Saying "Thank You:" Volunteer Recognition Gifts

So, every year I have to come up with a cheap, creative recognition gift for my volunteers. I usually have around 30, so it needs to be cost effective. Depending on what I come up with, it may be a project I have the children in RE create... but it's gotta be pretty darn cool to be a gift.

Here's a short list of projects I have made over the years. Maybe you'll find one that works for your organization...

Seashell Candles

The warm glow of thanks.

Steady... steady!

This takes a bit of pre-planning, but it's quick to execute. Not for kids to get their craft on with since you are dealing with hot wax. You can buy shells, or get the ideal size for "free" with your dinner. In my household, we enjoy those frozen stuffed scallop and clam shells from the grocery for quick meals (and they're cheap... something like 2 for $5). After the meal, I'll throw them into the dishwasher to clean off the residue, and add them to a bag. For later.  :)

Then, about a year later (see what I meant about pre-planning?) I place some tea lights (use the ones in the little aluminum cups) onto a cookie sheet and place in an oven at 200°F/95°C for approximately 30 minutes to melt. Once they are all melted, I remove the wick and place it in the center of each shell. Then I pour the wax into the shell. I use hemostats to hold onto the cup to pour, but needle nose would also work.

Alternately, if you have tea lights that are not in a cup, you can just place them (centered) directly into the sea shell and place the shell in the oven for same temp and time. Then you don't have to mess with pouring!

Beaded Suncatchers

I already posted this in another post, so I'll just link to that gift!

Let's Make Zither/Lap Harp Music Together!

For those of you with young musicians in your midst, you may have a zither (also known as a lap harp). Popular with the Montessori crowd, this is a great way to introduce young kids to music, and to give them the feeling of success early on.

Unfortunately, there are not many free music resources available. Many of the units have the same dimensions so I have created a handful of free resources for my fellow instructors. All of these need to print out on legal sized paper. I know this will work with the Music Maker. I hope they work with yours.... what's nice is if it needs to be cut a little differently to fit in yours, you should be able to modify it!

Blank Zither Sheet Music
A blank sheet for your zither for you to create or transcribe your own music.

Some hymns from the Unitarian Universalist hymn book that might work for this:

• Morning Has Broken  (#38)
• We Sing Now Together (#67)
• I've Got Peace Like A River (#100)
• Amazing Grace (#205/206)

We've Got The Whole World In Our Hands (based on this Tapestry of Faith lesson)

     We've got the whole world in our hands.
     We've got the whole world in our hands.
     We've got the whole world in our hands.
     We've got the whole world in our hands.
     We've got the rivers and the oceans, in our hands (repeat 3x)
     We've got the trees and the flowers, in our hands (repeat 3x)
     We've got the air we breathe, in our hands (repeat 3x)
     We've got the whales and the dolphins, in our hands (repeat 3x)

How to Make a Lot of Winter Hats. Fast.

We have a project once a month where we do a multigenerational project with a service learning component for about 2 hours. It’s tough to find something that works in all those. With the Syrian refugee crisis, we wanted to do something that would have an impact locally for those rehomed refugees in our community. This is also a great project for homeless populations (or for a Secret Kindness Agents project).

I developed this pattern after looking at several different patterns online and trying them out. I took the best of them and created this Service Learning Project for our congregation. It takes a little pre-work but not much. This is also modeled on a traditional Syrian hat so I’m trying to capture some of that “feels-like-home” feeling for these individuals. If you are doing this as part of a group project, divide the work into stations. Or split into teams and have competitions. It's fun to come up with ideas. We're going to be doing this while listing to a talk from a local refugee non-profit.

I reference figures/pictures below in my write-up. Here's a PDF with all the images and the writeup. 

Please: this project is intended as a charity activity. Do not use this pattern in a commercial/retail manner. Copyright 2016.

Supplies:

• Fabric Scissors: Make sure you have sharp scissors to use. No fun getting a blister just because of dull scissors!
• Yarn: Only need it if you plan on sewing up the top rather than tying it. Complimentary or contrasting color… up to you!
• Needle: Only need it if you plan on sewing up the top rather than tying it. Use a chenelle or sharp tapestry needle if using yarn. Can be standard needle and thread, too.
• Sewing machine: Optional. You can hand sew the edge if you want after cutting. But much faster with a sewing machine because you  can sew the seam on several hats at once.
• Fleece: Most fleece comes in about a 58/60” length. Fabric needs to be cut 22”x11” (with the 22” length going with the stretch).  In the fleece that I purchased, all the stretch was from side to side (selvage to selvage) rather than along its length. Therefore, I could get about 2 across the width. Take the total number of hats you want to make, divide it by two and then multiply that by 11. That number is the number of inches of fleece you will need (assuming no waste). Use what’s left of the fleece for gloves or scarves. Or sew two colors together to get totally wacky hats! (See figure 1)

	(		)
Length in inches of fleece needed =		Number of hats to make		x 11
		2

Directions:

Fold the fabric from one side 11”. Cut off that the entire length and sew up that seam (or sew it and then cut it off. Whatever works for you…) (See Figure 2) If you are doing this with a large group of folks, this step can be done ahead of time... or do part of this ahead of time so those who are cutting/tying have something to get started on.

You end up with a long tube. Cut it into 11” lengths (or longer if you want a longer fringe). (See Figure 3) Along one edge of the tube, cut right next to the seam 1-2” in and remove it (See figure 4). Then cut fringes 1-2” in along the entire length. (See Figure 5)

Turn the tube inside out, so the stitched seam edges are inside. At this point you have a couple options for finishing the top:

1. You can tie (with a double knot) each pair right across the top. This is the simplest and easiest for little kids.
2. You can make an “X” (see figure 7 on how to determine the 4 corners).
3. Finally, you can sew a running stitch along the top edge and pull it tight. You can use thread or yarn (more decorative).

Finishing:

Fold the bottom edge of the hat up twice, giving it a nice rolled edge. If you need to, add a stitch or two to hold it in place.

You can add some colorful pony beads to some of the fringe to make it extra special.

Tiger and Lame Fox

For the lame fox, I found a small plastic collie and removed ("cut off" sounds so harsh) his legs. I also added a water canteen and a small package so when the fellow decides to part with those items to let God provide for him, the storyteller can do something graphically to emphasize that part to the children. 

Felt is great, isn't it? I feel like I made Flintstones-style meat pieces...

Teacher Recognition - beaded suncatchers

This year, the children are making beaded suncatchers for our teachers as a "thank you" for all they do, sharing their light of knowledge with us! Ah, who am I kidding? I can't pay 'em, but they get a sweet gift every year. :)

Materials List:

• Wire (26 gauge is good, but can go thicker, too)
• Glass beads
• Macrame metal hoops, handmade wire hoops (5” in diameter or so), or mason jar sealing ring (used in pictures)

Instructions:

1. Cut wire into lengths around 14 inches long (for the mason jars, 12” is fine for macrame or wire hoops).
2. Wrap around hoop and either twist or loop at halfway point so you have 2 strands of wire to work from. For the younger kids, keep it to 4 strands (or 2 lengths). Older kids can have 6 strands (3 lengths). If they have a design that will use an odd number, just take one of the wires and combine it with another (put two wires in each bead). Depending on the design, the kids may not want them all in one bunch like the photo, and each one will need to be added individually (i.e., random design, far left above).
3. Start adding beads. As you finish a strand, you can push the wire up so the beads don’t fall off (see photo). As you add beads, make sure you aren’t adding too many by checking the length of the beads to where you want to attach your wire back to the hoop. Come up with creative ways create your decoration - combine wires randomly (like far left, above) or create a symbol (like the peace sign, far right). Other ideas: randomness, hearts, flame, tree...
4. Once you are done, it’s time to finish it off on the hoop. Loop it around the hoop and try to get it to twist back on itself. A needle nose pliers may be very helpful here!

Bowl of Nature Wonder

We live in Omaha, so it's not as if our children are growing up in a cement jungle, but we do introduce another way to approach nature in our Spirit Play classroom. If their homes are anything like mine, there are few opportunities to just sit down with a leaf or a stone and look at it closely. To study it. Magnify it.

That's what this bowl is all about.

I've put items in there that they may encounter often. And some they may have never encountered. Horsetail grass is a weed. If you look closely to the seed head, the "tail" has little serrated edges. They can certainly feel them. There are bones where they can see the internal structure - that they are not solid all the way through. And that "weakness" makes them stronger. Seashells whose patterns get more complex through magnification. The different parts of a feather. Geometry found in seed pods.

It's a great way for them to quietly explore the world, and share the wonder.

Altar of Exploration & Expression

This is one of the most popular items in our Spirit Play classroom. I wanted to do something like this so that kids could explore values, spiritual needs and other religions through tactile items. Children will take out the tray and start to explore the items, sometimes taking out 5-6 items to place on the altar area  that interest them. Some will talk with or ask the class adults about some of the items. What I have tried to instill in the adults is that if you don't know what something is, don't be afraid to admit it. They need to know that no one has all the answers. Old hymnals and a lovely glazed chalice with a flameless candle round out the top.

What I have is tray with several compartments - it's like a typesetter's tray. You could use a crafting bead tray or even a shallow bowl. Adults within the congregation have really enjoyed filling it up with items. I often go to put something away in here and find new additions! I have religious items from many different faiths (evil eyes, mini torah, hamsa, cross with 12 stations on back, chalices). A yo-yo. A compass. A key. A small glass jar of glitter. Items representing the 4 seasons. Items from nature and man-made. Dollhouse items are a great source of props for this, esp. for "books."

For what it's worth, the cabinet is an old TV cabinet that had a swivel top. Sometimes these odd pieces of furniture can be really useful. I never had a good place or use for it, until I found the perfect home for it in this classroom. I removed the swivel top and placed the tray on the VCR space. It's the right height for these kids. Plus, it has enclosed storage below for me to store upcoming lessons. When I need more space to store lessons or extensions, I can remove the doors and I'll have that.

Five Wise Guys and a Pachaderm

Last Sunday, we tackled that popular UU parable, The Five Wise People and the Elephant. I wanted to share this one with you because I used chess pieces for my figures, instead of peg people.

Here is an overview of the story:

And here is a close-up of the people. The Bishop figure was perfect for Buddha. I found this set at the local Goodwill for a $1. You can also ask members if they have a set (emphasize that a complete set is not necessary).

I also am quite happy with the plow. Chop sticks, some microsuede fabric, a piece of sculpted cold porcelain and paint. And a glue gun. (Always with the glue gun...) There. You have a plow.

My elephant is a method that I often have used for more complex figures - cutting microsuede into shapes. I did add some cold porcelain eyes and tusk. (You would look shocked, too, if you had all these strangers touching your various body parts...)

FYI - if you use a lot of fimo in your creations, try out cold porcelain. It's made of glue and cornstarch. Doesn't require cooking. I like it a lot.

Activities for Valentine's Day

We are doing an intergenerational service on Sunday about Love. We are very lucky to have some talented teens who are going to help us with a play during the service. We're doing a modified version of this service.

One thing I try to provide on Sundays are some activities to do in the back for those with active bodies/minds that ties into the service. This Sunday, I found three activities and made little handouts so even those who cannot read will hopefully be able to follow the pictures and figure out how to do the craft. Often a reader will be sitting with them, but if I can help them learn to use their powers of observation and deduct how to do the craft, all the better!

Here's the PDF in case you're interested in using it. I didn't waste too much time on layout and design, but I did spend a little too much time on photography... Ah, well.

Promises lesson extension

So, I was trying to figure out a fun hands-on way to add a variation to the other extension materials for the promises lesson. I also had these golf tees I wanted to use for something. BING-O!

You need a wood block and your rainbow golf tees. I would suggest making the block a little wider than I did, I just happened to have this one small piece on hand. I used a drill bit larger than the tees and drilled holes.

For the inserts, I found a symbol for each promise, the word for that symbol and the promise wording, laminated each list, and then cut them out, leaving a long "tab" on each one. It's kind of hard to see since it's clear. Alternately, you could use stick-on tabs for file folders. Then I took another piece of clear plastic that they could slide under and affixed that to the block. This way, kids can switch out each tab as they grow in reading skills or are looking for a greater challenge.

The "game" is that they have to match the color with the symbol. Each card has a different "order" and for us older folk, I put the control (answer) on  the back of the card.

Here's an alternative if you have room and are into mod podge/decoupage: Instead of laminating each list and having it switch out, just decoupage the list onto the wood and seal it up.

Buddha & Mustard Seed Medicine

Got my craft on and made these figures a couple weeks ago. They are just peg people. I painted them with a small brush and toothpicks (for the fine detail). We do not have a large class so, for now, these work for us. If it gets to the point where they are too small, they can be moved to a mobile "spirit play" box for families to take home.

I saw that some people made figures and boxes to represent the houses that the mother visits. I decided to stick with the original script where the mother figure addresses each child in the circle to ask if they have experienced any sadness, sickness or death. I think it pulls them in a little more and helps them reflect on the fact that we all experience those feelings and situations in our lives.

One thing I'd like to remind you is that sometimes a mistake while making a figure like this can be o.k. and work to your advantage. For example, while drawing the mother's eyes, I accidentally made a mistake. But I was able to cover it up with a tear, which helps convey the sadness that she was feeling.

Embrace those mistakes!

Loyal Dog & Loyal King

Created our materials for this story recently and thought it would be beneficial to post for some of you working on this story. Here's the final version:

The mountains are gray denim-printed flannel (but you could use any gray material - it's just what I had in my supplies bin). To create the texture of mountains, I used tape to mark off some uneven edges and then used a light "dusting" of spray paint at an angle. It created the shadow appearance.

The figures are all made of tongue depressors. Yes. Tongue depressors dressed in fine silks can be pretty fancy. Here's close ups of the family. I used a glue gun and various leftover fabrics I had laying around (actually, boxed up -- my office is not that messy)! The hair and beard is this wonderful black yarn that has a little curl to it.

One of my favorite figures for this story is the dog piece. Synthetic suede is so great to work with, and he's covered in it. Cut to shape and glued on top of a tongue depressor. Look at that cute little tail!

 

For Indra and Dharma/Yama, I went a little crazy with some beads and cut up tongue depressors. You can cut depressors with scissors so that makes them versatile. I painted Yama with a dilute navy to create that bluish color his skin is often portrayed with. The fabric draping his body is felt.

The kids LOVED these two. The golden paint. The jewels. It was very popular come work time.

I used my glue gun to sandwich the bent wire (paperclips) between to cones of cut depressors. Then I used the tip of the gun to make little dot patterns on the wood to suggest decoration. I also glued on some plastic crafting beads. Then I use some acrylic paints (gold, turquoise, brick) to add details bring everything together. Note: glue guns are very... webby. Get those cobwebs off before painting or you'll be picking off those little webs with wet paint.

Happy story telling!

Mr. Printable. Making me more able.

Today I came across a great little website with printables. It's Mr. Printable. I love the design of the materials, and there is much I can use in our little Spirit Play classroom. I especially like the emotions cards and face. I see this could be a great way to get kids to talk about feelings and explore them. I made one for our resources shelves but would like to work it into a lesson later.

I also love the gigantic moon doodleboard. I think I need to put one up in the teen classroom. Art plus utility. Love. It.

Caring for our Shared Environment

One way I remind our Spirit Play participants that they are part of a larger web is by caring for our workspace. We act on the seventh promise when we clean up after ourselves.

I came across this child-safe cleaning solution that actually works great. The added oil really helps hide the vinegar smell. Peppermint, lemon, almond or lavender work well. I personally like the peppermint! I just use the peppermint oil for cooking/baking.

Vinegar Cleaning Solution

• 1 cup water
• 1 cup vinegar
• few drop of oil for fragrance

Pour into a spray bottle. I often recycle hairspray or smaller bottles for the small hands. Alternatively, you can often put the head of a spray bottle from windex/409/etc onto a smaller bottle, like a water bottle. Make sure it's stable for little hands to hold, though!

Spirit Play - Seven Promises Poster

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