Sometimes life is just plain old BUSY. But creativity doesn’t have to suffer! Sure, it would be great to have a whole day to devote to your creative practice of choice, but there are seasons when that is just not possible. So, I thought I’d share some ideas of things you can do in…
“The enemy of art is the absence of limitation.” – Orson Welles. This is for you, artist moms. Do you need some good news today? Let me tell you about an artist I just discovered on the TED screen. His name is Phil Hansen, and he is pretty dang incredible. As an art student,…
There has never been a better time to improve your skill in your favorite art or craft. The internet is bulging with resources for creative moms! The best part is, you can work on your art at your own pace when it is convenient for you. I love the freedom of finding a teaching style…
Am I the only one who spends hours reading toy reviews and guides at Christmas or birthday time – determined to find the ultimate toy for my kids and my pocketbook? I’m always sure I’ll find that perfect toy that will engage my kid’s minds and bodies and make them magically want to leave their ever…
We all want it. That deep assurance that “today I truly connected with my child”. That knowing smile between mother and child; the shared experience carved deep in our hearts and minds. It can be so elusive in our distraction-filled world. But I have found a secret to making those moments happen more often…
I hear myself saying to my daughter for what feels like the sixty-fourth time today, “You need to practice. The more you practice, the better you’ll get”. I stop in my tracks and listen. The voice in my head says, “Dear Hannah, YOU need to take your own advice”. Making Art a Priority As moms, we encourage…
You don’t really need much to enjoy nature, but sometimes it’s fun to invest in a few supplies that can make the experience more memorable and enjoyable. Here is a list of our family’s favorite nature study tools. I’ll add to it as we find new things (because we are always finding new things!). There…
Our love affair with the American Girl books started with a desire to get the twins excited about reading on their own, for fun. I wanted to find something that would keep their interest and make them want to come back for more. My cousin (who is just enough ahead of me in this parenting…
Am I really doing a whole post about this electronic device? Yes, yes I am. I am not on the Echo advertising team (although I should be…I tell everyone about this!). I just had to share. I‘m always looking for ways to simplify so I can have more reserves for creativity. This little device really…
Here at Lily and Thistle, we talk a lot about art and nature. In all of my research, I’ve found that the foundation of creativity and happiness for kids is PLAY. Do you remember what it felt like to play as a kid? I’m talking about real play, the kind initiated and driven by kids. Building tree…
I’m always looking for ways to reverse the damage I’m pretty sure I’m doing on a daily basis over here (kidding…kind of). I talk a lot about creativity and nature and how both of these things have really made my job as a parent easier. But, did you ever stop and think that regular, consistent…
My parents tried to teach me that service to those in my congregation and community is at the heart of a happy life. I have been lucky to have that example and habit in my life from the beginning. And although we are not always the best at it, Jeff and I are trying to do…