Welcome to Meltdown Monday! And happy Labor Day, for those of you in the US.
Today's giveaway comes from Lenka, of Forest Fairy Crafts. Together with her friend Asia she creates the most adorable gnomes and fairies. You're on for a treat this week, so let's get to know Lenka a little better!
This Cosy Life- Hi, Lenka, and welcome to Meltdown Monday! Tell us a little about yourself so we can know the person behind the work.
Lenka- Hi, thank you for letting us join in on the fun this week. I am a mama and teacher at an art-based charter school in California. My friend, Asia, and I create many handwork projects to make with our students. Recently, we branched out and started writing our patterns and making crafts to share with others. We started our website at Forest Fairy Crafts. As for my fairies, I fell in love with the Waldorf Fairies the first time I saw them about ten years ago. I love figuring out new tricks to make them unique for the season or holiday. This witch has my first hat with a brim- very exciting :)
This Cosy Life- What inspires your creations?
Lenka- I'm inspired by my own kids- my eight-year-old girl and my three-year-old boy. They are so creative! I also learn a lot from my kindergarten and first grade students. They will take my plans and turn them upside down, or cut the hat in eight pieces. At first, I think it will be a disaster, and then they make it beautiful! There are no rules in crafting :). I love seeing children with handmade toys. It can be a revelation that toys don't have to come from stores. We can make toys. And toys that connect to nature are the best kind of toys. I look to nature for inspiration and our colors- trees and sky, dirt and flowers. Magic is everywhere.
This Cosy Life- How do you balance 'making' with mothering?
Lenka- My kids get a lot of fairies and gnomes :). Our nature table is crowded :). Seriously, the first project is always gifted to them to show my children that they come first. My older girl is becoming more understanding and she likes the idea of sharing the magic with other children in the world. I set aside time for us to craft as a family, too, so while I am making my version, I am threading a needle for her. My boy is easily distracted. I'm lucky that way. I give him a scrap piece of felt to cut up, or a felt-heart with a tapestry needle so he can decorate with beads. We love crafting together.
This Cosy Life- Thank you so much for for joining us for Meltdown Monday!
Lenka- Thanks again for having us! We appreciate your wonderful work!
Today Lenka is giving away this darling little witch fairy! Isn't she cute?
OK, so to enter leave me a comment. You can let me know how your Monday is going or, better yet, tell me how you beat the dreadful Meltdown Monday or just say hi. Whatever.
For additional entries;
(leave a separate comment for each entry, if you don't, they count as one)
Tweet this (include @thiscosylife in your tweet)
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And for this giveaway you can gain one addition entry by following Lenka's blog.
I will randomly pick a winner on Sunday September 11th and announce here, on my blog. (Please, make sure I have a way to contact you!)
*Meltdown Monday Giveaways are open worldwide.
PS: If anyone is interested in participating in a Monday Meltdown giveaway, here on my blog, contact me here. Whether an item from your Etsy shop or just a little something you would like to give away to brighten someone's Monday, it's all good!
