April 2012

I developed our Homeschool Companion Seasonal Series to use with my own kids. The first three units (Harvest Time, Winter Wonderland and Spring B's) were originally created when my oldest was in kindergarten and my middle child was in preschool (originally published Jan 2009). Each school term includes a 12 week schedule that focuses on the rhythm of the seasons with a special emphasis on holidays and nature. These programs were designed as a gentle way to introduce my children to the world around us. We read, baked, and crafted together. We spent a lot of time outdoors and at our kitchen table completing Nature Studies. These units can be used with children from 4-6 years old, although older siblings may enjoy joining in the activities.

Due to popular demand I have now added a slightly shorter Summer Unit (Puddles and Ponds) to complete the seasonal year.

Is this program really free?
Yes, the schedule, book lists, and activities guides are all available for free on our website. We understand that homeschooling can be expensive and many of us are working on tight budgets. We have chosen to make our resources available to everyone free of charge. You can make as many copies of our curriculum materials as you need for your own personal use. Please keep in mind that one of the best ways to say thank you is to place your book orders by starting on our site. This helps support what we do and let's us keep sharing great books and materials with you!

What are your copyright rules?
All materials are copyright protected and cannot be sold or distributed without our consent. That includes any schedules, text, graphics, photos or included resources (like journal pages or calendars). You are free to use these materials with your own family, in a co-op setting or any other non-profit situation as long as the copyright and website information is kept in tack on the bottom of all printed pages. You may NOT post the materials on your own website, blog or any other internet space!!! If you would like to share Wee Folk Art and our Homeschool Companion tools with your friends please link back to our site.

How is this program set up?
Each week includes one fictional story to be read two or three times throughout the week and one corresponding non-fiction book that can be read once. These books will cover all the social studies and science you need at this age. Each week includes one or two activities that correspond with the book theme of the week. One journal page with your child’s narration is completed each week. I also encourage you to take a weekly Nature Walk or field trip throughout the term. We also add in a picture studies and poem memorization. Keep in mind that the layout is very flexible and you will have to determine when to complete each task. You will find a Weekly Guide within this packet to help you get organized.  You can complete the ‘assignments’ by working two, three or four days a week.

Preschooler
The Flower Fairy Alphabet coloring book & corresponding poems are a lovely way to introduction your preschooler to the alphabet. Please note, the letters are arranged in the order they are presented in the Explode the Code Series for Kindergarten. You can follow that order or just start with A if you would like. Handwriting wise I’m happy if my preschoolers can write their own name (I write my preschooler’s name with a yellow marker on lined paper for her to trace) but you can easily add in the D’Nealian Handwriting Little Books, completing one a week if you have a child who would like more instruction. For math we play counting games (counting bears, beans, pennies), use pattern beads and play simple card games like Go Fish, War and Memory (we use a Math Deck - no face cards and Aces are marked as 1s).  For math game ideas I recommend the book “Games for Math” by Peggy Kaye. We also practice color and shape recognition. Puzzles are a great too.

Kindergarten
To make this a full curriculum for a kindergartner you will need to add in a math program, I recommend Right Start Math A, and a phonics program, I use the Introduction to Explode the Code Books A, B, C for Kindergarten (and possibly book 1). I have scheduled the alphabet in the order they appear in ETC. ETC also has teacher guides if you would like assistance in introducing phonics.  I do recommend the Leapstart Letter Factory DVD as well but be careful with the sounds for R and L. On the video the R comes off sounding like ER and the L like UL... be sure to repeat the sounds to your child without the leading vowel. When my kids start showing an interest in reading I start with the Bob books and move onto the Now I’m Reading readers. I recommend using D’Nealian or the Getty-Dubay Italic style handwriting books vs "Ball and Stick." I have added both the D’Nealian Handwriting Little Books and the Kindergarten book to my Amazon list. “Games for Math” by Peggy Kaye is a great add on.

That’s A LOT of Books
Yes, it is. 24 books a term, 3 terms in a year... gulp! I’m fortunate to have my mother’s old preschool library available to me and therefore own most of the listed titles. But do not despair. You don’t need to buy them all. I recommend purchasing the Primary Story Books. Those are the books you and your children will want to read again and again. Amazon’s 4 for 3 promotion is available on most children’s books which helps bring the cost down or try Better World Books to get used books. Then, use your library to fill in the Enrichment Books. If you can’t find the exact enrichment book I list at your library that is o.k.. You can make substitutions. Also, over time children's books do go out of print. I try to keep the book list up to date but if you run across something that you can't find or the used price is too high, just make a substitution following the same theme. I hate to see people spend an arm and a leg on a single children's book.

Additional items:
Some terms include additional items you may want/need such as a toy farm, bird feeder and a butterfly house.

Journal Pages & Narration
Every week you should complete at least one Journal Page with your child. There are several ways you can use these pages but the basic idea is to have your child narrate back to you a summation of the Primary Story you just read. Younger children or children new to narration may need help from you, in which case you can ask them leading questions (What happened first? Who was the main character? What did she want? How did she get it? etc.). You can either write the narration directly on the page (good for young students), write the narration on a separate sheet of paper and have your child copy it to their page (good for older students) or neatly write the narration on the page in yellow marker and then have your child trace the narration. Regardless of how you record the narration, be sure to follow grammar rules. Encourage your child to narrate in complete sentences. Younger children may need coaxing.  Remind your child that all sentences start with a capital letter and end with a punctuation mark.  Every main word in a title should be capitalized (you do not capitalize little words such as, and, of, the).  The second part of the journal page is to have your child draw a picture about the story in the box. You may choose to have your child do this while you read the story or after she completes her narration. I have found that my very active son actually listens better when his hands are engaged in a task but my daughter does better curled up on my lap during the story with time to color after.

Feel free to make extra copies of the journal page to record field trips, science experiments or nature studies. I leave blank copies of the journal pages in my children’s coloring area for them to write stories and such on whenever they want. You can find a variety of different journal pages available on WeeFolkArt.com with varying line spacings, number of boxes, etc.

You may choose to use the journal pages to record some of your child’s activities. I will paste a photo of my child completing a craft in the coloring box and add a few notes in the space provided. I then tuck the journal page back into my notebook along with my child’s narration and I have a great portfolio of my children’s work.

Nature Studies
In some units Nature Studies (NS) listed are listed in your activity box. These are all easy and fairly quick activities to complete with your children. They can all be found in the book “Nature in a Nutshell for Kids.” Feel free to try additional activities or change up the order based on your climate. Our family tends to ‘hibernate’ a bit during the winter months sticking closer to home. The layering on of boots, hats, mittens, coats then dealing with car seats just about does me in. ;) Although most of the Nature Studies suggested can easily be done in your own backyard I do encourage you to visit your local Nature Centers and/or hiking trails. There are many observations you can make on a winter walk that you cannot see when all the leaves are in bloom. Enjoy the quiet of a forest blanketed in snow.  Look for footprints and other evidence of animal activity. I also recommend placing a bird feeder outside a prominent window. This will help bring the wildlife to you. We love to sit and watch the birds at our kitchen table.

Field Trips
In your activity box you may see some basic Field Trip (FT) ideas. Actively participating in the community is important and children learn a lot from these simple outings. Try not to run other errands while on a field trip. Spend time talking with employees. Have your child ask the employee questions.  Being comfortable asking for help is a life skill (talking about stranger safety is important too). When you go to the grocery store to look at the produce isle be sure to spend a lot of time comparing the veggies. Have your child try to relate the veggie with the part of the plant it comes from... leaf, stem, root. Try not to shop for your whole shopping list but rather pick some veggies (and other items needed) for a single meal. Be sure to try a new veggie... if you let you child pick anything she wants she may be willing to try something you would never have imagined her liking. Take time at the bakery to sit down and have a cup of coffee (you, not your child :) ) and a pastry. Enjoy a special treat together. Use your imagination with the field trip ideas and try not to skip them even if they seem really simple. Don’t under estimate how much fun your child will have sitting on a riding lawn mower at Home Depot (or similar store) and be sure to do stuff like compare prices, sizes, colors... even features if you child is interested. You have a few extra weeks without a FT listed in which you can make up any missed field trips. Take photos on your Field Trip and remember you can complete a Journal Page about your Field Trip when you return home.

Poetry
Each month you will be memorizing one poem. There are many different ways to do this. Try reading it to your child three times, then have you child repeat the poem as best as they can remember with you. After that, have you child repeat the poem with you three time in a sitting. When they are ready have them try on their own. This is a great activity to work on in the car. You can also use line from the poems for copy work/handwriting practice. When they have learned the poem have them recited it for someone other than you. Maybe they can call a grandparent. My children love reciting poems that they have learned to friends and family. Recitation is a great beginning to public speaking, a life skill everyone should develop. Don’t forget to review past poems as well.

Art Study
Use the scheduled Come Look with Me Books (or similar) for Art Appreciation. The kids should look at the pictures while you read the short text about the image. Then use the discussion questions in the book to talk about the art in more detail. Theses books are used mainly to spur constructive discussion about the images.

If you are looking for a more in depth Art Program I highly recommend Artistic Pursuits. I have used their preschool and level one books mixed in with our other curriculums.

Pixie

Fairy

Bug

Today, we have a fun filled day planned. We are having brunch here, followed by dinner at my brothers. The weather is lovely. It would be a perfect day if Adam and Raewyn had been able to join us. But, all in all, it truly is a joyous day, and my cup runneth over :) Wish your day is filled with as much joy and love!
 

HAPPY EASTER FROM OUR FAMILY TO YOURS!
 

Kimara and Michelle

NOTE: Kits for this project will be available in our shop Monday, 4-23-12 :)

Who can turn flowers into fairies, a dog into a dragon, and a pesky sibling into a troll? Children, of course! With just a flick of their wrist and the help of a magic wand, ANYTHING is possible and probable :) And, if the wand is a beautiful flower, all the better!

To make your own want you will need:

Flower Fairy Wand Kits from Wee Folk Art's Shop [Available April 23]

Note: Kit includes 100% wool felt, cotton embroidery floss, sandpaper square and dowel rod. To finish the project you will need crafting glue, embroidery needles and stuffing.

~OR~

Materials:
wool felt (a light and dark matching color for the petals, green for the leaves, and yellow for the center)
embroidery floss (colors should match the large petals, the small petals and the leaves)
1/4" grosgrain ribbon in 3 colors each 24" long (green, yellow and a color to match the outer petal.)
12" of 1/4" dowel rod
embroidery needles
crafting glue
paint for dowel rod (optional)
beeswax finish (optional)
stuffing
copy of pattern found HERE

Note: All materials used should be non toxic and child safe.

MATERIALS AVAILABLE IN WEE FOLK ART'S MARKET PLACE:
Flower Fairy Wands Kit
embroidery needles
Crafting Glue
Wood Paint
Beeswax Finish

Directions:
Make a copy of the pattern and cut out felt as follows:
2 large petals (light)
2 small petals (dark)
2 leaves (green)
2 flower centers (yellow)

Note: For tips on cutting out felt click HERE.

Note: For stitch glossary click HERE.

I recommend that you cut out the 2 large petals together. They will be stitched together later and cutting them out together will make for the best fit.

After cutting out the 2 large flowers, carefully open up the flowers so they are a mirror image of one another. Make a mark on the inside between 2 petals on corresponding spots. This is where you will later sew on the ribbons.

On the front of each (2) large petal(s), applique the remaining pieces to it in the following manner: (Use the pattern as a placement guide.)
Using a running stitch and 2 strands of matching floss, sew leaves to large petal.
Using a blanket stitch and 3 strands of matching floss, sew small petal over leaves.
Using a running stitch and 2 strands of floss that matches the small petals, sew center
to the small petal.

Cut each piece of gross grain ribbon in half so you have 6 pieces 12" long. Take 3 different colored ribbons and tack them together at one end. Do the same to the remaining 3 ribbons.

Tack the ribbon clusters to the inside of the 2 flowers on the marks you made earlier. Make sure you do not go all the way through to the front side.

Matching the inner markings and ribbons, with wrong sides together, pin or staple your 2 large petals together.

Begin at an inner petal junction. Using a blanket stitch and 3 strands of matching floss, sew the 2 large petals together. Stop at the inner petal junction 1 petal away from the start. Securely tie off the thread, but do not cut. This space will be used for stuffing the flower and inserting the dowel rod.

Lightly sand one end of the dowel rod rounding the edges.

Paint the dowel rod green. NOTE: It is not necessary to paint the dowel, but by painting it green, it looks more like a stem :) If you do not paint the dowel, finish with a Beeswax finish to prevent the wood from drying out.

Stuff the flower. Do not overstuff. You want to make it look "puffy" without straining the outer blanket stitch. Note: You will not be able to stuff the unstitched petal until you stitch it together.

Put crafting glue on the end of the dowel rod that you did not finish. Place glue on 1" of the rod.

Insert the glued end into the flower, positioning it so the rod will be centered in the beginning inner petal junction.

Using a blanket stitch and the attached piece of floss, sew up the remaining petal, stuffing as you go.

You can leave the streamers long and simply trim the ribbon ends on angles or you can cut the ribbons to various lengths.

Patterns may be used for personal use only. If you are interested in obtaining a Cottage Industry License so you can sell items made from our patterns, information can be found HERE.
 

photos: 12-4-11, 12-11-11, 3-27-12, 4-9-12

NOTE: Kits for this project will be available in our shop Monday, 4-23-12 :)

The daffodils in our yard are just poking their heads through the ground, but I was aching for some flowers, NOW, so I decided to make my own. You can make a garland or 2 or 3 for yourself, too. Hang your Spring Flower Garland up and you’ll feel like you stumbled upon an enchanted flower fairy garden. With a kiss of spring and a promise of warm summer days, bring the outdoors indoors with this lovely Spring Flower Garland.

To make your own you will need:

Spring Flower Garland Kit from Wee Folk Art's Market Place [Available April 23]

Note: Kit includes 100% wool felt, cotton embroidery floss, 100% wool yarn and directions. To finish the project you will need embroidery needles, Size F or G crochet hook and blunt yarn needle.

~OR~

Materials:
wool felt - 8 colors for flowers and green for leaves
embroidery floss to match the 9 felt colors
wool yarn
Size F or G crochet hook (it is small for the 2 strands of yarn you will be chaining, but I wanted the chain dense
embroidery needles
blunt yarn needle
pattern

MATERIALS AVAILABLE IN WEE FOLK ART'S MARKET PLACE: [available April 23]
Spring Flower Garland Kit (Items may be purchased separately)
embroidery needles

NOTE: If you want the front and back side finished, you will need to make a second set of flowers, but instead of blanket stitching around the outer edge of a single flower, you would blanket stitch the wrong side of 2 completed matching flowers together.

TIPS for cutting out felt can be found HERE.

ILLUSTRATIONS of stitches can be found HERE.

Directions:
Make a copy of the pattern.

NOTE: In the first few photos there are only 6 flowers and 7 leaves. When I was done with my first garland, I decided I wanted it longer so I added a dark blue and dark purple plus 2 more leaves.

Using 8 different colors of felt, cut out a petal, large circle and center from each color. Cut out 9 leaves. The eight colors I used were light and dark: blue, purple, orange and pink.

Randomly mix and match the flower parts. The only rule... use 3 different colors for each flower.

For each flower:
Using 3 strands of contrasting floss, blanket stitch the edge of the petals.

Using a running stitch and 3 strands of contrasting floss, sew the large circle to the petals.

Using a running stitch and 3 strands of contrasting floss, sew the small circle to the large circle.

Using a straight stitch and 6 strands of green floss, sew 3 lines creating a 6 point star.

Add a French knot to the end of each point on the star using 6 strands of green floss.

For each leaf:
Using a running stitch and 6 strands of green floss, sew a stem down the center of the leaf. Slightly gather and tie off.

For each flower and leaf:
Add a small loop to the top of each leaf and one flower petal using 3 strands of green floss. To control the size, I attached the floss to the wrong side of the leaf and flower. I then wrapped the floss around the base of my crochet hook for sizing, then tied it off. When adding the loop, you want it to be perpendicular to the leaf, so when you later add it to the crocheted vine, it lies flat and the right side faces forward.

Making the vine:
Using 2 strands of yarn, chain 40.

Slip a leaf on the hook with the right side up.

Chain 1 catching the leaf loop in the chain.

Chain 12, then add a flower in the same manner. NOTE: Do not count the chain you use to connect the leaves and flowers.

Continue until all 9 leaves and 8 flowers have been add.

Chain 40.

Pull through your last chain and work the ends at the beginning and end of the chain into the chain.

Ready to hang. Note: when you are hanging the garland, make sure the front of the chain is showing and don't twist the chain. Make sure the front side of all the flowers and leaves are showing, then stand back, and smile at the pretty flower garland!

 
These colorful eggs and cups are wonderful and safe for the smallest hands. Wee ones will enjoy placing the eggs in the cups encouraging agility, dexterity and small muscle development. As babies turn into toddlers they will begin matching the colors. The eggs and cups can then be used for color recognition, counting and sorting. A wonderful early toy and beautiful addition to any room!
  
  

Materials: 
6 wood eggs
6 wood cups
sandpaper, fine
wood paint
beeswax finish
non toxic wood stain (optional - if you'd like to finish the eggs in natural wood tones for a play kitchen)
 
Note: All materials used should be non toxic and child safe.
 
Directions: 

Using fine grade sandpaper, sand wood pieces smooth. Wipe off to remove any saw dust.
 
  
Using a non toxic, child safe paint, paint the inside and outside of the cups and the eggs. Use 6 different paint colors and paint one cup and one egg the same color. (Optional: if you prefer a natural finish for the play kitchen, stain the eggs/cups now.)

  
 
When the paint is thoroughly dry, seal the wood with a Beeswax Finish.

 
They are now ready to play with! Children as young as 6 months old will love picking up the colorful eggs. 

By the time a child is around 1 year old, they will enjoy putting the eggs in the cups. To begin with, they aren't too concerned about matching colors :)

Eventually, toddlers will be matching the same egg and cup colors, counting eggs, and learning their colors. This is truly a multi-aged toy that grows with the child. 
 
 OTHER IDEAS FOR USING THE WOODEN EGGS AND CUPS

If you prefer, stain the outside of the cups and paint just the inside. The children will still match colors, but will have a very different finished look.

You can stain the eggs or white wash them for a more natural look. These are wonderful in play kitchens.

Give a child a small basket and let them collect the eggs a chicken has laid.

Or... ask a child what to do with them. She'll know :)
 

 
NOTE: Kits for this project will be available in our shop Monday, 4-23-12 :)

There is a pure joy in running free and dancing, especially with a rainbow of ribbons streaming behind you! Make one or two for all the wee hands in your life. Whether children are dancing to their favorite songs or simply to the music of nature, Fairy Ribbon Rings will make the experience magical!  

To make your own you will need:

Fairy Ribbon Ring Kit from Wee Folk Art's Market Place [Available April 23]

Note: Kit includes (1) 3" wooden hardwood ring and (6) pieces of 1/4" grosgrain ribbon. To finish the project you will need fine sandpaper, wood stain (optional), paint (optional) and beeswax wood finish.

~OR~
 
Materials:
(1) 3" wooden ring 
(6) ribbons 1/4" wide x 48" long  
fine grade sandpaper
beeswax finish
non toxic wood stain (optional)
non toxic paint (optional)

Note: All materials used should be non toxic and child safe.

MATERIALS AVAILABLE IN WEE FOLK ART'S MARKET PLACE: [available April 23]
Fairy Ribbon Ring Pack
Wood Finishing Kit (Non toxic soy wood stain in Fruitwood or Walnut, Beeswax Finish, and Fine Grade Sandpaper - Each item is also sold separately)
Non toxic soy paint (optional)

IMPORTANT SAFETY WARNING: The ribbon streamers on the finished rings are 24" long and are considered a strangulation hazard. Make sure a child is properly supervised when using this toy and never leave them alone with it. Although generally it is recommended that long strings should not be given to children under 3 years of age, we highly recommend you do not give toys with long strings to children that still wrap things around their neck, no matter how old they are! 

 
Using fine grade sandpaper, sand the ring smooth. Wipe off to remove any saw dust. 

Apply a non toxic wood stain to the ring. I use a non toxic soy based stain that is available in our shop. If you would like a light, natural looking stain, use Fruitwood stain. If you'd like a deeper, more dramatic color, use the Walnut stain. 

When the stain has dried completely, apply a beeswax finish to the ring. 

Cut 6 pieces of 1/4" grosgrain ribbon 48" long. (If you bought our kit, the pieces are already cut.) Note: Often Fairy Ribbon Rings use silk ribbons. We prefer to use grosgrain. Grosgrain ribbons still flow beautifully, but they are sturdier than silk ribbons and the toy remains beautiful longer.

Decide how you want the ribbons on your ring. Then, simply tie the ribbon on using a square knot (right over left, left over right). Make sure you tie it tight so the ribbon is not slipping on the ring. Note: although you should tie the ribbon on in the middle, don't worry if one side is a little longer than the other. It will still look beautiful :)

 
Continue tying on ribbons in the same manner until you have added all your ribbons. When tying the ribbons on, place them close together but they should not be touching.

 
To help prevent fraying and to give a finished look to your Fairy Ribbon Ring, cut the ribbons on a 45 degree diagonal.

 
Easy, right? Why not make a second ring to double the fun and beauty?

ALTERNATIVE FINISHING SUGGESTIONS

If you would like a more colorful ring, simply paint the ring with a non toxic paint and seal with a beeswax finish.

You can also choose not to stain or paint your ring and leave it natural. Apply a coat of beeswax finish and buff.

Notice the difference between the 2 rings. The one on the right has been finished with our wood sealer. Doesn't is do an awesome job?

http://www.weefolkart.com
Copyright © Wee Folk Art 2008 - 2012. All rights reserved.

Patterns may be used for personal use only. If you are interested in obtaining a Cottage Industry License so you can sell items made from our patterns, information can be found HERE.

 
NOTE: Kits for this project will be available in our shop Monday, 4-23-12 :)

[We took one of our favorite patterns and made it lovelier by adding more embroidery. I love the end results!]

If Fairy Dust is sprinkled on a flower as the last dew of morning evaporates, something magical happens... a Flower Fairy is born! If you are lucky enough to have Flower Fairies in your garden, then you already know that all of your plants seem to grow a little lovelier and their blooms seem to last a little longer… as if by magic!
 
Now, you can bring that magic indoors by crafting your own Flower Fairies. Long known to be great friends with the gnomes and woodland creatures, your Flower Fairies will easily join in the merry making with the rest of your wee folk.
 
Our Mother Flower Fairy measures 2 ½” (6.5cm) and the Baby Bud is 1 ¾” (4.5) tall.

To make your own you will need:

Flower Fairy and Bud Kit from Wee Folk Art's Market Place [Available April 23]

Note: Kit includes 100% wool felt, cotton embroidery floss, an adult and child wooden peg and directions. To finish the project you will need crafting glue, embroidery needles and disappearing marker. Occasionally, you'll need fine sandpaper to smooth bottom of pegs so they stand straight.

~OR~

Materials:
1 adult and 1 child wooden peg
100% wool felt in a light and medium color (pictured: peach and orange) and green
100% cotton 6 ply cotton embroidery floss to coordinate with each felt and a dark floss in the same color family as the light and medium color felts (pictured: rust).
beeswax finish (optional)
sandpaper (optional)
disappearing marker
pattern

Note: All materials used should be non toxic and child safe.
 
MATERIALS AVAILABLE IN WEE FOLK ART'S MARKET PLACE: [available April 23]
Flower Fairy and Bud Kit
Crafting glue
Embroidery Needles
Beeswax finish (optional)
Sandpaper, fine grade (optional)

Note: The tutorial features the Orange Flower Fairy and Bud. Visit Wee Folk Art's Shop to discover all the different color options!

IMPORTANT SAFETY WARNING: The Baby Buds are small and considered a choke hazard. Although generally it is recommended that small parts should not be given to children under 3 years of age, we highly recommended you do not give small parts to any child that still puts toys in their mouth, no matter how old they are!

IMPORTANT: There can be significant variations in the sizes of the wooden pegs even from the same manufacture and even in the same shipment! Before cutting the body wraps out of felt, cut the pieces out of paper, and "try them on" your wooden pegs. Make adjustments to the paper pattern before cutting out your felt.

 
Directions:

Make copy of Pattern and cut out the felt as follows:

Light color - flower petals, small cap, small body wrap
Medium color - brimmed hat, large body wrap
Green - large and small leaves

Check out Tips for Cutting Out Felt.

 
FLOWER FAIRY:
Check the pegs to make sure the bottoms are even and stands securely. Occasionally, a little nub may remain on the bottom of a peg. If it does, simple sand off with a small piece of sandpaper or nail file.

Recently, I've started finishing the exposed parts of the wooden pegs with a beeswax polish. I love the rich look it gives the wood. I do not finish the area that will be glued. I do the head, shoulder and base. I use a small, hard bristle paint brush to get in the neck. This is an optional step. BTW... you will notice half my pictures have finished wood and the other half do not.

Wrapping the peg:
Glue body wrap to wooden peg. The seam will be the back of the fairy.

Flower Petal:

Embroider along the edge of the flower petals using a blanket stitch and 2 strands of dark orange floss (a).

Sew the two short sides of the petal together using a whip stitch and 2 strands of light orange floss (b). Sew a running stitch along the upper edge of the petal piece using 2 strands of light orange floss (b). Start and stop at the back seam. Gently gather the stitches until the petals fit snuggly around the fairy’s neck. Tie off the thread and from the inside tack the petal to the body tube near the neck. This will prevent the petals from turning.

Leaves:
Just like the flower petals, embroider along the edge of the large leaves using a blanket stitch and 2 strands of green floss (c). Sew the two short sides of the leaves together using a whip stitch and 2 strands of green floss (c). Sew a running stitch along the upper edge of the leaves using 2 strands of green floss (c).

Gently gather the stitches until the leaves fit snuggly around the fairy’s neck. Tie off the thread and from the inside tack the leaves to the petals near the neck. This will prevent the leaves from turning.

Brimmed Hat:
Transfer embroidery markings to hat.

Embroider hat as follows:
Outer edge: blanket stitching using 2 strands of light orange floss (b)
Vine: stem stitch using 3 strands of green floss (c)
Leaves: detached chain using 3 strands of green floss (c)
Flowers: French knots using 3 strands of dark orange floss (d)

Sew a running stitch alongside of the vine using 2 strands of medium orange floss (a).

Gently gather the stitches. Try the hat on and adjust gathers so the hat fits. Tie off the thread.

Run a thin line of crafting glue on the inside of the hat along the gathering line.

Place the hat so it tilts backwards with the low end centered on the Fairy’s back. Carefully squeeze the hat to make sure it is securely positioned.

BUD:
 
Wrapping the peg:
Glue body wrap to wooden peg. The seam will be the back of the bud.

Leaves:
To make leaves, follow directions for the Fairy leaves to blanket stitch edge, whip stitching together, sewing a running stitch along the top, gathering, and tacking the leaves to the body wrap.

Cap:
Transfer embroidery markings to cap.

Embroider cap as follows:
Leaves: detached chain using 3 strands of green floss (c)
Flower: French knot using 3 strands of dark orange floss (d)

Sew a running stitch along the edge of the cap using 2 strands of light orange floss (2). Gently gather the stitches. Try the cap on and adjust gathers so the cap fits. Tie off the thread.

Run a thin line of crafting glue on the inside of the cap along the gathering line. Place the cap so it tilts backwards with the low end centered on the Bud’s back. Carefully squeeze the cap to make sure it is securely positioned.

Your Mother and Child Flower Fairies are now ready to bring a little magic into a child's life!

http://www.weefolkart.com
Copyright © Wee Folk Art 2008 - 2012. All rights reserved.

Patterns may be used for personal use only. If you are interested in obtaining a Cottage Industry License so you can sell items made from our patterns, information can be found HERE.

Photos 11-29-11, 4-2-12,4-2-12 

Please, take the time to read through our Nitty Gritty about the shop. For all shop related questions please contact us at shop@weefolkart.com. After all the Market Place info, read about our GIVEAWAY :)

It is hard to believe, but after years of thinking about it, months of planning for it, and weeks of preparing for it, our little shop, or the Wee Folk Art Market Place, as we like to think about it, is going to open!

As we mentioned before, we are not starting a "full fledge store". We rather think of this more like an online Farmers Markets... with limited hours and limited wares. So, what can you expect?

~The Wee Folk Art Market Place will only be open MONDAYS, from 7:00 am Monday morning to 7:00 am Tuesday morning, EST.  

~We will only carry a certain amount of items. If they are sold out early in the day, they will not be available again until the following week.

~We will only process a certain amount of orders. Michelle and I are running the shop by ourselves, at least to start, and will only handle the number of orders that we can process in one work day. Because of that, on any given day, our shop may close EARLY when we have reached our max. We hope our online friends will understand that we have family commitments, and although we are excited to share with our readers and friends, we cannot do it at the expense of our families. This experience is meant to enrich the lives of our families, not cause stress :)

~Although we are not planning on taking "special orders", if there was something you wanted, and you were not able to buy it on Market Day, feel free to drop us an email at shop@weefolkart.com. If at all possible, we will try to make sure that we restock that item. Then, hop on early the next Monday, and you should be able to get what you wanted :)

~This shop is for our readers. We plan to do limited outside advertising. Because the shop is meant for YOU, please share feedback with us. If you think there is something we can do to improve the experience for you, or if there is something else you'd like to see us carry, suggest it, and we will do what we can to make it so :)

~Think of yourselves as our BETA testers. If you buy one of our kits, know that we have spent a great deal of time designing our kits, including writing up written directions and putting together the supplies. Two things here... first, I tend to be wordy (shocker, right?). When I do tutorials online, I can use all the words and photos I want, no problem. It's a little different when you are trying to get all the directions on one page with limited photos. If EVER something doesn't make sense to you or is wrong, please let us know. If you don't understand the directions, chances are someone else doesn't understand them either. We will revisit the directions and make changes when necessary. 

And, second... it is our desire to put the right amount of supplies in the kits without being wasteful. Obviously, if your kit is missing something, let us know and we will get the missing part out to you ASAP! But, please be resourceful when using the kits. We've tried to create them with little waste, although you will probably find that there are always some little felt scraps left. Save them for your stash! I've been doing it for years and will, someday, create a wonderful masterpiece :) But, if you find there is something you didn't use (like an extra piece of embroidery floss or way too much of anything) please let us know. We want to include enough materials to make the experience pleasant, but no body wants to see waste. So, please email us at shop@weefolkart.com if you notice a problem with the materials.

  
~About shipping... shipping has been the most confusing part of this whole thing. We have a starting point. As we move forward, we may need to tweak our shipping practices. We want to ship in the most timely manner while still being economical. We will see how this goes. We will ship overseas BUT there is no CHEAP WAY to do this! Know, that we will do it in the most economical way possible, and you can read all about it at Wee Folk Arts Market Place. (Open at 7:00 am Monday, April 23)

NOTE: For the first few weeks, while we are working the bugs out of the system, we will NOT be shipping overseas. We want the opening of the shop to go smoothly, and so we plan to take small baby steps. We will announce when we will begin shipping overseas. In the mean time, come in and look around. Also, you are welcome to enter our giveaway :) Sorry for the delay.

~A word about payments. We are working through Paypal. If you have a Paypal account, you are all set. If you do not have a Paypal account, and would like to pay by credit card, you can do that. Payment is still collected through Paypal, but you do not need to have a Paypal account to charge an order. We do not accept checks or cash. Pretty normal stuff here.

~Finally, please be patient. We want this to be a wonderful experience for everyone. Please don't get frustrated if something sells out before you can purchase it, or if the shop is "closed" before the 24 hours is up. We would rather start out slow, making sure we get everything right, then have a chaotic mess on our hands and have dissatisfied customers :) Please, please, please help us to make Wee Folk Art Market Place a lovely little shop that you tell your friends about and like to frequent :)

~Incase you are wondering. In the past we have always offered our patterns for FREE. We will still offer all of our patterns for FREE. It is a mission with us to make it possible for everyone to craft for their homes and children. We do not feel right charging for patterns. We are hoping, that because you need to buy crafting supplies anyway, you will support our efforts and buy from us, BUT it is certainly not necessary. Continue to use our patterns for FREE. A smiling child will ALWAYS be payment enough :)

IMPORTANT: If there was something in the shop that you would like to buy, but it has sold old, please take the time to send us an email telling us what the item is, so we can try to have more for sale in the future! shop@weefolkart.com

 

Now, about the giveaway. Since we are trying to tailor our shop to the readers, here's what you need to do to enter. First, OBVIOUSLY, go visit Wee Folk Art Market Place. It's a small shop, it won't take you long :) Right now, there are 7 kits for sale. As the weeks go by, we will be adding lots of new kits, supplies and some fun wares :) Some of our kits will be new designs, and others will be reworked old favorites. You need to do two things to enter:

First, choose any item in the store that you would like to receive (not included: the Needle Felting Kit or the 100% Wool Rainbow Felting Yarn Bundle) if you win.

Second, go to our GALLERY of FREE PATTERNS, and tell us what item(s) you would like to see turned into a kit. This will be valuable market research for us! 

Note: If we've reach our maximum order acceptance for the day, you will no longer be able to place an order, but the shop will still be open so you can look around and enter the giveaway. Although we will not be shipping overseas for the first few weeks, everyone is welcome to enter the giveaway, and we will ship a winning prize overseas :)

The giveaway runs from Monday, April 23 through Thursday, April 26 at 9:00 p.m. EST. Good luck to everyone! Over the next few weeks we will be offering more giveaways as we celebrate the Grand Opening. You won't want to miss them :)

Okay... think that's everything. If you have any questions about the Market Place, please email us at shop@weefolkart.com. 

IMPORTANT... the Market Place opens tomorrow morning at 7:00 a.m. EST. We will only accept a certain amount of orders. For this first week, that number will be low. We're not sure if we will meet that number in 15 minutes or 15 hours. Also, there is a limited number of any one product. When something sells out, it will not be available again until next week. If there is something you would really like, make sure to visit us early :)

The shop will not be open until tomorrow morning at 7:00 a.m. EST but here is the link:

Having said that, if you haven't done so already, it's time for you to bop over to our shop... K... I'm going to say that again, bop over to OUR shop (has a nice ring doesn't it?) and check out our modest offerings. We have big plans for Wee Folk Art Market Place, but one step at a time! Over the next several months, you will find new products and ideas being added to the shop... some that you would anticipate... like, oh, gnomes :) and others that may take you by surprise.

But, we are living in the moment, so we are enjoying today's accomplishments. Now, about the giveaway. Since we are trying to tailor our shop to the readers, here's what you need to do to enter. OBVIOUSLY, go visit Wee Folk Art Market Place.

First, choose any item in the store that you would like to receive (not included: the Needle Felting Kit or the 100% Wool Rainbow Felting Yarn Bundle) if you win.

Second, go to our GALLERY of FREE PATTERNS, and tell us what item(s) you would like to see turned into a kit. This will be valuable market research for us!

So... leave a comment telling us what item you would like to receive if your name is drawn at random AND tell us what past project of ours you would like to see sold as a kit in our shop.

Remember, our shop is like a Farmers Market. We are only open one day a week, and we have limited number of items that are for sale during shop hours. Once they are sold, they are gone for the week. Also, in the beginning, we will only accept a certain number of orders during a Market Day. Once we hit that, the shop will be closed. The shop doors will be left open for you to window shop, but you won't be able to buy again until the next Monday.

But not to worry... even if the shop is closed, you can still enter the giveaway. And, although we won't be shipping overseas for a few weeks, everyone can enter the giveaway, and we will gladly ship overseas if you win! 

The giveaway runs from Monday, April 23 through Thursday, April 26 at 9:00 p.m. EST. Good luck to everyone! Over the next few weeks we will be offering more giveaways as we celebrate the Grand Opening. You won't want to miss them :)

Okay... think that's everything. If you have any questions about the Market Place or encounter any problems, please email us at shop@weefolkart.com.

REMEMBER... the Market Place will only accept a certain amount of orders for the first few weeks. We're not sure if we will meet that number in 15 minutes or 15 hours. Also, there is a limited number of any one product. When something sells out, it will not be available again until next week. If there is something you would really like, make sure to visit us early :) And although we do not take special orders, email us if there was something you wanted that was sold out. We will try to make sure they are available the next week. shop@weefolkart.com

The spring issue of Bamboo Magazine is now available online, and we are proud to say Wee Folk Art has an article in their regular feature "root and stem". We shared a tutorial on how to make a very simple Rainbow Stacker. The article is quite timely since so many of you have expressed a desire to work with wood.

So, click over the Bamboo Magazine, and read our article. While you are there, make sure you spend some time perusing their entire magazine. I just discovered Bamboo several months ago when they approached Michelle and I to submit an article. Since that time, I've made my way through their past issues, and have enjoyed its gentle, peaceful approach to family life and raising children. Tim and I were also tickled to see an article by Mayim Bialik included in this issue. We have long admired Mayim for her intelligence, creative presence and holistic approach to parenting.

Plus, we got to show off the Little Lady. How awesome is that? So, go read "Crafting With Wood: Stacker Tutorial", look over the magazine, and come back and tell us what you think :)
  

First off we want to thank everyone for their suggestions for additional kits for Wee Folk Art Market Place. We have lots of ideas, and as time permits, we will try to put together many of the suggestions. We truly understand so many people's interest in rough cut wood trees. If you don't have the right kind of saw or if electric saws scare the bejeezers out of you, this would be a fun way to have the wood experience without the fear of losing a digit :) I am in negotiations (hehe) right now with Tim... or as Pixie calls him... the Teddy Bear. I'll keep you all posted.

And now... for the winner of our first Wee Folk Art Market Place giveaway...

Submitted by Eddie on Thu, 04/26/2012 - 06:25.