Monday 19 December 2011

More Christmas Placemats - Printable to Colour-In!



You wanted more Christmas Placemats and so here they are...!


The Nativity Scene by Gustav Dore (in Public Domain) is shaded, so just lightly colour it in, so the shading comes through - or you can leave it as is and just colour in the lettering!

The Poinsettia flower in the second Placemat is known here, in the UK, as the Christmas flower. As it is a plant that grows in warmer climates (common in Zimbabwe and South Africa) it has to be grown here in heated greenhouses, ready for the Christmas season.

Poinsettia Greenhouse

Have fun preparing for the Christmas Season!

Wednesday 7 December 2011

Christmas Placemats - Ready to Print and Colour-in!



These are 2 x A4 Christmas Placemats for you to Print
and then colour-in.



Extra Ideas...
Cut around the edge with pinking shears for an attractive finish.
Stick on sparkly stars or stickers to give them a bit of bling!


Saturday 19 November 2011

Christmas Stocking Decorations - Printable Pattern


Christmas Stocking
 
Here are are two ideas, for you to make with your groups for Christmas!

Above, using the larger pattern, you can make a small Christmas Stocking to hang on the tree or on the mantlepiece. 

Either just as a decoration or fill with chocs and candy or any other small gifts. If making more than one, attach a little gift tag to identify them - or cut out an initial and stick it on the stocking!


And here with the smaller pattern - I used pinking shears to cut out the felt and little gold pegs and ribbon to make Christmas Bunting!

(You can also use card, instead of felt, for your bunting)

Here is the Printable Pattern for the Christmas Stockings and Bunting

To make the Christmas Stocking you will need...

Felt

Embroidery thread and needle

Polyester Wadding (about 1inch x 9inches) ( 2.5cms x 22cms) to stick around the top as "fur" or any other suitable trimming.

Double sided tape to attach the "fur" (or use double sided pads)

Decorations (I used buttons, foil stars and a flower)

Fabric Glue to stick on the decorations if not self-adhesive

Ribbon - about 8inches (20cms)

To make...

Print out the pattern (link above) and cut out 2 of the larger stockings from your felt.

Leaving the top open, join the two pieces together with blanket stitch or just use a running stitch if you prefer. Before you finish off, slip in the looped ribbon and attach the ends inside the stocking at the top back edge.

Attach your "fur" around the top, with double sided tape.

Stick on your decorations and hang it up!


Merry Christmas to you all!

Sunday 13 November 2011

Calendar December 2011 - Printable Template!

English Country Church - December Calendar 2011

Here is your printable calendar template - December 2011 - the last month of this year! Hope you have enjoyed having a monthly calendar to print and paint...

Do let me know if you want me to continue in 2012!

Friday 11 November 2011

Mersea Island Beach Huts

Traditional Beach Huts
 
Newer Beach Huts

Same Again!

We visited Mersea Island (Essex UK) this week. Was a rather dull day, but it was soon brightened up by the rows of both traditional beach huts and then the newer versions that stretched along the beach front - like a Dulux Colour Chart! 

What fun someone must have had choosing the colours when they were first erected!

Being November, the beach was deserted except for the odd dog walker, so we didn't find out when the newer beach huts were built. Anyone know?

Two very happy dogs on Mersea Island!

Friday 28 October 2011

Enjoy the fun at Halloween!


End of October so it must be Halloween! 

This is something, that here in UK, has taken a bit of time to catch on - long popular in the USA!

We are now catching up and each year we see more Halloween stuff on offer in the shops and more Halloween Parties being held...

So have fun and get dressed up...!

My photo is of two little Munchkin Pumpkins (only about 4 inches wide and 3 inches high!) that are now being grown here in England in Cambridgeshire. We had one of them last night for supper (with salt beef, mashed potatoes and green beans and lots of lovely gravy) and it was delicious - sweet and creamy yellow pumpkin!


Thursday 20 October 2011

Here is your printable November 2011 - Calendar!

 Here is your November 2011 Calendar...Download it here and print out the template.
Get out your paints or felt tips and colour in Hansel and Gretel...


Maybe the folk in your group (old or young!) would like to hear the age-old story while they are colouring in the picture.

Here it is! (The ultimate wicked stepmother story...!)



Have a Happy November!

Tuesday 18 October 2011

Two New Bookmarks to Download and Print!



Two printable bookmarks which can be coloured in - I have also included a "Blank" so you can design your own bookmark or just decorate it with stickers and write your own messages!

Best if these bookmarks are printed on thin card - most printers will accept this. If not then print on paper and stick onto card.

Punch a hole in the centre top and decorate with a loop of cord or ribbon.

Makes a lovely personal gift - time to start looking for Christmas stocking fillers!

Enjoy...!

Monday 3 October 2011

Birthday Placemats - Three to Print!


One of the Birthday Placemat designs...print and colour-in


and another "Ready to Go" in colour...

I have designed 3 Birthday Placemats for you to download and print - Click Here  

One is in full colour - ready to print and go...

The other two are ready to print, but can then be coloured-in, if you wish.

Just a simple little way, to make a Birthday a bit more Special!


Thursday 22 September 2011

A Song Quiz - Fill in the Girl's Names!


A Song Quiz!

I have put together another Quiz - in this one all the answers are girl's names!

There are twenty Song Titles - just fill in the girl's names...All well known songs and so an opportunity to have a sing-along with your group...Enjoy!

A Song Quiz 

Just in case, I have listed the missing girl's names on a separate sheet!

Wednesday 21 September 2011

Here is your October 2011 Calendar to download and print!


Summer seems to have slipped by and so Autumn is upon us - the leaves are changing colour, ready to fall, so get out your paints and be creative with all the glorious golds and yellows of the season...(if you live in the Southern hemisphere, you, of course, are going into Spring - no problem - just paint your leaves in different shades of green!)

Click here to print your October 2011 Calendar 

Have a good October, wherever you are - and thanks for visiting my Blog!

Wednesday 7 September 2011

Felt Fish Wall-Hanging Tutorial - Fun and Easy to Do...!


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...!





Wednesday 31 August 2011

Photos to show you - Aquarium, Louis and Namaqualand Daisies

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??


Louis (aka Mr Coils - don't ask!) is an avid viewer of the new Aquarium!

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...!

Wednesday 24 August 2011

Calendar - September 2011 - St Paul's Cathedral, London

I found this drawing of St Paul's Cathedral in London, on Gutenberg (Public Domain website) and thought you would like to see it on September's Calendar...

I have not put any colour on mine - not sure if it needs any?
Up to you...!




Saturday 20 August 2011

How to Make a Birthday Fridge Magnet!

Birthday Fridge Magnet

Instead of a birthday card, why not make a Birthday Fridge Magnet! 

Very easy to do - just use imagination - but you will also need...

A photo or picture
Card to stiffen the picture if necessary.
Card to stick on back (I cut, down to size, an old Playing Card)
A peel-off "Happy Birthday"
A magnet (mine is a single magnet, but you can also buy magnets in a strip (self-adhesive) which can be cut to size.) Look on Ebay, you'll find them there.
Glue
Double-sided adhesive pad if using a single unglued magnet.

Mine is a photo of a sunflower cut in a circle (any shape will work) - you can also use a photo of whoever is having a Birthday, to make it really personal, or any picture or painting - parents / grandparents will love a hand drawn picture, by one of the kids...

You can cut pictures from magazines - fashion, wildlife etc.
If necessary, stiffen the picture by sticking it onto card.

Add a peel-off "Happy Birthday" or whatever the occasion - "New Baby" "Happy Anniversary" etc...

Then stick a piece of card onto the back of the photo / picture.

Attach the magnet.


The Back View of the Fridge Magnet

I hope you enjoy making your fridge magnets with your group of seniors or in fact with any age group - this is something that anyone will have fun doing...


Sunday 7 August 2011

Printable Quiz - Capitals of the World!


Printable Quiz - Capitals of the World!

Time for a quiz! I have given you two lists - one is a list of Capitals - fill in the Countries and the other is a list of Countries - fill in the Capitals. (answers given on separate page)

All well known countries, so not too much brain-strain on the Seniors!

Enjoy! Just click on the link below...

Thursday 28 July 2011

A Sweetie Jar!


It is so easy to make your own "Sweetie Jar" or "Candy Jar" or "Treat Jar" - call it what you like! It also makes a lovely, "homemade-by-you" gift...something our senior folk can make for friends and families.

I used a Sainsbury's Gold Coffee jar.

Soak off the label, but take care not to wet the lid if it has a card seal inside, which is best kept dry.

Take a paper doily and cut it in half. Or if you can find a small doily that fits your jar, all the better!

Print your wording on your computer and then cut it out and stick it onto your doily.


Decorate with stickers like I did (plus one on the lid!) or you can draw and colour your own pictures and stick them on instead. Pictures cut from magazines can also be used.

When you have finished decorating your doily, stick it onto your jar.
Fill it with sweets (candy!) and enjoy!

PS My husband has commandeered the above Sweetie Jar and filled it with his favourites! Mint Humbugs and Sugared Jelly Babies!

Wednesday 20 July 2011

Printable August 2011 Calendar!


Calendar - August 2011

 Thought it was time for a calendar picture that would appeal to the menfolk as well as our senior ladies!

So here we have an boat in full sail!

Print it out here 

Because it is already shaded in, it is very easy to put in a touch of colour. I used felt-tip pens to do mine.

Enjoy and have a happy August!

Wednesday 13 July 2011

Make Your Own Greeting Card - Printable Design!



These are two variations of a Birthday Card using the template you can download, print and colour. (see below for link)

On the left I have used just the framed picture, which I have coloured and stuck onto a blank greeting card. The one below has had a sheet of craft paper (you can use gift wrapping paper) slipped under the picture and glued down, with the picture glued on top.

The "Happy Birthdays" are actually gold (not black as the scan makes them appear!) and have been stuck on, as are self- adhesive.




I have set up the artwork, in case you want to print directly onto card. If not, then print on paper and cut out the picture and stick it onto your blank card.

Hope you enjoy making the cards with your groups. Finish them off with other embellishments - stick on bows, flowers, flat beads, sequins or even a few old buttons.

Even though you all start out with the same picture, it is amazing how different the cards will turn out - just add a bit of imagination and dash of bling!
Have fun!

If you would rather just paint or colour a picture of the lady, then
click here for the full size (A4) print. 

Friday 8 July 2011

Song Quiz to Download and Print!




A Song Quiz - for all your groups of song lovers out there...!

20 old time songs - all favourites of our seniors - just fill in the blanks!

Extra points if you can sing along with each Title...






Wednesday 22 June 2011

Westie Calendar for July 2011 - Download, Print and Paint!




July 2011 - Westie Calendar


Here is your July 2011 calendar, ready to download, print and paint (or colour-in!)           
Click here for your copy

The Westie or West Highland Terrier is a small white dog that originates from Scotland.

It is a very popular pet, but is no lapdog...

They are feisty fellows and love to "hunt and dig". 

I would say  the Westie is "a dog with attitude"!





Wednesday 8 June 2011

Time for Gardening - Grow Tasty Health-Giving Herbs!


So many elderly folk give up gardening as it becomes too much to cope with.

So the best thing you can do, is to show your group how easy it is to grow herbs in pots.

Mine are in a greenhouse, as our first planting, when we left the pots out in the garden, was demolished by squirrels - the fresh compost was too tempting for them to resist and they happily got digging...!

Herbs do well on windowsills too - just need plenty of light and moisture (careful of too much direct sun and keep damp but don't over-water)

Herbs are fast growing and there are so many available in seed packets. We chose Coriander, Parsley, Basil (my favourite!) Thyme and Tarragon.

Apart from the wonderful flavour of fresh herbs in cooking and salads, they are also full of all the healthy bits we need, including loads of vitamins.

I have been told that any excess is easily frozen for use later in cooking. You simply rinse in water and then shake and place in a plastic bag, label and freeze. Not yet tried - anyone done this? 







Saturday 21 May 2011

Printable June 2011 Calendar!


Here is your June 2011 calendar...

Click here to download printable template of June 2011 Calendar  

I painted this one with Acrylic paints, but I think an easier option would be to use felt-tip pens or  pencil crayons, as it is a bit more challenging than usual!

Do whatever suits your group - enjoy!

Monday 16 May 2011

Two Printable Quizzes!


I have put together, two printable quizzes, for you to do with your group. They are "How Many?" and "Fill in the Missing Food" - neither are difficult, but still mentally stimulating and as always, just for fun!

Click here to download the 2 Quizzes  

Hope you enjoy them!

Want more quizzes? - Have a look at my 41 x 10 Easy Quizzes  with Answers!