In Harmony at Summerfield Waldorf School's Winterfaire

In Harmony will be a vendor at Summerfield Waldorf School and Farm's Winterfaire this year Friday December 3rd (5:30 – 8:00) and Saturday December 4th (11:00 – 4:00). For a great article about what this shopping event and family festival is all about see this article by Sono-Ma.

























We will be featuring our own handcrafted gift items
such as reusable lunch sets, reusable snack/sandwich bags,
reusable coffee filters, bracelets,


















dolly diapers (perfect for those little girls who love to change their babies!) And other little treasures as well!






We will also offer more handcrafted items from other artisans, like glass goddess pendants, goddess pillows, art candles and hoola hoops.













Book your party today, and "come together, connect, and celebrate" with those you love!

Sono-Ma Studio soiree

Thursday Nov 4th 6:30-8:00pm, In Harmony will be doing free henna for guests at Sono-ma's Studio Soiree featuring Monica Ashley.

Only the first 50 people will be admitted, so visit Sono-Ma's facebook event page to RSVP or go to Studio Soiree: Monica Ashley to RSVP by leaving a comment.
















I look forward to meeting you there!







Book your party today, and "come together, connect, and celebrate" with those you love!

Cosmeos

"A mythical Greek goddess whose name meant harmony and balance, Cosmeos gave to mortals the gift of herbs, flowers, and other simple pleasures to nourish the body and soul. She personified radiant health that flowed from a core of harmony and balance. Cosmeos never sought to mask what she was or how she looked; rather, she fed her inner fire with the eternal gifts of the earth. Her beauty was abundant as the flowers growing wild on the hillside and as powerful as the granite bones of the mountain.
The modern word cosmetic stems from the Greek word kosmeticos, meaning "skilled in adornment." This is precisely what Cosmeos was all about; it was never her intent to cover up; she used her creations to revel in who she was. She is one of my favorite goddesses. I envision her as a wild woodland creature running free through the forests with her sister herbalist Artemis, whose name also has been immortalized in the name of a plant.
Cosmeos, though much misunderstood in the modern-day world of beauty, still yearns to flower in each of us. Her life force is in the rare and unique beauty that resides in the heart, that inner sparkle of the eyes and the radiant glow of the skin. Her teachings are not about what makeup to paint your face with or how to arch the curve of the eyebrow but are, instead, lessons rich with the lore of plants, of health and playfulness."

~Rosemary Gladstar, Family Herbal

Book your party today, and "come together, connect, and celebrate" with those you love!

Felted Sweater Purse

This latest project is a purse requested by a bird loving (she has four!) friend. “I need something for margarita nights with the girls,” she said.

I journeyed down a different path for this little number and choose to start with a upcycled, felted, wool sweater. It seemed a much sturdier option than the needle felted pouch.

I also lined it with some colorful flannel so her keys would not get caught up in the threads of the sweater.

But before that, I needle felted the blue spiral then the bird right onto the sweater. Upon seeing photos of the finished project, she exclaimed, “That looks just like my Ivy!” her white cockatoo.
“Ivy” and the abalone button both sport Swarovski crystal beads. (Yes, I have an addiction to sparkles, especially if they are bumped up against something as rustic as wool.)

The blue spiral got a dose of sparkles at both ends. I love the way they subtley peek out!

Book your party today, and "come together, connect, and celebrate" with those you love!

Cat's Felted Pouch

This is a commissioned tarot card pouch. The lovely lady who requested this item said she loved green, the number three, crows, and oak trees and then she let my creativity run wild with it! There are three crows and each cluster of oak leaves has three leaves.

I needle felted each panel individually, then stitched it all together with wool yarn.

I used seed beads and a few Swarovski crystal beads for accenting a green swirl, the button and crow.

My favorite part is the ‘button’. I was looking for something to use as a closure… bone, button, acorn, stick….. when I came across this shell I recently collected at my favorite beach. It has a natural hole in it that made it a perfect button! I beaded a few beads into the hole creating a nest-like visual.

On the back, a crow flies off with a sparkly treasure to tuck into his nest.

Book your party today, and "come together, connect, and celebrate" with those you love!

Drop

I have been quite busy working on commissioned pieces lately and will give them all thier moment in the light in the days to come.....


I'd like to introduce to you 'Drop'. She is a handmade Waldorf inspired doll I made for my little Cleo's 2^nd birthday.

Cleo has a love of all things wool especially Phelan's little "mommy-love" doll. Unfortunately, he loves his doll too and would not share it with her. So, I decided it was time for Cleo to have a "mommy-love" doll of her own.

Drop (yes, Cleo named her all by herself) and friend are crafted from recycled wool sweaters and cotton ‘skin’. They are stuffed with wool and are approximately 10” tall. Phelan’s doll (he won’t name him) has wool yarn for hair and Drop has locks of angora goat (acquired from the angora goat ‘Max’ at Singing Frog’s Farm.) Good friend Holly White-Wolf of Sono-Ma dyed the wool with lichen to give it that perfect blonde color.

Being a girly-girl drop receives a glass bead flower and leaves in her hair as well as a butterfly for my buggy-loving girl.

"Book your party today and "come together, connect, celebrate" with those you love!

The Art of Non-Doing (reposted from Om-School)

Sometimes the simplest things can be so fulfilling and nurturing if one lets themselves be carried away by the proccess instead of focused on the end result. I found this lovely article by Chelsea Woolf on her blog Om-School that illustrates that concept so beautifully.



The Art of Non-Doing

Sometimes the best thing we can do for ourselves and for those we love is put down the to-do list and let go a little. For many of us, the results-driven world makes that a difficult task. One place I can usually cultivate a little mindful non-doing is in the tub. The bubbles, the warmth, the calm of the water all have a way of restoring balance. Yesterday's art project taught me that we don't even need to get our whole body in the tub to reap the benefits.

We began with an afternoon walk and collected stones that were round, semi-flat, and stacked easily. We brought the stones home, washed them, and then I filled the tub with warm, soapy water. The girls wrapped their stones tightly with wool, then dipped them in the bubbly tub. When wet, the wool shrinks around the stones. The process of dipping, squeezing, and swirling the wool-covered stones in warm soapy water might calm even the most cantankerous kid. It didn't take long before the girls were immersed fully in the moment. Anything can be an exercise in mindfulness.

We started with solid colors. Then we went back and added little wisps of additional color. I reminded the girls that this project was about the process more than it was about the end result. As they worked, they learned that they couldn't force the wool to take the shape they wanted nor could they try to create too specific a design with the colors. The best results came from letting go and allowing the result to manifest in its own time. This is the art of non-doing. When we let go of our attachment to the results, we are free to enjoy the process.

As Jon Kabat-Zinn writes in, Wherever You Go, There You Are: Mindfulness Meditation in Everyday Life, "Non-doing doesn't have to be threatening to people who feel they always have to get things done. They might find they get even more "done," and done better, by practicing non-doing."

Too often, we sacrifice the joy of this moment for some distant objective. We are already half way into the next moment before this moment ends. Yet, enjoying our life requires that we are present for it. Our striving, our constant doing, stands between us and our joy. Non-doing may be a lost art in today's world; nevertheless, it's an art this home-educator intends to keep in the classroom.

Book your party today, and "come together, connect, and celebrate" with those you love!

My New Hero

An Oakland woman by the name of Beth Terry is documenting her quest to go plastic free on her blog, Fake Plastic Fish. I am very inspired to have found this blog! Like most of us, I am also trying to reduce the amount of plastic that is used in our household. I've toted my own water bottle and cloth grocery bags for a while now and recently started making cloth snack bags and my own produce bags.

(Two snack bags, sandwich bag, tote and napkin.)

(produce/bulk bin bags with simple tie)

These are very simple and easily made by whatever scrap fabric that happens to be around, though 100% cotton, hemp, bamboo, linen and other natural fabric ensures the plastic free-ness of the bag. (Did you know that polyester and other synthetic fabrics are basically spun plastic? Sneaky plastic.)

My favorite part of her blog is the Plastic Free Living Guide. There one can find tips for leading a more plastic free life including glass drinking straws by Glass Dharma. Anyone who has been to the zoo and bought a drink in a cup there has heard that straws are unsafe for the animals and here is simple way to still enjoy your sipping while keeping all the critters safe. (They are on my Christmas list for my kids!)

Beth has so many great ideas that it can be a little overwhelming when taken all at once, but I feel that if everyone did just a little bit, like reusable grocery bags and water bottles it would make such a difference. And once we are used to those changes, then we can add others, such as carrying our own containers and utensils for eating out, or a stainless steel coffee cup for those trips to your local barista.

"we are using a permanent material to make disposable items"

(found this quote when I was looking for info on the Pacific garbage patch a few months ago and now can't find it again. If anyone knows where it came from, I would love to give credit.)

Book your party today, and "come together, connect, and celebrate" with those you love!

Goddess Moments

How do you pamper yourself and remind yourself of your sacred feminine in the midst of a mundane day?

I am home with my two small children (four and 22mos) on a daily basis. I'm usually going in three directions at once and often do not take enough time for myself to feel human much less divine. It's part of the role I have chosen and I wouldn't trade it for the world.

But some days...

some moments...

I remember.

Sometimes I light some exquisite incense or scented candle that I have horded and treasured for years. The scent often lingers in pockets of the house to surprise me out of my mundane moments during the day.

Lately, I've taken to 'practicing' henna at odd times of the day. There is something so sensual about henna.... the scent.... the coolness as it rests upon my skin.... the images of exotic places it brings to mind..... and of course, the visual reminder that I am more than just a mommy with too much laundry.

I am blessed with many beautiful rose bushes here and enjoying their scent, color and texture also takes me on a little journey into the divine. I almost always have a small vase of roses on the kitchen table or in the sink windowsill.

And of course, there are those 'zen' moments of blissful peace that happen when small children are around. Those moments of big brother helping and being super sweet to little sister that always bring me to the Goddess.

~Minnow

Book your party today, and "come together, connect, and celebrate" with those you love!

Reusable lunch sets!

One of the things we hope to do here at In Harmony is to provide a place for our crafts to be shared with other people.

On our 'Boutique' page you can find a small sampling of items crafted by Jo-alle and Minnow that you can purchase by contacting us, at a party or at an event such as Earth Day Napa.

These are my newest creations. I made them for my friend's two children. They are lunch sets: Sandwich bag, two snack bags, napkin and tote. The bags have a velcro closure to mimic a ziplock bag.

Butterflies, dragonflies and glitter for a girly-girl.













More buggy-bugs and spiders for the boy.







I came up with these while looking for an alternative to those little plastic zip locks that we inevitably take with us everywhere. I tried using reusable containers, but they were bulky, they are still made of plastic (I feel there is enough plastic in the ocean already and wanted something a little more eco-friendly.) and I kept loosing those little lids.

Then... I needed a birthday gift for a (different) friend's child and added the tote to keep it all organized and a napkin, 'cause, well... kids need napkins.


Happy May to you all and may the sunshine warm your heart!!


~Minnow

Book your party today, and "come together, connect, and celebrate" with those you love!

Where do you see the Goddess?

Where do you see the Goddess?

The first time I saw the Goddess must have been the day I was born, looking into my mother’s eyes, being held in her arms. A soft kiss placed upon my cheek.
I might not have a vivid memory of that moment; it is just something I feel in my heart.

As I grew I saw the Goddess in my friends. The ones I shared secrets and stories with. The ones that held me when I cried or laughed at my jokes.

I saw the Goddess in my teachers; such patience, creativity and enthusiasm.

When I was in my teens, I started to see the Goddess not only in the women that I knew, but in nature herself. She is the roses that I would smell or pick. She is the warm sun that I can feel on my face in the summer time. She is the falling leaves in the autumn. She is the cold rain and the winter wind. She is.

Now, I experience her daily in so many ways… the birth of my daughter, she is pure joy and beauty, giving me gifts of wisdom daily. Lessons in learning, loving and laughing.

My friends. Sweet, sweet friends. Caring, loving, strong, independent, caretakers, lovers, dancers, holders of secrets and tears, mothers, daughters and sisters.

She is.

~Jo-alle

Book your party today, and "come together, connect, and celebrate" with those you love!

Happy Mother's Day!!

Happy Mother's day to all the Mammas out there!!

It doesn't matter if your 'children' are human, hoofed, pawed, or even older than you. There are many ways of being the Mother and this day I hope all of you have a few moments of appreciating your selves and what you do for those around you.

Ancient Mother I hear you calling

Ancient Mother I hear your voice

Ancient Mother I hear your laughter

Ancient Mother I taste your tears.

Book your party today, and "come together, connect, and celebrate" with those you love!

Where do you find the Goddess?

I see the Earth as the Great Mother.

She cares for us, feed us, shelters us… all we need we can find in Her. I consider myself a sacred survivalist. You have heard of survivalists before, usually with images of fortified self-sustained compounds, automatic weapons and years of food stashed. I present to you another kind of survivalist. One who lives in harmony with the natural world and gives back to nature just as she takes what is needed.
Primitive skills some call it.... but that is another story.
Walking in nature with as little as possible and relying on nature to provide what is needed…. Shelter, water, fire, food…. I can’t help but to see the earth as Mother and each of the necessities given or taken as a gift. A gift needed to live one more day.

Motherhood. (Wow! That one is a doozy!)

I have a memory of rocking my sick baby for the third night in a row. I had not had a shower in a few days, my shirt had boogies, spit up and drool on it, and as I sat there singing to my baby in the dark I had an “ah-ha” moment.
This is the Goddess’ sacred work too.
No pretty dress, no flowers or candlelight, no music, no drums, no crystals or fancy incense….. just me and my baby.
I am the Sacred Mother.



My children

My son opens an almond and says, “mommy, see the Goddess”. I had once explained to him that the Goddess is in everyone and everything. Now he points Her out to me every time he opens an almond.
I see the Goddess in their eyes…. so serious. I see Her in their hands as they explore new buggy friends.
I am humbled.

My mother the Sea Goddess

My mother was born and raised in the Phillipines and moved here to “the states” when she was 17. At the age of 60 she finally made it back. And what is one of the first things she does?? She climbs down a spiral staircase into a cave that the ocean waves are rushing in and out of. And then she proceeds to swim out into the frothing sea.

Gleefully giggling the whole time! It’s clear to me that in the sea she is home. No wonder she is such a miracle worker when teaching children to swim!

And this isn’t the only such adventure in her visit to the PI. I think half the pics my dad took were of her swimming here and there! Who’d a thunk it? My sweet little mamasita is an Ocean Diva! How impressed and proud I am of her.

My spirit sisters
My closest circle of friends, my inspiration. They, who, as I see them as goddess, they see the same in me. My soul is filled from their cups.

Happy Mother's Day!!! Thou art Goddess!!!

Book your party today, and "come together, connect, and celebrate" with those you love!

Bid on a party at farm to feast!

You can bid on this basket containing a gift certificate for a basic party, scented candle, lavendar salve, and flower wreath at Farm to Feast, a dinner and auction scholarship benifit at Summerfield Waldorf School.

Find our listing here at the on line auction.

Book your party today, and "come together, connect, and celebrate" with those you love!

Just in time for mother's day!

We now have gift certificates available!

Let the special mamma in your life plan her own evening of nurturing with her closest friends and family by giving her a gift certificate. Contact us for details.

Book your party today, and "come together, connect, and celebrate" with those you love!

Earth Day Napa

We had a wonderful time in the radient sunshine at Napa's Earth Day celebration and got a chance to present ourselves to the public for the first time and sell some of our homemade crafts.



On the table we had sachets, reuseable coffee filters, felted ornaments, resuable coffee filter and snack/sandwich bag sets.

The bags are a new item of mine. I have two small children and we are always packing snacks with us and I needed a solution to the too-big containers and plastic baggies. These have velcro closures to mimic ziplocks and are easy for the kids to open and close.






...and seed bead bracelets which were a big hit with all the little girls..... note to self, make more small ones! (Even my own little one was captivated by the "pretties" and took it upon her self to 'tend shop' a bit.)

There was also lavender salve, lavender and rose bath salts, and dulce (seaweed) and comfrey salt scrub. All you need for a decadant, moisturizing, and relaxing bath!

We want to thank all the goddesses that stopped by our booth and talked to us and we hope to hear from you soon that we may help you "come together, connect, and celebrate" with those you love!