Feeling like Bird Brains

We don’t choose themes–they choose us. Several things have come together this week leaving us with a flock of handmade birds.
First, we have started going to a Charlotte Mason homeschool group that is a terrific addition to our laid back waldorf-y style education; (very liberal arts friendly). The group meets every other week & there are loads of kids of all ages there. This is great for Naomi who thrives on the influence of well-behaved older children. (not saints, mind you, maybe just a little more mature). Anyhow, we learn traditional songs, study a major artist for a session, study & draw/paint different subjects, read poetry, etc. The first week we studied chickens–learned all about eggs, laying, life-cycle & someone even brought a hen to class–so neat!

The artist we’re covering for this session is John J. Audobon, therefore birds. Most recently we learned about the cardinal.

bird craft

Next week, the robin.

robin craft

Several weeks ago we bought a Martha Stewart kit from Big Lots for $2. It’s just pom-poms, felt scraps & a few pipe cleaners, but seemed like a simple thing for Naomi & I to do together. Well, I’m glad I did it because it came in handy & really flowed right in with the group study. Perhaps she’ll want to bring her little Robin in to show next time.

& I’ve been meaning to pick up the needle-felting hobby for some time. & can I just say, it TOTALLY suits me. It’s got everything–sculpture, natural fibers, danger, free-spirited material…thanks to the local yarn store I finally found the needles required & following a simple pattern from a mentor, ta dah:

needle felting
i altered him a little from the pattern by making his wings & back black, which is more like a real penguin, right?
Having enjoyed the last riddle, here’s another: What’s the best way to carry water in a sieve? post your answer!

8 Comments

  • Creative Minds Posted January 29, 2010 4:42 pm

    very cute. Love the penguin

  • SleightGirl Posted January 29, 2010 4:43 pm

    Awwwww! That penguin is just adorable! Great pattern!

  • Melissa Posted January 29, 2010 5:21 pm

    The best way to carry water in a seive is with a bucket underneath…

    cute birds! My one foray into 3-D needle felting was a bluebird that ended up looking like a worm…

  • Heather Posted January 29, 2010 9:29 pm

    Those birds are so beautiful, and I am sure perfect for the coming spring.

  • Fatally Cute Posted January 29, 2010 10:13 pm

    The penguin is my favorite!

  • Naturalearthfarm Posted January 30, 2010 12:22 pm

    The birds loook great and your needle felting is very good.
    What a nice blog you have and thank you for sharing about what your children are doing in homeschool.
    Warm wishes,
    Tonya

  • farmama Posted January 30, 2010 4:54 pm

    I love your birdies! Good job! Thanks for visiting my blog the other day, and for giving me some violin advice…I appreciate it!
    love,
    sara

  • tattytiara Posted January 31, 2010 2:30 am

    Penguin!

    That's the most intelligent thing I can say. The cute has scrambled my higher brain functions.

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