After last Friday's events in Connecticut, my friend Rachael shared with me a lovely idea that she and some other bloggers are doing:It's a sweet and simple way to share love within our communities and families. In Rachael's words, "There is so much that we cannot control in this crazy world, but i know that we can absolutely find time and ways to show those around us that we care."
Today I am going to share a little project I made with Violet and Henry's preschool class this week.
F, is for Felt. Felted soaps to be exact.
This is a project that has been on my mind since last Spring actually when we visited the sheep and wool festival. I came home from that trip with two large bags of dyed wool roving with such a project in mind, but alas have only gotten around to it now.
I piled all of my supplies: stockings, dove travel soap bars, wool roving, towels (a MUST because there will be water everywhere!), and two buckets (one for hot water and one for cold) into the car, along with the kiddos of course. And we were off for a crafty morning at school.
I used this tutorial (thanks to Helen for the referral) for the felted soap making. We had a lot of fun. Some were more interested in others. Some enjoyed the prep work more than the actual rubbing and felting, others were the complete opposite. Some, like Henry, thought it was lots of fun to dunk their "stocking packages" into and out of the bucket fairly forcefully, splash water everywhere, and pretend that it was a fishing rod! Violet, was a super duper helper! She helped me rub and felt some of the soaps that had been left behind too soon and helped to keep everyone's labeled and in order. She was so cute, and such a fantastic helper.
This is the fourth time I have visited Violet, and now Henry's too, school. In the past we made clothespin people, snow globes and stars, and comet balls. Each time I enjoy seeing how differently the children go about doing a new project. It's interesting to see how they each become involved and how they listen. Interesting also, is how some loose interest initially, but then come back to check it out.
Every time, they end up with something new! Something cool! Something to take home to use or to play with or to give. And, each time, not only do they learn something, but I do too! Working with other kiddos if fun, chaotic, and completely different than working with your own kiddos. It stretches your mind and allows you to enjoy what you enjoy even more so.
So, S is for sharing...obviously sharing "how to make felted soap", but also, S is for sharing my time. Not donating it, but sharing it. Sharing my time which benefits me, and hopefully too, Violet and Henry's classmates.
Try making felted soaps. It's a ton of fun. It does take a bit of patience and persistence, but, it is truly easy enough for even the 2-2 1/2 age range with some adult guidance. And, it's a fun little handmade gift to give.
Oh, and as a special little treat, while the kiddos were sitting down for a snack and taking a bathroom break I made them some little snowmen ornaments to take home too!
I felt very much like a little elf, working in the corner, them not knowing what I was working on. And then Violet and I "delivered" them next to each child's soap while they were taking a bathroom break. I hope they like them.
(Wanna know how to make them? Two wool felt balls, knot one end of embroidery floss, push up through the bottom of the first and then the second ball. Make a loop at the top, tie a knot. Cut thin strips of felted wool or felt, tie around the neck for a scarf. Use a permanent marker to draw on the face. Super quick and simple!)
Also, F can be for flower too. Remember these little flowers from earlier this week?
Wouldn't it be lovely to make some of these to give out to teachers, neighbors, classmates, anyone really...Give them a try and pass them out, I promise it will brighten their day and make them smile!
Need some more ideas for the ABC's of love? Give one of these a try...
