Materials: 50cm x 150cm-wide fabric (we used soft, thin imitation leather); thread; polyester fibre filling; 12mm pair of brown eyes; 50cm ribbon for the neck bow or a bandanna. Finished size.: Approximately 24cm high and 36cm long. Method. Enlarge pattern by placing on a photocopier set at 400 per cent; repeat using the copy. Place […]

Monica McInerney, whose latest book, Upside Down Inside Out (Penguin), is featured in The Australian Women’s Weekly, February issue. Q How did you start writing? A: I had a short story published in an Australian women’s magazine, that was my start. Q You are one of seven children, where was your position in the family? […]

Good news for Donna Leon fans – her latest book, Wilful Behaviour (Random), is out in April. Also from Random, same month, comes Michael J Fox’s long awaited book, Lucky Man: A Memoir. Billed as a funny, moving account of what it’s like to be a 30 year old man with an 80 year old […]

Measurements Approximately 35cm x 40cm Materials 0.4m x 112cm novelty fur fabric 1.1m x 2cmw-de grosgrain ribbon 25cm square contrast felt, for star 25cm square transparent plastic, for star Glitter Craft glue Cutting From fur fabric, cut two rectangles, each 35cm x 40cm Method 1. STAR Star outline is printed on pattern sheet in black. […]

On the first day of every January, I rev myself up for the year ahead by resolving to be happier, healthier, wiser, slimmer, kinder, thriftier, more patient, more caring, more understanding, more selfless, more generous, more charitable, spend more and more time with my family … basically more of everything. And while I’m lying on […]

For ages. 5 years + Materials Pencils with erasers attached feathers tacky craft glue narrow sequined trim (available in haberdashery departments) small plastic eyes Step 1 Remove eraser from the end of the pencil. Squeeze glue into this hole and push the end of the feather into the glue and hold in place or rest […]

For ages. 4 years + Materials Coloured cardboard white paper pencil safety scissors craft glue felt pens Step 1 Enlarge our animal templates on a photocopier to the desired size. Trace and cut out to form patterns for your bookmarks. Step 2 Trace the patterns onto the cardboard in the colours of your choice and […]

For ages. 8 years + Materials Small wooden beads beading wire (available at selected craft outlets and beading stores) key ring attachment (available at craft stores) Step 1 Cut a length of beading wire about 20cm long. Using the pliers, form a 1cm wide coil in one end of the wire. Step 2 Thread 36 […]

Young children love small, inexpensive novelty items that they can buy with their own money – this trio of decorated pencils is just the sort of thing (and they’d also make perfect little prizes in a lucky dip). To make the Pompom Pencils spread the end of a new pencil with craft glue and wrap […]

With SUE MILLER who wrote The World Below, which features in the Reading Room in this The Australian Women’s Weekly this month. Q The difficulty of maintaining a good marriage is a theme in The World Below and other books of yours and obviously is a problem for many women nowadays? A There have been […]