Wednesday, May 2, 2012

By the sea, by the beautiful sea


The summer of my eighth year of childhood is indelibly transcribed in my memory file folders, the one labeled PARENTS. It was the summer both my father and mother volunteered to participate in the Girl Scout Jamboree.


My father was given the responsibilities of swimming instructor and life guard. My mother was assigned  director of the Arts and Crafts tent. My young brother and I spent our days tagging behind senior scouts who didn't shoo us away.


Our days could not have been more idyllic. Sun browned arms and legs, the Aegean Sea blue under cloudless skies. Evening campfires, my mother's voice in song. Army cots with criss-crossed wooden legs, wooly green blankets against a starry night's chill.


I acquired my love of crafts this special summer alongside my mother who could fashion the most amazing things from nearly anything found. I was continually puffed with pride from overheard compliments about my mother from the girls in green.


I know it is because of my mother that my blog has been filled with crafts that can be easily made and shared with children. Flower Fairies, a perfectly perfect spring craft!


Hair is made from thin strips of felt about 2 1/2" long. Use a thin beading needle to gather the strip accordion style, go back through pleats several times to secure. A knot is not needed. I have punched from an old greeting card to a daughter the inside signatures, "Mommy and Daddy" to make bases for the faeries to stand.



For so many years I kept tucked away in my jewelry chest, Plaster of Paris pins that my mother had painted scenes on to remind us of the Jamboree. Red and blue bathing tents with the blue sea beyond, colorful flags flying at their peaked tops. Sailboat sails caught by the wind, figures swimming in the sea, beach towels drying on a makeshift line.


I don't know what became of the little pins; so this is why I am so glad to have my Memory Files.  My mother and father were so happy together at this Jamboree, and I felt so lucky to have them as my parents. I hold this summer very close to my heart.



27 comments:

Jane said...

Love those bright colors! Darling little Flower Girls! I'm wondering how you'll use the dragonflies! Must stay tuned, to hopefully find out.

It was good of your parents to volunteer for the Girl Scouts. We were a Scouting family for a great many years - Brownies, Girl Scouts, Cubs & Boy Scouts - what wonderful programs!

vintage grey said...

These are so sweet!! Love the colors!!! xo Heather

Jenni Swenson said...

What a treat... adorable little dolls. So glad to see you back!

Debby said...

So cute. You have wonderful memories.

Lorraine said...

How sweet and colorful these are. Your stories are always entertaining and help to resurface memories of similar times. I love coming here.

ShabbyESP said...

Hello Elizabeth,
I was so happy to see you have returned!!
I missed your sweet crafts and your wonderful stories.
Love those cute little dolls, they are adorable.
Enjoy your day!!!
Suzann ~xoxo~

annemarie said...

These little dolls are so precious. Your stories are always so wonderful.

My Vintage Mending said...

Kim will love and adore them perhaps even try her hand at many of them. She is a dear friend. Perhaps the thing that touches me the most about your posts besides your gorgeous crafts are the moments that I reflect and still myself to take the pictures in my mind. So that I won't forget the smiles and laughter through the craziness of life. These are beautiful...your memories are touching. Smiles...Renee

Musings from Kim K. said...

Such a sweet story of your parents. I hope my girls appreciate all the craft projects they endure each weekend. You have totally made my night. My girls will love these sweet fairies, Elizabeth. They need to visit our treehouse too. I will send you an email shortly with our address.

Kristen King said...

These girls are too cute! I think I need to make a few. Thanks for sharing your story, it is very sweet! :)

editor said...

I'm so glad you are back! I knew in my heart that you had more beautiful things to make and wonderful stories to tell. Thank you!

mary

RetroSandie said...

Ooh, the little fairy dolls are so sweet! I love your ingenious ideas! I've been making some of your little chenille doggies, cats, and even the little birdies! Easy, fun, and so darned cute!!! Perfect little companions for dolls. Gee, I wish you wrote on your blog everyday!!!

Lynne said...

smile...smile...smile

~Lavender Dreamer~ said...

These are just adorable! Happy and sweet...just like you! And I know Kim's girls will be thrilled! Thanks for being YOU, sweet E.!

ImagiMeri said...

Very cute E, but then everything you do is amazing.

Hugs,
Meri

Evelyn said...

I am so excited to see you blogging and crafting again! I feel like I have run into an old friend after a long absence. Your flower fairies are adorable! I enjoy your reading about your memories.

Anonymous said...

Sweet memories and sweet little fairies! ♥

Pellie / Penny said...

Such wonderful memories you shared.

Your little flower fairies are so cute.

Hugs,
Penny

cindi said...

Have loved your blog and have missed you. your stories are so fun to read. i especially love the little felt owls. i have seen many of your patterns but cannot find one for the owl. i have become so enamoured of all things owl.
thanks
cindi

Carol T said...

I absolutely adore your blog - all of your darling crafts and your beautiful words. These little fairies are so sweet. I was at Michael's a couple of days ago and bought the supplies to make your strawberry penny rug. Carol

Carol T said...

I absolutely adore your blog - all of your darling crafts and your beautiful words. These little fairies are so sweet. I was at Michael's a couple of days ago and bought the supplies to make your strawberry penny rug. Carol

Ina said...

I don't know what I love best: your beautiful memories or the beautiful art you make from bits and bobs. Thank you for sharing it all with me, again. ;p

xo, ina

p.s. your circus sits on a shelf over my window in my sewing room. it's the first thing i see everytime i go in there and it makes me very happy. thank you. :)

Pieceful Bits said...

I'm so pleased that you are back and making me smile :) J

Noreen said...

I didn't realize you had started posting again! I love these sweet little fairies.

Noreen
http://craftyjournal.com

Aka.... Mom said...

These are just perfect !!! can you email me the items needed and more instruction I just think that ally the girls here are going to love then !

Ddcandy206@aol.com

BY THE WAY THESE ARE THE BEST !!!!!

Aka.... Mom said...

These are just perfect !!! can you email me the items needed and more instruction I just think that ally the girls here are going to love then !

Ddcandy206@aol.com

BY THE WAY THESE ARE THE BEST !!!!!

RK Artes said...

Hello Elizabeth,
which material are the legs made of?
Cheers, such a beautiful dolls!