sewing machine (thanks Santa!) I needed to remind myself how to sew again, having been almost 15 years – so a quilt was my guinea pig:

Since making this I have been put to shame by two of Mum’s friends who made Heidi the most beautiful quilts (and I hear there are more on the way from family members on my husband’s side). I am barely an amateur next to these exhibits, and how could I be expected to compete with members of the Australian quilting Association! I have great respect for quilters, it takes so much patience with the detail they include – amazing!

This ‘little dress’ quilt was made by Judy Cave… (All that diagonal stitching is done by hand… hours of work!)

This butterfly quilt was made by Naomi O’Shea. The butterflies are crafted from various liberty prints …

I had no idea Gaynor, a work colleague, who I have sat next to for 2 years could crochet. She made this brilliant (and ever so warm for winter) green and white woolen rug…

Wall Decor
I did make several items to decorate Heidi’s (future) walls, however currently they all sit on the chest of drawers to avoid making more holes in the rental property wall …

The paper butterflies frame is a regular item for me, however, I had never made one for myself!

The stenciled book pages were a great way to cover the wall without needing big hooks or nails to hold them up, and very easy to move to the new house …

The (seed pod) Robin red breast mobile was one of my creations …

The babushka Russian doll print is made from a Kaiser Craft paper sheet placed in a picture frame – easy peasey, Japanesey! …

The ruby slippers were a purchase from Made It (an online hand made craft site), I had spied this gorgeous print by Flowerpress before I knew I was having a girl. I simply placed it in a frame, and wrest it on the chest of draws (to be placed on the wall when we move)…

This print titled ‘Safe Passage’ was a gift from the very talented Twirling Betty, but was not one of her items, instead she had this sent from June at Noon in the United States – it is just beautiful, and is now framed and sitting in Heidi’s nursery…

The string of ten red and white chickens were a gift from Mum’s neighbour… made in India and sold through the Oxfam shop, the patterns and colours are so bright and cheery…

Toys
Heidi has received such an array of toys, from golliwogs to meerkats – soon I’ll be able to open a toy zoo exhibiting a hippo, rabbit, bumble bee, elephant, bear, duck, dogs, centipede, birds and mice! Below is a small selection…

Hand made bird by Twirling Betty (not one of Betty’s standard items available on Made It, but just as colourful and creative)…

So white, and cuddly – the Easter Bunny…

An elephant that reminds me a little of Baba …

An adorable limited edition doll…

An environmentally friendly duck, made from bamboo….

On behalf of Heidi, thanks to everyone that’s sent gifts – the toys, clothes, books, CD’s, puppets, wraps, rugs …  such a thoughtful bunch. Having a baby opens your eyes to how generous people can be, and how they love the arrival of a new life… we have received presents from people we have never met “thrilled to welcome Heidi into the world” having a baby is a time that is filled with a lot of Love… it puts a smile on my face.

Bernice

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