More than making Puppets.....

The value of inter-generational crafting is far deeper than creating stuff.  Shared time working together develops a unique bond, an insight into how the other thinks and does things.  As two work together to make one item each becomes acquainted with  the other’s approach to a problem, the way they use their hands, eyes, and mind to solve a challenge.  What inspires them to keep working, what discourages them. 

The challenge for the adult is to facilitate rather than teach, to read the child’s interest, skill and need levels.  The adult is modeling, the child is absorbing words, movements, approaches to problems.  It is less about teaching steps to make a thing, it is more about discovery and working together to “make it work” and create the “thing” together.

For the adult it is being open to readiness in the child.  Yesterday, Dacia, a friend who owns and runs a Waldorf Inspired Child Care Center and I got together at her child care center for me to show her techniques in making puppets.  Her 5 yo came along.  We thought the 5yo would play with the familiar preschool toys and revel in having the toys all to herself.

No! The child pulled a tall chair up to our work table, climbed up so she could survey the work area and stated “When do we start sewing.”  She was offered several projects: a stitching block, a lacing project, a weaving project.  Something to keep her occupied and allow her to stay at the table with us as we focused on our intended path.

from Blueberry Forest

 Dacia showed me the stitching block, telling me how it works and demonstrating it.  She set it down, we moved on to discussing what she wanted to focus on making.  Plus  I asked her to share more about her approach to child care at Apple Blossom, how she envisioned using the puppets with the the children and more about the Waldorf philosophy and to help me understand what she, other teachers and parents need to promote family crafting. 

We lined things up, Dacia asked for suggestions on how improve a puppet she had make last summer.  While she began working, I set out supplies to make two more puppet heads & began making one.  During that time the child had picked up the stitching block, stitched it up and then undid the stitching.  Exactly what Dacia had explained to me about how it worked.  And by doing it, proved her interest in sewing and readiness to work at it. 

When invited to help make the puppet heads while her mom continued repairs, she quickly got down from her perch and pulled up a chair next to me.  While she does not have the hand skill and strength to fully complete a head all by herself, she could do some wrapping and mimic the steps I did. 

Working together on the two heads at once, began.  Passing the heads back and forth. Never undoing her efforts, simply tightening the ball by wrapping my layer tighter and giving her a smaller batt length.  Once we had two core balls, we worked together, all 4 hands smoothing and shaping to pull a coating layer over the core and tie it off.  Then she held, I tied.  Same with the fabric covering. 

As we all worked, Dacia shared concepts about Waldorf Dolls in general, what dolls are used by the children, which are used by adults for storytelling, etc.  The interplay of modeling, learning about Mother nature, respect, etc.  The young one adding details to the unfolding story.  Age 5.5 years, 40 something and 65years, we enjoyed shared experience and conversation.

Thanks for reading,
       Jane

Spring Arrives, Come Walk with Me

Sun is up and shining bright,








 
Sky a brilliant blue

Birdsong fills the air,
Chirps and honks and cackles.
Robin walks along the path.         
Killdeer prance about,

Pussy Willows along the drive,
Soft paws dance on slender stems.

Rich fragrance rises from the earth.
In the shade, a subtle chill.
Thin ice skates on top the pond,
Where yesterday
snow melt flooded the road.



The sun feels hot,  the cows come out
To bask in the heat of the rays.

The Trumpeter Swans are flying in.
White landscape turning brown.




 And so our day begins.


Thanks for walking along with me as winter turns to spring here in Northern Minnesota.

                  Jane

A day on the farm Begins

In the early morning light, head out to do chores. High tunnel already soaking up light this chilly March morning. 

 In the barn latest calf is getting his bath.

 

Mom cow comes over to check out the camera.

Critters fed, head back to the house.  

Enjoy the warmth of the wood stove.

And a cuppa coffee

And so the day has started.  Typical spring day here at Tranquility Pastures.  

How does your day begin?  Do you too have a routine?

Thanks for stopping in and sharing another adventure.

Enjoy and have a great day,

     Jane  

Selling at Farmers Market: so you want to be a vendor

Sherry Tucker of Laughing Earth Products & Produce

 Selling extra produce, your own home baked bread, wild berry jelly, or hand made items at a local farmers market is tickling the fancy of more and more greenies.  People interested in promoting a homemade, sustainable, organic food lifestlye.   Requests for information on how to get one’s own farmers market booth are popping up on different facebook pages and other online sites.  With a few years experience in a farmers market venue, though to share a little information that might be helpful to those in Northern Minnesota.

A Sampling of goods, vendors, activities at BNCFM, 2012

There are two farmers markets in Bemidji and other markets in surrounding towns. Most have an online presence: either website, facebook or both. Also many are listed by Minnesota Dpt of Ag via MN Grown  -- which gives you a chance to find out about each and which one might work for you.

My husband and I are vendors  in Union Square Parking Lot, at Bemidji's Natural Choice Farmers Market. 

BNCFM In Union Square Parking Lot, 2012

Fees last year were:

Full membership $50 a year - new year begins in April (I think)

Limited membership $25 (can only set up 7 times) a year
Stall fees levied for each day set up. Minimum $10/day if sell over $300 a sliding fee adds $5 for every $300 over base.

Times for 2013 will be May 18-Oct 26: Sat 8:30a-3p.  A second day each week starts in July.  July 2-Oct 29: Tue 11a-4p.  There may be more days in May and in December depending on weather and what vendors have available.

Rules & Regs: There are a number of state and market regulations, as always hoops to jump through. Still selling produce, homemade food, or arts & crafts one has more leeway than getting a commercial kitchen license to cater; or to open a brick & mortar business.  * If you wish to be able to accept WIC vouchers, it is critical that you get accepted into a market to be able to be eligible to attend a state training session on April 24, 2013. Held at MN Department of Health, 705 5th St NW, Bemidji.

Scenes from BNCFM, 2012

Printed applications and some of the rules information for Bemidji Natural Choice Farmers Market are available at Northern Surplus/Northern Outdoors. You can also contact the BNCFM Secretary, Ruth Eastling.

The other market in Bemidji is Bemidji Area Farmers Market. They set up in Old Pamida lot & are listed in MN Grown. There are also farmers markets in Bagley,  Fosston, Walker; Cass Lake & Red Lake in late summer. 

Each farmers market has it's own charm and style.  Look them over, talk with vendors, read the rules; jump in and have a neat summer experience sharing something you love to grow, make, do.

Hope you found this helpful,
    
Jane

*disclaimer:  the above are my views & understanding only, NOT an official statement from any market or government agency.

Success Looks Like This!

 The happiness of finishing a handiwork project.

Super joyful because it is uniquely Kristen’s own, even though it began with a class and a kit.

 
There is just something in needle felting that permits freedom of expression whether one is a novice or a master.  


Kristen started the felt ornament in a class in December, did the rooster side and more detailing of the star side at home.  Then it sat for awhile.  She brought it to open work time in Feb. when she added the lacing and tassel.  Viola! Yes Done. 
 
Each finished ornament is different.   These kits help crafters  get to the funnest part of crafting fast while still allowing freedom of expression in design.  

Am thrilled the Winter Ornament Kit hit the mark.

Thanks to Kristen and others who helped test the kit by taking a Family Centered Crafting Class at Apple Blossom Child Care Center. 

How do you feel about DIY kits and guidelines?  Do you want just the pattern and cut it out yourself or do you like the basic cut out done?  What type of kits have you used with greatest success & completion rate?  

Thanks for reading.  Opinions much appreciated.  

Wishing you a happy day,
       Jane

Keeping it Clean, a challenge for many..... OH YES!

Have you ever written a "commercial" for someone else's business?  That was a challenge in the Northern Exposure Chapter of BNI (Business Network International). 

My mission was to present a 50 second "commercial" for Tammy Schotzko, professional organizer and owner of We Love Messes.  Tammy was quite courageous and gave me a choice of two topics for her commercial.  I got to choose one, develop the ad and then present it at the regular weekly meeting.

It went like this:

HI I’m Jane Carlstrom of a Tranquil Nook giving a commercial today for Tammy Schotzko, professional organizer & owner of We Love Messes

Today Tammy is looking for impending and full blown hoarders.

If your a hoarder and you know it
Then you really need to own it.
If your a hoarder and you know it
Clap your hands.
IF you really want to change it, yes You Can
If your a hoarder and want help, just call Tam.

Spunky, cute, funny jingle, but, most hoarders don’t know it, don’t own it, a lot of times don’t want to change.  They have found a way to cope with life that they believe “works” for them. To change, even if needed for a safe environment, is emotionally and physically difficult for them.

Are you afraid someone you know is on the downward slide from “collector” to “hoarder,”  Someone you think is headed for trouble.  Let them know you are concerned, you know others who have been in a similar place and got help.  Tammy of We Love Messes specializes in being a comforting presence. She provides clientele a safe space in which to evaluate and release their clutter, allowing the client to embrace what is truly important to them.

I am Jane of A Tranquil Nook, commercialing for Tammy Schotzko of We Love Messes

---------
So I had a little fun with it.  Yet also hope it offered some insight.  It is really difficult for some people to "let go" of items that have come into their home.  Watching the TV show "Hoarders" actually has helped in understanding this.  Sometimes it is very hard to watch the show, to see the hoarder's behavior and also their pain.  And the pain for the family and friends who either want to help the hoarder or just want the mess cleaned up. 

I don't know if I personally could be an advocate and strong support in helping people who do not see the problem of chaotic clutter and who are often resistant to changing their environment.  So much work emotionally and physically.  It is amazing and wonderful that there are professionals such as Tammy who are willing and trained to step up to this challenge.

The challenge for the rest of us is to express concern in a supportive way and perhaps be a conduit for troubled friends to find the courage to get help. 

How would you approach a friend/family member who might  benefit from a "release of clutter" before their environment becomes unsafe? 

Thanks for reading,
         Jane

Love the snow, hate getting wet or cold?

Here in the north country, sledding, skating, snowman making are great outdoor activities.  When the wind chill goes double digit below or it is simply time to come indoors and warm up, it is nice to have creative actives ready to go.

Felt and button Snowflakes to the rescue.  Create gigantic snowflakes to dangle and dazzle with indoor crafting on a cold winter day.  Keeps fingers occupied and minds engaged.  A fun activity for one or for a group, young and old alike.

You will need:

-thick white wool felt (you could also use cardboard)
-white buttons
-glue that will bond fabric & buttons
-mono-filament line or white yarn/ribbon
-scissors 
     or AccuCut Cutting Machine and                         Snowflake die # S1614 

Gather supplies:

Lay out a pile of white buttons.  The ones shown here were collected over a number of years, they include basic white shirt buttons, mother of pearl buttons, fancy vintage buttons, most with holes, a few with stems.

Plain buttons become background and filler, fancy & shinny buttons add glam and focal points. 

You can find buttons at thrift stores,  Antique shops, maybe in your grandma’s button box.  You can also buy new buttons in bulk packages. Instead of buttons, or in addition to buttons use broken pieces of costume jewelry, beads, sequins. pompoms.

Want a more decorative hanging loop use ribbon or yarn instead of mono-filament line. 

Snowflake Pattern

Hand cut snowflakes from thick felt or cardboard.

If you have access to a die cutter that can handle AccuCut Die  S1614 use that to crank out a number of bases.







It helps me to put two felt snowflakes side by side.  One to layout buttons and one to glue.

When a pleasing arrangement is achieved, put a swirl of glue in the center of the blank snowflake and transfer the buttons one by one.  The finished arrangement may be a little different, you may add more or use less.  When you are happy with the look, set the snowflake aside to dry. 

When you have all the snowflakes done on one side take a little stretch and refreshment break.  You earned it.  Then come back and add buttons on the second side of each snowflake if you want buttons on both sides.

In general, the arrangement will be more pleasing to the eye if larger buttons are toward the bottom.  The buttons with a metal shank often work well to fill in holes or open spaces.  Add a dab of glue to the shank and slip them in place.  The main thing is to do an arrangement that pleases YOU.

 Cut the monofilament line to lengths desired.  You may choose to make them all the same length or grade the length so the snowflakes dangle in a line.

Dangle in a window, on a door, or hang on a ribbon banner/bunting.

Enjoy the snowflakes falling while you stay warm and cozy.

Thanks for dropping in today, always a pleasure to share crafting ideas.
          Jane


Resources:
Vintage Button Guide 

Have Children help by Sorting Buttons

The Button Box by Margarette S. Reid and Sarah Chamberlain (May 1, 1995) a children’s book about buttons

Button Ornaments using craft sticks/pipecleaners

Glue: I prefer Beacon Fabric Tac (it is made in the USA), you could use hot glue. If working with children choose a glue that you prefer for use with & by young ones.