The Forest Friends

        The Forest Friends are elfin creatures that dwell in Ontario woodlands.  They strive to live in Harmony with the Earth, with the Others, and among themselves.  This has been the basis for their survival since ancient times, and emerged out of the recognition that all the life forms of the earth depend on each other.  Human progress now threatens them with extinction and these Keepers of the Woodlands would be sorely missed.

[A Brief History Of The Forest Friends]

The Dioramas

     The Forest Friend dioramas capture moments from the lives of these little people.  Constructed around roots and knotholes, vines and hollow stumps, they incorporate everything from snail shells and birch bark to stones and edible wild plants.  A diorama may have as few as one character -- or as many as thirty-five.  Some scenes are light-hearted, others serious; some have universal appeal, others fill specific requests (for example, a special birthday or anniversary, the birth of a child, retirement, a period of difficult changes).

    The materials used in the dioramas have been chosen with care.  They must be ecologically compatible and gathering is done with sensitivity toward the environment.  The leather used in the clothing has been restricted to colours attainable from woodland dyes.  Wood is given a clear satin finish; stains are only applied to the totems with the purpose of enhancing the beauty and intricacy of the engraver beetles' tracings.

    Each one-of-a-kind piece is signed and numbered, and comes with an explanatory leaflet.   There are presently over fifty different themes.  Some of the titles are as follows:  Mother and Child, Lullaby, A Gift for the Elder, Time for Wonder, Time for Telling Tales, Gathering Sap, The Basket Maker, Medicine Maid, Bountiful Harvest, Making Music, Borrowing from the Bees, Braiding Sweetgrass, A New Melody, The Promise, Prayer for Harmony, Heart Beat and Spirit Rhythm, Celebration of New Life, Time for Contemplation, The Rescue.  The leaflet gives the title, an overview of the Forest Friend concept and a description of the piece.  Many of these are available as cards.