This is Pook's Spring Butterfly - bright, colourful and Happy - all things Spring.  I am hosting an after school workshop on June 1st and I am looking forward to creating this cheery little character with the children who will be attending. This creation was inspired a few years ago when I hosted a workshop for a group of elementary children in grades 1-3.  I took a random poll to find out what creature they really wanted to make and the butterfly was the most popular.  I wasn't sure if the kids in these grades would be able to master the art of putting this character together but long and behold they did quite well.  I would love to have pictures but alas I do not as you have to have the children's guardians sign a waiver with their permission - back then, we didn't have time to arrange for picture taking and signatures.   However, this Butterfly is a popular project for a number of my kids and I am happy to be presenting it again this time for my after school crowd - where I have a following of children who come to pretty much every workshop I offer.  This is such a delight for me and I am so thankful for their patronage and support - blessings through and through. Looking forward to making this Happy| Butterfly Plant Pic, I know it will find a special place in the home and heart of someone special in their lives.  

It's hard to believe the soon June will be here and that means the another school year will be coming to a close.  I love Pook's Apple 'n Worm brooch - the perfect iconic gift for that very favourite teacher.   I have been making these little brooches for a long time now.  Both my children have given one or two to some of their favourite teachers during their elementary school days. Some how the Little Apple 'n Worm has become an icon representing school and education. I think this is because (at least in my mind) that in the days of old ( like the days of "Little House On the Prairie) giving teachers an apple or baskets of apples as gifts was common. I just have memory of a young Laura Wilder bringing apples to her teacher of the one room school house they attended in Walnut Grove. I am guessing this was a common practice among many students of the day. So fast forward 100+ years and the apple and the worm icon has become an integrated theme for most scholastic symbolism.  I happen to just really enjoy the look of the granny smith green against the fire engine red and my little worm has a happy and contented look - a happy place for him to be! If you would be interested in placing an order for that special teacher or teacher friend please let me know via my Facebook Page: www.facebook/pookdesignz.com.  I also have an Etsy page: www.pookdesignz@etsy

This is one of my favourite brooches - full of spring time charm and happiness. Spring is here - almost summer and everything is in bloom.  I am looking forward to going to my local Farmer's Market in the first week of June.  So much fresh produce, handmade soaps and aprons, artisan cookies - I simply can't wait - especially for a bite of one of Sweet Handmade's detailed and delicious cookies.  I always cave and get one of Laura's cookies.(www.sweethandmade.com) and check out Laura's Facebook page too!  So it's with great anticipation that the Farmer's Market season is upon us!  Look for me on the weekend of June 2, 2013 - the Market opens at 8:00 am and runs until 1:00 pm (I believe) as well, look on my website www.pookdesignz.com for upcoming events and shows I will be attending this season and what new products I have to offer.  But for now, enjoy this spring season with all its fresh blooms and fragrant smells - lilacs bursting with sweet scents and freshly mowed grass - and as they say, "bask" in the warmth of the sun's rays and soak them all up (be sure to be covered in sunscreen before you do) and just simply take time to just "be".  Happy Spring everyone and looking forward to seeing you at the Bradford Farmer's Market this seaon!



This Mother's Day has come to us rather quickly - I couldn't resist creating a character that would pull on the heart strings of any Mom.  I created this little bear with the children who regularly attend my workshops in mind.  I have been having so much fun teaching and creating with my core group of Pook followers that I thought the symbol of a Teddy Bear would be the perfect gift for my group to make for their amazing Moms.  Looking forward to making this one with my favourite Pook fans this Wednesday at the Old Community Centre in the heart of our town.  Wishing all Moms a very Happy Mother's Day and especially happy wishes are being sent to the Mom's who send their children to my workshops as often as they can - what a gift you have offered your children - the gift of creativity. May this little "Pook" become one of your favourites!