<![CDATA[Shine like Stars

<![CDATA[Shine like Stars - Blog]]>Wed, 15 Jan 2025 17:38:55 +1030Weebly<![CDATA[A skylark began to sing in the sky]]>Thu, 26 Mar 2020 04:13:18 GMThttp://sallydixon.com.au/blog/a-skylark-began-to-sing-in-the-sky“Once, while we were on a roll call, a cruel guard kept us standing for a long, long time. Suddenly, a skylark began to sing in the sky, and all the prisoners looked up to listen to that bird’s song.” (Corrie ten Boom, 'The Hiding Place')

Everything feels so uncertain in the world at the moment. So many hearts are anxious. And so many people are unsure as to what the future might bring.

The past couple of years have been personally challenging for me as I have journeyed through trauma and grief. But something I discovered while walking through difficult times is that it can be helpful to purposefully take time to notice that which is beautiful. Even fleeting glimpses of beauty can be restorative to the soul.

I recently read a book called The Hiding Place by Corrie ten Boom. This amazing woman helped to hide Jewish people in her house throughout World War II, but as a result, Corrie and her sister ended up in a concentration camp. However, even in this cruel environment, glimmers of beauty could be observed. In her book, Corrie described how, “Once, while we were on a roll call, a cruel guard kept us standing for a long, long time. Suddenly, a skylark began to sing in the sky, and all the prisoners looked up to listen to that bird’s song.”

The skylark came every morning, precisely during roll call, for the next three weeks. The eyes of all the prisoners momentarily lifted away from their troubles as they watched the skylark and listened to its song.

I realise how difficult the weeks ahead will be for many of us. I am writing this in the hope that it might encourage people to purposefully seek out those glimpses of beauty, no matter how fleeting they might be. Beauty can be found in so many different places. My ‘skylark’ moments today have included:

Discovering that the sweet-pea seeds I planted a couple of weeks ago have started to sprout!
My dog, Charlie, snoring on the floor as I type this.
Finishing a picture book story today!

I have been pondering about how to go forth with my business in the weeks ahead. Some of my regular freelance jobs have been ‘paused’ until I’m not sure when! But that’s okay. I still have many projects to keep me occupied. Whether I sew tiny creations or write stories for children, my aim is to fill imaginations with hope, joy and beauty. I am continuing to design felt patterns (and hope to make them available soon), and I plan to write some short stories for children. I hope my creative endeavours will bring a smile to people’s faces! I will be glad if they become a ‘glimpse of beauty’ in someone’s life…

If you would like to sew any of my felt designs, I can make up a mini-sewing kit and post it to you. I have a supply of wool felt, threads, stuffing and beads. (Message me, and I can quote you a cost). I’m not sure what the situation is with international post (so I cannot guarantee how long an overseas package might take), but Australia post is still operating.

Otherwise, I have a few free sewing projects available (click ‘Free Pattern’ in my Blog Categories list). There are also some free printable puzzle sheets for children (click the word ‘Puzzle Page’ in my Blog Categories list).

I thought it might be fun to have a Mini Competition for Kids: Any child who completes one of my puzzle sheets can go into a draw to win one of my tiny ‘Cat in a Sleeping Bag’ toys (pictured below). The winner can choose whichever colour they like and I will hand-sew it personally for them! To enter, print out and complete any of my puzzle sheets, scan it (or take photos), and send it back to me. Completed puzzle-sheets can be uploaded to my Sally Dixon Author Facebook page or emailed to me. Deadline is 15th April 2020 (just after Easter). (Note: Entries are welcomed from overseas, but I cannot guarantee delivery time due to all that is happening in the world at the moment).

Feel free to comment about your ‘skylark’ moments below. What glimpses of beauty have you noticed today?

]]><![CDATA[You can smell the smell of chocolate in the air!]]>Thu, 13 Feb 2020 06:28:55 GMThttp://sallydixon.com.au/blog/you-can-smell-the-smell-of-chocolate-in-the-air“And suddenly, Wonka’s giant chocolate factory became silent and deserted. The chimneys stopped smoking, the machines stopped whirring, and from then on, not a single chocolate or sweet was made. Not a soul went in or out, and even Mr Willy Wonka himself disappeared completely.” (Dahl, 2007, p. 29)

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory was among my favourite books as a child, and the above quote has been on my mind in recent times. That’s because my business life has felt somewhat like Wonka’s deserted chocolate factory. Many months ago, my social media accounts fell silent, no new stories were written, and barely any pipsqueak-sized felt toys were made.

Not unlike Mr Willy Wonka, Sally Dixon herself disappeared completely. Although, not quite!

So, where have I been?

Sometimes, unexpected events happen in life. In 2017, I lost my father in a car accident. An event like that is life-changing, and grief is an unpredictable journey. The last couple of years have been difficult.

Throughout that time, I was also completing a master’s degree. Due to my loss, most of my focus and energy went into my studies. It was an arduous journey (I wasn’t sure I would make it). But I have now officially completed my Master of Creative Writing degree and will graduate in April this year.

So, actually, my writing didn’t stop. I didn't disappear completely! For my degree, I wrote a fairy story for children. A whole novel! (I can tell you now that writing a novel is no easy feat). I hope to find a publisher, but I am sure there will be much editing and redrafting before that happens.

I am now currently looking at ways to grow my business (how I wish I had a team of Oompa Loompas like Willy Wonka!).

Sally Dixon Creations currently has two distinct creative streams. These streams are:

Pipsqueak Felt

This side of my business involves my tiny, felt toys. I will be revamping my online shops in the weeks ahead (Etsy and Madeit). Some of my most popular hand-sewn products will still be available to buy, but new designs will also be in the pipeline. I also plan to introduce many more original digital sewing patterns for download.

Some of my hand-sewn creations continue to be available at Beerenberg Farm Shop in the Adelaide Hills. They stock a strawberry themed range that I design and hand-sew especially for them. Items include magnets, brooches, earrings, bookmarks, keyrings, and even tiny strawberry-picking mice! Their gift shop will be expanding later this year.

Author and Freelance Writer

This side of my business involves my writing services.

Writing for children is my passion and area of expertise. In the past, I have had numerous short stories published in mainstream books and magazines. Now that my studies are finished, it is time to write some fresh short stories.

I am also beginning to pick up some new freelance writing projects. Past and ongoing projects have been many and varied. These have included the creation of early reader stories, rhyming poems, newsletters, and puzzle activity sheets.

I would like to write a new craft book in the future too.

These two streams of my business now have separate social media sites:

Sally Dixon Creations – pipsqueak felt toys
Facebook
Instagram

Sally Dixon Author – writing services
Facebook
Instagram

I also have another website called Shine like Stars. On this website, I share encouraging stories from a Christian faith perspective. Anyone interested is welcome to join me there.

There are also many other creative ideas bubbling away in the back of my mind. But those ideas must wait until a later date. I have plenty to keep me busy for the time being!

Willy Wonka’s factory didn’t remain deserted:
“But the factory is working!” the people shouted. “Listen! You can hear the machines! They’re all whirring again! And you can smell the smell of chocolate in the air!” (Dahl, 2007, p.30).

I am working! My business is coming back to life. Listen! You can hear my imagination whirring again. Can you smell the smell of chocolate in the air?

Dahl, R. (2007). Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. London: Penguin Group.

]]><![CDATA[Pipsqueak's Puzzle Pages - Outer Space]]>Tue, 24 Oct 2017 05:50:52 GMThttp://sallydixon.com.au/blog/october-24th-2017

Here's the latest edition of Pipsqueak's Puzzle Pages for Kids.
Free to download. Free to distribute.

Outer Space theme this time around.

DOWNLOAD HERE

]]><![CDATA[Pipsqueak's Puzzle Pages for Kids - Australian Animals]]>Wed, 01 Mar 2017 00:34:12 GMThttp://sallydixon.com.au/blog/pipsqueaks-puzzle-pages-for-kids-australian-animals

Here's the latest edition of Pipsqueak's Puzzle Pages for Kids.
Free to download. Free to distribute.

Australian Animal theme this time around.

DOWNLOAD HERE

]]><![CDATA[Pipsqueak's Puzzle Pages for Kids - Zoo Animals Theme]]>Thu, 20 Oct 2016 01:00:43 GMThttp://sallydixon.com.au/blog/pipsqueaks-puzzle-pages-for-kids-zoo-animals-theme

Here's the latest edition of Pipsqueak's Puzzle Pages for Kids.
Free to download. Free to distribute.

Zoo Animal theme this time around.

DOWNLOAD HERE

]]><![CDATA[Barbie Felt Hat Pattern - Freebie]]>Tue, 18 Oct 2016 05:33:02 GMThttp://sallydixon.com.au/blog/barbie-felt-hat-pattern-freebie

If Barbie wasn't elegant enough already, here's a free pattern to help further accessorise her stylish wardrobe.

Hand-sew felt hats to go with any Barbie outfit.

My pattern is completely free. Download here: BARBIE FELT HAT PATTERN

Upload your Barbie hat photo to social media (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter).
Use #pipsqueakfelt or #sallydixoncreations to tag your photo. I will feature my favourite pics on my blog, website or social media. Can’t wait to see your creations.

]]><![CDATA[Peg dolls in my garden!]]>Tue, 13 Sep 2016 05:52:28 GMThttp://sallydixon.com.au/blog/peg-dolls-in-my-garden

There are tiny flowers appearing in my garden. You have to be quick to spot them - these springtime lovelies are rather shy. And very sweet.

These snowdrop, violet, primrose, buttercup and forget-me-not peg dolls have been designed by the very talented Margaret Bloom. Her book, Making Peg Dolls, is one of my favourite craft books. In fact, this book inspired me to consider creating my own craft book. I borrowed Making Peg Dolls countless times from the library. Now I have my own copy, signed by the author herself.

Margaret's book bursts with cuteness. The chapters are divided into seasons: Spring, Summer, Winter, and Autumn (Fall). The projects are easy to follow, beautifully photographed, and illustrated with delightful step-by-step instructive images. I've open the booked, flicked through the exquisite pages and admired her creativity over and over again. Both children and adults will find the peg doll projects inspiring.

I've been itching to put down my own pipsqueak threads and needles for sometime now, so I could try something different. Margaret Bloom's dainty peg dolls were the perfect variation in my crafting routine. It was difficult to choose which project I wanted to begin with - Esther and her Purim counterparts, tiny peg bumblebees, or perhaps Christmas angels? In the end, I decided upon the Spring Flower peg dolls. It seemed appropriate, as it is Springtime in Australia, and flowers are blossoming in my garden.

I used watercolour pencils for the peg doll bodies (the closest thing I owned to green paint), and I'm quite pleased with the results. I did have black and red acrylic paint, and dabbed eyes and mouths with the end of a tiny paintbrush. A few embroidery stitches on felt, and a dash of glue, and the peg dolls were complete. Monday afternoon was an afternoon well spent.

Margaret Bloom has been busy, and has published a second peg doll book. It looks just as delightful. I think it might be time to order a new craft book for my collection.

Come and visit her websites:

We Bloom Here Blog

We Bloom Here Facebook

Making Peg Dolls & More Facebook

]]><![CDATA[Pipsqueak's Puzzle Pages - Birthday Theme]]>Mon, 25 Jul 2016 08:49:47 GMThttp://sallydixon.com.au/blog/pipsqueaks-puzzle-pages-birthday-theme

Well, it's been a while since I uploaded my monthly puzzle page for children. Finally, here is the latest one. Feel free to print, photocopy and distribute.

DOWNLOAD HERE

]]><![CDATA[Pipsqueaks Blog Tour]]>Tue, 17 May 2016 02:59:21 GMThttp://sallydixon.com.au/blog/pipsqueaks-blog-tour

Welcome to the last stop on the Pipsqueaks blog tour. Hasn't it been a grand adventure so far?

A delightful group of international bloggers have been participating in this tour. Remember, each blog is giving away a copy of my book in their post about Pipsqueaks. Make sure you visit all blogs from this tour. You have until 23rd May 2016 to write a comment in each and every comment section. This will give you seven chances to win a copy of my book.

As a reminder, here are the scheduled blog stops for the tour:

11th May 2016 - C&T Publishing (Concord, California, U.S.A.)

11th May 2016 - We Bloom Here - Margaret Bloom (California, U.S.A.)

12th May 2016 - My Handmade Adventure - Karen Wasson (Melbourne, Australia)

13th May 2016 - 60 Degrees of Inspiration - Joanna Riley (Shetland Isles, Scotland, UK)

14th May 2016 - Buttonsy - Anna Day (London, England, UK)

15th May 2016 - Madeit (Lennox Head, NSW, Australia)

16th May 2016 - Sally Dixon Creations - Sally Dixon (Adelaide, SA, Australia)

Enter for a chance to win a copy of Pipsqueaks here: a Rafflecopter giveaway! Winner will be chosen one week after the blog tour ends. The winner’s name will be announced right here on the blog. International winners will receive an eBook; US winners will receive a hard copy.

The winner for this page can choose one of the following items:
(as well as receiving a copy of my book).

Here's a little game: PIPSQUEAK ABC

I love games. Especially ones involving words.
I gave myself the challenge to think of a pipsqueak sized item for every letter of the alphabet. They couldn't be any old item; they needed to be something which fills me with joy and makes me smile.
Some letters were easy - I wanted to list several tiny things.
Some letters were hard - Q, U, X, Y, and Z made me scratch my head for a long, long time.

Anyone else up for the challenge? I'd love to see some other PIPSQUEAK ABC lists.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

This book tour couldn't have been possible without the involvement of the blogs listed below.
I appreciate the time and effort involved from every corner of the world.
Thank you, thank you, thank you.

C&T Publishing

We Bloom Here

My Handmade Adventure

60 Degrees of Inspiration

Buttonsy

Madeit

]]><![CDATA[April Puzzle Page]]>Fri, 15 Apr 2016 06:22:45 GMThttp://sallydixon.com.au/blog/april-puzzle-pageHere's the April edition of Pipsqueak's Puzzle Pages.

Autumn is well and truly here in the Southern Hemisphere. Can you solve Pipsqueak's Autumn puzzles?

Pass this page onto any children who might be interested. Children are welcome to send in jokes or drawings. If chosen, their item will feature in future newsletters. Include first name, age and town.

PIPSQUEAK'S PUZZLE PAGES - April 2016
DOWNLOAD HERE

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The winner for this page can choose one of the following items: (as well as receiving a copy of my book).

Here's a little game: PIPSQUEAK ABC

The winner for this page can choose one of the following items:
(as well as receiving a copy of my book).