Dorlis and Larry Gold created The Secrets of the Enchanted Forest as an imaginative heartfelt project, aiming to preserve and nurture the innocence and optimism of childhood. It’s heartening for us to hear about initiatives that focus on positive storytelling and character development, especially in an increasingly complicated world.
Dorlis Gold’s dedication to crafting magical characters through needle felting is a unique and tactile approach to bringing these stories to life. This art form, with its detailed and hands-on nature, can create characters that are not only visually appealing but also carry a sense of warmth and personal touch.
Meanwhile, Larry Gold’s role in developing stories around each character is equally crucial. By embedding optimistic themes and life lessons in these narratives, he provides an avenue for children to learn and grow. The stories’ focus on expressing each character’s purpose in life aligns beautifully with teaching opportunities for young minds.
The envisioned adult/child interaction with these characters and stories is a powerful aspect of the project. Storytelling has always been a fundamental way to bond, teach, and share experiences across generations. Having adults engage with children through these stories creates moments of connection, learning, and understanding. It’s a reminder that stories can be bridges between the simplicity of childhood and the complexities of the adult world, fostering empathy, wisdom, and a shared sense of wonder.
Overall, The Secrets of the Enchanted Forest is a project that doesn’t just entertain but also imparts valuable lessons and fosters meaningful connections. It was our intention through these stories and its associated crafts to protect and extend the realm of childhood innocence and optimism.