Fun Winter Craft!

Ojo de Dios....or God's Eyes
A fun, fun winter project!

The last (and first) time I made these was in 4th grade.  I remember Mr. Flood's class- sitting on our desks weaving our God's Eyes while listening to 'Eye of the Tiger' by Survivor.  It was a very tiny, very relaxed elementary school and I have fond memories of my years there.


These beautiful woven crafts are made by the Huichole indians of northwestern Mexico. One tradition is for the father of a new baby to weave the center when the baby is born, then adding another color/layer every year until the child is five.  The eye represents the loving, watchful eye of God.

You can check out directions for making these here and here.

The wooden dowels can be any size you want- or you can be more authentic and use sticks.  I bought an inexpensive package of wooden dowels at Walmart for 99 cents.  (Our sticks outdoors were covered by snow.)

Throw on some music or a great book on CD and let those hands get busy! 
 Content copyright © 2011 by Jessa at Graceful Landing

Feeling Crafty

I guess I've been feeling a little creative lately.
I used to feel that way on a weekly or daily basis.  But that's when I had more time- time to think, time to dream, time to draw and create.

Then I was busy REALLY creating- conceiving and bearing children. 
What a  fulfilling, wondrous phase of life to be in.  
Talk about inspiration and imagination flowing through your veins!

That carried on through my children's babyhood  and continued...pretty much until I had several teens.

Don't get me wrong- I love teens.  They are great!  They just consume so much more of my energy.  Their needs are so much greater.  

So for a while now, I've been reeling a bit.  Trying to figure out how to be a good mother to teens while still finding time for myself.   'Cause I'm not always sure I should be a mother to these almost-adults!  How did I get to this point?

I'm still trying to figure it out. 
All I know is the time I put in is very worthwhile.  You don't always reap the benefits right away.  But I'm starting to.  Starting to hear from my older children that they appreciate me.  

 I'm finding some time to be creative:

I made a blanket for my youngest daughter,   

And

A cool (if I do say so myself) birthday cake for my new son-in-law.

 

 

And the smiles are my reward!

 

The cool cake idea was from the book 'Hello Cupcake!'

You can find it

                                          HERE