Fun mummy upskilling

[ryedalema]

I recently took eldest dd to a friend's birthday party and the Dad had watched a load of You Tube videos and taught himself how to make balloon animals - he was the star of the show and it made me think, instead of my usual New Year 'wine tasting' or 'beginner's Welsh' courses that I usually sign up to and then give up after 3 weeks, maybe I could do something kiddie-centred so I can be a 'fun mum' and have all the kids entertained at parties/sleepovers/play dates. It'd also probably save us a fortune at birthday party time. Does anyone know where you can do courses on things like:

- balloon animals

- beginner's magic (I'm thinking coins behind ears etc)

- birthday cakes in weird and wonderful shapes

- sewing costumes (made quite a decent dragon for Halloween so would really like to do more)

- face painting

- party games and dances in general.

I don't really think the local technical college would do that sort of thing (could be completely wrong) but think there could be a real gap in the market for training courses - or am i alone in wanting to be the 'clown'? (shudders as it reminds me of my old school reports now).

;-)

Edited to add - if anyone is an expert in any of these and fancies doing some tuition, I'd gladly take you up on it!

[Fuschia]

Did Kateland on here offer to share facepainting sklls?

[womanofdulwich]

i saw a magic shop has just opened up in herne hill, half moon lane that does magic courses,

[ryedalema]

Oh wonderful - I'll have a mooch around Herne Hill this week.

Beware Magic Circle - malcoordinated stressed out mummy coming your way...(I hope they have Fez's!).

[pebbles]

If you do talk to the magic shop in HH can you let me know what he does and how much cos that would really interest me as well. Thanks

[TheScarletPeacock]

If you can already sew a bit, this is a great book for kids costumes with full sized patterns:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Cute-Easy-Costumes-Kids-Hardy/dp/1907030549/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1290960259&sr=8-6

[TheScarletPeacock]

Oh, and I've just found it for ?4.99 here with free delivery whilst browsing for other things:

Making Kid's Costumes Book

[The Nappy Lady]

Def. A thread in family room classifieds re face painting classes - was in the last week or so.

[Gussy]

I really like the look of that costumes book, thanks for posting. I'm often repairing bits and sewing things for kids and hubby. Sorry to ask on your thread but can anyone tell me where a local haberdashery shop is (ie walking or bus distance as I don't have a car), I haven't managed to find one yet since moving here a few months ago (although not done extensive search).

[ryedalema]

There's one on Lordship lane a bit further down (past the Mag I think). I get most of my stuff either at John Lewis or online. I use this shop as it's around the corner from our Horsham office and really well stocked and helpful. They will obv deliver anything and are really helpful on the phone if you need advice.

Hope that helps - and totally agree about the costume book, I'll get onto that today after I've finished making dd#1's Christmas tree costume for her nursery show (am going to put real chocolate decs and candy canes on it so she becomes a human piniata {sp}). Haha she'll so hate me when she's older!

[ryedalema]

PS - Is anyone else's 'back to top of page' not working since admin did their maintenance work or is it just me? Very possible that OH has been 'improving' the laptop again. If it's other people too I'll let admin know.

[The Nappy Lady]

Gussy, there's a great fabric shop in Lewisham - on the high street, sort of opposite the entrance to the shopping centre...can't remember the name, but they are on 2 floors, and have loads of stuff.

Someone the other day told me there is also an amazing fabric place just by the entrance to Peckham Rye station, run by an old couple who seem to have every kind of fabric you can imagine, but that you have to root around to find it!!

Othen than that I use John Lewis....

Hope this helps.

[kateland]

Hello There guys...(Hi Fuschia...yep I did!)

I will be doing a face painting course in February at the dog kennel hill adventure playground ( Much to my regular clients surprise lol)

I will be finalising the actual dates and prices this week-If you guys know a particular price you would want to pay then please share this with me!

I was also thinking of doing the following courses:

Bath & beauty products making

Bath muffins....lip balms....bath salts etc

Although this is something that girls/teens love this can be catered to boys too. Also I can teach this in a way that means you will be able to run your own little classes at your childs parties...or friends children etc. I will also be putting together little /packages/ that you can buy for your own workshops/party bags

Mineral make up making

More info to come....

Eco soy wax candles, including 100% natural massage candles

And lots more classes once I get myself more organised!

Follow this link for the face painting classes...LEARN TO FACEPAINT!

Speak soon, Kate x

Feel free to call or text me on...078500-568-45

[embo71]

There is a fabric shop on Blenheim Grove, very near to the walkway through to Peckham Rye station. A lovely couple run it but the shop is sooooooo full of stuff you can hardly walk to the counter (I AM NOT JOKING! i had my baby in a pram by the door as there was no space to wheel a maclaren buggy into the shop). The husband said he would look after my baby whilst the wife helped my find some thread, and they did, but it was a surreal experience and only made slightly weirder when the wife pressed play on the cassette player when i paid (a spiritual number i think) but it made hearing what she was saying slightly tricky!

It is worth a visit if you are passing but take your mobile phone, in case you can't find your way out!

[The Nappy Lady]

Yes, that's the place I was talking about LOL!!

[purbeck]

Hi Gussy, I happened upon a brand new shop in Forest Hill that sells haberdashery and they are expecting a delivery of handspun Orkney wool any day soon! It is called Stag & Bow and is a couple of doors up from Bunka on Dartmouth road. Apparantly they are very new and a welcome addition to us crafty folk. They have all the essentials and a beautiful shop selling lots of interesting things. In the new year they said they will be running craft and textile workshops for all ages and abilities. I am very excited!!

[kateland]

Oooh your shop sounds lovely purbeck.... Tried sneaking a look when i passed by the other day but shall have to pop in! :)