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HERDSIRE
2013
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Postcards from the Ukraine
Lynette and the translator help kids in Odessa, Ukraine
craft charming and creative critters from a few simple materials,
pipe cleaners and alpaca roving.
It is always a challenge to come up with
ideas that are fun and easy to do for all
the kids. We look for supplies that are not
too heavy to carry in our suitcases and
try to buy some supplies there if we need
to. We also love to pass out lots of hugs
to the kids, who remember us from year
to year. We will buy snacks for them to
eat and drink after they finish their crafts,
such as juice, fruit and a sweet. I have
been doing this for over 15 years and it is
always a new experience each year. For
about 12 of the years I have gone with
a fellow artist, Linda Terry, who carves
doors with scenes of trees and animals.
As I am a weaver, spinner, and knitter/
crocheter, I like to work with yarns and
fiber. I have taught weaving and spinning
(on a wheel as well as on spindles) to the
children there, and we have also carded
wool. From the time I first started going
there, I have talked about my love for
alpacas and llamas, both of which my par-
ents raise. The children had never heard
of alpacas, only llamas, because they do
have a llama at their zoo. I’ve had fun
sharing my love for the animals, as well
as pictures of them and the things I have
made from alpaca fiber. One of our drivers
even began to call his SUV “Alpaca.” So I
bought him an “Alpacas Xing” sign to put
in front of his home.
Materials needed:
Pipe cleaners
—any color as
the pipe cleaners will be mostly
covered.
Alpaca roving
—note: llama, wool
or mohair also can be used
Scissors
—to cut the pipe cleaners
if necessary
Small googly eyes,
if desired
Glue,
if gluing on eyes (or other
things)
Felt material for ears and face,
if desired
Lots of imagination!
Photos courtesyof theauthor