With our chickens no longer roaming our entire yard, we are slowly cleaning up our garden. Last weekend, I cleared out our planting beds, and after turning and sifting both compost bins, replenished the soil in them. Then I covered them with chicken wire to keep out all the critters neighboring us.
This weekend, I planted seeds. In went seeds for arugula, cilantro, and spinach, among others. Because our chalkboard markers are sweet, but lose reliability in the rain, I reclaimed some rocks from our nature table and took to them with a Sharpie.
The resulting stone markers would make wonderful little stocking stuffers, when paired with the matching seeds. They would make a great gift along with seeds and a hand made garden apron and hand made gardening gloves.
For these photos, you will have to excuse our dirty outside table. It was project headquarters this weekend, out of the rain, under the big umbrella. Above, two fairy wands, made from sticks, scrap felt and ribbons, and some glitter. With the help of my trusty glue gun, I whipped out wands for Lala and our little friend, Sasha, both of whom want to be fairies for Halloween this year. (Ginny of Small Things has lovely tutorials for a crown, slippers, and tunic that would go well with this. She also has a felted wand tutorial.)
On Friday, I was lucky to spend time with my friend Marina and her little Luca over a cup of coffee and play. Among other things, I asked what their holiday gift plans are for this year. (Marina is quite crafty!) She said she wanted to make log walking blocks for her 3 boys and could Mike or I help her by cutting the wood on Mike's shop tools. Of course! And I borrowed her idea and made two extra sets, one for Lala and one for Finn Luca. Little feet with lots of energy step right on these blocks, grab the ropes with their hands and can take off on a safe stilt-like experience!These are easy to make if you have the tools. Simply cut the wood to your desired height. Then drill a hole all the way through the log horizontally, about an inch down from the top. Thread your rope through the log. If you are having trouble threading the rope, burn the end of the rope to stiffen it and/or twist the rope to stiffen it. Tie the rope off and you are done.
(If you want a set of these and don't have the interest or tools, I am happy to make a set and do a custom Etsy listing for you.)
With so many more gift ideas in my head and energy to do them rattling around in my bones, I am becoming more and more eager for the holidays to descend!
(To share your own gift ideas widely or to glean more ideas from others, visit Renee at FIMBY and join in her holiday grab bag fun!)
