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I started making my own Oak leaf charms as I wasn't crazy about the ones I had that were pre-made and Pewter. Some of the leaves aren't even Oak. I use little scissors and various vintage tools that belonged to my grandfather. I found some ideas online on how to recreate a tree bark texture- some are from friends so I am sorry for the lack of credit- if they belong to you please let me know! 
I collected these in October for my acorn craftiness! I had to separate the nuts from the hats and clean them thoroughly. Quadruple acorn hats! I have seen plenty of double or triple hats attached to the stem. i found 3 like this one so far. I was pretty excited since I never found any like these before! 
My current project in conservation is to rebuild the epic historical birdhouse in the town where I live. I just got the town's approval to go ahead! Do you love birds? Read more here:
 This is blog posting and quote by a fellow nature lover I want to share: "Where are you growing your roots, who are you intertwined with? these feel like
crucial questions right now."   These are photos of me at the Pechanga Great Oak Tree in 2012 before I moved back to Massachusetts. My primary goal before moving was seeing this epic tree. It was the only thing I really wanted to do and see. I contacted the Pechanga Reservation, booked a spot on a rare trip to see it and another family of 4 joined me. Only 5 of us signed up to see this 1500 (est.) year old Interior Live Oak. I was in awe at its size. I asked the trip leader permission to hug the tree and he said "sure" ! I was glad we got to explore the tree for over an hour and take all the pictures we wanted. I noticed woodpeckers, squirrels and other birds living in this massive tree. We then carried on to another oak grove in small van, a historical site where acorns were ground into flour, a rock quarry and owl nesting boxes! It was a very exciting nature filled day!  Please note: that is only 3/4 of the tree! I couldn't get the entire tree in the shot!  Here is more of the tree! It is that big and still I do not have the entire tree in the shot. It looks like a small forest but is actually just one very large tree!    'Mighty things from small beginnings grow' John Dryden (1631-1700)
Imagine this tiny acorn grew into THAT! CONSERVATION The Great Oak resides on Native American Reservation Land in Temecula California and the tree is sacred to them. They have moved roads further away from the tree to protect the roots from being crushed by vehicles and to have limited human impact. IMPORTANT 2018 update: The website link I originally posted was inaccurate. I do not schedule or plan or lead trips to the tree. I was just a visitor. Trips are limited and very rare. Please contact Pechanga Cultural Resources for the possibility of a visit at: 951-770-6300 and check out more history on the tree at:http://pechanga-nsn.gov/index.php/history/the-great-oak It is the mission of Sunrise and Pine Design to encourage hiking and outdoor activities for all ages. I support a variety of non-profits and nature centers by selling my items for resale and the proceeds go to landscaping, trail maintenance, paying staff and educational programs. 
I started thinking about new ways to have colorful ribbons or cord for my acorns. I found my answer when I was searching for soft yarn. Some companies make and up-cycle silk garments that are damaged or the actual silk thread itself from the factories where the garments are made. http://www.mangomoonyarns.com/ I purchased my yarn from Webs, in Northampton MA. I LOVE how soft and colorful the yarn in. The bright jewel tones really go well with a variety of outfits. I like how this product is also supporting the women in Nepal. "At Mango Moon, we think knitting should be fun, and that we should try to leave the world a little better than we found it. We work with the Nepali Women's Empowerment Group and a spinners' co-op in Indonesia to bring you yarns that are colorful and fun, and that help improve the lives of the artisans who spin it." 
Made with real coffee beans! Idea came from being in a coffee shop! Available here: https://www.etsy.com/shop/sunriseandpinedesign   Note iced mocha in shot!
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DanielleHere is my blog where I will write about inspiration and nature musings! Archives
June 2014
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