I'd like to wish everyone a very happy St. Michaelmas Day. We love dragons in this family or I should confess that I love dragons in this family. I've always wanted to own one, especially one that flies. Oh how grand that would be.
I know today is commerating St. George and his dragon adventures but really I feel any holiday that even mentions a dragon I will stop and celebrate.
Brave Spirit Michael is my guide
as free and fearless forth I ride
with courage of St. George of old
I dare to fight fierce dragons bold.
St. George can fight them if he wants to , I'm just going to stick with the role of "Dragon Caregiver."
Last year you may have remembered that we made our squiggle lanterns to celebrate. This week has been so busy and I've really had to come up with something quickly that evokes the lantern light of Michealmas and is easy to put together.
Ta dah, here it is the official lantern of 2011, better known as the starlight lantern.
You'll need:
- One paper-mache wine box from your local craft store or other cylinder container.
- Knife
- Tape
- Velum paper with patterns and solid colors
- LED small pillar candles
- Take your wine box and mark a window with a pencil.
- Take your knife and cut out the window. This is for the adults to do.
- Take your vellum and place the star or pattern piece on the bottom and cover it with the colored piece of vellum.
- Take both pieces of paper together and wrap it around your wine box.
- Tape on each side in the back.
- Place your LED light into the wine box, cover with the lid and you're ready to go.
I've made these up ahead of time for tonight but once the kids get here I'll let them decorate their lanterns with a variety of craft supplies. Though cutting out the window of the lantern is very easy, if you're planning on having many children and families over, it's just easier to make the lanterns ahead so you can get outside quicker.
Here's wishing you a very wonderful Michaelmas evening. Happy Autumn!