A canal tour in Bruges

On our recent cruise over the summer holidays our ship stopped in Zeebrugge. There isn't much to do in the port itself so you have a couple of options - a day trip to Brussels or a day trip to Bruges. We chose Bruges because it is much closer and we remembered a lovely day trip a few years ago. There are several different options to travel from the port to Bruges. After a lot of research we decided to splash out on a taxi as it was the easiest and quickest option, but there are also shuttle buses and trains available.

We really wanted to do a canal boat tour as I remembered doing one before and really enjoying it. It's a really good way to see the city, and if you do it first thing then you have time to go back and have a closer look at anything interesting that you might have spotted from the boat. 

The boat tours are run by five different shipping companies, each departing from a different landing stage. You can find details of the companies and landing stages here - Bruges by boat. It's a fixed price of 12 Euros per adult and 7 Euros per child (aged 4-11, children under 4 are free). You buy the tickets on the spot and you can't book in advance, so although the lines do move quickly it's worth arriving early to avoid a long wait. The boats run from early March until mid November, and may also run at other times of the year.

There are also some private tours available which can be booked in advance and are often combined with  a guided walking tour. These are much more expensive but may be worth it if you want to know that you have a guaranteed spot.

All the tour boats follow the same course around the canals which takes about 30 minutes, and the number of boats is limited which means that it doesn't feel too busy on the water. You can find full details of the course here - Bruges canal boat tour details.

You can see lots of interesting things from the tour. I was fascinated by what looked like a flea market packed with people in a beautiful setting among the trees.

There is also an exciting moment when you go underneath a very low bridge. I am so short that I didn't actually need to duck as we went below it, but many people did!

The tour was fully guided with plenty of explanation from the captain in several different languages. It was a really interesting and enjoyable tour.

A few days before our visit to Bruges we spent the day in Amsterdam where we also took a canal boat tour. That experience was very different! It was difficult to choose a tour in Amsterdam as the boats all take different routes and are priced differently, and boarding was a bit chaotic. The canals felt very crowded, several times we had to wait for another boat to move out of the way and at one point we nearly collided with another boat that was going far too fast. The canal boat tour in Bruges was much more relaxed and peaceful!

After the tour we headed back to the Market Square for the obligatory Belgian waffle before going for a walk around the city. Bruges is a small town and very walkable so even if you are just there for a few hours you can still have a really good look around. You only need a few hours to get a good feel for the city, and I'd definitely recommend a visit if you are in the area.

Hama bead diwas for Diwali, with stands

Today I'm sharing a simple Diwali craft using one of my craft materials - Hama beads! Diwa are small oil lamps which are traditionally lit during the festival of Diwali. They symbolise the triumph of light over dark and good over evil. My Hama bead lamps are all made using the same simple template but can be customised using different colours and patterns.

Here is the pattern that I used for my lamps:

And here are the finished Hama bead pieces. They are made on the square Hama bead pegboard, and can be displayed facing in either direction. If you are new to crafting with Hama beads then you might find this post helpful - Ironing tips for Hama beads. 

I decided that my Hama bead diwas would look best if they were standing up for display. You can buy simple Hama bead stands, and I've put a link to some at the bottom of the post. I have a few around that I've collected as part of various sets, but they are quite expensive, and it's very easy to make your own simple stands using Hama beads. 

The pattern for a Hama bead stand is below. You can use beads in colours which co-ordinate with your projects. Smaller designs may stand up with just the one stand if you are careful, but generally you'll want two stands per item.

This photograph shows my two homemade stands at the top, compared with one of the Hama branded stands underneath. My stands work just as well as the official ones, but the items will stand slightly higher off the ground. I don't think it's noticeable though, and the homemade stands are also easier to use when it comes to sliding in the beaded projects.

Here are my finished Hama bead diwa lamps! They will look lovely on the mantelpiece this Diwali alongside our simple salt dough diwa lamps.

If you are looking for more Diwali craft ideas then you might enjoy this post - Simple Diwali crafts for young children.

Felt crafts for Halloween - a round up

I love crafting with felt! It's such a versatile material, you can cut it easily, it doesn't fray, it's easy to sew and it comes in a range of gorgeous bright colours and pretty pastels. I've shared a few Halloween crafts using felt on my blog over the last couple of years and I thought I'd bring them all together here in case you are looking for some Halloween felt crafting inspiration.

Last year I made this Halloween felt bunting using scraps of felt and other bits and pieces from my stash. 

Each pendant has a different theme, alternating black and orange along with plenty of embellishments like buttons, sequins, ric rac and ribbon. I love the variation in the pieces!

This year I made a really simple Halloween felt garland which I'm going to string up next to the bunting. All you need are small scraps of felt in Halloween colours like black, orange, grey and purple. The pieces are cut into small shapes about 3-4cm across and quickly sewn together using a sewing machine. I added some sequins to make them sparkle. 

Another great Halloween felt craft for using up scraps are these embroidered felt sugar skulls. My skulls measure about 10cm in height so they are a good size to use as hanging decorations. You can use a range of coloured scraps along with sequins and small beads to make each one unique. I used white for the background of the skulls but I'm also very tempted to make some in vibrant pinks and purples!

For my next Halloween felt craft I'd like to try a Halloween themed picture. I found this full video tutorial linked below for a circular piece which I love, so I might attempt something similar:

Finally, if you are looking for more beautiful felt craft ideas then I love Bugs and Fishes as a source for inspiration and tutorials.

I've shared many Halloween crafts on my blog over the years, if you are looking for more then you might also enjoy these last minute Halloween crafts for children. 

How I entice my teenagers down from their bedrooms

When my children were little they always wanted to be close to me. They only went to their rooms for sleeping, and they never got up to any mischief because they were always in the same room as I was! Now they are older they prefer their own space a lot more, and spend most of their time when at home in their bedrooms. This started during the pandemic, when they did their home schooling video calls in their rooms, but of course it's a natural part of growing up too. 

Sometimes it's nice for me to have a bit more peace and quiet to work on my own projects! But I do also miss them, especially at the weekends when sometimes it feels as though the entire day has gone and I've hardly seen them. So I've been trying to find ways to entice them out of their rooms and into spending some time with me.

Anything food related is a good one for Mia. A few times I've taken her out to the café at the garden centre around the corner and treated her to a fancy hot chocolate and a cake. As a bonus there is a Hobbycraft in the same retail park and so we often make a stop there too. We always seem to have a voucher to spend, or else there is something on special offer!

I can also entice them downstairs to watch something together if I provide a favourite snack like popcorn or chocolate fingers. And Mia loves baking, especially if licking a spoon is involved!

Sometimes I'm able to drag one child at a time out for a walk. We have a little loop that runs down through our estate and back through a foresty footpath. I entice them with the promise of some private talking time with just me which they like, it's a good way to both get some exercise and also chat through anything that's bothering them.

Recently I've got back into doing jigsaws again and I've discovered that they both like helping out from time to time. Mia spotted this Squishmallow jigsaw while I was browsing on Amazon the other day, and I had a voucher so I bought it for us to do together. It's a very challenging one! I'm trying to keep away from it during the day so that we can do it together!

I also like to find a television show or film that we'll all enjoy watching together. At the moment I'm sitting down with Harry and we are working our way through Red Dwarf, which has recently been put up onto iPlayer. I was a massive fan as a teenager and watched it over and over, I always have a Red Dwarf quote in my head! But I discovered that there have been three more seasons that I've never even watched because they were on Dave and I didn't know how to watch them! So we are just about to get to the new episodes which is quite exciting. Harry has also been loving Look Around You which is also on iPlayer, it's a sort of spoof science television show series which was on a few years ago. It's very surreal and very funny. 

Sometimes I can persuade the children to come downstairs and sit at the kitchen table with me while we all work on our own projects, especially if there's a pack of biscuits involved. They often do some homework, and I like seeing what they are up to at school. They also do things without screens, like reading or drawing. It's nice to all be in the same space but still doing our own thing!

I much prefer this stage of parenthood to the early baby and toddler days!

Free - mini Halloween pixel art designs for Hama beads or cross stitch

With Halloween approaching, I thought I would use my newly organised Hama bead supplies to make some little Halloween Hama bead pieces! These designs are very small (they measure about 3-5cm across) and so they don't use too many beads. They would also be great for cross stitch or other pixel art crafts. I came up with designs for a moon and star, a bat, a skull, a ghost, a pumpkin and a witch's hat.

Here are the patterns for the designs. You can vary the colours of course based on what colour beads you have available - I have plenty of grey beads so I used those for the ghost, and the skull is made from an unusual off white shade that I found in my stash.

These designs can all be assembled on the basic square pegboard. If you are new to Hama beads then you might find this post useful - Ironing tips for Hama beads. You can find links to some useful supplies at the bottom of this post.

Ways that you could use the finished Hama Halloween bead pieces:

To stick to place card for a Halloween party

Scattered across a Halloween party table

As Halloween party bag gifts

Make into magnets or keyrings

Make into bunting or strings as Halloween decorations

Use as gift tags for Halloween presents

Hand to trick or treaters for a sugar free alternative

Add a cord to make a spooky pendant

If you enjoyed this post then you might also like my round up of Halloween Hama bead crafts!

You can find all my Hama bead posts here - Hama bead crafts

Teen bedroom makeover - creating a stylish space for your adolescents

This is a collaborative post

Your teenager's bedroom is more than just a place to sleep; it's their sanctuary, a reflection of their personality, and a space where they can express themselves. 

So, if you're ready for a teen bedroom makeover, let's dive into the art of transforming this room into a stylish haven that resonates with their evolving tastes and needs.

1. Get Input From Your Teen

The first step in any successful teen bedroom makeover is to involve your teenager in the decision-making process. Sit down and have a conversation about their likes, dislikes, and what they envision for their space. This collaborative approach ensures that the room reflects their personality and style.

2. Choose A Theme Or Style

Once you have an idea of your teen's preferences, work together to select a theme or style for the bedroom. Whether it's a minimalist retreat, an enchanting Bohemian haven, or an urban industrial loft, having a clear theme will guide your design decisions.

3. Select A Mature Colour Palette

Say goodbye to pastel pinks and baby blues; it's time to embrace a more mature colour palette. Involve your teenager in choosing the colours for their room. Earthy tones, muted neutrals, or bold accents can create a stylish backdrop for their space.

Photo credit Andrea Davis via Unsplash

4. Invest In Quality Furniture

A stylish teen bedroom needs functional and stylish furniture. Consider pieces that can grow with your teenager, such as a comfortable bed, a sturdy desk for study sessions, and ample storage options. Quality furniture not only looks good but also lasts longer.

When it comes to sourcing the ideal sleeping arrangements, Bedkingdom.co.uk can help you find a new bed for your teen in no time. Their extensive selection includes all manner of bed types, from ottoman beds to four-poster bed frames and more, and, as a bonus, they even offer free UK delivery.

5. Create A Study Zone

As your teen's academic responsibilities increase, a dedicated study zone becomes essential. Choose a desk and chair that match the room's theme and provide proper lighting. Ensure there's enough storage for textbooks and school supplies.

6. Incorporate Their Hobbies And Interests

Teenagers often have a range of hobbies and interests. Use these as inspiration for decorating their room. Whether it's sports, music, art, or travel, incorporating their passions into the decor can make the space feel even more personal.

7. Maximise Storage Solutions

Teenagers tend to accumulate a lot of stuff, so effective storage solutions are a must. Consider under-bed drawers, wall-mounted shelves, and stylish bins or baskets to keep clutter at bay. A well-organised room is a stylish room.

8. Add Personal Touches

Encourage your teenager to add personal touches to their room. This could include artwork, photographs, or mementos that hold sentimental value. These personal touches make the space feel uniquely theirs.

9. Experiment With Wall Décor

Wall décor can make a big impact in a teen's room. Consider options like wall decals, posters, or even a gallery wall featuring their favourite art pieces. Removable wall art allows for easy updates as their tastes change.

Photo credit Kenny Eliason via Unsplash

10. Comfort Is Key

Teenagers often spend a lot of time in their bedrooms, whether they're studying, socialising, or relaxing. Invest in comfortable bedding, throw pillows, and cosy blankets to create a welcoming atmosphere. A comfortable space encourages relaxation and rest.

11. Layered Lighting

Good lighting is essential in a teen's room. Incorporate layered lighting with options like a stylish ceiling light, bedside table lamps, and task lighting for the study area. Dimmable lights can create different moods for various activities.

12. Tech Integration

Teenagers are tech-savvy, so consider integrating technology into their room. A charging station for devices, Bluetooth speakers for music, and smart lighting or blinds controlled by a smartphone can add a modern touch.

13. Encourage Organisation

Teens aren't always known for their organisational skills, so help them stay tidy by providing storage solutions that are easy to use. Labelled bins, hooks for bags and jackets, and a laundry hamper are all practical additions.

14. Respect Privacy

Teenagers value their privacy. Ensure their room offers a sense of seclusion and personal space. Consider blackout curtains for better sleep and a lockable door if appropriate.

15. Future-Proofing

Teenagers grow up fast, so think about future-proofing the room. Invest in furniture and decor that can adapt as their tastes evolve. Versatile pieces will save you from constant redecorating.

16. Encourage Creativity

Teenagers are at an age where creativity blossoms. Set up a creative corner with art supplies, a drawing easel, or a DIY crafting station. Encouraging their artistic expression can make their room feel like an inspiring and productive space.

17. Consider A Feature Wall

For a bold and stylish touch, consider creating a feature wall. This could involve painting one wall in a striking colour or using wallpaper with an eye-catching pattern. A feature wall can serve as the room's focal point and add a touch of drama to the decor.

Final Thoughts

In a nutshell, a stylish teen bedroom makeover is all about collaboration, personalisation, and creating a space that resonates with your teenager's personality and interests. 

By following these top tips and involving your teen in the design process, you can create a stylish and functional haven that they'll love spending time in. It's a win-win situation – a happy teenager and a stylish home!

Why Hama beads are a great craft for adults

If you read this blog regularly then you'll know how much I love crafting with Hama beads. I know that they are usually marketed at children, but Hama beads are also a really great craft for adults. It can be a really relaxing and mindful craft, as you take the time to position the beads onto the boards. It's also a chance to get really creative and come up with different designs, and you can find plenty of examples online for different projects that you might like to try.

It's a craft which is suitable for all skill levels, and also one that you can work on alongside your children if you struggle to find the time for crafting! They can use smaller pegboards for simple designs while you work on something more complex. You don't need much to get started and the supplies are easy to store and organise.

The materials aren't that expensive, although I would warn not to be tempted by the cheap imitation beads which are usually misshapen and don't fuse together well. An exception to this is the Hobbycraft branded 'Picture Beads' which I've found to be really good and slightly cheaper than branded Hama beads, they are perfect if you are looking for a lot of beads in one colour.

I recently discovered that Hama have released a brilliant range of products called Hama Art which are aimed at adult crafters. I particularly love this Hama Art Sunflower Bead Kit (affiliate link) and you can find a few more examples at the bottom of this post. The kits seem quite pricey, but they aren't so bad when you compare them to similar craft kits, for example cross stitch or diamond painting.

If you would rather work from scratch then it's best to just buy a large box of mixed beads, a few pegboards, and some squared paper if you want to design your own projects. There is plenty of inspiration online, and you might also like to have a look at my post filled with Hama bead projects for adults. 

As an adult crafter you might also want to try the mini Hama beads, and you can find out more about this size of bead here - Mini Hama bead crafts - A guide. These beads are very tiny and you can product some really intricate designs. You can also use them to make jewellery, for example mini Hama bead earrings or mini Hama bead pin badges. A great way to get started with mini Hama beads is with a kit, and there are lots to choose from. 

You can find all my Hama bead projects and crafts on my Hama bead crafts page.