Pillows with Fabric Paints

My kids have all decorated their pillows with fabric paints. We buy small square pillows, made from polished cotton, from one of the big discount shops. First outline the picture that your child has drawn with a waterproof laundry marker, then colour the picture in with fabric paint. You will need to heat set the pillow when it's dry in the tumble-dryer so the pillow will withstand numerous washes and last a lifetime. I have just touched up my daughter's pillow - it's 6 years old and has withstood many a rigorous washing. I have now discovered pillow-slips with zips, which makes the whole process much easier. They are also a great inexpensive gift for very special people who you know will cherish your child's early artwork.

Marielle 40

The Pleasure of Parenting

As every parent knows we can derive endless pleasure from our children. They have the ability to evoke a multitude of memories in us all. They can take us back to a time when we were children ourselves oblivious to life's responsibilities and in world of our own. They make us realise that its not life or death if we eat dinner late, that odd socks are not a problem and that a bedtime story is more important than the dishes. For some of us they rekindle the intense bonds we felt as parents of tiny babies.

When we become parents our lives become full of responsibilities that cannot be ignored. They can be overwhelming and often stop us from enjoying time with our children, which is what parenting is all about.

This blog aims to provide some ideas that will help keep and create memories of our time together alive and precious.