“When one door closes, another one opens” as the old saying goes…
This happened to me just before the lockdown restrictions came into force, when I was approached by Martin Large, the publisher of Hawthorn Press ‘thoughtful books’. He declared, “You have a book in you! What is lacking is a book for children to use to make things themselves.”
I thought, “I won’t know, if I don’t try” and began making a list of projects I have taught during my 30 plus years in Steiner/Waldorf education settings. Then I had the idea to present it like a cookery book for children with Ingredients (yarns, threads, fabric), Utensils (scissors, needles, etc.) and the Recipe (step by step instructions) and began in earnest.
It was quite a journey but kept me motivated throughout lockdown, learning by trial and error how to use a computer to write and send in Word or PDF, to take and send sufficiently ‘high res’ photographs (thanks to my daughter for her patience) and, of course, to hone my dormant drawing skills to illustrate the step by step instructions to accompany the text. In addition, I had to credit the authors of nursery rhymes, fairy tales and sayings, which I use as part of my ‘making steps memorable’ teaching technique.
So, with the publishing date set the editor said, “Stop!” and my first book ‘Making Waldorf Crafts’ became a reality. Covering hand spinning, knitting, sewing and weaving crafts for children from 6 to 8 years (or indeed anyone who missed out on learning these basic skills), it will provide opportunities to connect with the natural world, develop dexterity, hand to eye co-ordination and creativity.
The snowdrops have braved the winds and downpours of February, blackthorn and cherry plum blossom scent the air and Easter has (almost) arrived. Everyone has a story to tell, so, go on start scribbling/typing now!! Or with this year’s birthdays in mind – a book is a present you and your child can open again and again.