Challenge 7: visit of a naturalist

 Challenge 7: Heroes, Idols and Stars 

The Wee Explorers are very interested in shells - a new member gets one as part of their welcome. Algernon managed to get one of the local but important experts on shells to visit as a surprise. 

As usual Algernon opened the meeting with the display set up and the traditional greeting but he then said that he wasn't leading the meeting and introduced professor Van Dyke to show the shells off

The professer talked about the size, colour and shapes of shells and how the creature who made each different one lived. She also pointed out that shells fossilize well and showed two different ones.

Once she was finished her talk and answered the many questions the little ones gathered around the table to get a closer look at the shells. 

Everyone agreed that it was great to hear from the professer and Algernon was thanked for arranging the treat!

(Shells from a local beach (and a fossil shop). Banner made by Florence Holiday. Necklace on Professor Van Dyke created by me from another shell - the hole was natural!)

Creative Challenge 2026-7: A Meet & Greet With Harry "Hairy" Mane and Purrchester United Youngsters

On a sunny afternoon, everything had been prepared at the Purrchester United ground for a special guest who was due to meet young footballers and fans. Everyone was beaming with anticipation at the arrival of Harry (“Hairy”) Mane, the captain of the national football team.

Straight after school, everyone had rushed home to fetch albums, posters and other things for Harry to sign. Little Bud McClaw had even borrowed his sister’s camera to take a photo to send to his mate Alfie in Freudsheim … Whilst all the other young tomcats were queuing up, waiting for their turn, the youngest of the McClaw brothers pushed his way to the front to be first in the queue …

When Harry Mane was sitting at his table, equipped with a pencil and picture cards he smiled at the

excited young cats inviting them one by one to come and receive an autograph.

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A young Silk cat called Robin Golightly brought his ball with him. “Could you please sign here?” he asked in a shy voice. 

“Oh yes, of course,” purred the big lion … and signed his name on the football. 

Robin happily hurried back to his friends. One day, this ball will become a collector’s item – with Harry Mane’s autograph on it!

Suddenly, the table shook as a little tomcat jumped onto it and showed the astonished lion his tiny pink camera. “Can I take a photo for my mate Alfie? He’s in Freudsheim and can’t come – but I want him to know we’re meeting up with you,” he chirped cheekily. A big grin lit up Harry’s face – and Buddy got the snapshot he wanted

Young Tarik Azadeh, a young Persian, brought his big album of autographs for Mr. Mane to sign... and, of course, the team captain followed the white Persian's wish.

Once all the autograph requests had been fulfilled, Hairy Mane showed what he was made of… and took a shot at the goal wall.

Attention! Kitten In The Goal Wall ...

A goal at the top – a goal at the bottom… and the fans applaud.

Goal!!!

To round things off, everyone lines up for a group photo… What a lovely afternoon for the young footballers of ‘Purrchester United’!

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 The McClaw lads will remember their meeting with their big hero, Hairy Mane, for a long time to come... and Bud will certainly never wash his cap again... 

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Creative Challenge "Heroes, Idols & Stars"

 Dear friends,

I'm sorry to say that I am a bit late with suggesting the July Challenge - but I hope you will like it and find some inspiration in the topic:

Maybe your local Sylvanian Newspaper is giving a report or home story of a very  popular crittizen

Or let's take a look at the other side and give a portrait of a 'hard-core' fan ;)

Famous sportsmen/sportswomen as well as all kinds of artists attract admiration of  'normal folks'. Youngsters often have a personal hero they would like to meet for an autograph. Or how about a "Meet & Greet"?

Or share a concert picture of your favourite (Sylvanian) band! Maybe a roadie is sharing  his experiences while being on tour with the band. 

You might as well consider to dress one of your critters as a super-hero ("Super-Froggo", "Wonder-Cat" or "Marvel Bunny"...) and tell a story about his/her latest adventure.

Pick your favourite idea and enjoy our Creative Challenge highlighting "Heroes, Idols & Stars".

But above all: Have fun!

 

2026 - Challenge 6, Tourism

 Hello everyone!

I just recently returned from a 1-week Mediterranean cruise. I had a great time, and miss Bianca Coldwell, Sylvanian traveller and journalist extraordinaire, insisted that she had to come with me.

I thought the pictures from the trip would work wonderfully as my entry for the June challenge, (Tourism), so here they are.

 

Bianca Coldwell's adventures in the Mediterranean

I hope you like them! 

June Challenge

 Challenge 6: Tourism 

Freudsheim is a small village, and isn't really a good place for tourism... However the Maples went camping recently.

The tent is cosy for them so no room for anyone else! Alfie would have enjoyed bringing a friend but he agreed with Miranda that it wasn't possible with the tent size 

The campsite was equipped with both barbecue tables and a fire area and they took advantage of both cooking methods 

Alfie was excited with his "Marshmallow!"

Miranda was sure to remind him about safety around the fire! 

Fish and squash made them another good meal - maybe not as exciting as the fire but tasty...

(Tent made by Florence Holiday, sleeping bags made by me for Miranda and Florence made Alfie's with the blanket made by me (it matched his first sleeping bag that was given to Laurie Grande when Alfie was given that one). Fire, marshmallow and corn came from blind bags (2 series) and the BBQ etc is a Sylvanian set. Apologies for setting this up inside but we had a lot of rain and the world outside was too wet to consider as the setting!)