We are in the midst of some butterfly hatching (more to come on that front soon), and we made these in the midst of waiting for something- anything- to happen with the caterpillars. I think Isia was a bit incredulous that they actually would become butterflies, so we made these to remind ourselves they would be (smile).
They were so easy to make! We covered cardboard tube strips with washi tape first (like we did for this garland), then hole-punched two opposite holes on each strip before flattening them in the middle so the holes lined up. We threaded and knotted string through the holes of two strips to hold them together, then we inserted the body.
For the body, we folded a pipe-cleaner in half. We twisted the lower half of the pipe-cleaners for the bottom of the body. We then strung a bead on top of the pipe-cleaners (using both sides) for the head, before separating them out for the antennae. We twisted the antennae to help keep it secure.
For the body, we folded a pipe-cleaner in half. We twisted the lower half of the pipe-cleaners for the bottom of the body. We then strung a bead on top of the pipe-cleaners (using both sides) for the head, before separating them out for the antennae. We twisted the antennae to help keep it secure.
Close enough to the real thing to satisfy my littles for awhile. They're also a great addition to a spring mantle. We had ours hanging for a little bit, before little hands helped them "fly away." Next time, I'll remember to hang them higher!
When visited by friends- especially those who still live in the city- their first comment is usually, "it's so quiet here!" I understand, I used to think the same thing. It has actually taken me awhile to adjust to. I had to seek solace in loud radio for the first few days- then I gradually turned it quieter and quieter before turning it off. Then I started to realize that it wasn't so quiet here after all.
It has a quieter rhythm, but these woods are just as busy as the city we left just eight months ago. There is always something new to see, if you stop and take a closer look. This is really their home, I often feel, we're just sharing it.
And the beginnings of our fairy house, for fairies hold the quietest rhythm of all. But even fairies need a soft place to lay their head! And Isia is quite eager to provide it, hoping to catch a glimpse along the way (smile).
Whether they're watching it or not, my kids are Drawn to the television. Which means I often find it covered with tiny little hand-prints. We have a flat-screen, which means every single hand-print shows up. Since I'm all about saving money- and time, since stores are over a half hour away- I came up with this recipe. Easy to make, and you probably already have the ingredients.
Homemade Screen Cleaner:
1/2 cup white vinegar
1/2 cup distilled water
Mix together & store in a lidded container out of direct light. Put a little on a soft cloth and wipe on using circular motions (test a small area first). No need to dry, it will evaporate by itself leaving a spotless screen behind. Keeps indefinitely- I made ours over three months ago and it still works great!
Other ideas for it:
This is also great for wiping computer screens and cleaning smudged DVDs- again, make sure you test a small area first. It's worked great for us, even reclaiming a precious Cinderella DVD from little brother's peanut butter smudges!
If you like homemade cleaning supplies, check out:
