My homegirl Daniele wrote the other day about her love of all things Irish, including their yearly tradition of unlaunching their naughty leprechaun (who was around much longer than the “elf on the shelf” fad, thankyouverymuch). She shared with us and then requested that if we try this ourselves to let them know how it went.
I decided that while Cocobaby was napping I was going to make her a leprechaun of her very own using some spare cloth and some old patterns that I had bought from Bit of Whimsy Dolls years ago. I found some green fabric and some orange felt for her pigtails and our mischievous little companion was ready. Meet Lucy:
As I was working, hunched over the sewing machine with scraps of fabric and thread littering the floor beneath me, I asked myself: Is this worth it? I could easily go to the store and buy a knick-knack for my daughter. Although this was free because I had the materials, often I find that my homemade projects aren’t much less expensive– and considering my lack of skillz I know that my toys aren’t going to last as long as even their cheap store bought counterparts. So why was I doing this, when there was laundry to be folded and dishes to be done? More productive ways to spend my time?
I decided that it’s a priority of mine to show my children the lost art of creating. Creating vegetables from seeds, blankets from yarn, toys from cloth, meals from scratch. I want them to see raw materials and their minds to soar, imagining all of the possibilities.
When my two year old saw Lucy she threw her hands up in the air and said, “She’s beautiful!” She carried her around all evening. She cuddled, kissed and hugged on her lil leprechaun friend. She posed and asked me to take pictures of them together. She showed her off while we were out at dinner. She kept saying, ironically, “I love Lucy”.
So Daniele, I’d say it went well.
But now I pose the question to my readers: Why do you choose homemade? [Or, in this case, mostly homemade?] Leave me a comment and let me know.
Homemade Mondays is a series for people that are on a journey to better living, via healthier eating and a more natural lifestyle. We realize that there are different paths that we all take to get to that place, and this bloghop celebrates that. Whether you’re a seasoned raw foodist who has banned all things unnatural, or a rookie who is starting out by cutting out junk food, we’d love to hear from you! Link up with your favorite recipes, projects, crafts, or rants and raves.
The Hosts
Sarah of Being Frugal by Choice, Cheap by Necessity
Aubrey of Homegrown & Healthy
How to
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About Aubrey
Thanks so much for hosting!
Thanks for joining us!
I pretty much make anything I can at home. Lately, we have discovered the joys of brewing our own beverages from foraged food. SO AWESOME, especially when it turns out better than our normal store-bought versions. I shared a link to our foray into picking stinging nettles. I’m making a beer with it right now, and hope to share about that process very soon!
I always enjoy your fermenting-posts. We will be doing more foraging this spring, and hopefully more beer making/drinking as well!
Hi Aubrey,
I love your little Leprechaun doll! Very cute, and I think you did a great job!
Why do I make things myself? There are many reasons. Mainly, I make our foods mostly from scratch, because I want to know that it is healthy and will contribute to our nutrition rather than making us sick. I raise our own chickens for eggs and meat so I know that they have had a humane and happy life…it’s also fun to have them around. There’s nothing more rewarding than digging into yummy homemade food and realizing that it is so much better than anything I could buy ready to eat.
I don’t have very good sewing skills and my sewing machine dies every time I turn around…so I haven’t done any homemade sewing projects in a long time. I try to be happy with fewer clothes and ‘stuff’…and rarely go shopping unless I really need something.
Hi Aubrey…finally! I’m back to blogging. Thanks for the linky! I added my post with 3 free containers you can use to start garden seeds. Have a great week.
Perfect timing, I’m starting our seeds ASAP
Thanks for hosting!
This week I’m sharing my family’s all time favorite lamb recipe that we make every Easter. It is so yummy and our picky eater even likes it. I always make my own skin care products and I have many recipes on my blog, this week I’m sharing my super easy facial oil. I’m also sharing my favorite essential oils for cleaning, I use different ones for spring than I do in winter..
Have great week!
It’s ALMOST Spring! So, we’ve linked up with “Prepared For A Picnic!” Get a jump on the good weather and be ready!
Thanks for hosting the fun link-up!
http://theprovisionroom.com/2012/05/29/prepared-for-a-picnic/
Aubrey – your Lucy doll is amazing! I can not imagine how thrilled your little girl must have been when she saw it! Thank you for mentioning us on Homegrown & Healthy – you are the BEST! I linked up my Coffee Filter Shamrocks, can’t wait for the next Homemade Monday!
Aw thanks!