Day 273: 10/1/11- Build a Fairy House

Day 273: 10/1/11
New Thing: Build a Fairy House           

Inspiration: Delia, Autumn               
Cost: $0
Time: About 60 minuets                                
Bottom Line: A magical little dwelling

Mini Delia, Mommy and Lambert in their new home. Delia added the peppers. 

Reflection: Can you believe that it is October today??!! September may have been the fastest month of my life. To celebrate fall, Delia and I made a Fairy Home in our garden today. These little homes are actually a tradition that people have been making all over the world for centuries. It is considered good luck to welcome fairies into your garden and the more love you put into making them a home, the more likely it is that they will sojourn there. I remember going on a hike with my father in Maine when I was a pre-teen and finding a whole village of these dwellings in a little remote grove on Isle au Haut (I believe we were hiking the "Billy Goats Trail."). I was utterly charmed. For those who are new to the fairy house traditions, here are a few rules taken from fariyhouses.com where you can also find some great pictures:

Fairy Houses can take many forms and can be created in many different places. Find a quiet place away from roads or busy pathways. The base of a tree or the side of a rock could be just right. Close to the ground is usually best. Sometimes you may find a special place in the low branches of a tree or bush. Look for building areas in woods, beaches, meadows, and especially your own backyard! Use only natural materials to build your house – nothing artificial. Many fairy houses look so natural that they are almost hidden. Have fun building them everywhere, in every season, and enjoy all of your special visitors!

We started by binding up these large sunflower-like plants in our garden to create a tepee like dwelling.

Then we used shells and glass beads to make the walkways and walls. Leaves were added for a door and bedding.

Delia also wanted to add peppers from our vegetable garden.