Nature Corner - In the Land of Merfolk

I love to create nature corners around the house with my son. He is the proud collector of the materials and I am the organizer. This corner is created after reading 'In the Land of Merfolk' by Daniela Drescher my favorite illustrator. It is so lovely to visualize a book together with your child simply using repurposed and natural materials and your imagination.

Required Materials;

- large bowl filled with water
- 2 (Mason) jars- terracotta flower bowl
  or a glass plate
- hot glue gun
- shell sand
- stones and shells 

- plants and flowers

- decoration like gemstones and baskets

- beeswax candle           

1 - Glue the terracotta or glass plate onto the bottom of the Mason jar and place it in the bowl.
2 - Surround it by stones. Decorate the top of the second Mason jar with shells, stones or wood using the hot glue gun.
3 - Fill the terracotta plate and the jar with shell sand and fill the bowl with water.
4 - Decorate with plants and flowers to create a magical scene.
5 - Finally light the candle and enjoy the scene reading a related story book.

A small scene like this one is a little world in itself, especially when you connect it to a story book or fairy tale. Make sure to engage your child in every step and you will be able to create something magical out of the most simple materials. Simply using gifts of nature, love and your imagination....

Shared on;

Frontier Dreams - Keep Calm and Craft On
Like Mama Like Daughter - Eco Kids Tuesday

DIY - Seasonal Nature Table made of Repurposed Cutting Boards

A seasonal nature table can be such a lovely element in any Waldorf or nature inspired home. For me it is a wonderful way to visualize the rhythm of the year and also to focus my toddler son during our daily walks. He loves to search items for our nature table and combined with picture books and cards it is food for the eyes and the soul. A great inspiration source and my personal favorite on the subject is the book The Nature Corner.

This seasonal nature table is very easy to make with old cutting boards. 

Mine is made of bamboo but any kind of board will do. 

                                                                                

Required Materials;

- (birch) branch of app. 40 cm and app. 7 cm thick 

- 3 cutting boards 1 large (I used app. 25x35 cm)

and 2 smaller (I used app. 15x20 cm)                

- hot glue gun

- sandpaper

- optional; plumb ruler

1 - Saw 3 equally sized parts of your branch of approx 7 cm each and make sure the top has an even surface. 

2 - Sand the boards a bit so the glue will adhere better, then place the 3 parts in a triangle form  and attach the large cutting board using the hot glue gun.

3 - Cut the remaining branch in two parts (one a bit longer than the other) and attach the first in the right corner. Make sure it makes a straight line with the part below the cutting board. 

4 - Attach the last part and cutting board. 

Now you can wax or oil (I use vegetable oil) the boards
and your new seasonal table is ready!

Now the fun part begins...to dress up the table. Everything that is somehow connected to nature and the current season will do. Make sure the child is fully involved in dressing the table, and change the table regularly together in a simple way. Sometimes simply adding a new flower, card or figurine will be enough to create a new atmosphere.

    

This simple Spring table reflects our current reading
"Lily the little princess" and "Peter William Butterblow".  

Have fun and please feel free to contact me with questions or to share your own nature/seasonal table!

Shared on;
The Magic Onions - Friday's Nature Table
Natural Suburbia - Creative Friday
Made by Joey - Sharing Creative Ideas