My favorite way to gift wrap these days is by recycling. I hoard the brown packing paper that often comes in packages we receive. I’ve used newspaper and also the lighter color and weight packing paper too. All seem to work.
Sometimes the kids decorate the wrapped gift with crayon or marker, but I often leave the paper as is, tying it up with yarn, thread or lengths of fabric — Simple and sweet, with little waste.
A favorite family dinner for all is lentils and beets. It’s a one pot wonder that when topped with goat cheese and a bit of honey is delicious. But, my favorite part is how the colors mingle together before the dish cooks — deep reds, shades of greens, off-whites and the almost black, but not black, color of beluga lentils. Visually appealing and yummy, to boot.
On the same day we collected leaves (back in the fall), we also collected a couple of handfuls of chestnuts and their prickly shells. I often wondered why I was keeping these little guys around — they continually, and noisily, made their way onto and across the floor. When I watched my youngest play with our collection, I knew they were worth having around. It was amazing to witness the quiet contemplation of (at the time) an almost 2 year old, as he sorted, placed and sorted again all the chestnuts within reach. There was such beauty in the simplicity of the task at hand.
I don’t remember if I ever made a god’s eye as a kid, but my sister did. Good thing she was around when I was obsessed with making one — for the life of me, I just couldn’t figure it out. In the end, my sister led the way and I finally caught on.
In Huichol Indian culture, the first eye is woven when a baby is born and additional eyes, or layers of yarn, are added each year until the child turns five — at least, this is what I gleaned from Wikipedia. Regardless, the concept sounds so rich and beautiful.
Somewhere along the way, my second turned two. How, I wonder and right before my very eyes. He’s strong, animated, vibrant, expressive, funny and oh so cuddly.
Birthday banner hung, handmade goodies wrapped… much excitement awaited this little guy on the morning of his second. He tried oh so hard to blow out his candles. He knew it was his moment and he was in it fully. What a normal, lovely day we had, oh… way back in November.
There is so much to explore here in Washington — we have only just begun. Whether it is raining, blustery or sunny, we are out and about as much as possible. Above are moments from a November visit to Whidbey Island and Deception Pass. It was a cold, cold day, but oh so satisfying for all!
There is so much more to discover!!!
Somewhere along the way, he learned to draw figuratively (and hold his pencil better). Somehow, these newer line drawings are more methodical and intricate, and often include people. Many have elaborate stories — rocket ships and tractors are common themes.
Back in September, my first year kindergartener came home with a wet felted ball he dyed at school in celebration of Michaelemas. It was a shooting star that flew threw the air as he ran. This is what I remember, anyway. It now dangles in his doorway where little and big hands both give it a tap upon passing.
I was so enamored with his yellow shooting star that I decided to do my own version. I kept them natural, using natural wool and added a little jingle. The stars, roughly 3 inches in diameter, seem the perfect size for little hands. These balls are often the first choice when in search for something to throw.
This is a project well suited for a range of ages, with varying results depending upon age, of course. You need some carded wool, a bowl of warm water and a squirt of dish soap. Roll a wad of wool into a tight (or not so tight) ball, dip in the soapy water and gentle roll between palms until the fibers start to interlock. Once the ball starts to take shape, more pressure can be applied. In many ways, this project is about experience — feeling the warm water, feeling the rough wool, dry and soapy wet, feeling the water slide down your arms. Most likely, in the end, you will have something that resembles a ball.
If you need an hour or so to yourself, give the kid a ball of yarn. Outside a few requests for help in knotting, you have quiet and a chunk of downtime, for yarn work requires much concentration. It’s amazing to watch your living space transformed into an intricate web that only nimble little 4 year old feet can find their way through.
Here are a couple of old sketches tacked to the old studio wall, circa early 2009. I’ve been thinking a lot about making new work lately. I think it may be time to start again… soon, at least, soon, I hope.
