While shopping at my favorite bookstore I ran across this
book that caught my eye, it is called Fairy House and it is written and Illustrated by Tracy Kane (ISBN: 0970810458).
Inside it’s colorful pages you will find everything you need to know about building your very own “fairy houses”
in your local woods, garden or even in your backyard. There is also a VHS tape (Kristen's Fairy House) that comes with a leaflet
that will walk you through what you need to know to start building! Crafting fairy houses is a fun activity that the young
and the young-at-heart can equally enjoy. There are a few rules the fairies ask you to follow. So please be considerate of
mother nature by following the fairies' requests.
The Rules-
1. Fairy Houses should look entirely natural so that they are
almost hidden in it‘s surroundings. A location nearest to the ground is optimal.
2. You should use only natural materials! Dry grasses, sticks,
pebbles, stones and pinecones are just a few examples of materials that Fairies enjoy the most.
3. Be careful not to harm or use any of Mother Nature's materials
that are still alive, especially moss, ferns and flowers. Fairies do not like to disturb or destroy anything that is still
growing.
Examples of materials you can use in each season-
Spring: Look for a naturally occurring alcove within the base of a tree, or a few fallen trees that overlap each other and
use springs of pine to create a roof. Fashion your own twig ladder if the house raised up or a stone path for a lower house.
Summer: When you go to the beach look for shells, pebbles and driftwood. A seagull feather can become flags for your fairy
house castle. Make your foundation out of wet sand and just start building!
Autumn: Long dry grass, corn husks, or pussy willow can be the start of your house. Acorns and other nuts can make a great
addition to your house.
Winter: In the winter you can make a small snow shelter under a low branch or some fallen trees. Decorate with pine sprigs
or dried flowers from the previous summer.
So now that you have an idea of what to look for and how to
build it, you can go out and start building your own fairy house! If you think you would like more information visit the Fairy
House website at http://www.fairyhouses.com/fairy_houses_series.htm or you can purchase your own copy of Fairy House from your local bookstore. Keep an eye out for Tracy Kane’s other
books: Fairy Boats and Fairy Flight.