By Kate Hodges
06th January 2017
MAKE AND LEARN Let’s Silhouette
Dark afternoons are a wonderful opportunity to play creatively with light. Shadow puppets not only teach some fundamentals about lightwaves, but they also open up dramatic possibilities. Tell well-loved fairy tales, make up your own tales, or even create puppets to represent each member of your family, pets and your home. Then take your characters on an adventure! There are guides to making your own theatre here, and here, templates for basic puppets here and instuctions for making more intricate, asian-inspired puppets here. Go and cast shadows and magic!
EVENT Holly and Ivy
A mixed-up pudding of yuletide traditions, the Lions Part’s annual Twelfth Night shindig on London’s south bank is one of the finest annual events in London. First, a Holly Man arrives by boat. This is followed by a ‘freestyle folk combat’ Mummers Play, where strangely dressed characters act out boisterous verses and clash swords. Then cakes are handed out, one of which contains a pea, and one a bean. The ‘lucky’ recipients of the vegetables are crowned King and Queen for the day. Finally, those still left standing head to the beautiful 17th century George Inn for more dancing and storytelling. Sunday, free.
COOK Veg-To-Go
It’s Veganuary, a great time to try an animal product-free lifestyle, or, if you’re already following a plant-based diet, to try some new ideas. It’s easy for vegan packed lunches to get a bit repetitive. There are some really great, practical ideas for batch baked, time-saving, yet delicious recipes here, and some more options for school and work meals-on-the-go here.
MAKE Pick up Sticks
Going out for a winter wander? It’s the ideal time of year to gather up some beautiful sticks, take them home, then cosy up and make things from them. We love using twigs with clay to make hedgehogs, funny faces and decorations. Find more ideas for your twigs and branches here (we love the willow heart wreaths)
EVENT Dropping Science
Science communicators have a chance to shine at Famelab at The Museum of Scotland this Saturday. The Scottish final of the quest to find young people with a flair for communicating with public audiences takes place this Saturday, so turn up to enjoy a feast of fast-paced facts and a few scientific surprises. Free, book in advance. Younger children will enjoy the Museum’s Mini Engineers events held in the Learning Centre over the weekend, free, book in advance.
