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As you probably know I have been working pretty hard on the course for for the Wildcraft game. But also, along with that, I have been creating Ella’s preschool curricula. We have attended a playgroup (that gave me some great ideas for my home program!) But for an all natural play group we had to drive an hour all the way to Portland (plus it was a little spendy, and in this economy we just couldn’t spend the money). So I became very inspired by Kristy Earthschooling.com - she has tons of great video tutorials, creating a program, natural toys and activities etc. It is wonderful!
So I have decided to start a nature based program myself! Since there is nothing like this anywhere near where I live, I am hoping I will get a few moms that may be interested.
So, I made these squirrels really fast for me and the kids ‘circle time’ today.
Every morning during circle time me and the kids sing songs and tell stories. I thought it would be really cute for my ‘5 squirrels’ story if I could make some finger puppets.
I had no idea these would be such a hit. The kids LOVED the squirrels. So since then I have made a few birds as well.
Now I am on an craft kick LOL! Not only is it economical but really fun! The kids love the handmade toys.
I am really excited to start needle felting small bendy dolls for the kids. My kit arrived today (needles, felt, wool) this starter kit is only $12.71 and it has everything you need to get started, including a nice amount of wool, pad, and 3 needles!
Have you heard of needle felting? If you have not here is an example of some really cute ideas. I don’t have any affiliation with Forest Whimsy or The Rowen Tree, I just though I would show you a really cute needle felting project.
http://forestwhimsy.net/dolls.htm
And this one from the Rowen tree http://beneaththerowantree.com/ROOTEDnov08.html
What I love about the felting is you have to stab the felt several times with the needle- I find this stabbing really relaxing! LOL!
The felting projects I make will be a little more simple right now (nothing attached that the kids can pull off). My plan for Ella’s birthday is to make a felt family (a fantasy theme complete with a wizard, fairies, a woodsman and his wife) I have built a small wood kitchen table for them to sit at- later on will be a bigger project of a tree house to scale to fit the dolls.
Kristie over at Earthschooling.com has some great needle felting projects on video - even ones that you can do with 3 yr old and chop sticks (instead of sharp needles)! Also, some great knitting projects- she has TONS of other great info as well, check it out!
Anyway, I am looking forward to blogging more now that my major herbal project is complete. Look for more articles on being an authentic mama soon!
{ 7 comments… read them below or add one }
that all sounds so awesome! I was fortunate to have a day care provider when my girls were small that would do crafts and really kept her daycare like a preschool. She was very natural as well. I would have loved to home school at that age, but it just was not practical. Now my girls are in 7th and 9th, but nature has followed them . Skyler is joining a competition team called Envirothon–they learn about the environment and then compete somehow– not exactly sure! She is also still hell bent on getting her Naturopathic Medicine degree.
I love felting of all kinds but needle felting is by far my favorite.
Love your squirrels
Thanks Elaine!
I was really into the needle felting last night, I made a small bendy doll and a mushroom for her to sit under (sort of like the gnome above)- so fun!
Your squirrels are just so cute! What a lovely addition to circle time. I may have to do something like that for our little guy. By the way, I love how you decided to start you own program. I’ve been toying with the idea of beginning our own playgroup (Waldorf-inspired), since we too were driving 1 hr. away to attend parent/tot classes at our nearest Waldorf school. Kristie has some great information packets to help you start off. Earthschooling is great isn’t it
Hi Mama Rose, thank you for taking the time to read and comment! Thanks for the wonderful compliments on the squirrels as well:)
Good luck on your program!
Yes, there is so much great info on Kristie’s earthschooling site!
What a wonderful blog! And, welcome to the world of needlefelting. I agree that the repeated stabbing motion can be somehow soothing! Lol.
Earthschooling is fabulous and we love using it. The squirrel idea is fantastic! Good luck making more crafty creatures in the future.
I’m going to start following your blog…. –Jennifer
Thank you so much Jennifer! I love felting!
Thank you for visiting and following!