Monday, April 21, 2008

Soft Trees of Spring

Crafting time has been just a little scant, lately, which is why I love a quick and cute project. I've been enchanted with the soft trees ever since I happened upon the tutorial well over a year ago. I will say I got a lot of mileage out of the one I managed to make closer to Christmas. It made its way all over: dresser tops, the nature table, various centerpiece configurations on the dining room table, but I've always wanted to make a cute cluster of them.
Thus, I present you with the Soft Trees of Spring. Don't they make a cute spring tableau? And these will still work (at least for me) as little Christmas trees in December as well (maybe make a few more in the darker green, or in fleecy white, for snow), thus fitting with my resolution to get things done early--insanely early (oh that I were working on the Christmas gifts as well!). The boys love playing with them too. Rainer bats them around and we make little scenes in conjunction with the fabric basket and the animals. Dieter has different ideas on how to play with a fabric tree . . . they're pointy, aren't they? Thus making them perfect swords (a tree was his sword, an index card was his shield. A boy simple pleasure).

In other news, we made the crackers from Mollycoddle (originally from Everyday Food Issue 31), and they are so crunchy and delicious, as promised. I thought Dieter would really get into the brushing of the olive oil, but not so much. Oh well. I loved them and they are so fun to make.
Rainer is feeling a lot better and getting stronger every day, just a little at a time, but I can see it. He's finishing up with a big round of chemo but still goes in for his Wednesday outpatient surgery days for the next few weeks. Other than that, he's playing, going for stroller walks, being read to, doing puzzles, splashing in the bath, and starting to eat again (for a little while he wasn't eating much). It's so good to see him perking up, little by little. Oh, and just today I think his cheeks are starting to deflate a bit, as well. But I think he's cute either way.

16 comments:

driftwood said...

the trees are very cute, and it's lovely to see you out enjoying the garden.

Cass said...

Those trees are great

amy turn sharp said...

great ideas for the trees! and he is adorable and he is in my prayers xo

Suzanne said...

He is indeed cute--glad to hear he is feeling better:-)

Deanna Germany said...

He is precious!! I have been praying for him.

LOVE the trees. I can imagine larger versions of them and using them in decorating at holidays -- for Christmas surrounded by my nativity scene or at Easter surrounded by my painted wooden eggs. You have set my imagination running!

Amy said...

now that is one easy cracker recipe! I do think I have some of those in the fridge too! I must make some-thanks for sharing!

jessica said...

My boys can turn just about anything into a sword too - which is just one of the reasons why we don't own any actual play swords!

Glad to hear Rainier is perking up!

Julie said...

Just catching up with your posts... I love the soft trees and your lounge pants! The recipes look great too! I'm glad to hear Rainier is feeling better and getting stronger!

Florence Knapp (Flossie Teacakes) said...

Mary Beth, I love your soft trees! They are so gorgeous - such a pleasing shape and I really like your green fabrics. x

Kelli said...

I love the little updates on your sweet son. Glad he is improving bit by bit. I think I might make those crackers. yum yum, hugs!

Erna said...

Those trees are so nice!! Love them!! Really want to make some too...it's a lovely scene with the little deer...real spring.

So nice to hear your little one is getting a little better. My son had also those cheeks when he was little because of medicines..At that age I found it really cute :)
lovely to see him play outside...

xx

melissa s. said...

Beautiful trees, and do I spy a wee wonderful bunny in the clutches of your little guy? So cute!

Annie B said...

Finally managed to catch up with your blog and am SO GLAD to hear Rainer is perking up little by little - wonderful news

thos little trees are great - i am with you on the (thinking about at least) preparing for Christmas - I was too slow to make an dadvent calender last year but really want to do one for 2008

I share your replying to comments issue from a few posts back - it is nice to reply direct but like you I am on blogger and so often can't - I generally visit the person's blog if they have one and leave a comment there, that's what I love people doing when I leave a comment

if they don't have a blog it sucks but there isn't much to be done then

glad to hear you all staying positive - love your new top (good you are back sewing) and LOVE Jacob reading to Dieter - those really are great boys you are growing there

taisa said...

Such good news that Rainer is feeling stronger. He sure is cute! Those trees are great. Need to make me some of those...

::m:: said...

the soft trees are adorable! love them [as well as the wooden deer + mushroom :)]

missy [project mcb]

kirsten said...

i love the idea of spring trees! way cute!

(and your hand-clapping is so fun, too!)