Check Out TreeSunCrafts #crafts

Check it out...one of my friends has a new Etsy shop called TreeSunCrafts. She also has an instagram page.

I ordered the 2020 ornaments. You know, to remember the year by:

When the boys move out on their own, I'll let them choose an ornament to remember their crazy year. Unfortunately I think we're in for more pandemic madness. 2020 was the start of it. 

The boys haven't left home, for quite some time. Just this weekend they ventured out to spend time with their cousins. Our boys haven't been out, since November. My nephews haven't been out, since May. 

All the kids have the option to go to school. Studies have show that they do better in the classroom. Sometimes I wonder if Isaak should be in school. He struggles with getting his work done. On the flip side the quiet at home helps, with focus. We were getting emails left and right about how this kid test positive, and that kid tested positive at their schools. It was making Mica nervous. Mica opted to stay home, Isaak felt the same way. 2020 was a crazy year, for sure. 

Now we have ornaments to remember the craziness. 

Since Theresa knows me, she put extra things in with my package. Who ever knew many years ago that some of my best friends are remote friends. Those friendships started before 2020.  I had some really nice surprises! 

My favorite...the wooden gecko spoon! Isaak has the responsibility of making scrambled eggs, and picks this gecko spoon to use every time.

She threw in two wooden coasters. I actually use them for a different purpose than coasters. One holds my keys, while the other I use for pins, needles and thread. 

She added this wooden Apel's Kitchen sign. I put in our window, but photographed it on a placemat. I kept getting odd lighting by the window. 

Lastly she put these bookmarks. I set them aside to give to Mica at Easter. He's the big reader in the family. I like that they aren't super girly. 

Please go over to check out Theresa's Etsy shop: TreeSunCrafts. 

Disclaimer: This is not a sponsored post. Theresa did give me some things, but it wasn't expected that I review them. She did not tell me what to write. 

Beginner's Carving Tool Set Review

I'm to find new things for my kids to try out. It's so important to me to have them be exposed to now things often. Recently I was sent a Beginner's Carving Tool Set to review. 

It's a 12 piece set. Each tool has a different tip:

• Deep Gouge
• Medium Gouge
• Shallow Gouge
• Narrow Straight Chisel
• Wide Straight Chisel
• Rounded Chisel
• 4 Angled Knives /Chisels
• Parting Tool
• Pinpoint Tool

Here are photos of each and every tool in the kit:

These do seem great. I haven't carved in years. Mica started out trying to push down too much. It was like he was trying to use the tools like they were drill bits. I showed him how to carve, and to always carve away from yourself.

He figured it out. He didn't stick with it as much as I wanted him to. At least he knows how. I want to get Isaak to try. He's almost 8, but still will need supervision. He's more of my art lover though. Mica can be good at art, but he looses interest really fast.

I like that this set comes with the tips fixated to the handle. I really don't like the idea of my kids thinking that they can change tips, and possibly cut themselves.

This is perfect for beginners, someone that wants to take it up as a hobby, or if you have a certain project in mind that this can be used on. It's not really for professionals that carve all the time. You can use them for carving projects with stencils and patterns, touching up antique furniture, any miniature or micro models, spoons, bowls, box or animals, such as eagles, fish, bears or even elephants.

This set comes with the free ebook to get you started:

Materials:

Works on linoleum, clay sculpture and soapstone too. You can even cut a potato 1/2 way, and carve into that.

Use as a set or as accessories to your tool chest.

Have you ever done a wood carving before?

Disclaimer: I received this tool set for free for the purpose of this review. The opinions are 100% mine.

Nature

Daddy went to get some wood and found this:

Snake Skin

There were about 3 or 4 snakes. Don't worry, we do not have poisonous one's that live here. They are just gardener snakes, which are perfectly harmless! In fact Grandpa Spiehs used to let me hold them when I was a kid. Daddy wouldn't let the boy's hold them. I let the boy's hold them once when we were on a walk. Don't tell Daddy!  

Then Mica spotted a spider web in our Magnolia Tree. I think their webs are truly artistic!