Kelly Casanova Weaving Lessons

Kelly

Moist carrot cake

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This is the only carrot cake recipe I use. I make it in the food processor, so its really quick too.
My kids like to eat it plain, but the icing is beautiful too.

1 cup plain flour 1 teaspoon baking powder
3/4 teaspoon baking soda (bicarb) 1/2 teaspoon each of salt and cinnamon
3/4 cup sugar 2 eggs
5 tablespoons oil (I use olive oil) 1 cup grated carrot
400g crushed pineapple, drained 1/4 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
You can also add some sultanas if you like.

Process all ingredients together then stir in pineapple. Pour into greased and lined round or square tin and bake at 175 degrees celsius for 35 – 40 minutes or until skewer comes out clean.

Cream cheese topping:
3 tablespoons unsalted butter 3 tablespoons cream cheese
1/2 teaspoon vanilla essence 250 grams icing sugar

Beat well together, add a little milk if too thick. Spread on cool cake.

Garage sale score

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Husband got all these games in mint condition for $2 each! And no missing pieces!!These are from a time when they bothered to make games out of durable materials and not that light, crappy plastic.I’ve never played Jumanji and Yahtzee I remember my Nanna playing with my siblings but I never wanted to play (don’t know why).I feel a games night coming on!Oh, by the way, I’ve made a few changes to the look of my blog, even girls can have too much pink. Hope you like it!

Another bear doll

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She is being sent as a gift to someone who has been generous to me. I like making these – they’re really cute and feel just right to hold. My 3 year old daughter is giving much encouragement at the moment with her exclamations of “oh Mum, she’s beautiful!” and by hanging around the sewing table to watch and read to me while I work. I even have to appreciate my 19 month old daughter snatching handfuls of wool from the bag and running off with them held to her face – at least she appreciates natural materials!

A near perfect evening….

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Lastnight. The children were all silently tucked up in their beds. It was cool outside with a breeze. My husband sat at the keyboard playing beautiful, relaxing and random music. I sat at the table working on a doll at my leisure. The phone did not ring, there were no disturbances.
Sigh. It was wonderful.

Dolls

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Well, most of the day was spent dollmaking, after the usual housework drudgery was satisfactorily (half) complete. My doll inspiration seems to have returned with a vengeance, I only lament the lack of time compared to the number of ideas. Just came across the Froken Skicklig blog, how gorgeous are her dolls?! (not to mention her other work). What does she use for hair? How does she get her dolls to look so warm? Aren’t the little knitted caps beautiful? Can you tell I get excited when I find dolls I love?

Happy Saturday all!

Teddy bear

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I finally finished this bear for my son. Bearmakers – I take my hat off to you, this is much more difficult than I thought! I had numerous problems in the making process and was not in positive spirits when I finished. He is 13 inches tall and passed the snuggle test lastnight, so at least he’ll be well loved.

Family Finance 3. Credit Cards

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I’ve never owned a credit card. The only time I would like to use one is to simplify online purchases, but there are ways around that. I do not know anyone who does not have at least one credit card, and I do not know anyone who does not have credit card debt. Here is a very simple way to save money. Cut up your credit card/s.
Interest rates for mortgage loans may be falling to an all time low, but credit interest rates don’t change. How do you think the banks make all their money?
If you don’t want to give up the luxury/ headache of a credit card, focus on paying it off. Make more than the minimum repayments. Once you have paid it off ensure that it stays paid off.
Perhaps I sound a bit harsh in this post, but I really think it is up to the individual to be responsible with money. Part of that is not spending more than you earn and not spending money you don’t have (credit). Think about how much more that purchase is going to cost by the time you pay it off on your card. Is it worth it? Could you wait a bit longer and save the money, hence paying no interest?
I know that if I did get a credit card I would be constantly tempted to use it – its a temptation I don’t need.

Waldorf teddy doll

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I’ve been thinking of combining doll and bear making for ages – and here she is!
I just happened to have some left over fur fabric from the bear I’m making for the boy, its so lovely and soft. I think this one would be a perfect night time companion. She is in my Etsy shop now, although some “little people” here would prefer that she stays……

SOLD – Thankyou Krissy!

Velvet pouch doll

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I’m really into these pouch dolls of late, they’re so snuggly and cute. This one is going into the Etsy shop.
I’m working on a new waldorf type design that I’m very enthusiastic about but requires a lot of planning and thought. It will also use some materials I haven’t used before, so I have more to learn.
Its really warm here today and not much happening after Mass this morning. We’re planning a trip to the beach tomorrow as its supposed to be hot.