Imogen's Angels

Rain stick {or shaker}

Have you ever seen those long hollow logs that when you tip them up and down they sound like rain {kind of anyway!}? Well we decided to try our hand at making one out of a paper roll. If you don’t want a rain stick it also makes a fabulous music shaker. Two creative options in one!

You will need…

A thick paper roll {cling wrap rolls are ideal}

A small piece of card

Sticky tape

A pencil

Glue stick

Scissors

Decorative supplies e.g. stickers, textas

Rice – between ½ cup to 1 cup

Optional

A piece of coloured paper

A glue stick

Washi tape {only because I love it}

Step 1.  Put the end of the roll onto the card, draw around the end, cut out the circle. Repeat to the other end.

Step 2. Place the circle onto the end of roll and apply tape across the roll each way.

Step 3. Make a paper funnel by shaping a piece of paper into a funnel shape and applying a little tape. Using the funnel pour in the rice.

Step 4. Now place your hand over the open end and turn the roll up and down, removing rice until you think the noise sounds more like rain, or more to your tune!

Step 5. Repeat step 2 to the open end.

Step 6. Then measure the rolls length and the size of the roll end {circumference}. Transfer the measurements to the contact or paper. Cut. Cover the roll in contact, paper or leave bare to decorate.

Step 7. Optional – I added a little washi tape to the end to cover the tape { and because I love washi tape!]

Step 8. You now have a rain stick or new shaker!

Enjoy the noise, try tipping it up and down sloooow and fast, and listen to the different noises.

Love, Light and gentle rain,

Fiona x

Magical Kaleidoscope

I recently purchased a kaleidoscope from the ABC shop and got to thinking how I could create a craft tutorial on how to make a basic kaleidoscope from paper rolls…

You will need…

Scissors

A rubber band

A small piece of clear contact

2 paper rolls, one slightly wider in width {circumference} then the other to allow them to fit inside each other.

One small piece of clear cellophane

A pencil

A ruler

A few precious gems – glitter, beads, plastic gems

Silver reflective card {I used the top of a disposable foil tray}

This activity is aimed at the bigger kid, 6 years and over.

Step 1.  Squash the larger width paper roll {to allow for easier cutting} and cut two pieces off. One approx. 2-3 cms the other approx. ½ – 1 cm.

Step 2. Cut the circles apart, then staple {or sticky tape} the two circles back together with a slight overlay {see photo below}. This allows them to  now fit back inside the larger roll.

Step 3. Put the end of the roll onto the contact and draw around it. Cut out leaving a cm or more over hang.

Step 4. Apply the contact circle to the top of the larger cut circle. Press the over hang to the roll to secure.

Step 5. Cut the remaining paper roll to around 10cms length.

Step 6. Push the contacted circle into the roll, close to the end. Now slip the smaller cut circle into the top of the paper roll.

Step 7. Now you will have a little gap from the top of the roll to the contact tray, add your precious gems.

Step 8. Place the cellophane over the end of precious gem end; wrap the rubber band around to secure the cellophane on. Make the cellophane tighter by gentle pulling on the cellophane sides hanging down. Cut off cellophane to 2 – 3 cms from the edge of the rubber band.

Step 9. Then measure the rolls length {from under the elastic band as it hard to cover the elastic with contact or paper} and the size of the roll end {circumference}. Transfer the measurements to the contact or paper. Cut. Cover the roll in contact, paper or leave bare to decorate.

Step 10. Measure the rolls inside edge just a little in from the side of the roll {see photo below}. This is the measurement, your will use to create the silver foil triangle that the gems reflect off.

Step 11. Transfer the triangle side measurements and length of the roll to the silver card. Add an extra tab onto one side to help tape the triangle together. Cut out.

Step 12. Bend the card into the triangle shape. Tape together.

Step 13. Insert the silver triangle into the long roll. If you have made it too small like me, tape the triangle edge to the side of the roll.

Step 14. To hide the gap between the triangle and roll I added some washi tape.

Step 15. Then measure the rolls length and the size of the roll end {circumference}. Transfer the measurements to the contact or paper. Cut. Cover the roll in contact, paper or leave bare to decorate.

Step 16. Insert the long roll inside the small roll, now you have a kaleidoscope. Turn the end dial towards the light and watch the gems reflect onto the silver card.

Enjoyed reading this or even making your own kaleidoscope, please feel free to drop me a comment below,

Love, Light and seeing the light from another angle

Fiona x

Knitting Nancy’s, did you have one as a kid? I did…I got to thinking surely you can make one with a paper roll and a quick goggle search revealed you can indeed…

Above image from Kidspot.

How clever is that!

But what if you don’t have any paddle pop sticks…

Knitting Netty

You will need

One thick {but still bendable} paper towel roll

Wool {pick a colour}

Our printable instruction sheet

Scissors

Sticky Tape

Step 1. Parent –Cut the paper roll in half, make it easy by squashing the roll you can always unsquash it later. While the roll is squashed cut a 2 – 3 cm line about ½ cm in from the edge, repeat on the other side. Then two cut 2 – 3 cm lines about 1/2 cm apart through both layers of the paper roll in the middle of the roll {see photo below}.

Step 2. Unsquash the roll and fold down the cut flaps. Using sticky tape wrap the tape around the roll and secure the flaps down.

Step 3. You now have a knitting Netty! You could also try and add a few more cuts and flaps and see what you knitting looks like when adding more stitches.

That’s great Fiona, but what am I meant to do with a Knitting Netty.

First you need to make a slip knot. Not sure how to create a slip knot? Parenting Fun Everyday shows how to do this with a catchy poem and picture slip knot tutorial.

Then below a free step by step Knitting with Knitting Netty printable. Now when you have made metres and metres of Knitting Netty string, check out this picture tutorial from Parenting Fun Everyday to see how to finish it off.

Knitting Netty Printable

In my searching I found another Knitting Nancy, check out this huge version of a Knitting Nancy!

Love, Light and Knitting for fun,

 Fiona x

Whoops…If you have got this far and still haven’t bought a present, flowers or chocolate!

Tomorrow is Mother’s Day!

Never fear…I have a few printables to share…

In case you missed them earlier on Facebook, simply click on the link below, click the print icon and adjust your printer settings to what size you want for mum.

Imogen’s Angels Home is where – no colour

Imogen’s Angels Home is where – colour

Imogen’s Angels To the world swirls

Imogen’s Angels To the world coloured hearts

Imogen’s Angels To the world black and white hearts

and if your not seeing mum till the afternoon this may help – print printable, paint hands or feet and laminate

 Foot and Hand Print Poem Blog Post

or subscribe to our Imogen’s News and you will get 40 plus foot or hand paint printables in a eBook minus the Imogen’s Angels URL!

Happy Mother’s Day to all the mums xxx

Love, Light and Mother’s Day Love

Fiona x

Today’s crafty ‘paper roll’ activity is

‘Speedy Cars’

After some through tyre testing, {the formula one pit crew would be proud} we have three options.

You will need

For the car

Paper roll {or three toilet rolls}

Ruler

Single hole punch

Pencil

Scissors

Decorative paper, paint and stickers

Low Rider Wheel

Four brads/ split pins

Card

Black texta for the tyre rubber

A circle to draw around for the wheel shape

A skewer

Flyer Wheel

A thick straw

A single hole punch

Card

Black texta for the tyre rubber

A circle to draw around for the wheel shape

Scissors

Speed Racer Wheel

Hot Glue Gun

4 milk lids – any size will do

A straw

Scissors

Step 1. Parent –Measure and cut paper roll into three even sizes. To make it easier to cut, squash the roll in half you can always unsquash it after.

Step 2. Parent – For wheels 1 & 2, trace around the circle item onto the card. Cut out. Wheel 1 – single punch a hole in the first set of wheels. Wheel 2 – poke a hole through the middle of the wheel with a skewer to help make the brads/split pin push through easier.

Step 3. Set up the protective mat on the table with the paint, decorative paper and rolls.

Step 4. Let your little one paint the speedy cars or cover the rolls with glue then wrap the paper around.

Step 5. Let dry.

Step 6. Parent – Re squash the rolls and cut the cars visor {see picture above at step 1} and single punch the holes for the wheels, in approximately the middle of the side of the roll {see picture above at step 1}.

Low Rider Wheel

Step 1. Push the pointy end of the brad/split pin through the skewered hole, and then through the hole punch hole.

Step 2. Spread the split pins out to secure all the tyres to the roll.

Step 3. Speed {safely} around the house with your new wheels.

Flyer Wheel

Step 1. Push the straw through the punch hole, to judge what length the axle needs to be. Cut two axle {straw} pieces the same length.

Step 2. Squash up the end of the straw and push through the punch hole in the wheel. The squashed straw should then fold out and keep the wheel on.

Step 3. Push the straw {with wheel} through the punch hole on the car body.

Step 4. Repeat step 2, for the other wheels.

Step 5. Register your car in formula one racing and practise for the big event.

Speed Racer Wheel

Adults only! Hot glue guns are very hot and burn!

Step 1. Push the straw through the punch hole, to judge what length the axle needs to be. Cut two axle {straw} pieces the same length.

Step 2. Apply a little hot glue to the inside of the middle of the milk lid.

Step 3. Press the straw end into the glue and hold there. This will only take a few seconds to set. Complete the above to one side of the other axle too.

Step 4. Push the straw {with wheel} through the punch hole on the car body.

Step 5. Repeat step 2 & 3, for the other wheels.

Step 6. Break formula one speed records around your own pretend raceway!

No matter which wheels you choose to make for your Speedy Cars. This activity encourages imaginative play and is a simple afternoon craft activity.

If you have time prepare the paper rolls and wheels before announcing the craft session to your kids, this can help minimise the grumbling when they are waiting for you to be ready.

Love, Light and Race time!

Fiona x

Finally I am back on the crafting wagon, after the amazing ‘Princess Ladybird’week success, Imogen’s birthday celebrations, her angel day and a 2^nd Birthday for little one!

I really wanted to come back with an awesome Mother’s Day printable, but time has just got away from me and unbelievably it’s Mother’s day this Sunday! If you are looking for a cute printable for Mum or Granma, do pop over to my hand and foot print blog post where I share a stack of free printable poems, that you can print out, decorate with your little ones hands or feet and then laminate or frame!

Moving forward, we roll our way into re purposing paper rolls into creative craft…

Toilet paper rolls, paper towel rolls, cling wrap rolls, material card rolls, basically any card/paper roll you can find. Lucky for me, my mum likes to re purpose recyclable things too so she had a big box of different paper rolls for us to use!

First up…

Extendable Binoculars

You will need -

Two toilet paper rolls {or paper towel rolls cut to size}

Two more paper rolls {that can fit inside or over the outside of the other paper rolls}

Coloured paper, paint, glitter, cut outs, stickers to decorate

A piece of string or ribbon approx. 50cms long

Hole punch

Glue stick

Scissors

Pencil

Ruler

Stapler

Step 1. Parent – if needed measure and cut two different width paper towel rolls into two even lengths. To help with cutting through the rolls, simply squash them flat, you can always push them into a roll shape after.

Step 2. Parent – measure the width and length of the roll. Measure and mark those measurements on the coloured paper to make a cover for the outside of the rolls. Cut out the rectangles of coloured paper.

Step 3. Set up the protective mat on the table with all the decorative supplies and rolls.

Step 4. Let your little one have a go at applying the glue to the outside of the rolls, you may need to apply a little more after they have finished.

Step 5. Also let your little one have a go at wrapping the paper around the roll, you can always adjust it after they have had a go.

Step 6. Parent - Staple the two outside rolls together. Punch a hole through one end of larger rolls on opposite sides. Double knot the string through the punched holes. Slip the other roll inside the larger roll.

Step 7. Now let you little one decorate the outside rolls with the decorative supplies.

Step 8. Let dry if generous amounts of glue have been applied : ).

Step 9. Show your little one how they can look through the binoculars with and without the other rolls extended out. Have fun looking through them at your family, toys or even your family pets.

The next paper roll blog post is all about crafting little cars. We did a lot of experimenting when it came to the little car’s wheels, to find the best and most rough kid friendly solution. I look forward to sharing it with you!

Love, light and exploring the world through a set of handmade binoculars,

Fiona x

Three years have past since I heard your voice, your tiny teeny voice, since I saw your face, felt your hugs and kisses, heard you giggle…you not being here leaves a a huge hole in my heart. Though I can still feel you near urging, pushing, chanting for me to go on, because I know dear girl in a blink I will see you again and then we will never ever be apart again,

All my love, I love you to the moon and back babycakes,

Mum x

I would have loved you anyway…

I Would Have Loved You Anyway

If I’d have known the way that this would end,
If I’d have read the last page first,
If I’d have had the strength to walk away,
If I’d have known how this would hurt,
I would have loved you anyway.
I’d do it all the same,
Not a second I would change,
Not a touch that I would trade.

Had I known my heart would break,
I would have loved you anyway.
It’s bittersweet to look back now,
At memories withered on a vine.
Just to hold you close to me
For a moment in time,
I would have loved you anyway.
I’d do it all the same,
Not a second I would change,
Not a touch that I would trade.

Had I known my heart would break
I would have loved you anyway.
Even if I’d seen it coming,
You’d still have see me running
Straight into your arms.
I would have loved you anyway.
I’d do it all the same,
Not a second I would change,
Not a touch that I would trade.
Had I known my heart would break
I would have loved you anyway.

author unknown

Love, Light and Laughter

Fiona x

This {cut and paste} The Holmes Gang blog post is soul destorying, it was the beginning of the end for our sweet girl, yet she still had to have that Birthday Party, she wanted to be 6 no matter what…

Blog posted 31st of March 2010.

Simply Thoughts

 No more photos of our beautiful smiley girl, Imogen’s sparkle in the last few weeks has drifted away.

I am sad
I have cried a million tears of late, and I have no doubt there will be a zillion more to follow.
I am sad for the pain not just the physically pain our girl is going through and has been through, but also the pain of her no longer being able to do what her friends are doing. No running, no school, no swimming, no laughing, no riding, no scootering, she has become a shell of herself.
I am sad for all the milestone moments and simple moments I will never be able to experience and enjoy with her.

I am angry
I am angry that one cell in Imogen’s beautiful 2 year body decided to become mutant and begin this vicious 3 year cycle.
I am angry that it has been more than 20 years since any firm or partially successful medical treatment for Neuroblastoma has been discovered. I am angry that when treatment begins the odds are stacked so high against Neuroblastoma kids that the chance of survival is very slim. Then even with survival the short and long term side effects from the treatment, can then also threaten their chance of living a normal life.
I am angry that I had to explain to my 11year old son, that the hospital no longer has any idea what to do for Imogen and that she will become an angel soon.
I am angry for all the lost kids and no change to treatment.

I am grateful
I am grateful for Imogen, pure and simple. The lessons and love she has given us, we would have never known.
I am grateful for my close family, Jason, Imogen, Kody and Ashton.
I am grateful for having the last three years, to understand how important life is. I am grateful for the generosity we have experience from people we would have never connected with and also to the family and friends in our live that have step up to the plate every step of the way. You know who you are.
I am grateful for the incredibly strong and admirable children we meet on the ward, and also their super back up team, their family. I grateful for the compassion, their abilities and the love the staff of Ward 3b gave to us, the friends we met along the way and unfortunately the future 3b children.
I am grateful for the theta healing Imogen received and receives that give her back her sparkle. I am most grateful for Mr Lee Reniets our naturopath and forever guru, for never giving up on Imogen, without him this road would have been much harder.
I am also grateful for Dr Alastair Nutall and his Burgess Street family for their generosity, thoughtfulness and compassion for our girl. I am grateful for Imogen picking us when she decided to become our daughter.

Imogen will be celebrating her 6th Birthday this Easter Saturday (a few weeks shy of her actual birth date). Imogen is still firm on the fact that she is not having her 6th birthday but instead her 13th. Who could argue with that, she has given us more love in 6 years then we would have experienced in a life time. Though being her mum I know this is not why she wants to be thirteen, it is so she will be older than the brother she admires so much..bless her : ).

My girly girl is having three Ben 10 entertainers coming, 30 plus friends, our favourite photographer Brandie come take pictures, a HUGE Ben 10 Cake and lots of yummy food prepared by many people.
All we hope for now is Imogen’s pain and tiredness to stay at bay for those 2 hours (10 -12), please send us healing and positive thoughts for this to happen.

With much Love and Hope

Fiona, Jason, Kody, Imogen and Ashton
Forever the Holmes Gang.

Love, Light and Laughter

Fiona x

Today’s {cut and paste} blog share from The Holmes Gang blog is just a snap shot of  Imogen’s Make-A-Wish Australia wish. So many memories and photos from this trip are still today on display in our home. They help us remember and share with her little brothers ~ Imogen’s gorgeous smile, enchanting giggle and bossy nature.

Blog Post from November 3rd 2009

Imogen’s Make a Wish Part One

Sunday was the big guns..MOVIEWORLD!!!. The look’s on Kody and Immie’s faces was priceless they were so excited and happy just to see the front gates. Once inside we spotted Tweety Bird and Bugs Bunny, after travelling all this way Imogen would not even have a bar of them, so hence there is a picture of me, Imogen, Tweety and Bugs.Just a skip down the streets of Movie world Imogen was in her heaven, rides everywhere and you could go on as many times as you liked. Her favourite was the Little Bummer Cars. We dragged Kody on a few rides too (he is a bit more hesitate than Immie when it comes to rides etc.). After Jason, Granpa and me ventured on the Scooby Doo ride it was time for lunch. Junk..Junk..and more junk, isn’t that what holidays are about : P. After that everyone had a go on the White Water Raft Ride, with everyone’s funny faces photo snapped and plastered onto key rings and in albums.
Then it was time for the Stunt car drivers show, an action drama involving Batman, more rides for Imogen, 3 D Shrek movie and the end of the day parade. Granma, Ashton and me thoroughly enjoyed a coffee and ice cream, while the rest ran around like crazy people. The day come to a close with two,,ok six happy smiley people (Ashton was not that appreciative being dragged around – funny that!!).

This next {cut and paste} from The Holmes Gang blog  is from when we found out Imogen had relapsed. When I re read it, I love how it is still weaved with hope and light. The human spirit and belief’s are amazing, even when we were in our darkest hours I never ever imaged Imogen would not be here with us…

Posted 3rd of April 2008

Hi all

I know this will be one of the hardest emails we will have to send and for you to receive, and that some of you already know this devastating news. Yesterday the 2nd of April 2008, we were told news that no one with cancer either in treatment or remission wants to hear, our perfect, cheeky daughter Imogen has relapsed to the dreaded breast, she now has another battle ahead to beat again the tumour (4cm) and it has now travelled to her left leg bone.

{Kody and Imogen April 2008}

Three weeks ago Jason took Immie in for her routine ultrasound, the following week my mum took her in for her routine check-up, were instead of taking 5 mins, she was asked to call me or Jas, to come immediately to hospital, while not knowing herself what was going on. Mum rang Jason, and he arrived first to be greeted with the news that it could be an infection or the worst a relapse, as her urine markers were elevated and her gland seen in the ultrasound were enlarged.

{learning to ride with her Daddy March 2008}

That afternoon, we were pushed through for an emergency ultrasound, and then this was followed by a bone scan and a MIBG scan last week (which were a bloody nightmare – as she would not sedate, and the drugs she was given made her go crazy).We had to wait patiently for any results till Wednesday this week as that was our allocated cancer day (argh!!), we arrived and told the worst news, Immie’s treatment plan for now consists of 6 cycles of 5 day chemo (same drugs as she received in the first two cycles of her first treatment) in out patients for 2 hours per day, this chemo will not make her as sick, she will lose her hair again, though she will need several blood transfusion as expected. She will have this chemo every three weeks or how long it takes for her bloods to return to the normal (required) amount.

After that she may require another operation to remove the tumour in her belly, and then she will be having Mega therapy using her own stem cells collected right at the beginning. This will make her very sick, and she will required hospital stay for up to 2 months, depending on how she handles it all.

{Bone Scan day 28th of March 2008}

I will continue on at uni, and the hospital has been fantastic at letting this happen, Immie will continue to go to school and Kindy gym (when she is up to it). Kody will battle on with having his sister kick cancers butt again and soar in Year 4. Jason will continue on with the business building it from strength to strength.

We will not allow this beast to rule, to crush out life’s and spirits again, not giving it any more than required of our life’s or dreams.

This battle begins tomorrow, Immie will have her broviac re installed tomorrow at 2.15pm, (stay overnight for antibiotics, then home Saturday afternoon) and chemo will begin Monday for five days.

Please give us all the positive prayers, vibes and thoughts you can find, as we will need to it to help Immie and all of us to get back up and battle again,

Lots of Love and Hugs Jason, Fiona, Kody and Immie Holmes

Love and Light

Fiona x