shadows of light

A moment in time. 

Manifested Dreams

 A few years back when Zoe was still a baby I dreamed of what I am living now.   My dreams were of a place where I could teach yoga and give felting workshops.  At that point I had dancing images of smiling people getting inspired through yoga and crafting.  It's now 6 years later and I have a big room, painted red that's ideal for a small yoga classes, daycare and workshops.  I love making things and I love teaching others to make things.   It always amazes me when my dreams manifest themselves into reality.  My moving here came to me effortlessly, things just seem to be falling into place with ease and grace.  I truly feel blessed.  In yoga we say that when you are living your truth, things come easily.  This must be my path and I am enjoying every step of the way.

I hope you have a most fabulous weekend.  I will be away from the computer these next few days, spending time amongst the trees in Wakefield, skating on a lake, snow shoeing and taking life at a slow pace.  I leave you now with felted creations by last night's felters.
Take care and see you soon.

p.s. Click on the Workshops icon above for details on February workshops :)

Tin cans and cloth

 Our pencils, pens and scissors have been sitting in these plain recycled tin cans.  For the longest time I have been wanting to pretty them up.  Finally yesterday after many months of daydreaming the project, we brought it forward.   We took scraps of material which were donated by my lovely sister Mad, splashed glue all over the surface and placed strips of the pretty material all around.  This is what we got.  It's pretty cute, I am happy with it and the kids had great fun. 

There was also a little time for face painting.  There is nothing that the kids like more than to get themselves all painted up!

Connecting

The Happy Planet Index states that the first element of happiness is to connect with others. I must say that this statement does resonate with me.  I definitely feel happy when I am socializing and sharing with my children, in a group of people or with a good friend.  In my busy lifestyle I am often so preocuppied that I forget to call that special someone,  or make plans,  and so on.  In this new year I vow to strengthen my existing relationships, develop new ones and of course connect with that deeper part of me.  I vow to stop, take deep breaths and really see my children for who they are, growing beings that need lots of love, understanding and compassion.   In order to facilitate my mission I turn to my yoga practice which allows me to connect with my breath and those deeper parts of me facilitating my relationships with others.

This weekend I was definitely successful in my new quest for deep relationships.  We met my sister, nephew, niece and friends at the Arboretum sliding hill, went skating and attended Zoe's good friend Lila's birthday which involved a lovely sleigh ride.  Magical fluffy fat flakes of snow drifted from the sky which definitely portrayed elements of a fairy tale.  Although we were very busy I feel very recharged and well yes connected!

Hearts

Inspired by the lovely vibe around here this week, I got to making hearts.  To make the shape of these hearts I stuffed red wool in heart cookie cutters and felted  away.  It was super easy for the kids to do too! I will use them to decorate our seasonal wreath.  I hope you are enjoying the snow.  I honestly love the white fluffy stuff!  The trick is to dress warmly and go out and play with it!  Cheers...

Felted Mermaid

Have a look at this cute mermaid felted by Lauren who is 6 soon to be 7.   I always wonder what happens to the roving I sell and it's nice to see this work of art made by a young artist.  Children truly do enjoy felting.  Do you have any projects that you would like to share?  It is my mission to inspire others and get others to inspire.   What inspires you?

Workshops for January 2011

Hi there friends,
I hope that 2011 finds you well, happy and healthy.  I am looking forward to the possibilities of this new year :)  I had so much fun giving workshops in 2010 that I have created these workshops for January 2011.  Please join us for some inspiration, good conversation and loads of fun!
Annie Bananie

                                     Guardian Dolls and The Nature Table

I welcome you into my home to learn to make needle felted dolls.   These dolls can become a guardian doll for a child in your life or a center piece on your nature table.  Not sure what a nature table is?  No worries, you will also learn about the joy of creating a nature table in your home and it's year long story. 
Come and have fun with me!  I love giving these workshops I get so much fun out of spreading the joy of this fun and easy craft. 

I look forward to felting with you!

When: January 12th, 2010

Time: 18:30 – 18:50 –Optional yoga class

          19:00-21:30 – Felting  workshop

Where: In Little Italy downtown (address to be given upon registration)

Your Investment: $35/includes supplies, nibbles , warm beverages and inspiration.

12 available spots

 Play Mat, Wall Hanging Wet Felting Workshop
UNFORTUNATELY THIS WORKSHOP IS DELAYED DUE TO WOOL ORDER BEING LATE, SORRY! WILL LET YOU KNOW OF DATE IN FEBRUARY

When: Saturday - January 15th, 2010

Time: 09:00 - 09:30 - Optional yoga class

         09:30 - 09:45 - tea is served

         09:45 - 16:00 - Wet felt a wall hanging or play mat

Where: In Little Italy downtown (address to be given upon registration)

Your Investment: $60/includes supplies, nibbles , warm beverages,  soup, bread and inspiration.

 10 available spots

Wet Felting and what it is...

Spend the day with inspiring people as you wet felt a work of art.  Wet felting is the medium of forming felt by applying hot water, soap and friction to bind wool fibers together.  Using this fun technique you will have the option of making playmats with caves, streams and bridges or a wall hanging for a special someone or spot in your home. 

My mission in hosting these workshops is to join together, craft, chat and get creative. Think you are not creative? Well I truly believe that we all are.  The great thing about felting is that it's fun, easy and everybody feels successful.

Family Yoga Workshop
Spend the morning with your child doing yoga and making needle felted heart pins for loved ones.  Our morning will begin with a yoga class, followed by a light snack and a craft project.  During crafting time children are encouraged to free play or craft.  A caregiver will be on sight to engage the children.



When: January 22nd, 2011
Where: Little Italy (location will be given upon registration)
Time: 09:30 - 12:00
Investment: $25/family