Disclosure: This is a sponsored post. All opinions expressed are those of Ashley our writer.
Circle on the farm is located right off 303 on Greenbush road (behind the old U-Delco) on the property of Bell-Ans Farm.
I was graciously invited by Rachael to join her for ‘Mornings on the Farm.’ A 2 ½ hour ‘class’ (I hesitate to call it a class) of creativity and exploration for kids and their parents/caregiver. Of course, my first thought its 2 ½ hours?! How will the boys be focused for that long?
Rachael works and volunteers in Recreational and Creative Arts Therapy. She studied Fine Art and is working towards her Masters in Creative Arts Therapy. She believes that busy hands lead to an open heart and and open mind. She is UNBELIEVABLE. Her patience, and warmth is something special. She welcomes you into the studio with such warmth and true joy to have you there for the morning.
We arrived on time to a welcoming smile from Rachael. The studio is full of wonderfully mismatched chairs and colors, that all seems to match. She instantly encouraged (W) and (S) to explore to their liking and offered me coffee, tea and water to enjoy while I sat on the couch waiting for others to arrive. There is an adorable play nook set up under the staircase with basic blocks, toy kitchen and a few trucks that instantly drew the boys in.
As the other families trickled in conversation was easily made and everyone was so happy to meet each other. It was a first class for many, so it was nice to experience the class amongst other first timers.
Racheal began to set up the art project. Our project for the day was making a Stand Glass Window frame to hang. She explained several different ideas how to complete the project, but ultimately it was a free for all. She encouraged the kids to participate, but did not force. If the children were un-inspired with the project, they were free to play and roam about the studio while the parents created.
She came over to the boys and poured glue all over a glass 8×11 frame. She then let the boys choose colors and dropped dots of food coloring in the glue, gave the boys popsicle sticks and let them create as they pleased. The boys had a blast swirling the colors, and making a wonderful mess. She also had plates of beads to add to the glue if they wanted. The boys finished and moved back to the play nook again.
The kids would again start to wander back to the table interested in what the adults and other kids were up to. She could see the interest peaking in those little minds, and offered another project of painting – paper, mason jars, tiles. She was full of fun ideas! There was never a moment of “let’s stop and clean up” or “Don’t do it that way”, Rachael watched the project flow letting the children and adults create as they felt inspired.
(S) working hard on his stained glass. Choosing the perfect stones to add.
As everyone finished their glass, and paintings she offered to make snack! Fresh popped popcorn and delicious berry smoothies. Two of the boys favorites!
(W) enjoying his smoothie!
Rachael saw those little legs getting antsy so she grabbed a bucket of birdseed, a head of lettuce and we headed out for a walk around the farm. The kids got to feed the chickens, peacocks, guinea foul, pigs and goats! The morning wrapped with a fun game of ring around the rosy on the large lawn of the farm. I couldn’t believe it was already time to go!
(W) Feeding the goats.
The boys insisted on hanging their beautiful projects in their playroom so everyone who comes over to play can see them!
Mornings on the Farm is unlike any other “mommy and me class” I have experienced. The mood is calm, and free flowing. The ‘class’ was relaxing, as if I were at a playdate at a friends house.
The boys and I are BEYOND excited to visit another morning.
Rachael along with her partners Jayme and Lauren created this amazing space for creativity and growth at Circle on the Farm with offerings not only for children, but for adults as well, yeah we will go check that out too ;o). Please check out CirlceontheFarm.com or their Facebook page for upcoming events.
https://www.facebook.com/circleonthefarm/?fref=ts
Check here for the schedule of their offerings.
http://www.circleonthefarm.com/#!calendar/c22g5
