Monday, May 19, 2014

Building, Creating, Having Fun

We just finished a three day weekend and I had a great time.  We didn't go anywhere but did lots of walking, cycling, visiting with friends, sitting in the sunshine reading and had some time to be creative.  Look what I made!
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If you’ve been following my blog for a while you know I like fairies and that we have created a variety of environments for them; doors, gardens, tree houses.
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Last December my husband created a wonderful tree house for the centre.  I helped design it but I really wanted to get my hands on the tools and make one myself.
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I started by gathering materials from school and the forest.  Laying it out helped envision how it could go together. I didn't use a lot so it will be available for another project.
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          (Yes I know I shouldn’t be wearing slippers while using power tools.  I did change soon after this picture.)
My husband showed me how to use a jigsaw, hand saws, a drill and different drill bits.  Electric screw driver and how to counter sink so the screws will be flat.  
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I made the ladder by drilling holes through each rung and the poles so I could tie them together. I added a bit of hot glue on the back of each knot in hopes they will stay tied.  The ladder is attached with little screws to the base.
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For shingles on the little house I used pieces of a pinecone, I found in the forest, that a squirrel had taken apart.  I had hoped to add little rocks on the sides of the house then realized that I wouldn't have space to screw it to the tree top.
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The circular base was leftover from the sensory table my husband created last weekend.  The toad stool knobs were found at a thrift store.
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Adding these steps was a part that my husband did.  I wasn’t quite ready to handle the circular saw yet but I know I will someday.  But I did attach them.
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It was so exhilarating creating this fairy home.  As soon as it was together my mind was already thinking of the next project.  I’m thinking that I may do a bit of painting on this one first.