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No,
it's not a national
emergency. Nor is it an extra-terrestrial invasion. But it is sweeping the
country! What appears to have begun on several small islands off the coast
of Maine, is now heading South and West. It begins with a few select pieces
of nature, thoughtfully placed together in unique and creative ways to attract
small, mysterious visitors. These are the creative habitats made especially
for visiting fairies, they are Fairy Houses!
These small structures
are made from materials at hand - bark, twigs, stones, pinecones, shells,
feathers, etc.. Respect for nature and wildlife is an essential ingredient
to be successful in attracting these sprightly visitors. The only guidelines
are to refrain from using artificial materials.
Reaching
across generations
This is mainstream creative fun that crosses generations, with Mom, Pop, Gram
and Grandpa rolling up their sleeves and getting down to the addictive task
of building alluring dwellings for these very important guests.
Just for the privileged
few? No way! What began on small coastal islands, is now happening in local
woods, school playgrounds, gardens, city parks, flower boxes, beaches, meadows,
and even in back yards!
Why are fairies so alluring?
Children have been attracted to them for generations. Perhaps it is their
apparent childlike innocence, combined with a touch of magic. Or are they
symbolic of the wonderment when we connect with Nature? Just mention fairies
to any generation, and you will evoke a smile and quite possibly a special
childhood story.
A
"family activity" sensation
It seems you are
never too old to build a fairy house! It has an ageless appeal that sparks
the imaginations of children, parents and grandparents who bond through this
leisurely shared activity. A young child's house can be a simple structure
with a path leading up to an entrance, while older children create more details
such as bridges, moats, sleeping lofts and eating areas. It is delightful,
old fashion fun that gets you outside, away from the TV, enjoying the intimate
sights and sounds that nature offers.
A
"quiet time" wonder
Subtle, yet lifelong values are an integral part of fairy house
building. Its great fun, stimulating, and promotes respect for wildlife and
the environment. It encourages children to pause, wind down a little, observe,
and allow their imaginations to soar - while raising their awareness of nature's
daily wonders.
A
wave of creative activity sweeping the country
An example of the creative inspiration that blossoms from building
these wonderful habitats, is with author/illustrator, Tracy Kane. Kane
is getting lots of attention with her "Top 10" Children's BookSense pick, FAIRY HOUSES, and the multi award-winning video KRISTEN'S
FAIRY HOUSE. Both children's products explore the world of fairy house
building. These highly regarded products are helping to stimulate the wave
of fairy houses building that started in New England, and is now sweeping
across the country.
Their charming web site www.fairyhouses.com shows many close-up photos of children, parents
and grandparents joining in the cross-generation fun. When Kane gives her
book readings, followed by a house building demonstration, it's all systems
go! Kids, parents and grandparents all participate in a truly hands-on experience.
"I want children to enjoy nature's beauty and help protect it for future generations.
Building fairy houses is a perfect opportunity to enjoy the imaginative mystery
and lure of fairies, while subtly conveying these important values," she says.
Kane is kept very busy
with fairy house building events and book signings at libraries, schools,
horticultural societies, gardening clubs, gift and book stores. With these
commitments - as well as her next book release FAIRY BOAT, due
out late Spring - she is stretched for time but delighted to be a part of
this positive children's movement. Since September 11th, uplifting experiences
like building fairy houses, reinforce family bonds and helps keep a balance
to the see-saw of life.
New
England Roots
Vacationing several
years ago on Monhegan Island off the coast of Maine, Kane stumbled across
these small, unpretentious structures sprinkled throughout the woods. Apparently,
visiting children and adults had been building fairy houses for decades. She
saw a young girl checking her house to see if the fairies had come to visit.
The child's excitement was contagious, and Kane started building one herself.
"It was a combination of ingredients an artist finds irresistible - creativity,
nature and a pinch of magic," she recalls. By the time her first house was
finished, the story about a girl who builds fairy houses was just beginning.
In her book, a young
girl, Kristen, awakens to see the fairies "who live in the spirit of all the
plants and animals in the woods". In this moment of magic the fairies show
themselves as a way of thanking Kristen for her care and respect for nature.
Did she really see the fairies, or were they butterflies after all? What a
splendid and imaginative way for children to get in tune with the environment. FAIRY HOUSES concludes with a section on how to get started
with your own house, in all seasons, and many different environments - including
your own backyard!
Whimsical
Gardens
As a perfect complement to gardening, fairy houses tucked here and there in
secret niches bring a sense of wonderment as they beckon you to enter. The
garden becomes a place of whimsical enchantment. When space is a premium,
these little dwellings spring up in plant containers, window boxes and up
against the front door steps, welcoming guests upon arrival. But be prepared,
visiting children and friends will want to add a house or two, and soon you
may find yourself the proud owner of a fairy village!
Endless
Possibilities -
schools, parties …….
Building these natural habitats is stimulating and lots of fun, and they are
springing up everywhere. Teachers are finding that constructing them during
recess has become a popular school activity, especially for grades 1 through
3. And have you ever thought of a fairy house building event for a child's
birthday party? It's sure to add a pinch of magic to a special day!
There is a marvelous
added bonus - getting kids outside, away from TV's and computer games!
Watch
out! This wave of creative activity may find its way
into your own back yard, soon!
~~~~~~~~~~~
FAIRY
HOUSES is the first book and second product in the Fairy Houses Series,
written and illustrated by Tracy Kane. Her second book FAIRY BOAT,
was released Spring, 2002. Her third book FAIRY FLIGHT, is due
out in late Spring, 2003.
For more information visit the Fairy
Houses web site at www.fairyhouses.com or call
Light-Beams Publishing at 800-397-7641
or email Mark Forman [email protected]
FAIRY BOAT
ISBN 0-9708104-7-4, $15.95, 40 pages, hardcover
FAIRY HOUSES
ISBN 0-9708104-5-8, $15.95, 40 pages, hardcover
KRISTEN'S FAIRY HOUSE
ISBN 0-9708104-1-5, $19.95, 40 mins., VHS
Available in children's book, toy and gifts stores, and through distributors
Baker & Taylor, Koen Book Distributing, Inc., Book Wholesalers, Inc., Brodart
Co., Follett Media Distribution, Follett Library Resources, Library Video
Co., Midwest Tape, Tapeworm.
-30-
~~~~~~~~~~~
High resolution
images available upon request.
Release: A one-time permission is given to use this article, in whole or part, when
pertaining to Light-Beams Publishing or products, and provided Light-Beams
is notified in advance of publication or event date.
For additional
use, or clarification of use, contact:
Light-Beams Publishing
10 Toon Lane Lee, NH 03861
Tel: 603.659.1300 Fax: 603.659.3399
[email protected]
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