Sparkle Crafts

Sparkle Craft: Nature School Craft Round-up

This week we are preparing for the return of Martin & Sylvia's Nature School. To do that, we've gathered the four stories that introduce the series into a bundle available in the Sparkle Store. And, each Introduction story has an accompanying craft or recipe! You'll find them below.

Want to know a little more?

Martin and Sylvia's Nature School

As the summer comes to an end, Momma, Martin and Sylvia reflect on all the things they loved about the summer season: hikes, walks along the beach, blueberry picking, climbing trees and collecting bird feathers. Then Momma suggests that they keep the summer outdoor fun alive all year long: “Every Thursday, lets have Nature School!” And so Martin joins the Goose-eye Wilderness School, and Sylvia and her friend Sophia create a Nature home-school. From wild craft cooking to outdoor games to building projects to tree identification, Nature School is a year of unfolding learning and fun.

In the four Introduction stories, the children learn about rock stacking, play a game called “Squirrels Uprising,” make evergreen tea, and create a wild-crafted salad!

You'll meet the camp director Chick, the four wonderful camp apprentices, and a whole host of new friends for Martin: Griffin, Dion, Jayla, and Alexander.

The Crafts:

"What to do on Thursdays"- Squirrels Uprising Game

“Squirrels Uprising” is a fun game. It has layers to it and there are multiple things happening at the same time, so it invites one’s awareness to expand to their whole environment and everything in it. In this way, it is natural to feel that sense of interconnectedness.

Find the tutorial HERE.

"The Deer Mice"- Rock Stacking Tutorial

Stacked rocks can be found around the world. Some are used for wayfinding – some for marking boundaries – some are created as earth art – and some are decoration for gardens and landscaping. All of them are celebrations of the rock itself.

Find the tutorial HERE.

"Out in the Elements"- Nettle and Cauliflower Casserole

Wild edibles are nature’s gift of free food – the original super foods packed with vitamins and minerals and that little bit of extra wild energy. You might even have some wild edibles right in your backyard or neighborhood. You know those pretty yellow dandelions that everyone keeps mowing or pulling out of their yard? Edible. Or those leafy green plants with little hairs on them that sting? Edible.

Find the recipe for nettle and cauliflower casserole HERE.

"The Great Gift"- Pine Needle Tea

There are many reasons to make a steaming cup of evergreen tea. The warmth alone can be the reason on a rainy day to give comfort to cold fingers and chilly bodies. The taste, especially with honey and spruce needles, is like drinking a delicious, sweet Christmas tree.

Find the tutorial HERE.