Sailing away

Some of the keen sailors ready to launch.

The last project of the term with my class was spent making these little boats; we then put on wellies and waded into the stream at our school to sail them. We had such a great time making them, though the weather was not on our side for sailing that day as it was blowing a gale, small craft warnings should have been issued - great fun was had anyway!

Benito's successful launch.

Steady now, the wind is picking up!

Here's a closer look. Remember these made by Tristan? Though they're nothing new, these boats are a favourite of mine as they have my key ingredients for a fun young children's project: they require simple materials, they allow for a child's own design or embellishment and they're quick to make.

How to: Cut the edge off a juice box. Cut out a sail or two from heavy paper (fabric could also be used,) embellish the sails if you wish and put a hole in the middle at the top and bottom of the sail. Next slip a lightweight stick or long straw through the holes and push the stick into a lump of Blu Tack. Push the Blu Tack to the bottom of the carton and launch your boat. Simple!

(NOTE: Blu Tack is a clay-like adhesive used in place of double sided tape, I don't know a term for it in other countries.)

We finished school on Wednesday and it was quite an emotional one. Some of you know it was our last day there as a family because we're moving to another county in August. We've had so many good times there, it's a wonderful little school and we'll miss it. But onto new adventures, the childrens new school has a creative emphasis; Tristan will have more freedom to explore his music and Gracie her art. It's a big move, but one we feel will be well worth it.

I moved to Kent when hubby and I were married, both our children have been born here and after twelve years in this lovely area our friends have become our family - we will really miss them but happily be only two hours away. 

We have a busy summer ahead of de-stashing, packing and probably more than a little partying as we say our good-byes. Wish us luck!

Comments

[dottycookie]

Your little sailors look like they're having a wonderful time! I'm making a list of things to do this summer, and I think boat building will have to be on there.

Good luck for the move.

[Margaret Oomen]

I wish you all the best as you prepare to move your family this summer. I know how this feels having moved my gang around a number of times within the same area and once to a completely different area of Ontario. I bet you have the most amazing "stuff" to destash. I wonder if you might consider a "virtual" rummage sale of sorts. Have a wonderful weekend and I forgot to mention I love your little people and their fantastic boats.
Fern is sort of jealous.

[Christy]

wonderful! it just reminded me of a childhood moment! thank you!

[nanou]

What a funny summer project, Nini ! The kids looked so happy ! They will keep such great memories of you and this creative time together ... I'm sure you'll meet, in your new county, fantastic people sharing the same interest than you for the crafts, as your kids will go in a creative school ... Bon courage !

[Louise]

Good luck for the move :) It will be exciting for you, we have been in the same house for 10 years now and I am certainly ready for a change of scenery!

[Pam]

Joanie, this is a lovely, lovely post. The images of the children are treasures.

And the boats - wouldn't they make cute tree ornaments at Christmas?

My thoughts are always with you these days as you prepare to sail on your own voyage.

[Sonia]

Hello my Joanie ! :) I'm finally back online, phew !!
Oh goodness, you know how much I feel for you, don't you ?! Just been there VERY recently, and everything went OK, so it will go OK for you just as well. I'm seconding Margie about the idea of an online rumage sale ... I'm sure lots of people would be interested ! (me included, eheh)
So, my friend, good luck for all the packing, sorting out, cleaning, cooking, partying, goodbye saying, I'll be with you with all my heart. Do you have a precise date for the move ? And how about the house ?
Oh, almost forgot to say that the boats were soooo cool, it's such a great idea for little ones, I'll have to use it this summer, I'll let you know, OK ?!
Lots & lots of hugs, my friend. Do take care, and always keep a little room for creation, but I know you will. (it kept me sane through the move process)
xoxoxox

[Elissa]

this is a fun, easy little project. thank you! best of luck to you all as you move.... moving is always a lot, whether two minutes or two hours away. but, yes, new adventures!

[deb]

Such sweet little sailors! Love this idea and I can see on their faces that they loved it too. :)

Wishing you all the best with your upcoming move. I wish I lived closer, I'd be right over to help you out. Here's to new adventures in life! Good things are coming your way. :)

[learningparade]

I love this post! I really wish that we had a stream in the grounds of our school! Unfortunately we have tarmac, but we are getting a new building and top of our wish list is to develop the grounds to include nature areas!

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So, my friend, good luck for all the packing, sorting out, cleaning, cooking, partying, goodbye saying, I'll be with you with all my heart.

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[Amanda]

Dear Nini Makes Author;

My name is Amanda White, and I would like to know if I may use the "Benito's successful launch" image in my classroom as a visual aide. We're learning the song, "Where Go the Boats," set to the poetry of Robert Louis Stevenson, and I think this picture would be a great learning tool for them. I teach a children's K-2 choir.

Please let me know if this will be ok.

Thank you very much!

Amanda White
[email protected]
Willamette GirlChoir
Salem, OR