Easter Project

When it comes to creative projects with a little one you have to face the fact that sometimes you’ll win and sometimes you’ll lose. Case in point: I thought Jake and I could make an Easter hat together. I bought the kit from the local supermarket and was quite looking forward to making it with him. This was the picture of what the end product should’ve looked like, as displayed on the front of the kit; cute isn’t it?!

This is what my (I mean our) hat ended up looking like:

Not bad, right? So you must be thinking that this was one of those winning projects.... WRONG! Guess how much of it Jake did........ yip, the sparkly smudges on the front of the squirrel and bunny’s egg! It was a bit grown up and fiddly for him so he very quickly lost interest and toddled off to play with his building blocks while I sat there for ages and finished my work of art! Anyway, I had fun and Jake enjoyed wearing the hat when I was finished (see below) so I guess it wasn’t a total loss! Next project – egg decorating!

The difference between my son's mummy and daddy!

I really enjoy doing creative projects with my son because he absolutely loves it, so we try to use every special occasion to get creative. Being the mummy, I am generally in charge of supervising these projects, however, for Mothers’ Day, call me old fashioned, I thought it would be better for my husband to take charge of making my cards. I pretended to work while secretly watching proceedings and I was struck by how different a mummy and daddy can do things. When I’m in charge I wrap my child in his painting apron, line all surfaces with newspaper for a quick cleanup and try to enforce the 1 paintbrush for 1 colour rule but there was my husband with my son in his pyjamas (the apron never even thought of), no newspaper in sight and painting with fingers, hands and other little instruments! I had to bite my tongue when I saw the paint all over the pyjamas and stained table because I ended up with 2 beautiful cards and dare I say, although I will never admit this to my husband, a son who probably enjoyed the session slightly more because there was less fuss! You can see their beautiful creations below.

Introducing Lesley Grainger

Please join us in extending a warm Happy Spaces' welcome to the talented Lesley Grainger.

Lesley Grainger is a wife, mom and designer who loved to create as a child and dreamed of being an artist. Lesley is originally from England where she studied Art and received a BA Honours Degree in Illustration and Design. She moved to California in 1999 with her husband and daughter. Her designs are inspired by her children, colour and nature, especially the beach!

Lesley’s heart warming designs are now available at www.happyspaces.co.uk and are packed with detail that will leave your little one fascinated for hours!

To browse or buy from her gorgeous collection visit Happy Spaces' online gallery