158 NATURE-BASED EXPRESSIVE ARTS THERAPY
practice (4–6 hours total). Once you are comfortable with the skill,
building the hand-drill set and teaching someone else the basics may
take between one and two hours. You want a dry outdoor location to
build the set and a pre-established fire pit.Appropriate clientele
This activity can be adapted for most ages so long as they can show
physical competency with the materials. For younger clients, this is
a great way to simply strengthen self-efficacy, somatic awareness,
executive functioning development and a sense of awe and wonder.
For older clients and more abstract thinkers, many metaphors can be
woven in to integrate one’s mind–body processes and interpersonal
awareness (our relationship with the materials and process may often
be a reflection of our interpersonal relationships). This can be a great
tool for couples or family work.Step-by-step instructions
Preparation
- Lay out your materials in a dry area, if the ground is not dry
it may be helpful to use a foam camping pad, yoga mat or
blanket to lay down first. - Use the knife or rock to smooth out any knots or branch nubs
on the spindle. - Taper a point (like a pencil) into the fatter end of the spindle.
The fat end should be the base of the spindle. - Carve a small dimple with your knife point (so the that pencil
point can fit into the dimple) into the fire board near one of
the edges so that the spindle will end up having at least ¼ inch
of space in between the spindle edge and any board edge.