Faith Hope Love Jewellery Collection

Did you know Ernie & Bird has its very own jewellery line called Faith Hope Love? I have been making jewellery on the side for a couple of years now but it always gets lost in my sewing projects! You can view my little collection at www.madeit.com.au/faithhopelove 

Family Favourite: Chicken Croquettes

Thinking of ways to use that left over BBQ chicken in the fridge? Last night was really hot in Melbourne so we grabbed one for dinner to enjoy with some salad and a little under half was left over. One of my favourite meals growing up was mum's chicken croquettes so I decided to Google a recipe this afternoon and give them a go (could have just called mum but sometimes the internet is far quicker!) So here is the recipe I created which is slightly modified from the original... they were super easy and a massive hit with my 3yo and hubby. 

Ingredients

300g cooked chicken (finely diced)

60g butter

80g plain flour

400ml chicken stock

1 tsp ground nutmeg

1/2 cup of mayonaise

Salt & pepper

2 eggs, whisked

Plain flour, for covering croquettes

Vegetable oil for frying

Method

• Melt the butter, then add the flour and mix thoroughly. Add the stock bit by bit and stir well using a wisk to avoid any lumps. When all the stock is added leave to simmer for a further 5 minutes.
• Add seasoning, nutmeg and a mayonaise. Stir well and then add the chicken.
• Pour onto a flat dish and leave to cool for a shot while. I used some baking paper under an oven tray. 
• Make croquette shapes (about 8-10) and pass through bowls with some flour, whisked eggs and then the breadcrumbs. You may find they don't hold their shape 100% but once chilled they are easy to re-work and look perfect for frying.
• Chill in the fridge for around an hour, if you have time.
• Heat about 2-3cm of oil in a frying pan (or fryer). Fry croquettes in hot oil rotating for 5 minutes or until light brown. (Handle croquettes carefully so crust is not punctured). Drain on paper towels.
• Serve hot or cold with vegetables or salad. We enjoyed ours with a simple Caesar Salad.

MOPS Craft Lesson - Name Pendants

Our first creative session of the year was to make name pendants for all the mums participating in 2013. Trying to stay within the 'Plunge' theme, we decided to make up these adorable personalised necklaces that mum's could feature their own name plus their children's names on! It was a huge success and all the mums seemed to enjoy letting their creative juices flow and come up with some beautiful designs they can wear!

Tutorial instructions are available HERE

MOPS Craft & Creative Team

I have been going to my local Mothers of Pre-Schoolers (MOPS) group for the past 12 months and was asked to join the Craft & Creative team for 2013. We meet once a fortnight and basically my new role is to come up with a craft/creative activity for around 20-25 women to do while enjoying a couple of hours without the kids (they have wonderful carers who watch them - we don't just leave them at home!)

So this year's theme is all about 'taking the Plunge into life' and loving as if our life depended on it! Our first mission was to come up with a 'Plunge' themed tablecloth for the craft table. Considering the table measures 3.5m x 3.5m I thought it would be easier to decorate a smaller tablecloth and use it as a centerpiece rather than make a monstrosity of a tablecloth (and try and throw more hours at it than I have to spare!). 

As I really enjoy sewing, I thought I'd applique the theme onto a basic white 1.8m x 1.8m tablecloth. Obviously I didn't have a template that large to work with so I had to sketch the logo onto A3 sheets of paper to use as my guide. Here's the finished product laid across my bed and I'm pretty please with the end result! The water droplets are a metallic fabric that was testing to aplique but I like the 'bubble' effect.

Handmade Cooperative: Handmade 4 Kids

Have you visited the Handmade Cooperative blog yet? It is a fantastic place to see beautiful ranges of handmade items being made by its members! I'm a member and love being a part of this fun and inspiring online community.

The creators of the Handmade Cooperative - Australian Handmade 4 Kids are here to open the door to the awesome, creative world of Australian handcrafted items for your children!

Written by crafters for shoppers, we bring you a weekly post of the latest products out in the handcraft market place, as offered by dedicated artisans. An intriguing central theme tells an interesting story each week and help you to put together a look for your child; be it their clothes, accessories, rooms, and more!

We would love for you to join us and follow along! Oh and we would love to hear from you if you have an idea of what you would like to see. For more information on how to join the Handmade Cooperative click on the Contact Us tab. Thanks for stopping by!!