Monday, April 11, 2011

Mixed Mediums - Fabergé Eggs and Folktales

Russian Faberge Egg
Russian Fabergé Eggs are some of the most exquisite pieces of art in the world. They are intricately designed and hold equally gorgeous surprise inside.

"The story began when Tsar Alexander III decided to give his wife the Empress Maria Fedorovna an Easter Egg in 1885."Made made by the House of Faberge from 1885 through 1917. The majority of these were miniature ones that were popular gifts at Eastertide. They would be worn on a neck chain either singly or in groups.

The most famous eggs produced by the House were the larger ones made for Alexander III and Nicholas II of Russia. Of the 50 made, 42 have survived. The eggs are made of precious metals or hard stones decorated with combinations of enamel and gemstones. The term "Fabergé egg" has become a synonym of luxury and the eggs are regarded as masterpieces of the jeweler's art." http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Faberg%C3%A9_egg

Since Easter is a few weeks away on the Roman Catholic calendar I offer you a few stories that are sure to turn you “sunny side up!”

"EGG"CELLENT STORIES


The Boiled Eggs - Danish

http://oaks.nvg.org/danetales3-4.html

The Talking Eggs – Creole/United States
https://storiestogrowby.org/story/talking-eggs/

Gollywhopper’s Eggs – A New England Legend
http://americanfolklore.net/folklore/2010/08/gollywhoppers_eggs.html

The Magic Egg – Ukraine
https://www.worldoftales.com/European_folktales/Ukrainian_folktale_24.html#gsc.tab=0   

The Ostrich-Egg Wife - South Africa

Rumble-Mumble Goose-Egg - Norway
http://oaks.nvg.org/ntales19.html

Story of the Duck with the Golden Eggs - Russia
http://worldoftales.com/European_folktales/Russian_Folktale_9.html

The Story of Swet-Basanta – From Folktales of Bengal by Lal Behari Day, 1912. The story of a beautiful young girl who is hatched from an egg; it is the fifth story in the book.
https://www.gutenberg.org/files/38488/38488-h/38488-h.htm#ch5

The Uncooked Eggs - Haiti
http://www.newworldstories.com/search?q=The+Uncooked+Eggs  

CURRICULUM

The Talking Eggs Discussion Guide – This discussion guide is connected to the book by Robert San Souci, an adaptation of the Creole folktale.
https://bealearninghero.org/book/the-talking-eggs/

The Incredible Egg – 4-H seventy-three-page classroom curriculum guide for grades 4-5. 

The Case of the Uncooked Eggs – Lesson plan for grade six to complement the Haitian story above.

Education World: Egg Theme Unit  – Elementary science lesson plans.
http://www.educationworld.com/a_lesson/lesson058.shtml

CRAFTS

Golden Eggs.com – From Australia a colorful site full of fun activities, printables, magic tricks and jokes to keep them 'yolking' it up!
http://www.goldeneggs.com.au/

Parents.com – Eight egg carton crafts.
http://www.parents.com/fun/arts-crafts/kid/creative-egg-carton-crafts/?slideId=34853

RECIPE

April 16 happens to be Eggs Benedict Day. Who knew? Here is a recipe to help you celebrate. Any reason for a party works for me!


Eggs Benedict
http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/food-network-kitchen/eggs-benedict-recipe


Please note, websites change at a rapid pace and weblinks may change or break without notice. I cannot be responsible for redirected or broken links.  At the time of this posting all links were in working order. Thank you for understanding.


Karen Chace  2011 ©
This blog post was painstakingly researched and compiled by Karen Chace. Permission for private use is granted. Distribution, either electronically or on paper is prohibited without my expressed written permission. For permission please contact me at storybug@aol.com. Of course, if you wish to link to my newsletter via your website, blog, newsletter, Facebook page or Twitter please feel free to do so; I greatly appreciate your support and personal integrity.

Sunday, April 10, 2011

Northlands Storytelling Conference - Party Till the Cows Come Home!

Did you receive your income tax refund before the impending government shut down? Don't know how to spend it? Well here's a fabulous idea! Make your way to Wisconsin this month for a weekend filled with workshops to help you bring your performance and business to the next level.

I have attended the Northlands Storytelling Conference since 2000 and it is one of the best ways to connect with your colleagues, network, learn new skills, hear amazing stories, make new friends, AND be pampered at the beautiful Grand Geneva Resort and Spa.

I can't wait to fly in and share the fun with my Midwest friends! I will present a new workshop on Saturday, Enhance Your Online Presence: Blog It Baby! as well as participating in a panel discussion with two award-winning storytellers, Linda Gorham of IL and Elizabeth Ellis of Texas. The topic will be Selling Stories, Not Snake Oil.

Elizabeth will be sharing her vast and valuable expertise on the business of storytelling, Linda on business ethics related to our work, and I will share ideas on how to use social networking carefully and creatively. Linda and I will also be in the Saturday night concert and Elizabeth will grace the stage for the Friday night concert. There will be a story slam and amazing fringes on both nights as well.

Whether you are an experienced storyteller or beginner, a librarian looking to spice up your programs, or an educator who wants to reinvigorate their curriculum, this is the place to be! Stop by the Northlands Storytelling Conference website to learn about the workshops and extra activities offered this year. We'll party till the cows come home! Join us, you won't regret a moooooment!