Grandchildren's Regatta

It's Spring and I figure the rivers in Utah will be running strong as the snow melts.  I am sending each of my grandchildren these happy sail boats to sail in the creeks, gutters, puddles or bathtubs.  Made of double-sided scrapbook paper with a flag made of regular printing paper and stuck on a match stick with the head cut off.  I put E-6000 where the stick meets the boat on the inside to hold it steady if things get rough during the race.  It's not easy being in a different state than they are but I can share my love and ideas with them as they come to me.

In hindsight I should have attached a pull string to each boat and maybe some Modge Podge to help it float longer.  I will make more.

Mrs. Rabbit and Lilly Elephant in the Garden

Mrs. Rabbit and Lilly Elephant are having a picnic in the garden today.  

I also had a snack.

Spring Wreath Making

We made wreaths at work, San Pasqual Academy, with things we found an campus  

Grandma Jean wore one on her head.  I love her.

We started with this floral wire, bought on Amazon, and made it into circles of various sizes with pliers to wrap the end around itself .  We made ones for heads and walls and (this one is made of lavender grown in our own agriculture field.  I added some sticks here and there cause it was cute)

This very tiny one was my favorite.  Made for Mrs. Rabbit's house.  I hung it on the inside of her door so we can see it more often when we play.  

Here's the very tiny nail that I used to hang it on the door.

I just took two small branches at a time and some very tiny, jewelry making. gauged wire and wrapped the bunch around the floral wire circle by the stems. Twist the wire around the stems as tight as you can.   I then repeated the same action this time covering up the previous wire until I had made a complete circle.  Isn't it cute!  Use the same technique for any size wreath.  The thickness is controlled by how many branches you use at a time.  You may also choose to cover the last wire with a ribbon.  I just couldn't bear to cover up any part of it.

Happy Valentine's Day

teagreenchandelier.com

Here is my valentine banner I made with my foster kids out of paper, old lace, and scalloped scizzors.

And a cute handstitched pillow I found on line at nateyprimitivesgift shoppe

Forest Love

amazon.com

I love the idea of playing in the forest.

And getting creative there.   These from

Making Peg Dolls Book

by Serena Y Lee on October 16, 2013 in Books, Castle in the Air, Crafting, Storytelling 

and making these in the winter time

Photo by Magdalena Berny on Fivehundredpx

Land Art by Richard Shilling

And foraging for food and other treasures

Bear Pattern for Orphans

Here is the pattern I used for the boys.  It can be enlarged to a full 8 1/2" by 11" page.  I used safety eyes that can be purchased on amazon or at Joann's.  I had my helpers embroider an upside-down triangle for a nose  Then tied a bow on the neck. Depending on the ability of your helpers you can put the face in a small embroidery hoop and give them a threaded and knotted needle and let them stitch the nose.  I penciled in the upsidedown triangle nose for them. Children can also stuff the bears pretty well and tie on the bows.  Here are the pictures of the ones we did.  This batch was donated to the philanthropic group Mothers without Borders for third world orphans.  Made for foster kids by foster kids.