Raphael

Just like his unusual choice of weapon (the sai), Raphael is arguably the most complex dude out of the TMNT bunch. Raph's got a bit of a temper, you see, and a rather bleak outlook of the world. He has a difficult relationship with Leonardo, his older brother and the leader of the group.

Unfortunately, although maybe necessarily, in original, kid-friendly cartoon series, this complex character was simplified and was mostly known for his one-liners:

• "He's not only from medieval Japan, but also from an alternate universe, so naturally he speaks English!"
• "If he starts singing, I advise changing to another channel."
• "Thanks, Raphael, I owe you one!" "You owe me 6, but who's countin'?"
• "MMMph hmm MPHMMHM!" "That's April, alright. I recognize her mumbles!"

Donatello

Donatello's weapon is the versatile bo staff and his thing is being the brainiest and geekiest ninja turtle. As the original theme song said, "Donatello does machines!" Boy, does he ever. Within the first season he single-handedly created the Turtle Van, Turtle Blimp, the Turtle Communicator, all from his crappy sewer laboratory. Granted, he had access to salvaged alien technology that the turtles liberated from the Shredder, but still, the man, I mean turtle, got moves.

Donatello is Daughter's favourite turtle, because, well, he's wearing purple and purple is Daughter's favourite colour. 

Michaelangelo

I was a big fan of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles when I was a kid. Recently I've been re-watching the original series with Daughter and Son, and that brought back nice memories.

I became a fan when my mom got me and my brothers each a TMNT action figure. By random chance, she gave me a Michaelangelo, so the party-loving, orange-wearing, nunchuku-whirling turtle became my favourite. My earliest memory is reading the back of the packaging and finding out how " ... he's the master of the whirling nunchukus. It takes eight pounds of pressure per square inch to break bone. The nunchukus generate ninety!"

(For the adults in the audience, the original TMNT comic is worth checking out, the tone is more mature than the kid-friendlier cartoon series).

Four Eggs

Four noisy white eggs

All ready to hatch

One two three four

Now they all match

How-to Tips

• The chicks are made out omelettes, fried then then hand cut.
• Use cheese slices for the white of the eyes.

Apple Tree and Star Box

So, my wife saw this thing about a dad who drew on his kids lunchbags everyday for (many) years. Check it out here, it's pretty awesome.

My wife forced gently encouraged me to do the same for our kids. My son is starting kinder this year so she could use a bit of help with lunch.

When I was at school I loved to draw. So this lunchbag thing is turning out to be a lot of fun, and I'm going to post the better ones on this blog.

I'll start with this one which is pretty simple but was fun to draw. I'm using Bic "Mark It" permanent markers, and they are fun to mix and play around with.

Angry Birds

Fun Facts

• The original Angry Birds game was made by a team of four people and took eight months to finish because it was such a low priority for the company.
• Angry Birds was downloaded 8 MILLION times on Christmas day 2012.
• There is an official Angry Birds sticky tape. Really.

How-to Tips

• All face bits are cut by hand.
• For red/orange bits, use fruit rollups or pressed fruit - the thinner the better.
• You can use the fake seafood sticks for pink parts - just unroll them into pink sheets.

How Now Brown Cow

We use wholemeal bread just to be a that little bit healthier, and in this design the brown colour works great on the cows.

If you're wondering why my wife usually makes two of everything, it's because one is for Girl and the other is for Boy. Boy is not going to school yet but she makes an extra for him so he can join in the fun.

How-to Tips

• Use wholemeal bread or some other brown bread like rye. You can use white, but the cheesy snout won't stand out as much.
• The ears are made from the crust, which gives them a nice darker colour. Nice detail, Wife!
• Snout is made from sliced cheese.
• Eyes are made from sliced cheese and the black pupils from cut seaweed.

(I'm retiring the 'What-is-it-score' section because as she becomes more practiced, the score is almost always 3-out-3)