a little crafty nest

l'il odessa

I'm joining the yarn-along with Ginny and friends today.  There are so many good projects being shared, so if you have a few moments, it's worth a peek.

Sweet Sunshine is my most appreciative knitting recipient.  I can make her anything and she is delighted.  When she saw my Odessa from a few months ago, she was so complimentary that I knew she needed a matching one.  I used some leftover wool from her vest (which, for some absurd reason makes it feel like it's free, though I know I actually did pay money for the yarn).

My first attempt came out too small and this one is the same sizing as my own.  I like this pattern which was a challenge at first because I had to stay so focused, but this time around it was a very natural, easy knit.  I'm learning as a I go...

So then, why would this happen?  My biggest knitting calamity yet. 

I began a sweater for my littlest boy but the yarn and needles were different than the pattern called for.  I tried and the first came out too small (said baby bear) and the second one, an inch from finishing the body, ahem, came out too big (said papa bear) so I'm hoping/wishing/needing number three to come out just right.  I've never been so remorseful about a knitting mistake and I'd probably have frogged it by now, except, you see, there is this little boy who comes and picks it up every morning to see if there's been any progress.  He's more than a wee concerned that I haven't knit in a few days.

But the best knitting of all, I'm saving for last.  Absolutely.  The.  Best.  Knitting.  Ever.  (According to me, and as the Number One Fan I get to assign this generous title.)

(drumroll, please...)

My seven year old son's First Grade Sky Scarf.  I came across this idea on Pinterest last year and thought it was brilliant for a new knitter.  On school days (or if the passion may strike, any day) two rows are knit to reflect the colour of the sky.  We simplified it to four colours: light blue (sunny), dark blue (stormy), white (snowy), and grey.  Forrest is a good knitter and by nature, not much of a complainer.  There are some days that he will sit eagerly, chatting away and knit up his two rows in no time.  And then there are other days that he will plod along a little more slowly, a little less eagerly.  And then there are other days, only a few times really, that he will be distracted and the rows will come out all higgeldy piggeldy and Mama comes in to untangle the mess.  But, at the end of his knitting session, he (always) will hold it up and squint at it and declare that he likes his knitting just fine.

For several weeks before Christmas, Forrest's Sky Scarf was abandoned for a different knitting project...a gift for his sister.  He steadily carried on with determination, and some gentle nudgings, too, and created this...

Sunshine watched him knit it up, reminding him who the gift was for.  But it didn't really look like much, til Forrest and I secretly stitched it up together and stuffed it (I stitched, he stuffed).  And suddenly, it came to life!  Sunshine was so happy with it, she said it was her best gift ever!  Forrest was so happy with it, he slept with it for one night before he gave it to his sister.  This is one well-loved lambie.

As for books, I'm reading through many gardening catalogues and books right now, planning and dreaming (big).

I'm pretty obsessed with dyeing wool right now, and this book of mine is getting read from cover to cover, for the fourth time, I think.  It is called Harvesting Color by Rebecca Burgess an it is a gem of photos and knowledge, organized so ideally by seasons.

I also inherited a copy of The Spiritual Tasks of the Homemaker by Manfred Schmidt-Brabant which has been at the top of my book list for far too long.  I have not yet read much more than a few pages, but I understand it suggests a way to bring more spirituality (in the Steiner sense) to one's chosen role as a homemaker.  In the past, the duties of the household were shared among many, but in our time, "the household rests with the homemaker alone....(and) she neither lives up to her ideals nor does she fulfill the expectations of her family.  This is at the root of her great frustration, and it is tearing the family apart...The homemaker has a significant amount of work to do which she can hardly manage physically.  A deep hopelessness arises, leading to loneliness..."  While this sounds very negative, it is simply the launching of why the need for a spiritual, anthroposophic approach to homemaking is vital to the mother, and to the family.  Food for thought.

What are you knitting and reading today?

three pairs of mittens, two knit cowls, and one Waldorf doll...

It is amazing how swiftly time flies, particularly during the holiday season!  I took an unexpected break from this here space which lasted nearly two weeks...but here I am, feeling a wee bit more relaxed now that the bulk of the holidays are behind us ~ though we are still putting the finishing touches on a few projects.  While they weren't completed for Christmas day, we will give them to the intended family members on Three King's Day in a week's time.

By far, this was our most productive elf-making year.  Between the two of us, we made most of our gifts and I am amazed at it all.  Each holiday season, we try and make a few gifts but this year, my husband and I aimed to spend as little money on storebought gifts as possible.  It was a wonderful challenge that we often spent discussing late at night, side by side on the couch beside the woodstove, as I was stitching or sewing or knitting, and my husband was dusting off the woodshavings after coming in from his shop. 

 made by Sunshine, age 4

I wish more people could appreciate that these treasures are coming from our hearts and minds and hands...that an expensive store-bought gift cannot replace the genuine love that is imbued in a hand-crafted item. 

invitations made by all three children for a neighbourhood party we hosted

Together, Josh and I managed to make :

~ three pairs of mittens,  two knit cowls, one Waldorf doll, a twin-sized quilt, one knit hat, a necklace, a night-time blessing wall hanging, three sets of pajama bottoms, a dozen jars of salve, half a dozen jars of facial cleanser, (not to mention all that canning from the fall), a guitar stool, an ironing board, a chair, a renovated dollhouse, and a hair stick (phewf!) 

(I estimate that if we had bought all these items for our loved ones from a store, we would have paid at least triple the amount we spent on supplies!)

But, really, it isn't so much about saving money as it is about creating the perfect gift(s) for the people we love.  And the fun we had was priceless, as was the expressions on our children's faces.

It gives me such pleasure to see my children appreciate the efforts that were made to bring them happiness on Christmas morning.  And even greater pleasure to read my oldest son's note to St. Nicholas that was left out with some cookies ~ a tradition from my childhood where we would list in detail all the things we hoped Santa would leave for us.  My seven year old only had this to write, "Dear St. Nick, I wish you happy travels tonight!  Love, Forrest". 

That little message to St. Nick tells me all I need to know about where the spirit of Christmas resides in the hearts of the ones I love.

making a fairy garden (tutorial)

For my daughter's fourth birthday earlier this month, I found the loveliest (and pinkest!) book of fairies with pictures illustrated by our favourite fairy expert, Cicely Mary Barker.

In addition to all the familiar and delightful fairies we have come to know through her other books, there are wonderful poems, activities and a lengthy chapter story as well.  I think it appeals to any of us who love fairies!

In the (gold-edged!) pages, we saw a lovely little fairy garden that we created ourselves, changing things a bit here and there to make it our own.

First, Papa made a 3' x 18" cedar box to plant the flowers.

The children collected several rocks to line the bottom for drainage.

We added some of our home-made soil mixture, leftover from our garden starts.

We planted some flowers, little ones are best, though we used what we had.  Sprinkling a little sand for a pathway to wind through the garden, lined with glass beads.  A little dish of water surrounded by some moss makes a lovely place for the fairies to cool themselves on hot, summer days.

One afternoon, we made salt dough toadstools and snails to decorate the garden.  A few pink and purple lanterns add a festive atmosphere.  Now, we wait for the fairies to appear...

This book is a real gem for anyone charmed by the wee folk...particularly if you are between the ages of 4 and 12, I think.  We are having such fun creating this fairy garden right outside our front door...and it continues to evolve and expand with magic, every day. 

Shhhh, if you build it, they will come.

making a fairy garden (tutorial)

For my daughter's fourth birthday earlier this month, I found the loveliest (and pinkest!) book of fairies with pictures illustrated by our favourite fairy expert, Cicely Mary Barker.

In addition to all the familiar and delightful fairies we have come to know through her other books, there are wonderful poems, activities and a lengthy chapter story as well.  I think it appeals to any of us who love fairies!

In the (gold-edged!) pages, we saw a lovely little fairy garden that we created ourselves, changing things a bit here and there to make it our own.

First, Papa made a 3' x 18" cedar box to plant the flowers.

The children collected several rocks to line the bottom for drainage.

We added some of our home-made soil mixture, leftover from our garden starts.

We planted some flowers, little ones are best, though we used what we had.  Sprinkling a little sand for a pathway to wind through the garden, lined with glass beads.  A little dish of water surrounded by some moss makes a lovely place for the fairies to cool themselves on hot, summer days.

One afternoon, we made salt dough toadstools and snails to decorate the garden.  A few pink and purple lanterns add a festive atmosphere.  Now, we wait for the fairies to appear...

This book is a real gem for anyone charmed by the wee folk...particularly if you are between the ages of 4 and 12, I think.  We are having such fun creating this fairy garden right outside our front door...and it continues to evolve and expand with magic, every day. 

Shhhh, if you build it, they will come.

three little bunnies

Somehow, the week slipped by and I realized I hadn't shared the three little bunnies I made this year for Easter.  Last year, I sewed these bunnies up from scratch, but when I came across this cute little fella, I glanced at the calendar and wondered if I could knit three of them up before Easter.  Well, it all came together, rather easily, with the last little end being sewn up just as the Bunny was hiding eggs in our garden.

Oh, these were really fun to knit...and very easy.  Lots of pieces to sew together, but so worth it when they are put together.

The name of the pattern is The Well-Dressed Bunny, but as you can see, the boy bunnies are still in their, um, birthday suits.  I guess I'm not that fast of a knitter.  The pattern I bought from Fuzzy Mitten came with three clothing options ~ hoodie, waistcoat, and pinafore.  I began with the pinafore in a lovely Mini Mochi rainbow yarn for my girl who declared it the softest bunny ever ("evah").  Indeed!

They arrived in their baskets on Easter morning, and stayed in there for a few days, in a special spot on our hutch, surrounded by our dyed eggs.  Now, they are often nestled under little arms, accompanying my little ones into dreamland.

I'm not sure what is more adorable, these little bunnies, or seeing my one year old son clutch his little bunny to his chest and strut about the house making truck noises. 

Thanks to Ginny for hosting the lovely yarn-along.  Next week I'll have a book to share as right now I'm immersed in a few good reads, mostly homeschool related.

 

ravelry notes here

inspiration here

handmade for the holidays...that would be the one that just passed

Better late than never, right?

First, there were two beeswax crayon roll-ups for Forrest and Sunshine.  Forrest graduated to stick crayons while Sunshine seems old enough to take better care of her crayons...and oh, she feels so grown-up with her lovely set!

All three little ones have their own sketchbooks...it's easier to hold all their drawings together than to have so many looseleaf masterpieces scattered about!  Even little one year old Huckley has a sketchbook, which he uses...the older two model how to use it properly, without even knowing what they are doing.  Using beautiful beeswax crayons (Stockmar) are absolutely positively the best - and worth every penny for the vivid colours and rich quality.

Another handmade gift, which was no surprise to them, were knitted neckwarmers, which I posted about here.  This is what they look like adorning their necks...

Forrest requested (several times) to make his extra long to cover his nose when he goes skiing.  However, he informed me during the taking of this photo that "Next time, please mama, could you make it not so long?"  Sighs.  The younger two have been wearing theirs when I request them to, however, I'm not so sure Forrest will use his too much...we shall see...

I also made our traditional Christmas Eve pj's for the three children.  I found some flannel with candy canes and snowflakes ~ Sunshine tells me they are just what she wanted!  Though, she says this with great delight whenever she receives anything.  So much like her Papa.

Papa also made a little something for the children, inspired by some items out of the Nova catalogue and by my dear friend, Melanie at Our Ash Grove and her husband.

These sandwich boards were harvested and milled with Josh's chainsaw and then he cut out shapes for each child.  With a little regular beeswax polishing...

...these little boards hold a lovely meal that each child can take to the table on their own.

Please go see Melanie's snack boards here.  They are so delightful!

Of course, not nearly as many ideas made it to completion.  But, then again, half the fun for me is imagining, designing, and thinking about what I want to make for those special people.  And there's always next year!

cluck cluck, clickety-clack

I have a new project on my needles so I am joining Ginny for her weekly yarn-along today.

My older son's cardigan was finished in the nick of time for his birthday last Friday.  Tomorrow I plan to share how it turned out, as well as some mama-made pants, too.  But I'm rather excited to get back to the Knitted Farmyard project which I hope to have finished for the holidays in something like six or seven weeks!  Yikes!

Like the sheep and the pigs, these little chickens (called cluck clucks around here) were such fun to knit up ~ and being so small they are a snap to whip up in an afternoon or two.  I had to play around with the comb and the dangly thing beneath the beak (what is that called?), but I think they are working out well.  The children certainly approve.  They watch me knit them up, sometimes offering their opinions (ahem!).  But then I stash them away so that when the whole farmyard is revealed, it ought to be a bit of a surprise...even a wee little one!

I'm cheating a little with the book this week.  What with a bedroom reno stalled out upstairs and many boxes of books and treasures stored away, there are not a lot of books lying about.  So I grabbed the first thing I could find, The Thirteenth Tale by Diane Setterfield, which I have already read and I think I remember vaguely that it was an engaging, fast read.  What I really hoped to have found was my beloved Kirsten Lavransdatter, but that will have to wait until the reno is complete.

Besides, if this book doesn't read as swiftly as the first time through, there is always a few more cluck clucks to whip up!

all a-quiver (a tutorial)

This past weekend, my big boy, my eldest, turned six.  There was absolutely no hesitation about what we wanted to give him for his special day...he is obsessed with bow and arrows.  And while I took a peek at some store-bought bow and arrow sets, there was no question we wanted to make him his own. 

My husband made the bow (ponderosa pine and larch) and four simple arrows, using feathers from a grouse he hunted with a sling and shot a few years ago.  He also used some feathers from an old family friend's parrot (?) and foraged goose.

I was excited, though a little intimidated, to make him a real quiver.  When I began, a few weeks ago, I had no idea the carrier for the arrows that archers wear slung on their backs is called a quiver.  A nine year old boy told me this after I had gone to see his folks about some hide to make the quiver.  I finally found some buffalo hide that was 1/4" thick...tough stuff, for sure.  Around here, the Native American Church is a pretty big deal, so I was grateful for the generosity of tools and tips from a few friends.

This is the finished quiver I made for Forrest.  I thought I'd take you step-by-step on how to make one for yourself because it was much easier than I anticipated, and so very satisfying.

These are the equipment and tools you will need:

A nice sized piece of hide, a piece of leather for the strap (I used a belt I found at a thrift store for $2), sinew or leather string for lacing, a leather punch, and a rotary cutter.

Next, measure your leather.  I wanted a quiver for my six year old, so I cut a piece that was 17" long x 12.5" wide.

After cutting through the hide, I used a ruler to make pencil marks 1/4" in from the edge, 1/2" apart along three sides for where I wanted to punch the holes for lacing.  Being precise makes a more polished look.

The hole punching is tiresome work!  I had to rest many times to get the holes in...buffalo hide is really really tough!

Next came the tricky part, attaching the strap which I decided to attach before doing any of the lacing.  I cut a belt to 25".

Above you can see two 1 1/2" slits I cut to insert the strap.   The bottom slit is 3" above the edge while the top slit is 1" down.  I punched four holes into the strap and into the hide at each slit.  Then I slipped the strap into both slits and sewed them down with the sinew, which is unbelievably strong.

Once the strap was attached, I laced up the long sides of the quiver.  This was a whole body exercise as I needed my feet to hold the quiver while pulling really hard on the sinew. 

My husband also helped hold it steady while I spent a long while tightening the seams which was a little tedious with a crochet hook.

I used a yogurt container to make the template for the circular bottom piece of the quiver.  I stuffed it into the bottom end and simply cut off what was sticking out.

This leftover container made the template for the circular bottom end.

Lacing the circular piece to the bottom of the quiver is a lesson in patience, but it paid off!

This is probably one of my most favourite things I have ever made!  So much easier than I anticipated, and now my mind is off and running about all the other potential leather work to be made!

And my six year old...how did he like it all?  Well, let's just say it was a definate bull's-eye!

box of treasures

My three year old daughter is not much of a dolly girl.  Oh, I've tried, believe me.  She shows some interest for a few moments, and then moves on to more action type play...like trucks and motorbikes and see-how-I-throw-the-dolly.  I have to admit, I'm a little sad about this.  I know, I know, honour who she is and what she likes and don't force her into a mould.  But, really now, I am a dolly girl. 

As her third birthday approached, one of her most requested stories at bedtime was my recollection of dolly play when I was a girl.  The old-fashioned school set up in my basement, the high chair I got from St. Nicholas that my sister thought was meant for her, the doll I painstakingly made walk every step to Kindergarten a whole two blocks away.  She especially loves the high chair story and so that is why we gave her a dolly high chair for her birthday ten days ago.  She loves it.

And the hand-made presents we made for her grew out of those stories.  
Josh made her a cedar treasure box that I filled with dolly clothes.

 
Sunshine has a very special doll made by my dear friend who owns maplerose.  I have been saving the doll for a few years, until Sunshine was old enough to care for her properly, or until she ever became smitten with dolls.  Both of those reasons went out the window when Sunshine was diagnosed with diabetes in January.  Josh went home on our second day at the hospital to gather clothing for our family and I asked him to find the doll at the back of my closet. 

  
She was great comfort to Sunshine in the hospital, but soon after settling back at home, she was rejected.  I think Sunshine associates that really horrible time in her life with this doll.  So...Maya (as she came to be known) was given a wardrobe change...a whole new look to hopefully spark renewed interest.

 
I had such fun sewing these little (pink!) outfits from scraps of Sunshine's own clothes.   

 
 
 
Maya's sweater is a pattern by Shelly (waldorfmama) found here.  It was such fun designing and making Maya's wardrobe...it sure came together a lot faster than sewing for bigger babies!  And all three children were pretty excited by the box of treasures...

 
There's been a lot of dolly play since Sunshine's birthday.  And even if my daughter never becomes a dolly girl like I was, I know in my heart that is just fine.  The comfort she provided my girl in the hospital is beyond priceless...and for that, Maya, I will always cherish you!

 

two little piggies

I thought I'd join Ginny at Small Things this week for a yarn along.  I so enjoy seeing what other people are up to and I am continually being inspired by both projects and books.

 
The book I'm reading is The Story of Edgar Sawtelle by David Wroblewski that my mom passed along.  It is the story of a teenage boy who cannot speak and his parents who operate a dog breeding kennel.  Truly, it is a tribute to the relationship between a boy and his dog combined with a thriller.  It is an intriguing read, though I find there is a sense of sadness and loneliness on each page.  Perhaps my next read will be a little more uplifting.

 
And here are my three, er two (so far), little piggies for the Knitted Farmyard I am making for my three children for Christmas.  Slowly I am acquiring some animals for the farm.  They are such fun to make, so simple and so easy...I love that!  And I know that my little ones will just love it, too.

Thanks again to Ginny for hosting a wonderful yarn along!  I look forward to seeing what you are knitting and reading right now.

rainy day spring play

It's raining...lots.  I love the rain and the Life it brings forth...birthing vibrancy and blossoms and ohh, that good earthy smell!  Indoors, rainy day spring play can be a little more boisterous than at other times.  Our Spring playscape is a good way to (usually) help bring that energy down a little.  I've shown our playscapes before, in Autumn and again in Winter.  The children really love the stories and games they create with simple, handmade toys and I love to watch their imaginations soar.

 
We were rather inspired to see this family across the neighbour's field when I brought out their new toys.

 
 
 
Seasonal playscapes are such a simple way to bring nature indoors or to make a special story come to life.  With a few silks, some rocks and branches, and a few handmade felted toys, suddenly a little world emerges.

 
These trees are such fun to create!  A simple toilet roll inserted into a knitted brown tube and topped with a pom-pom makes easy trees...though, I learned not to make the trunks too tall or they topple.  By creating new pom-pom tops for each season, the trees can change their foliage just like outside.  I especially love the soft colours of our blossoming fruit trees.

 
 
And now that my littlest one is mobile, he is so tickled to join in the big children's play...even if it's for a brief moment before he tastes the toys!

 
While the rain nourishes the garden and brings all the Life forth, these little ones have a few moments of quiet play with a very simple Spring playscape.

bubble magic

The weather has been warming up and we've been loving the lengthening days.  I've noticed that Forrest is outside sooner in the day, and takes longer to come back inside at the close of the day.  There is so much to do!  However, Miss Sunshine is a little more reluctant lately to venture further than the back porch without me, as she was recently frightened by a neighbour's runaway cow that she watched escape from the herd down into our property.  Whenever she hears them Moooo, she gets petrified!

While I love my kitchen helpers most of the time, some nights I feel pressed for time to get everything ready.  Ten month old Huckley thinks he is now able to help with vegetable washing and climbs way too high on his sister's step to check out the counter goings-ons.  Countless times I am racing over to rescue him from a precarious perch...and so dinner prep drags on and on and on.  It is at these moments that I need a little something to occupy my children away from the kitchen.  But the magic of bubbles lures all three of them outside!  

 

To make a simple solution, combine 2 T dish soap with 1 C water.  Many sources say to let this sit overnight, but I've never had that much foresight.  I've held onto various wands from storebought bubbles, but it's easy to make your own, as I found here. 
 
 
 
It's amazing how time slips by so quietly, punctuated with a few squeals of delight, and dinner gets made on time.   
 
Ahhhh, the magic of bubbles!

knitted farmyard ~ five little sheep

A few years ago, I came across a lovely little book with patterns for knitted animals at my favourite store, maplerose.  Not only was it on sale, but in addition to the farmyard critters, there were patterns for a family of farmers, a farmhouse, a barn and various outbuildings, and a knitted / hooked rug of gardens, crops, and a stream.  Absolutely charming!

 
The Knitted Farmyard by Hannelore Wernhard

I originally intended to make just an assortment of animals, but how could I resist the whole play scene?  I bought the rug base which measures two feet by three feet, though the recommended measurements are really three feet by four feet!  I began the cobblestone driveway two years ago...and, well, I stalled out.

 
But realizing my oldest will be six towards the end of the year, I decided to try again.  I know that Forrest will love this!  I figure I've got a little less than eight months before Christmas and if I work on one animal family a month plus some of the rug, I can do it!  Right?  (Please nod your head vigorously for moral support, thanks!)

I just finished my first family...five little sheep.  Oh, so sweet!

 
I used Sublime's Glorious Wooly Merino on size 4 and 6 needles.  The pattern was super straightforward and quick, and with a slight change in proportions, a few lambs joined the flock.  They feel so soft and cuddly!

 
My children have watched me knit these up, enjoying to pause in their play to lean against my legs or hang over my shoulder while the wee little sheep take form.  I intend to put them aside until the entire farmyard is completed, but we'll see if that actually happens.  I'm certain some little hands might go wandering to let these critters run free...afterall, isn't that what often happens to sheep?

 
I feel a little self-conscious to let you all see that I'm neurotic enough to begin my holiday gift-making in May (actually in April)!  But, before you know it, Life will have led us through the dance of the seasons and I really hope to have this big, ambitious gift ready to give to my little loves.  I don't want to lose any sleep over it...though, I suppose I now have some sheep to count if that should happen!

three little bunnykins

Spring warmth and sunshine have finally arrived, just in time for this past Easter weekend.  The Easter bunny hid our dyed eggs out in the kitchen garden, amongst the fresh straw mulch.  After munching the carrots left for him, he left a plant for each child to put in their own garden.  This year he left a few hens and chicks that were planted in various watering cans...a sweet surprise with a dual purpose!

 
I also was able to (barely!) finish making three batik bunnies for each of my children.  Oh, these were such fun to create...though I would modify my pattern a bit next time!

 
They are far from perfect, but so irresistably huggable!  

 
They have been carried about the house, set up at the dinner table to share meals, and squished between bodies for storytime, but the only photos I managed to take involved naps.  For shortly after our weekend of fun, three little people came down with very high fevers and upset tummies.  So, here are a few pictures of fevering babies and their very own little bunnykins.

 
And the one thing of comfort they just really needed while they fevered and lay glassy-eyed and lethargic on the couch, was their mama-made bunnykin.

 
Yes, indeed, these little bunnies arrived just in time to help nurse my sweet little ones back to health!

little spring gnomes

While there may be over a foot of snow in most of my garden, the promise of spring has sprung with our very first snowdrops and crocuses under the oak tree.  With some wishful thinking, I crafted a pair of little spring gnomes for our spring nature table.

 
Oh, these were such fun to make!!!  The children found them in front of the newly visible fairy door at the base of our oak tree. 

 
This tree is truly the guardian of spring for it is under her branches that dozens of snowdrops and crocuses and daffodils emerge.  The fairy door arrived one Midsummer's Eve a few years ago...but that's a story for another season!

 
We've whispered to these little spring gnomes to ask Mrs. Thaw to hurry up and melt all that snow so we may garden.  We're crossing our fingers and remaining hopeful!

handmade home ~ a special secret place

I remember those places as a child that evoked magic and mystery...places only pint-sized folk could access.  When we built our home, I was imagining such a space in the empty zone beneath our stairwell.  With a little of the leftover flooring, and a kitchen crafted by St. Nicholas himself, a special secret place appeared, like magic!

 
And if the door is open, feel free to enter the enchanted kitchen (or bear's den, or dungeon, or pirate's galley, or...)

 
This door was handcarved by my husband's stepfather, Grandpa.  It actually still needs to be hung after we properly size it to fit, and sand it in a few rough spots.  Grandpa put the little door in for trucks to pass through...clever fella with creativity oozing from his fingertips!

 
 
And on the other side of the sink at just the right height, is a wee window overlooking the creek. 
 
The playhouse has been here since we renovated our home four years ago, but before Christmas I wanted to put some more effort into it.  Sometimes, a little rearranging or refreshing is all that is needed for a new perspective on the familiar.  Other times, a few tasty felted treats for afternoon tea does the trick, too!

 
Cookies, ladyfingers, and fruit tarts...our favourite!  And my wee little daughter with diabetes can eat all she wants of these sweet treats:)

 
It has been a lot of fun for me,too, saving tea tins and collecting various nuts, branches and stones to make the "food" for the kitchen. 

 
For several days running, we have had gallons of hot drinks and pounds of sugary confections.  Tea, anyone?

 
One day, the children will be too tall to walk through this door, but I envision changing the space to suit their needs.  Perhaps I'll replace the kitchen with big, fluffy pillows for a cozy reading nook or a creative writing haven. 

It's so wonderful to have such a special secret place...what are your children's?

a boy and his bear

    When you are a Bear of Very Little Brain, and you Think of Things, you find sometimes that a Thing which seemed very Thingish inside you is quite different when it gets out into the open and has other people looking at it.

                                            -The House at Pooh Corner, A.A.Milne

Recently, my oldest son and I began reading our first chapter book together.  I have been waiting for this for a long while...since before I even conceived my firstborn!  It was obvious that Forrest was ready for a "bigger" book rather than the picture books he's always known.  Though, I was quite stumped as to which book would be The First.  My children seem to be so very sensitive to many "age-appropriate" tales with any hint of a subtle darker side, and I assume it's because (aside from in the hospital) they have never watched movies or television.  We don't listen to the radio with its frequent Very Important News updates...ugh!  so depressing!  As a result, my children seem so sheltered and I even catch myself apologizing to well-meaning others that I don't want them to be exposed to such ideas or images.  That in itself is a whole other, er, animal.

But back to Bears.  With all this in mind, and remembering my fondness for Winnie the Pooh when I was my son's age, I hauled out all the bedraggled copies of Pooh stories that I could find.  And so we began.  And it was Very Very Good.  Forrest sat up in bed, leaned forward throughout the whole story with his mouth half agape and his big eyes even wider, and Loved it.  Smiling, he told me he liked the stories so much it brought tears to his eyes!  Really.  The next morning, Forrest asked me to knit a little red Pooh sweater for his bear. 

I haven't had much experience knitting doll's clothes, but this was fun!  I set aside the larger knitting I was working on, and fenangled a vest out of some leftover red wool.  What instant gratification knitting for doll's gives a mama!  It was meant to be a sweater, but it looks good enough as a vest.

 
And my boy loves it!  It took me a few days to finish it ~ finding the time to knit is not an easy task just now!  But when I did give him his bear back, he was almost bursting with happiness. 

 
Making toys for my children is truly one of the most satisfying, wonderful parts of parenting for me.  The delight I get in creating something simple that I know my child will just love, well, it's worth more than I could possibly express.  This silly little vest did that for me.  Knitting it up while thinking of all the adventures Winnie the Pooh would take my son on...made me smile with fondness for my own similar memories.

 
As an adult, I have so enjoyed the stories all over again.  A.A.Milne had a way of writing to children, and to the child in all us Big Folk.  There is plenty of Wisdom in these pages to make me ponder for a long while after the book is closed.  Both Forrest and I laugh out loud together feeling such pleasure in each other's company, and in the adventures of one little Bear of Very Little Brain.  I also find myself emphasizing my Thoughts with punctuation more than I ever have before!

This Bear has not left this Boy's side since he was returned.  An old friend for my young son.  I find it ridiculously sweet watching Forrest sling his bear about whether he is helping me prepare dinner, tidy up, wind down, or kick back. 

 
I'm thankful there are a few Pooh books to dive into after this one ends.  Although, these stories don't really end, do they?  For a Boy and his Bear, let's hope they never ever end.  I hope that he cherishes these books and these newfound moments of reading with his mama, and finds a cozy, happy little corner in his heart, to be remembered for a long time to come.

Now, what were your child's first chapter books?

wee little gnomes

We are the little men

The dwarfs and the gnomes,

We live in the caves,

In the roots and the stones.

We want light like the stars,

Yes, the stars in our homes.

So we polish and shine

The crystals and stones.

(Winter Wynstones)

As the midpoint of winter passes, the snow lays thick and deep.  It seems as if all is quietly still and asleep.  But, beneath the cold earth, little gnomes are busily working...

 
A rainbow of little fellas made from scraps of wool felt and roving, crudely carved alder branches, and a bit of embroidery floss.  Even my five year old son is able to create a well-crafted gnome.  Simple and sturdy, they are wonderful additions to our winter playscape that allows the children's imagination to soar.

 
With a few silks in wintry colours, some crystals, and a wool roving river, these gnomes seem quite at home. 

 
I really love these pom pom trees!  I made a few for our Autumn playscape in gold, crimson, and orange wool, and now these have been replaced by snowy tree tops.  Come springtime, I am certain there will also be some treetops full of blossoms.

 
While big brother was at the ski hill with Papa today, Miss Sunshine played for a long time with our winter playscape.  I love how her imagination is really blossoming, seen in her creative, "pretend" play.  When Forrest returned, he needed some soothing and quiet play after a long day of exertion, and this playscape was where he gravitated while dinner was prepared.  I never would have guessed, but this space in our home truly is one of the more used areas for our children, and their friends.

 
The magic of childhood is a wonderful thing!  Everything comes so alive to little people...it's really rather humbling.  Sitting on the daybed beside this playscape, nursing the baby who keeps leaning forward, trying to grasp a hold of the pom pom trees, I am amazed at how simple this was to offer my 2 and 5 year olds.  A true gift for me to be included in their space, to partake by simply being present...enjoying this fleeting moment of their childhood.

handmade for the holiday (from my family)

I've shared a little bit of what I've made for my loved ones here, though I'm not the only one in my family to have been busy these last few weeks crafting and creating.  From the younger elves right up to St. Nick himself, it's been a busy household!

Josh is very creative indeed, and he made me a hairstick to replace my favourite arbutus hairstick that I've misplaced.  I was so sad about this as he carved it for me on a camping trip we did on the coast several years ago.  But this juniper replacement is a beauty, too.

 
This next photo doesn't do it much justice in my hair, but it is my daily way of tying my hair back.  I'm not very adventurous, and I've been wearing my long hair like this for years and years.

 
Another carved wooden gift from my man was a simple, wild maple spurtle.  Yes, a spurtle.  (Isn't that the most unelegant word for such a beautiful tool?)  Apparently it is a Scottish stirring stick, most useful for porridge.  Ohh, I love my spurtle!

 
And the really big gift that St. Nicholas has been working on for the past month was a dollhouse for our little girl.  It's more like a treefort, really.

 
He made it out of denim pine which is pine streaked with bluish highlights.  The vertical wood is cedar, both from our property.

 
He rubbed it with beeswax and it exudes such a lovely, warm scent.

 
Josh carved these table and chairs from birch and cedar, and I just love how rustic they feel.  This house could easily be for gnomes, fairies, or these storebought dolls.  (I wanted to make my own, but ran out of time).

 
He made the beds out of white pine and the tiny lampshades are also storebought from maplerose.  I love this little pink doll for she looks just like my little girl...in her favourite colour, of course!

 
Miss Sunshine was so very pleased to receive this special gift, though I am not sure who is more excited about it - her or me!  And we can just add to it as her play becomes more sophisticated.  I already am planning little wee braided rugs and quilts...stay tuned!

Finally, perhaps one of the most special handmade gifts I received was from my children who made me some cascara and maple buttons.  With the help of their papa, they sanded, drilled holes, and rubbed beeswax into several buttons.  I can hardly wait to make some more clothing for them with their beautiful creations.

 
It is so wonderful to see the true spirit of giving with my little ones.  The excitement of creating something with their own hands and seeing the joy that this brings is truly why this time of year is so very special.  May this season of giving and receiving continue on with your families into the New Year!

handmade for the holiday (little angels)

I believe in angels.  I have a fairy godmother who is now one of the most wonderful angels up in Heaven.  I know she looks down on me with love, blessing my life in beautiful and mysterious ways.  (One of these days I hope to tell you a little more about her for she was such a lovely lady)...I've been missing her a lot lately.

And thinking of angels, I have been crafting a few of them here and there as gifts.  I have only managed to make two so far, but there are three more in the works.  The first was for a seasonal handmade exchange I participated in through morning sun rae and sew natural studio.  This was my first swap and it was fun.  I was a little nervous, to be truthful, about creating something for someone else, and especially for mailing it on time (it seems that I'll meet deadlines but then whatever I mean to send lies around collecting dust before I make it to the post office)!  However, this time I tried my best and managed to mail it just one day late.  Abbie at greening sam and avery was my partner and I made a little angel for their nature table.  More specifically, I made a snow fairy to represent all the massive amounts of fluffy snow we usually have around here.  She took on a life of her own, and I am happy with how she turned out...I hope they are, too!

 
I was so flattered to hear that my own mother really loved this fairy...so I made her very own special caroling angel for her Christmas tree (her first name is Carol).

 
By far, the very best little angels in my life are right here with me every day, all day long...I think they are my finest creations for sure!

 
It seems we are surrounded by angels at this time of year, though perhaps it is a good way to be reminded of all the littlest angels in our lives.  Besides, what is the holiday season without a few little angels?