Friday, November 16, 2012

Spring Fair

Last weekend our local Steiner School celebrated its annual Spring Fair. This was the third year that I have been asked if I would like to share a table with some VERY talented friends in the gallery space. My contribution was smaller than I might have liked but I have been kind of busy this year with my little ones!

First up I had some needle felted tooth fairy hanging pockets. I made the first of these a few months ago when A lost his first tooth. The pocket is just the right size for a coin, a crystal or two and perhaps a letter from the tooth fairy. The beautiful roving that I used to make these came from here.


I also made some folded star lanterns and two felted toadstool houses with playmats


And here is what our table looked like . . . see I told you they were talented.

Spring Table

Winter Table

Autumn Table

Summer Table



The weather was wonderful and we all had a great time at the various stalls and activities. The maypole dance was a favourite but I didn't get a photo.
H and Dadda made a wreath for her to wear

A taking it all in

Baby L and I having a cuddle

I added this photo because I couldn't resist!

Tuesday, November 13, 2012

Busy Bees

One afternoon not too long ago this Mama needed to keep Miss H out of the house so that Baby L could get some much needed and sometimes elusive day sleep time. We headed outside and I suggested a walk in the little park that adjoins our house. We wandered downhill towards the large Casurina tree and while playing with the seed pods that we fond there an idea began to form in my mind. These pods make the best bees. This not an original idea rather one that I have seen in various places over the years and I cannot point you to a source. Perhaps it is The Nature Table book.

When we got back to the house I crept inside to get a few things and then we were all set to sit outside and enjoy some sunshine and make bees.

Our supplies : Scissors, wool (yarn) in brown and yellow, tulle, Casurina pods and sticks

The process is simple - wind the pod in the yellow wool and then tie off.
Cut an elongated oval from the tulle and roughly pleat with your fingers.
Cinch in the middle and tie the tulle on using the tails of the yellow wool.
Add the brown and tie a few knots.
Cut brown wool to desired length and then tie onto a stick and viola a simple little bee puppet perfect for flying around the garden.




These bees were so popular with H that she asked to make more so we had some to share with our little friends.
 

The bees also make a great addition to our seasonal nature table or as story props.

H in action telling me a little story about the bees visiting all the flowers in all the gardens
I will note that after a few days of play the knots on the original bees were beginning to loosen so I added a drop or two of PVA glue to keep them from unravelling and so far that seems to be working well.

Thursday, November 1, 2012

Slow down , you move too fast

Slow down, you move too fast, you've got to make the morning last
Just kickin' down the cobble-stones, lookin' for fun and feelin' groovy

Feeling groovy

Hello lamp-post, what's cha knowing, I've come to watch your flowers growin'
Ain't cha got no rhymes for me, do-it-do-do, feelin' groovy

Feeling groovy

I've got no deeds to do, no promises to keep
I'm dappled and drowsy and ready to sleep
Let the morning time drop all its petals on me

Life I love you, all is groovy 

Feeling Groovy - Simon and Garfunkel

Do you know this song? I have heard it in the past but recently heard a new to me version by Renee and Jeremy and I love it! So much of the lyrics resonates with my life at the moment.

In an effort to slow down I have drastically cut down on screen time. Luckily we dont watch TV but I was finding that in the evenings when my little people were tucked up in bed my precious evening hours were being consumed with the computer - Pinterest, Facebook, reading my favourite blogs, Ravelry - I am sure you get the picture. There are so many amazing, generous, loving people out there with tempting patterns, words of wisdom, free tutorials and ideas that would leave my brain spinning.
In my absence from this space and even from catching up with some of my favourite blogs (sorry friends) I have focused on finding a healthier balance and use of my evening time. More time for sleep, my hubby and my crafts makes me a much happier person and Mama all round.











Spring is in full swing here and the last month has flown by in a blur of busy times. I am trying to get out more with my children when I can to spend time in the garden and the older two really enjoy , planting seeds, watering and the anticipation of all the good things to come. Baby L is expanding her little world and is enjoying the feel (and the taste) of the earth.