hurrayic

A New Month: April

Happy April! 

April is a finicky month.  It utters forth with rain and wind and warmer temperatures that melt the last specs of snow into mud and mush and make a sport out of puddle-jumping.  Rainboots required...need to buy some!  And then it rushes back into freezing weather, and you wonder if you need your wool hat.

Yet, I see shades of green dotting the landscape more and more, and the flowering branches of our pear tree encouraging us with its fuzzy blossoms.  The small patches of bright yellow daffodils and the smaller beginnings of purply-blue grape hyacinths which line our walkway in a haphazard fashion, make me smile. 

Last week I noticed how a whole host of red-breasted robins arrived in force to our backyard in search of food along with the squirrels and starlings.  At least I think that's what they were.  The starlings, that is.  I'm not a bird watcher.  Yet.  Hope to improve on identification!

 

Here are a few good things to usher in the first full month of the season:

:: a poem by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow for you to print out:
An April Day - Longfellow

:: another bunch of science-related activities for you to print out:
Natural Science Through the Seasons April

:: a lovely April calendar image  for you to download from Geninne's Art Blog. 

:: a Spring Cattails nature study for you to try (whole site is fantastic!)

:: a few sewing,knitting, crafting ideas:

making books like these

sewing a patchworked table runner like the one above from this book

trying some embroidered pins like Tiny Happy's

knitting a few pairs of Saartje's baby booties (so cute!)

sewing a messenger bag complete with ruffle

:: some delicious  uses for these green stalks during  peak  asparagus  season

 

Have an Inspiring Weekend!

 

Flour Sack Friday: Heart Day Preparations

 

Since Valentine's Day is just around the corner, offering a little jolt of color in an otherwise dreary landscape, I thought it would be pleasant to prepare for it's arrival, handmade-style.  In keeping with Flour Sack Friday, I wanted this year's Valentine's Day to be more about sharing thoughts and creating with our hands some unique gifts that express our love and gratitude for others. Not that I'm against buying ready-made items.  We I do an awful lot of window-shopping and purchasing of goodies, but how many little cheaply-made plastic items or glitter-wrapped pencils or artificially flavored candies & chocolates does anyone need?  (or want?) 

daughter's creations

Then too, the selection available of most store-bought cards leaves something to be desired.  They're overpriced, often cliche or just plain inappropriate.  Unless someone has included some special words written in a store-bought card, or the artwork on the front is spectacular (or if it's from Etsy, hence, handmade), I have to admit that after the sentiment is enjoyed, the card often gets tossed in the circular bin.  (I guess I could cut it apart and recycle it somehow...) On the other hand, handmade cards are collected & cherished.  Already I have a small hill of handmade goodness hidden away for safekeeping. 

 

Whew!  A little wordy...

 

With all of that in mind and the idea of being resourceful with what we have, I knew we needed to do some prep work to enjoy the upcoming day. And if you're wondering...yes, we will be using some store-bought items to make handmade stuffs.

Written Sentiments:
the kids are busy with making their own unique handmade cards (the ones above are my daughter's) and the one below (in progress) is from my youngest.  2nd son is secretly working on a stop-action animated card.  Not sure if oldest will be producing anything other than a smile and a hug.  Such a variety of styles! 

Edible Stuffs:
oh, I'm sure there will be home-baked cookies... not sure what else at the moment.  Sort of depends on what this weekend has in store.  

Ambience:
oh course, setting the atmosphere for the day is fun too.  I'm thinking 'flowers' and garlands.  All papery decorations. 
What about you?  Are you keeping it simple?  Extravagant?  Store-bought?  Handmade? 

Have yet another warm weekend!