That's right....we're heading to the northern hemisphere from May to July for nearly 12 weeks! We're knocking down our little 2 bed, one bathroom (yep only one bathroom between three) cottage to build a much larger, contemporary house. Instead of paying rent in Sydney, why not go to Europe? So exciting

Madly trying to loose weight simply to put it on again as I'm planning to visit many French Patisseries and markets that time will allow. We've bought a few books for inspiration but I have to admit, I'm the type of person who hates to plan too much and am happy to follow my nose

I would love you to join us on our travels come May. Do you want to come too?

Here's some pics from Patisseries of Paris by The Little Bookroom to whet the appetitie:

Patrick Roger Chocolatier

Stohrer Patisserie

Boulangerie Bechu

As a kid I remember making hundreds of little fluffy pom poms using various wools, threads and yarns, then wrapping around  2 'donut' shapes cut from a Corn Flakes box.  Now that I'm all grown-up, there's quite a few reusable tools to make no-fail pom poms without the need to stuff your face full of Wheat Bix and other breakfast cereals

Of course you can buy whizz-bang tools like the Clover Pom Pom Maker (which I haven't used but looks great) or a Pom Pom Magic maker fork (below left) available from Spotlight for about $2. But I love the look of tiny, weeny pom poms...make these wee fluffs using the humble, domesticated fork (discovered via Eskimo Knits blog) for instant gratification

Also see How to Make a Simple Tassel here

How exciting....Matthew Mead Summer edition is available for pre-order (release date not yet finalised). I purchased his holiday edition last year and was thrilled with it. Although here in Australia we're heading for Winter....but who cares? Above is a little photo tease of what's to come

This Summer edition is "filled with fresh ideas on dyeing fabrics, painting furniture, a fresh new cottage look and of course delicious foods and fun ways to savor every aspect of summer."

Can't wait

Look at the sweeties we bought from the Strawberry Thief in Bowral (I just love the name). Resistance was futile. And can you believe they taste as delicious as they look? A Chocolate Tart with cherries and meringue, Baked Cheesecake with Apple and Toffee Crumble, Chocolate Ganache Tart and Vanilla Bean/Chocolate Mouse with a biscuit base. Beware, no licking the computer screen, it won't be pretty

Now off for run to rid the body of those extra calories......

or maybe a simple jog around the park......

or perhaps a waddle to the post box instead? I'm hopeless.....

I believe the patisserie is quite new, loaded with macarons, tarts and cakes and other treats. Make sure to pop in for a visit next time you're heading to the highlands

Strawberry Thief, 1A/310 Bong Bong Street, Bowral NSW 2578. (No website)

It's been an exciting time recently, working on projects in three upcoming Kid's Craft Books (out July '11). One particular project would have looked perfect with the addition of some simple little tassels but I rejected this idea as too expensive for readers to buy. Little did I know how easy they would be to make! Here's a tutorial on how to make very simple tassels...add them to your craft projects, use on gift wrapping, breathe new life into an old scarf or simply use for decoration

1} Grab some wool, cord or twine, scrap cardboard and sewing scissors

Cut cardboard to desired length of tassel and two 20cm lengths of twine

2} Wrap twine around card, encasing one length of twine

3} Tie off. Cut ends to release from cardboard

4} Wrap second length around head of tassel. Tie and trim off ends. Trim uneven tassel ends

Too easy!