Each year as the holiday season comes near, we can’t help but submerge our senses into the season’s joyful sights and sounds. The magical season is almost here, and our need to get busy with preparations overflows with excitement. Isn’t it great to prepare crafts or bake goods for the whole family to enjoy? I …
When I was growing up, my mom was a weaver. I remember there often being a project going on her loom, her spinning wheel tucked in the corner, and the big canning pot on the stove, dyeing yarns. I wonder now if I have always been curious about natural dyes, because in the third grade, …
Michaelmas is a festival that marks the turning of the seasons. Traditionally, it is celebrated on September 29th. In Medieval times, Michaelmas was celebrated as a time for gathering: landlords gathered rent, people gathered food, and the food was gathered into cupboards and storerooms. A celebration was held to rejoice in the harvest if it …
This set is perfect for use as a demonstration of the story in The First Thanksgiving. It also would be a great addition to a nature table or centerpiece for Thanksgiving dinner. I chose the iconic tipi home for the ease of making it, but you may also choose to use a more historically accurate …
In our busy, commercialized lives it can be difficult to slow down, be present and connect with our children. But when we finally allow our grown-up selves to put aside the “must get done” stuff and allow ourselves to play, we reap personal and familial benefits beyond anything we can imagine. Imagine getting lost in …
Looking for a solution to the tendency my children have of using too much liquid soap at bathtime, but not wanting gooey messy bars of soap sitting on the edge of the bathtub, we decided to make felted soap. This would solve our soap issues, and even give each child their own personal bar! The …
I found this sweater at a local thrift store a while ago; I really love the color of the yarn and the pattern. I decided to make a tube scarf out of this sweater. Begin by making bias tape with fabric that complements the sweater. You can use store-bought bias tape too. Place the bias …
I enjoy having a variety of creative hands-on activities tucked away for the long stretch of cold winter days. As a former ceramics instructor my heart always sings a bit when I hear “Mama, can we get the play dough out?” Keeping a little box of play clay objects, a small heavy duty canvas, and …
Materials 1 brown paper grocery bag (or equally large piece of paper) 1 6 inch stick 2 skinny 12 inch skewers or sticks (must be pretty straight) String (about 50 ft) Crepe paper, string or fabric strips Tape Crayons/markers/paints Instructions Cut the brown paper bag to 12×16 inches. Fold the paper in half horizontally (so …
Summer – throw off your shoes, open the windows, run outside and play. Then, when the day is hot and little feet are tired, lay under a simple sheet and daydream of fireflies and hollyhocks. Perhaps a tea party for a light refreshment? The days are long and energy abounds – come play with us. …