The Folk Bee
Why the Folk Bee Exists
Once, communities gathered not for entertainment, but to learn from one another. Neighbors shared skills, children learned alongside adults, and traditions were passed from one generation to the next.
The Folk Bee is our modern take on that tradition.
Each month on the Final Friday morning, we'll gather outdoors beneath the trees with a local artisan, educator, or community member to explore a seasonal craft, practical skill, or meaningful tradition. Children are welcome to participate alongside their grown-ups, observe, play nearby, or join in as they are able.
Come to learn something new, make something by hand, and experience the simple joy of gathering in community.
Who this is for
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For children ages 1–8 who are ready to:
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Work slowly with their hands
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Connect to ancestral crafts
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Follow gentle rhythm
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Take pride in careful work
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And for parents who:
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Long for more art and depth
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Want to offer meaningful experiences
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Feel stretched doing it alone
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Are seeking true community
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Are hungry for a village
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This is for families who value presence, patience, and shared care.
Collaborative Projects
Ancestral Skills
High Quality Materials
What to Expect
A calm, meaningful experience of story, handwork, and connection; without rushing or overstimulation.
Arrival & Free Play
Start
Children arrive slowly, explore natural materials, and settle into the morning with ease.
Story & Handwork
Focus
A seasonal folk story followed by guided handwork using natural materials. Building focus, patience, and pride.
Closing & Carrying Home
Close
A special closing circle to gather the group, and prepare for transition back into the day.
Series Details
Holding the Thread is a series of guided project sessions and a seasonal family gallery. The full series is the intended experience; drop-ins are available if space allows.
August
September
October
Touch the Magic Tree (Free Community Gathering)
Celebrate the beginning of a new season together.
We'll welcome families with a story, nature play, collaborative art, and a visit from our special guest play therapist, Ms. Emma.
Featured Experience
• Touch the Magic Tree
• Nature painting
• Mud paint
• Community art
November
Lantern Walk
As daylight fades, we gather to remember that we carry light within ourselves.
Children will build their own watercolor lantern before ending the gathering with a peaceful lantern walk.
Featured Skill
• Paper folding
• Collaborative group effort
Michaelmas Silk Dyeing
Our third annual silk dyeing tradition returns.
Together we'll gather around the wood-burning stove to create natural turmeric dye, celebrate courage, and prepare beautiful silks for the season ahead.
Featured Skill
• Natural silk dyeing
• Plant-based dyes
December
Candle Making
Winter invites us inward.
We'll dip beeswax candles, celebrate Advent traditions, share a story, and enjoy one final gathering before the holidays.
Featured Skill
• Candle rolling
Watercolor Pumpkins
As autumn settles in, we'll slow down with watercolor, storytelling, and seasonal handwork.
Children will explore color, patience, and creativity while creating their own watercolor pumpkin.
Featured Skill
• Watercolor painting
Winter
Rest & Warmth
January and February meet with warm drinks, candlelight, simple crafts, stories, and slower rhythms.
Featured Skills
• Seasonal handwork
• Nature journaling
• Quiet creativity
Meet the Team
Our team was carefully hand selected for their background, passions, and ability to lead children in gentle, holistics, and meaningful ways.
Founder | Program Director
Tesha
Tesha founded Tranquil Waters Forest & Folk after years of searching for a community where childhood could unfold a little more slowly. Drawing from Waldorf education, folk traditions, and a deep love of the natural world, she now spends her days dreaming up new ideas, building community, and helping the team bring each season to life.
Lead Teacher
Kayla
Kayla has a way of making children feel capable. Whether she's leading a handcraft, encouraging a hesitant child, or helping an idea take shape, she brings steadiness, creativity, and years of classroom experience to every gathering. Many of the beautiful projects our families take home begin in Kayla's hands.
Puppet Storytelling
Olivia
Olivia is the keeper of our stories. A former elementary educator and now a mother herself, she delights in sharing seasonal puppet plays that invite children into worlds of courage, humor, beauty, and imagination. Her performances have become one of the traditions families look forward to most.
Glenmerle Cottage Playschool | October Special Guest
Katy
Katy holds a BS Degree in Nonprofit Development and Early Child Development and been working as a Prek Teacher or as an advocate for children for the entirety of her career (20+ years). She first discovered Waldorf during a visit to the Emerson Waldorf School in Chapel Hill as part of a year long post-grad practicum and has since continued her training through the Center for Anthroposophy and a myriad of Waldorf Workshops. She has taught Waldorf through Grade 4 (and counting). Katy homeschools and cherishes implementing Waldorf in her home with her three children. She is passionate about faithfully serving ALL children, including those with an I/DD and believes Waldorf’s approach coupled with nature-based learning truly nurtures the whole child.
Special Guest | August Special Guest
Emma, LCMHCA, NCC
Ms. Emma is a licensed mental health counselor associate with a passion for helping children experience the world through play, creativity, and nature. She'll be joining us for a special collaborative art experience as we create our Community Magic Tree together.