The Healing Art of Nursery Rhymes
Suzanne Down is researching the healing power of Nursery Rhymes and Puppetry with wise therapists and a curative eurythmist. Here is an introductory peek into this vast and wonderful world. The hope is that this research will grow and eventually be made available in book form. Workshop offerings on the therapeutic art of Nursery rhymes will be available this year. As the soul descends from spiritual worlds to be born on earth, there is a sacrifice of the cosmic rhythms of planets and stars to enter earthly chaos.
continue readeingPosted by Suzanne, on December 29th, 2009
Juniper Tree Puppets Wishes All a Joyous Holiday
The snow was falling in the wood As all good Christmas Eve nights should And scurrying along, a cold little mouse Was searching for a warm winter house. The snow shone brightly to light his way An Angel above was heard to say, Dear Mother Earth's child, dig low, dig low. And the mousey burroughed in the deepest snow. Down to the roots of the tall pine tree, And there t'was a cozy wee room, you see. So mousey curled up in his new warm nest, And said dear angel, may all be blessed. Then he closed his eyes and fell asleep, And the world was quiet, shhhhhh, not a peep.
continue readeingPosted by Suzanne, on December 24th, 2009
Welcome to the Juniper Tree Puppetry Blog
Welcome dear friends to the new Juniper Tree Puppets Blog and Website. My site has been totally re-done and I am sure you will find it is just a simple click to find information about events, trainings, resource books, and to enjoy the blog posts and photos. You can also sign up for the monthly story newsletter delivered to your inbox every month. I love the fact that everything is in one place, and easy for you to use.
continue readeingPosted by Suzanne, on December 23rd, 2009
The Animal’s Advent
Today is the third Advent Sunday, the day to build on the mineral and plant kingdoms, adding the animal world. In children's Christmas story for advent, the most beloved animal is the donkey that carries Mary. I have made many needle felted donkeys over the years (also use them in the Bremen Town Musicians!). Here is one I found online, with a site of beautiful needle felted animals... I thought you would enjoy being inspired by the artistry here.
continue readeingPosted by Suzanne, on December 13th, 2009
Colorado Early Childhood Story Arts Institute
I am developing a new initiative here in Colorado...something I have wanted to do for years and years. It is an outreach 'institute' providing training and professional development programs available to all early childhood programs across the state. I do think Puppetry and Story is a great bridge for all educational philosophies
continue readeingPosted by Suzanne, on December 13th, 2009
Winter Snowman Poem for Puppets
This winter season, I am drawn to snow poems, probably because Colorado has had so much snow this fall...Here is an old verse...I will have to call it's author 'anonymous' - if you know who wrote it please let me know.The SnowmanOnce there was a snowman,Stood outside the door,Thought he'd like to come insideAnd play about the floor:Thought he'd like to warm himselfBy the firelight red:Thought he''d like to climb upIn the big white bed.So he called the North Wind:'Help me now, I pray,I'm completely frozenStanding here all day!'So the North Wind came along,And blew him in the door,Now there's nothing left of himBut a puddle ...
continue readeingPosted by Suzanne, on December 12th, 2009
Winter Robin Nursery Rhyme
The Robin The north wind doth blow, And we shall have snow, And what will poor robin do then, Poor thing? He'll sit in a barn, And keep himself warm, And hide his head under his wing, Poor thing! This is one of the best winter nursery rhymes to tell with children. I am partial to making it visual with a sweet wool puppet. Here is one I found to give you some ideas! http://felting.craftgossip.com/2009/11/21/win-this-adorable-felt-robin-on-feltmeup-designs/
continue readeingPosted by Suzanne, on December 10th, 2009
A Northern 3 Bear’s Tale
I was at Border's bookstore today and got sidetracked from my Christmas shopping with a display of Jan Brett books. Her 'Three Snow Bears' book is a delightful snowy land version of the traditional goldilocks, but with 3 polar bears, and an inuit girl (I think) with her dog sled. I love her books, and her illustrations spark my imagination. This would be a perfect winter puppet show, full of all the elements of delight needed for a visual story. If you have not had a look, have one now! My finger puppet book has a polar bear pattern which can be adjusted for the three sizes...easy easy to make www.junipertreepuppets.com go to books. Sometimes you only need the ...
continue readeingPosted by Suzanne, on December 10th, 2009
Winter Snowman Poem
A favorite winter snowman poem I have loved telling to young children with this 2 finger puppet is:I know a little snowmanwho had a carrot nose,along comes a bunny,and what do you suppose?That hungry little bunnywas looking for his lunch,he ate that snowman's carrot nose,nibble nibble CRUNCH!-traditionala good resource for animal finger puppets (the rabbit and many others) is Around the World with Finger Puppets from www.junipertreepuppets.com click on books.
continue readeingPosted by Suzanne, on December 9th, 2009
Healing Story Alliance
I am heading off to Vancouver Island for an annual therapeutic study retreat with fabulous and very wise women hailing from Hawaii to Colorado, and of course B.C. We will be studying the Curative Course by Steiner, bringing our different questions and depths to it. Many heads are way better than one! I wanted to make sure you all know of the site listed below. This is one of my favorite sites and story groups. The Healing Story alliance is a sub-group of the National Storytelling Network (also a great resource). This site is exciting because you see how many people are engaged in story as a healing path. There are an abundance of free stories to download, given in helpful themes. Though this is not a puppet site precisely, the puppet arts include story, and healing puppetry needs the healing stories. Enjoy this wonderful resource!...
continue readeingPosted by Suzanne, on December 9th, 2009
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