astro rocks

This last weekend was a craftacular activities weekend. And while there are some pretty awesome projects coming up on the blog, these simple Astro Rocks were like an added crafting bonus. I mean, when your outside with an awesome can of 24K Gold spray, paint it’s easy to get carried away.

These astrological symbol stones also make great gifts for both the upcoming holidays and, of course, birthdays.

All you need is an outdoor workspace (for spray painting), a few rocks, gold spray paint, black acrylic paint, a brush and a chart of simple astrological symbols. Have fun and make tons…. literally.

Cleaning up the bedroom recently and decided to use this old wood block for textile printing to hang and organize necklaces. It works great and I love having my necklaces on display (and untangled)!

Last week, at a Trim the Tree party, a friend brushed me up on my origami skills and re-taught me how to make paper cranes… for this, I am grateful.

A Holiday Story (within a story within a story)

A few days ago, while watching the news, I was touched by a story of David Heard, a young boy with neuroblastoma, who, inspired by an ancient Japanese legend, started making paper crane mobiles to donate to pediatric cancer centers around the country.

The crane has been long revered in Japanese culture as a symbol of devotion and honor.  It is said that a crane can live for a thousand years and when they mate, they mate for life. As the legend goes, whomever folds 1000 paper cranes is granted a wish.

After World War II the story evolved to embrace the theme of world peace through the story of a little girl named Sadako Sasaki, who developed leukemia as a result of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima.

As it was her wish to live, Sadako spent the days of her illness in bed folding paper cranes in the hopes of fulfilling the legend and being granted her desire by the crane. And while she died before being able to complete the task, her friends and family carried out her last wish, completed the cranes, and buried them with her.

In the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, the Children’s Peace Monument was erected in memory of Sadako and other children who died as a result of the bombing. On the statue there is a plaque which reads, “This is our cry. This is our prayer. Peace on Earth.”

While you are spending time with your friends and family this holiday season why not start a new tradition, make some cranes and mail them to: The Heard Family at 130 W. Lafayette St. in Easton, PA, 18042 and help make David’s wish a reality.

*   *   *   * some resources  *   *   *   *

There is a wonderful article about David Heard and his inspiring and ambitious project, here.

To learn how to make your own origami cranes you can download instructions, here.

The official Hiroshima peace site has a great kids section for those interested in sharing the story of Sadako with youngsters, here.

I was about to make an impulse buy and purchase a charming roll of recycled holiday paper (placed cleverly near the register so you drool over it while waiting in line)… then I remembered all the magazines in the recycling bin, and put it back.

There’s beauty in resourcefulness… plain and simple.

Recycling isn’t limited to what you sort into the appropriate bin and bring to the curb once a week, it’s also about finding simple ways to use ordinary household products, again.

For example, before tossing your moldy shower curtain liner, cut the magnets out of the bottom.

Most shower curtain magnets are super-strong (and great for crafting)!

Problem: The junk drawer is overcrowded… you have scissors, twine, tape, cousin Diane’s wedding invitation (from 6 years ago), and menu’s to every yummy place in your delivery zone.

Solution: Clear out some of the clutter and make a Menu Book!
Get started by sorting through your menu’s and tossing out all the restaurants that no longer exist, or you’ve never eaten at. Next, you will need a three ring binder and some clear plastic sleeves. Load the sleeves with your favorite places first, and if you have extra space, tuck grandma’s chocolate chip cookie recipe in the back.

When you’re done, slip it away somewhere convenient for one of those, I’m straving, but too tired to cook, kind of nights.

P.S. Don’t forget to show the babysitter where you keep the book!

Idea of the Moment: Keep markers in a fruit bowl on the kitchen table. If you have little ones in your household, use washable markers or crayons.

With a bowl of Sharpies on the table, color is always within reach when inspiration speaks