a number of things

Watercolors with Kids

         

We had our first real, watercolor lesson today.  That is, using real, richly pigmented, tube paints as opposed to pale, discount store, pan paints. 

         

Now you might think, that since I recently finished painting 100+ illustrations with similar watercolors (for the new book), that my children would have been exposed to these beautiful hues before now.  Well, I am sorry to say, not really.  Amelia has played with tube paints a bit, but the boys didn't seem interested, so I never bothered. 

        

But today, I bothered...  and what a hit!  We kept the first lesson short n' sweet and had only one spilled water glass during the whole 30 minutes.

       This is an overview of lesson #1:

• Intro to the type of paints and paper we will be using.
• Instruction on the care and use of the brushes and paper.
• Placed a bit of only the 3 primary colors onto their pallets.
• Showed everyone how to add a bit of water (the small squirt bottle) to the pigment and mix well.
• Taught them how to take a bit of paint from yellow and blue to make green. (Then we did purple.)
• Introduced (well, they had seen it hanging around before) the color wheel and how to use it.
• Introduced the terms "hue" and "value".
• Everyone made "stripes" across the paper getting a feel for the medium and for how much paint the different brushes hold. 
• Talked about how watercolors dry lighter and to lighten them we add water, not white.
• Everyone experimented with mixing different colors with and without the help of the color wheel. (They were amazed at what could be done with only three colors.)
• Painted strips of color across the lines we had made ("plaids") to see how the colors blended as they intersected.  Did this with wet over wet and wet over dry.

        

Now, if anyone has a suggestion for good book on teaching kids watercolor, I would love to hear it.  I am pretty much flying by the seat of my pants here, using my adult watercolor books to get me started.  I have got lesson #2 basically mapped out, but after that I'm not yet sure which direction I'm going to go.  Maybe I'll start on a few of the exercises from Watercolor for the Artistically Undiscovered.  I really want to keep this light and fun, but I want them to know a little more than just slapping paint on a page.  Got any ideas?  :-)

 

The Beauty of Toymaking Fair

There are so many amazing possibilities when it comes to homemade toymaking!  The wonderful ideas you see below are just the beginning! 

Ouiz over at Chez Ouiz has a beautiful post reminiscing about growing up making and enjoying handmade toys, and now carrying on the same tradition with her own kids. I absolutely love the point she makes about one-of-a-kind toys being made for one-of-a-kind kids.

Rachel shares this terrific link about knitted toys in the comments. These are so cute!  I may just have to take another stab at learning to knit just so I can try these out.  Rachel also shares her toymaking thoughts in this post on her lovely blog.  She mentions that she too is fed up with the whole China toy thing, and I have to say that I completely agree with her when she says that "One or two toys, of GOOD quality, is more than sufficient...".  And check out her amazing doorway puppet theater!! Absolutely inspiring.

Speaking of avoiding poor quality toys, Amy over at angry chicken has a great post on the topic with lots of great links to some super handmade toymaking ideas.  She also links to Wee Wonderfuls, where among the many really cool toy patterns that she designs and sells, you can download a few free patterns...

          

...like the adorable Wee Bunnies that we made last year.  These were so easy and so huggable!

Beth from Simply Sewn, shares a lovely post showing us her wonderful little Winnie the Pooh crowd.  I must confess, I just snapped up the Kanga and Roo for the perfect quality, handmade toy birthday gift for a soon to be three year old. :-)  I can't wait to see it in "person"! 

If you think making little felt and fabric creatures might be for you, check out the book Sewing Tiny Toys by Carolyn Vosburg Hall.  These are super easy and can be made by older kids as great gifts for younger ones.  You can also try out your felt toymaking skills here with this free tutorial for making the cutest little felt mouse and his bed!

I have to say though, when I asked my kids what their favorite toymaking type book was, they all agreed on Gizmos & Gadgets by Jill Frankel Hauser.  Now this is supposed to be an educational / science type book, (Shhh!  Don't tell!) but they think it is just plain fun.  It's filled with simple kid-friendly instructions for things like a "Flow-and-Go Boat", "Boomerangs", "Mini Yo-Yo Magic" a "Marshmallow Catapult" and many, many more.

For a beautiful book which is filled to the absolute brim with lovely toymaking ideas, check out The Children's Year.  It has a gentle Waldorf flavor to it and the simple projects are all made with lovely, natural materials.  I cannot wait to try more of the ideas in here!  The purpose of this book is to give us ideas for celebrating the seasons with our children, but I have to say, it is my (current) favorite for toymaking ideas.

Wow.  There are so many great ideas and books out there!  I just may have to re-visit this topic closer to Christmas once again.  Speaking of Christmas plans, Colleen already has hers made!  Here is a snip of the amazing list she left in the comments:

"Okay--So here's my plan...homemade gifts for Christmas...for Granny and Pops painted "rock critters" for their gardens. For Aunt Marcie, a potted herb garden in painted terra cotta pots. For Cousin Addie, wooden spoon puppets and theater. From Quinn to his brothers, shadow puppets on sticks..."

Good for you, Colleen! 

The last post I want to link to is from Louise, at A Time to Keep. In her Handmade Toys post, Louise speaks of a "desire to surround my children with beautiful toys made with natural material". That so exactly sums up my goal!  I told her, that sometimes I feel nearly hopeless in the fight against the tide of ugly plastic that keeps finding its way into my home, but her post gave me renewed hope!

And finally, here are a few of our own version of halfpenny dolls.  This is a little acorn-cap family that my Mom made for Amelia. (I am determined to try my hand at making some of these this autumn!)

           

These sweet little, pocket-sized, creations have taken up residence in Amelia's newly built popsicle stick cabin...

         

... but little Marie likes to take them on frequent outings and adventures. :-)

Happy hand & home made toymaking!

PS ~   This just in!!  I just received a link to another amazing post!  This one is from Kimberlee at Pondering My Heart.  You simply have to go and see this beautiful and totally inspiring post! So many brilliant ideas here.  (Lot's of especially cool boy's stuff! :-)

   

Calling All Toymakers!

There is no reason I should limit the handmade toymaking resource post to only what I have experience with.  Kimberlee made the suggestion to turn it into a Homemade Toy Fair, so that is what I am doing!  If you have a blog post, idea, book recommendation or memory about making or using handmade toys (and dolls!), please share it!  Just send me an email and I will gather them all together here next Tuesday, August 28th.

So send in those ideas, thoughts and experiences,  I cannot wait to see what toymaking treasures are out there!

Have a terrific day!

   

Handmade Toys

Collen called yesterday afternoon to ask if she could borrow any books I might have on making handmade toys.  Collen, like myself, is fed up with the whole un-safe toy thing with China, (not to mention un-safe clothing, food etc.) and is looking for simple, yet beautiful alternatives.  The timing of her call was perfect because I had been thinking about this topic for some time now and it gave me an excuse to review my craft library (the books that are not still in storage, anyway) and dig up some of my favorite links on the topic.

While collecting links for her, I came across this article written way back in 1999.  It's called "Homemade Toys:  Why Nothing Can Beat a Paper Pinwheel" and it is awesome. The author, Jennifer Soalt, breaks down homemade toys into three basic categories:  "Toys created by children, toys adults teach children to make, and toys adults make for children".

This is a topic so near and dear to my heart, as my own childhood was filled with many happy hours creating many handmade toys.  My mother bought many "making" books and left them in our path, provided the raw materials, and let me go at it.  This is also what I am doing with my own bunch.

On "Toys Created by Children" Jennifer says:

"Children tend to cherish the toys they have created by themselves because the toys are the product of their own ideas and initiative.  Parents need not, and indeed should not, direct this kind of independent toymaking."

Around here we have the "craft cabinet" which houses an array of materials and supplies.  There is an abundance of felt, Popsicle sticks, glues, string, embroidery floss, old fashioned clothespins, wood turnings, paints etc.  There are no kits, only supplies.  I truly believe that having an array of materials available, along with an assortment of inspiring books, helps to train the brain to think creatively. (Even those who profess to be non-creative. ;-))

            

The picture that you see above is a "marionette theater" made by Amelia.  Take a close look at the curtains.  On Monday she noticed that her favorite, denim capri pants were wearing thin in the hind end.  As she sat down for lunch, she heard a rip and the fabric gave way.  Instead of being dissapointed, her face lit up and she asked, "Mom, can I chop up my pants for theater curtains?!"  Sure, why not!

This has kicked off a week of stick-marionette construction and productions with each younger child (with Amelia's help) making his own simple marionette. Fabulous!  If it wasn't for the miles (well, it seems like miles) of trim that needs paint, I would be right in there with them.  The time spent crafting with the kids and teaching them to make something they can actually play with, is well spent indeed.

On "Toys Adults Teach Children to Make", the article states:

"The toys that parents show their children how to make are often classic toys they themselves played with as children: newspaper hats, sock puppets, walnut shell boats, dollhouses, pinwheels.  Many of these traditional toys are unavailable in stores or are manufactured in such a way that they loose their simplicity and charm."

To me, the best thing about showing a child how to make a toy, is that they are then equipped to teach another child that same skill!

On "Toys Adults Make for Children", the author says:

"Given the fast pace of family life today, it's easy to dismiss homemade toys as a thing of the past, a nostalgic endeavor ill-suited to busy modern lives.  But the toys we make for our children and the toys children make for themselves need not be time-consuming."

This is so true and is similar to what we are discussing over on the 4Real Learning forum.

She goes on to say:

"Many parents and children avoid making toys because they believe they lack the artistic skills necessary to create an appealing plaything. Our culture reveres commercial toys with perfect proportions and highly realistic details.  Like folk art, however, most homemade toys are not slick looking.  The paint runs on a mask, a doll's head is sewn on crooked, a cardboard train veers to one side when pushed.  However, such imperfections give the toys character and are all part of the creative process."

         

Next time, I'll share some toy making links, books and ideas!

   

Decorating Dilemmas

Well, we are finally winding down on the major work on the new living room, and we actually moved the sofa and chairs in there last night, even though the shelving and molding is not done yet.  You see, we are now waiting on the cabinet guy for the shelving and cabinetry, and frankly, we just couldn't stand it any longer.  We simply had to see what furniture would look like in this new space.

This step has gotten me thinking a bit beyond the construction phase... to the decorating.  I'll admit it, interior decorating stresses me out.  Big time.  I'm not sure what it is about it, but I think it's the fact that I'm not sure what I need exactly, and with my teeny tiny budget, I'm not sure how to get it.  I can't stand the thought of spending money on something, then getting it home and hating it.  Either way you slice it, I am hopelessly intimated by the whole thing.

So, I have been looking for ideas on the net.  I really like a simple, light and natural, semi-European look. I like an uncluttered (and unmatched), vintage / antique look.  I love fabric, especially timeless prints and stripes.

                  

The above French-stripe cloth is from The Linen Works in London.  I would love this in my backyard, or anywhere else!

            

I have been gleaning more European flavored ideas from Gruvgatan 13.  Amazing things, there.

         

Browsing the pages of House on the Hill (above) reminds me of the beautiful blog, Homespun Living.  Check out her gorgeous tea towel curtains! And oh, how I love her kitchen sink!  And speaking of blogs, have you seen the lovely Modern Country from the Netherlands?  Talk about simple, European class.

      

And of course, I have been doing a fair amount of clicking around on the ever inspiring French General web site, along with perusing the pages of The French Inspired Home and others (in the sidebar). The above 'Virgen de La Regla' is from their "santos" collection.

So, I am taking notes (literally), and saving photos and trying to envision and then create beautiful surroundings.  Ones that make guests feel comfortable, welcome and relaxed, while making our family simply love being at home.  All on a tight budget.

No pressure. :-)

 

Homeschool Family Fun!

       

Oh, what a fun time we had this weekend!

       

Listening to Cay's and Colleen's wonderful talks,

      

and fun for the kiddos...

      

...who knew how to stay cool!

      

But the best part, by far, was getting to know some amazing 4Real friends.  I can't wait to do it again!!  So how 'bout an autumn gathering, ladies? :-)

   

Dasypus Novemcinctus

          

That is the Latin name for the common, pesky, armadillo.  If you do not live in the rural south (or even semi-rural), you are probably not aware of what a problem these guys can be.  They come calling after the sun goes down, and they then proceed to dig up anything and everything. They frequently uproot huge plants and bushes while looking for their dinner of grubs and worms.

After hearing my dad talk about his regular success in trapping armadillos in his Havahart trap, I broke down and ordered the one he recommended. I assigned James the job of family dillo trapper (and put a monetary bounty on the critters as incentive... hey, I'm sick of loosing plants!) and today was his first success!  He is SO excited!  Now we just have to relocate this fellow a few miles down the road and away from people. (I know the perfect spot, complete with a water source near by!)

I do feel slightly "Beverly Hillbilly-ish" when I say this, but we are so proud of our young trapper! ;-)

**PS ~ Chip has chimed in on the armadillo thing with a post of his own.  Beware!  By reading his post you will get a glimpse into how strange we really are around here!

    

It's coming up!

The Homeschool Family Weekend, that is!  It will be August 10th - 12th in Abbeville, Louisiana.

If you are down here in the swampy south, do consider joining us for the day or for the weekend!  Below is the schedule:

Friday, August 10th

6pm-8pm ~ Family Hot Dog Roast & Social

Saturday, August 11th

9am ~ Mom's Coffee

10am Presentation by Cay Gibson, author of Catholic Mosaic

11am-12:30pm ~ Children's Story Hour

12:30pm-2pm ~ Mom's lunch & round table discussion

2:30pm ~ Mom's Reflection by Cay Gibson

3pm ~ A lovely mom's tea, flavored with ideas from my upcoming Tea & Cake with the Saints

4pm-5pm ~ Studying Art & Music by Colleen Mitchell

Sunday, August 12th

9:30am ~ Holy Mass at St. Mary Magdalen Catholic Church

11:30am-1:30pm ~ Family Picnic & Nature Study

Cost: $10 per day per family

For information on registering, please contact Cay Gibson.

      

   

Oh the Wet, Wet World

The constant rain is beginning to get to me... but not the kids!  Below are few shots of what they have been up to lately:

       

Marie carefully chose three scraps of wood from the pile in the living room.  She then had her daddy screw them together according to her very specific instructions.  The result was her "fishing pole", which she promptly hauled outside and put to use. ;-)  (Note the lovely dead plant next to her... too much water!)

       

James went out to feed the chickens one morning, and came back with a friend!  This guy hung on to that umbrella until he was pulled off!

       

This, was the highlight of their week.  They drug the canoe into the small ditch between our yard and the next, and went "boating".  This completely cracked me up but I can just imagine what the neighbors thought!

       

What an adventure kids are!

       

Thursday Corner

         

This is a very important corner to me.  It is in our new bedroom and it holds MY new chest of drawers.  I say "MY" because for 15 years Chip and I have shared a chest of drawers, mostly because of the space limitations of our previous bedrooms.  This one came from a local flea market and I absolutely love it.  My favorite thing about it is that the key holes are actually little working locks! (Now to find just the right skeleton key... )  The chair was an earlier purchase from the same place and the little lace pillow is actually Marie's that she left there.  This is her very favorite spot to come, during the hustle and bustle of the day, to just sit and gaze out of the window. :-)

Have a blessed day!