I was going to write a post about Simplicity Parenting and how my classic moth and squirrel animals can fit so nicely into a natural nursery full of open ended play opportunities.
Then I looked around my actual house.
Then I saw this fabulous photo from Dosfamily that I joyfully copied above with Franklin (&Steeb's) toys.
And I knew there was a different story to write today.
I read Simplicity Parenting by Kim John Payne and was inspired. To slow down and savor the rhythm of our days. To filter out the nasty world and protect childhood. To take a garbage bag to Franklin's toys, leaving only a few silk scarves, a hand carved gnome village and a clump of bees wax. If you are feeling overwhelmed, out of control, or generally frustrated with modern American parenting, Simplicity Parenting is a wonderful guide.
But I have to admit, I love clutter and collecting and the layers of
life in all our stuff. There is something awesome about a mish mash of
colorful characters all
slightly different sizes, from different eras, none a complete set, making a weird diverse
universe. I don't want to feel guilty about that.
I like toys. It's why I make them. If I had the skills and tools to make
colorful plastic figures of my animals I probably would. But I have a
sewing machine and a pile of cashmere. So I make what I make: fabulously
huggable handcrafted critters with subtle personality and green
sensibilities.
Here's the piece Franklin and I submitted for MAKE.SHIFT gallery's collaborative kids/adults art show on Friday. We talked about making a tiger and drew some sketches. He isn't drawing figures yet, but was excited about doing stripes. So I had him do the surface design. Then he drew some circle-ish shapes for the face and body patterns. He also gave me direction like "it needs two legs on each side" which sounds obvious and a bit bossy, but is slightly different than my usual critters. So it really was a collaborative effort, different than either of us would have created on our own.
If you want to make animals with me, get your name on the mailing list. One of these days I'm going to start teaching classes again and newsletter subscribers will be the first to know.
Flowers for mothers day is a no brainer. But what if you want to show your mom you love her all year long? When you think about all the diapers, dishes, and drama she has dealt with through the years, she probably deserves more than one day of blooms.
vest detail
Five remarkable ways to give your mama flowers this year
1. Flower CSA or subscription. So many farms with community supported
agriculture programs offer bouquets as add ons in their crates and some farms
specialize in flowers. Do a google search in your mom's area to see if
you can hook her up with a weekly bouquet that is fresh, seasonal and
shows off the beauty of her region.
2. Plant a flower garden together. A window box or planter for her patio can be sweet for mom's with limited space. If your mom is an established gardener, offer a day of weeding, a packet of interesting annuals or special variety of one of her favorites. Think outside the box and delight her with gorgeous edibles like herbs, beans, peas, or even grains.
I think its best to buy seeds from companies that specialize in your climate. Around here (as in down the street)I love Uprising Organics. Don't overlook your farmers market for growers who may offer seeds, starts and bulbs perfectly suited for her backyard.
3. Don't want to get dirt under your nails? Go cyber blossoms.
Erin {Floret} april 23 arrangement from seasonal bouquet project
I just fell in love with the seasonal bouquet project. It's a weekly blog kept by two farmers with an amazing sense of style on opposite coasts posting a bouquet they created with local flowers. Here's how to make it a gift: You and your mom each bookmark the blog and share which bouquet you liked best in a text, email or phone call each week. Stay connected and always have as a beautiful conversation starter.
4. Never too old to create art. I find myself sending Franklin's scribbles these days but not taking the time to make a sketch or watercolor myself. Wouldn't your mom be delighted to open an envelope bursting with tissue paper and glitter, stickers and paint. Recreate a favorite elementary school craft or use it as an excuse to have a creative playdate with whatever art supplies you have around the home or office.
5. A felt flower from moth and squirrel will last throughout the years. A pin is a great option for dressing up jackets, hats or bags. She can even just pin it to a bulletin board. Or if your mama has a bit more flair, flowers for the hair will make her feel super special.
Steeb's mini garden project last summer didn't produce much other than joy.
I make all my products from recycled materials. But I don't have any clever tips or tricks or crafts for you today. And I don't want you to feel guilty about wherever you are on the spectrum of environmentalism. It's not that I don't want us all to work together to make the world a better place to live for the next say, seven generations. I do. But I know that it has to be enjoyable if lifestyle choices are going to last longer than a new year's resolution.
Today I am offering a friendly reminder that often the thing that is better for the environment is also more delicious, more economical, more beautiful and more fun. So ride your bike because the lilac scented wind feels lovely through your hair this time of year. Plant a garden because it brings wonder and rhythm into your yard and fresh herbs make cocktail hour divine. Leave your car at home occasionally because it's cheaper than a gym membership or a therapist and you won't be stressed out circling for a parking spot. Buy a gift from moth and squirrel because cashmere, colorful cotton and one of a kind stitched designs will be cherished for years.
I am excited to check out other artists working with a wide variety of recycled materials. I will not be participating as moth and squirrel, but I will be down at the federal building on Sunday helping with the Bellingham Textile Project's community weaving. Come say hello, learn more about this new project and help us weave a rug.
For more info on the activities, exhibits and entertainment, visit the RARE site
