little bits and bobbin: February 2013

Friday, February 8, 2013

fairy fridays}} the woodland cake

This, This was my labor of love. The other things, they come more easily to me. But fondant, gum paste, tall teensy cake pans--this had me practically breaking into hives in the craft store--panicked.

Ladies & Gents-- I NOW know how the craft-challenged feel and boy oh boy!

I was lucky enough that my inlaws were here and they and my beloved took the children "out" for the day. I turned on Season One of Downton Abbey and started rolling fondant-- before I knew what has hit me Season One was concluding and the pitter patter of almost 4 year old feet could be heard - returning from a long day in town...and i had rolled, pressed, molded and shaped all the many pieces that would be this fourth birthday cake.

All that time to myself in the kitchen, time to reflect, time to goof off, time to get serious about cake baking--it was kind of this great meditation on being a mother and crafting and teaching. It made me realize how very important it is for me to MAKE for my own children...cakes, dolls, sewn and knitted what have yous...but most importantly time...

I want to sit with you little one and know about your day, the time away from me and all the little things i missed. I want to construct & craft with you anything and everything you beg to make- because we can. and even if we have to figure it out as we go along and it might end up being wild, it will still be beautiful.

The next morning when little bits saw the cake, that was the best part of all. I was struggling with crumbs in the frosting at the time and Little Bits came around the corner into the kitchen and her whole face lit up! "Mama!" she said almost in a whisper...."it's amazing!!!" and them peels of laughter.

Oh my love-- the cake as good- but it is you my little one who are amazing!

Wednesday, February 6, 2013

Candlemas

The Christmas tree is finally gone ( we put it out on the porch and will make bird feeders next week for the branches) and the days are finally getting longer again. The sunrises earlier and sets later and we are pushing towards Spring. In some ways living in Maine we feel the pull of Spring even more so-- even if we have to search deeper..buried under all that snow and ice and frozen mud (oh the frozen mud) is the hope of spring. The tiny seed that sleeps.
A home we have been reading Under & Over the Snow by Kate Messner and it is a great book for this time of year!
How do you celebrate the longer days and later mornings?

At playschool we have been busy today making all kinds of candles, some from cookie molds and some from natural objects. I just love the teensy tiny candles made in acorn caps! And our gnome does too...