NATURALLY FUN FOR THE HOLIDAYS

 

Handmade Crafts Journey

Siena and her mother Marcella, talked with me about their 17-year journey of selling handmade crafts, which began when Siena was only 6 years old, when they were homeschooling. Siena explained that she has dyslexia, which makes her more visual and naturally inclined towards creative activities, while Marcella shared that their family has a strong tradition of crafting, with both her mother and grandmother being artists. The conversation revealed how their homeschooling environment provided the freedom to explore various types of crafts, ultimately leading to the successful craft business they have built over the years. They have even been in Better Homes & Gardens magazines!

Family-Inspired Creative Exploration

Siena talks about her family's artistic background, particularly her mother's embroidery and knitting work, which inspired her own creativity.  She explained how having access to a variety of materials at home encouraged her to experiment and try new ideas without the pressure of saving materials for specific projects. Siena showcased some of her wool felt toys, including gnomes and mushrooms, which she creates without faces to allow children's imaginations to shape the characters and stories.

Naturally Fun Business Philosophy

Siena explained the origin of the business name "Naturally Fun," which reflects their philosophy of incorporating natural materials and a focus on fun in their products and homeschooling approach. She emphasized that people often describe their items as fun, happy, and unique, which totally aligns with their mission to infuse joy into their creations.

Crafting Journey and Market Expansion

Siena discussed her journey with crafting and selling items at markets, starting with school markets when she was very young and expanding to private markets during COVID-19. She noted that private markets reached a different audience and allowed her to explore her passion while balancing work and travel. Siena loves her flexible schedule and work-life balance that this creative business provides, motivating her to continue growing and pushing herself.

Upcoming Events and Promotions

Siena and Kimbra discussed upcoming in-person events, including the Oswego Farmer's Market Reunion, Baltic Holidays, Portland Wilder School, and several events in December, such as the Scan Fair at the convention center. Siena highlighted her unique crafts, including felt ornaments and sweater trees, and we all want to encourage supporting small businesses. 

If you want to check them out, here's a list of events they'll be at:

Check out my interview with them here: https://youtu.be/FWgOGZBr-kk

Vlogmas Day 11 - Danish Holiday Hearts

Homemade Clay Craft - Penguin Project to do with Kids

I wanted to make some little penguins  so I bought some clay and started modeling the little guys.

Here's how to do it.

First buy some clay at your local craft or hobby shop.

Make sure you get the clay you can bake and not the remoldable clay - which doesn't harden and can always be squished back into a pile of clay.

Then make a pear shaped object out of your clay.

After you've made the pear shaped object, cut out some wings and stick them on the sides.

After you have the wings, you need eyes, feet and a beak.

Stick the beak, feet and eyes on to the pear shaped figure. Rub them into the figure at the connections. Then bake the little guy - per  directions on the clay package.

When he is finished baking, add a little paint or you can use markers.

Before you bake him, you can smooth him a bit. I accidently made indentations in his  body with my fingernails.

I think this little guy is cute but I want to practice a bit so I can make a little penguin pond in my garden ;D I think kids  walking past my little "pond" will think it's fun. 

5 Kid Friendly Crafts to Keep Busy

Are you going a little stir-crazy?

(WHO ISN'T?)

Well, Easter is only a little over two weeks away, so why not put this time to good use by making some holiday crafts, treats, and tasty dishes to keep the kids and yourself busy? 

(Below are some tried and true crafts/recipes I've done-and their links-so happy crafting)

1)

HOW TO MAKE PRETTY EASTER BASKETS WITH PAPER

The prettier the paper – the better

But white paper will work 

Simply color, paint, draw or even paste magazine pictures to beautify your baskets

The stiffer the paper – the stronger

If you have cardstock – all the better

Staple, tape or even glue – use what you have around the house 

2)

MAKE SOME FUN AND EZ TREATS

These are simply cupcakes with coconut frosting but if you don’t have coconut, simply scoop your frosting into a baggie and cut the end off to pipe “grass” on top. 

If you have questions let me know in the  comments.

3)

MAKE YOUR OWN MINIONS

If you have food coloring and eggs, you can make your own minions. If you don’t have jiggly eyes, simply draw them with a marker or paint them with food coloring.

4)

CREATE RICE KRISPY EGGS

If you have rice krispies and marshmallows – you can make easter eggs! If you don’t have marshmallows, you can make your own.

5)

CREATE BEET JUICE EGGS

If you have a can of beets and some eggs, you can color eggs the natural way. This is safe (except for the obvious staining issue). Put on an apron, tie a towel around yourself, or simply wear old clothes for this project. 

It couldn't be more simple. Just dunk your egg in the juice - then let it sit - it takes longer than food coloring but it comes out pretty.

I hope you enjoyed these five simple ways to have some fun with things you probably have around the house.

Stay well and happy creating!