Browsing Tag

Waldorf crafts

Making Christmas bells

There is a merry little sight as you walk up the path to our home at the moment. A shimmer of glitter and the invitation to ring two pretty Christmas bells. They make a lovely ringing sound, more than you might expect from a terracotta pot and wooden bead.

We crafted on a stormy afternoon. With terracotta pots, wooden beads, wool and a little glue. And while the rain poured down and the thunder crashed above our heads we covered everything in glitter. Or so it would seem *grin*

We made twisties using Christmas-y coloured wool (we share how here). Then threaded a bead onto the twistie to ring against the side of the terracotta pot. To keep the bead in the right spot, we also tied a double knot up a bit higher to rest near the small drainage hole in the pot. Making sure on both ends to leave some of the twistie for tying the bell, and ringing it.

Outside we went as the skies cleared, to find the perfect spots for our little bells.

Happy crafting,
Kelly

December 8, 2014 by

How to make a wool twistie

Making wool twisties is the first handwork project for children at our Waldorf school. A wool twistie is a simple and pretty wool rope. It is a great open ended material which can be used as horse reins, fishing line, jewellery or whatever the little ones come up with!

 

How to make a wool twistie

Select three or four colours of wool to cut into long pieces (around two meters). Hold the strands together and tie one end to a nail like in the photo, to a door, or even in a knot to simply hold under your foot.

Pull the wool taut and start twisting in one direction until the twist is tight. Children and adults can easily let go as they are twisting ~ so hold on!

Once the twist is tight, fold the twisted wool in half to bring the two ends together ~ again don’t let go or you will need to start again. Smooth the kinks out of the wool twistie and tie the ends together. Trim off any excess. And voila ~ a wool twistie!

Why is handwork important?

Handwork is taught in Waldorf schools to develop fine motor skills {especially for pre-writing}, gain an appreciation for the handmade, as well as appreciation for beauty and creativity. Children {and adults} can learn much from handwork, including perseverance and self reliance. Using beautiful materials, some patience and creativity it is amazing what we can come up with!

I find handwork centering, an almost meditative activity. And I enjoy seeing the pride my son has in making things for himself, accomplishing these tasks and building his abilities.

Here is more information from the Waldorf Library about the important of handwork in Waldorf schools.

Happy crafting,
Kelly

October 27, 2014 by