Scene on Screen - Mister Maker

I don't often have an excuse to watch CBBC but with friends visiting at the weekend with their kids, I found myself in front of the telly on Saturday morning watching Mister Maker and discovered a great programme full of ideas for things to make.

And since it's half term for most of you, I thought you might like this idea (which is still available on i-player for a few more days and this demo is about 16 minutes into the programme). 

Gloopy Glue Splat Monsters.

You will need

• a baking tray
• pink card, felt tip pen and scissors
• PVA glue and brush
• googly eyes
• glitter (and sequins)

First, take your baking tray and put in a big splodge of glue in the centre.  Using your brush flick out the glue to make your splat shape.

 Then add the googly eyes and sequins before sprinkling on some glitter.

 Next you need to make the tongue.  Draw out a tongue shape on your pink card and carefully cut round it with some scissors.

 Gently place the tongue into the glue mixture and leave it to dry over night.

 The following day, when it's dry, carefully peel your splat bug off the baking tray, shake off any excess glitter and there you have it .... a splat bug.

 You can make them in lots of colourful shapes and use them to decorate mirrors, windows, books or storage boxes.  A little bit of sellotape will help to secure them in place.

 If you have a go at making them, do send us your pictures and let us know how you got on.  We'd love to see them.

www.cobwebknits.co.uk

Scene on Screen - If you love foreign crime thrillers

I've got my weekend's viewing sorted.  Series 4 of Spiral (Engrenages), the French TV show about the justicial system in France.    If you think the Killing and the Bridge had flawed characters, you'll love this line up.

The plots are hard hitting and the action brutal.  Co-written by a real French cop, the line of questioning is accurate.  If they rough up a suspect or harass a teenager, it’s because the world is like that.  It’s all about the confession – you have to make them talk.  

Police Captain Laure Berthaud  is devoted to her work and her team and does anything to protect them although her methods are sometimes borderline.  Outside of work, her private life is a mess.

Gilou is her side-kick with an even more dodgy background having had a drug problem in the past.

The legal cast include Pierre Clement  who has strong morals that conflict with many of the political and more powerful players in the system.

In contrast Josephine Karlsson appears to have no such morals and will do anything to get ahead and make money.  Clever, attractive and cynical, she thrives on danger and thinks nothing of double crossing someone.  As a result, she has put herself at considerable risk as a result. 

The judge, Francois Roban is older, wiser and hardworking.  He appears cold and aloof, but it is his detached approach that ensures justice is meted out.

Scene on Screen - my favourite films

I miss the days when Saturday afternoon meant being in front of the telly with my mum watching a good musical on BBC2.

And my top three?

Singin' in the Rain

Seven Brides for Seven Brothers

Calamity Jane

Was it just me or did others wonder whether the characters actually danced down the street singing and that's perfectly acceptable in 'musical land'?  Or was it supposed to be like opera in that the words were being sung?

Oh, Just me then!

PS  Can't miss out the Sound of Music, especially for my niece who forces me to sing it every time we get in the car.  So sweet to hear an eight-year-old trying to get her tongue round 'A flibbertijibbet! A will-o'-the wisp! A clown!

What are your favourites?

Scene on Screen - the Notebook

My daughters have been trying to get me to watch this film for ages, but after being told by my friend that her husband 'cried like a baby!', I thought I should give in and give it a go.

I know that probably everyone has seen this by now, but for those few who haven't .... don't delay, rent it today.

You won't regret it .... and yes, I blubbed and blubbed!

www.foxandhounds-eastknoyle.co.uk