Nature scapes

stepping stones

These pieces are felted scenes made to be used as playscapes. Each piece has been created with reverence and awe . Each one is a learning adventure intended to encourage creative play, stimulate imagination and especially to create an awareness of the interconnection of all things.

As playscapes they call for the child to interact; to add to and to subtract; to place found items from nature, perhaps some other figures  or  their own handmade craft items. I would hope that it encourages participants to sing and dream, to make, to create, and above all to thoroughly enjoy the experience . In other words to encourage thinking, feeling and learning.

Not only are they are a great tool for stimulating imagination these scenes also  serve to encourage storytelling and language skills. Pieces like this can also be used as teaching aids for social studies, nature study, and geography where  sometimes a visual and tactile object can have profound impact and help develop greater awareness.

As an art piece these small scenes  have validity but as an educational tool even greater versatility. Rudolf Steiner himself expressed the notion that Beauty should be a staple element in education and I feel that through beauty can be gained deep insights and  an appreciation for all things.  We  open our eyes and hearts to the wonder and magnificence that Mother Nature wishes to share with us .  Through beauty in our lives, our souls and spirits are enhanced and our everyday lives enriched. Perhaps in learning to appreciate the beauty around us we may also learn to find and honour the beauty within.

An Autumn nature table piece

Small nature table scene

Close up of bridge

full view of bridge nature mat

treestump by the stream

needlefelt owl on treestump