Over last weekend I helped a beautiful expecting Mama celebrate the coming birth of her third child with a blessingway ceremony. She had a baby shower planned with family and friends, with the fun party games, but she wanted something deeper as well, to acknowledge her journey of motherhood. So she asked me to facilitate her Mama Blessing.
I arrived a little early to set up my bits and pieces and I watched the women arrive and together just flow in and out of the room, each with a job to do putting out food and hanging decorations. It was clear that I was watching a group of women who were very close. These sweet handmade decorations were the theme for the afternoon, and it seemed like everyone had brought something to contribute.
After the ceremony, where each woman shared stories of the Mama, and spoke her blessings and wishes for her birthing journey, we began to create a group present for her. I had pre-made a circular felted mat with a tree on it. The branches were bare because it was our intention to decorate the mat together for her baby to play on.
It was so much fun! Everyone looked a little hesitant when I brought out the felting needles, but oh my goodness! When they saw how easy it was to create beautiful pictures with a felting needle and fleece I had to practically leap out of the way! While I soaked and massaged Mama's feet all her friends were happily needle felting together and talking and sorting through bright colours - creating this beautiful gift for their friend - Aw ... it is so sweet!
It will be a very special heirloom for her family - forever in felt.