Last Sunday saw me set up on the school grounds of West Cost Steiner School in Nollamara for their annual Spring Fair and Open Day. There were camel rides, patting zoo, coconut throw, class performances, face painting, story telling, wood working and some of the most beautiful crafts i have ever seen. Most times when I think school fair crafts I think the grandmas with the same kinds of things- drawer sachets, unfortunately colour combined knitted tea cosy and the like. But not so here. There is something so magical and loving about the Steiner style dolls and gnomes, especially those done in needle point felting. Soft, warm, beautiful colours, and well made in general. They leave lots to the imagination on purpose, and yet nothing is really missing either. They do not come cheaply as there is quite a bit of work and love gone into each and every one- but what worthwhile thing of qualilty ever came cheaply? If it was cheap then it means no one values the product- not the creator, purchaser nor the recipient. And what does it say to someone if you always buy them cheap things made in China on a factory line with no love, imagination or time spent? Yes, it is hard with budgets and children, but I say we buy far too many things. I would rather, and do, give my children one valuable christmas present that is really worth something that 5 or six little plastic things that I walked into Target and bought with little thought or value. Buy something that is quality and valuable that will last and you will be giving a gift to everyone. A gift to the person, yourself, the environment and those who took the time to make a quality, thoughtful product. Buy less, but buy well.

I have also begun to dabble in the Steiner style dolls, gnomes and angels. Using the spare pieces of my dyeing and stuffing the bigger dolls with all the little off cuts from sewing I am able to keep the costs down, and therefore throw nothing away. Where possible I use organic materials, and for things for small babies I use only certified organic including the stuffing. Have a look in the photo gallery for what I have done so far. I am also working on getting the shop into gear especially in time for Christmas.

My next market stall will be at the Handmade Childrens Market in Booragoon, Nov 6th. If you are curoius about a Wrap and can't make it to the babywearing group please come down, I really encourage people to try them on before they buy one to make sure it's what they think it will be. Everyone who has tried one on has been really surprised about how comfortable and secure it is. I recently met a lady buy one as she has  2mnth and 4 mnth old grandchildren whom she wants to be able to care for and love with ease. She wasn't terribly certain about wraps when we began talking, but after trying one on and having a wander around nearby she came back and bought one straight away. Give them a try, you might be surprised.