Ah! The Blank Page. It can be so daunting! Whether your blank page is a sketchbook, an open laptop or a canvas, the "just starting part" can be paralyzing. I think my biggest fear is that I'll waste my precious time and materials on something that won't turn out like I want it to. But, I've learned that I just can’t worry about that. Like anything, just the practice of showing up and doing the work is what it takes to transform us into the ...
Creative Education
Ten Ways Art Helps Me Be A Better Parent
Did you know art makes parenting easier? It really does! I'm not talking about just making art either. There are so many ways to experience and enjoy art. Today I thought I'd share ten different ways ART (either appreciating or making) has helped me be a better parent and helped my kids be happier kids. Quick Note: Before I start I want to invite you to the Lily and Thistle Resource Library where you will find all kinds of great resources and ...
Watercolor Basics – A Quick Supply Guide for Beginners
Are you thinking about trying your hand at Watercolor? I'm excited for you! Watercolor is one of my favorite mediums both for the ease of use and for the look of the finished product. You may have noticed that there are thousands of products out there to use and buy. It can be pretty overwhelming! My goal here today is to make it as easy as possible for you to get started and enjoy your process. I believe the best way to learn is to just jump ...
Last Minute Gift List for Creative Moms
It's crunch time. And if you're like me, you're just now realizing it's time to get serious about gifts! If you're looking for something that will make your favorite creative mom's heart sing - or thinking about what might make your heart sing ;) I've got you covered! I put together some great budget-friendly ideas that can be to the door (or inbox) just in time for the big day! Online Classes/Subscriptions In my humble opinion, online ...
How to Start a Nature Journal – A Beginners Guide
So you want to start a Nature Journal? I'm happy for you! Keeping a nature journal is one of the best things you can do for yourself and those you love. We all know that there are significant benefits in keeping a journal - any journal. Benefits like better mental clarity, boosts in both confidence and emotional intelligence, self-discipline, more creativity, increased problem-solving skills, and on and on. And there are so many great ways ...
How to Find More Creative Time: Six Tips From a Busy Mother of Four
Do you long for time to be creative? Maybe even dream of supplementing your family's income using your creative gifts? I often feel that my relationship with deep, uninterrupted creative work is elusive. So close - yet so far away! It's like we are at the same party but on opposite sides of the room. Close enough to make eyes at each other, but all I can do is smile and wave. And if I do finally make it through the maze of needs and ...
Why Cleaning Makes You More Creative
I swear some of my best ideas happen when I'm hunched over the toilet bowl with a scrubber. Maybe it's because I subconsciously want to be in another place? I've thought about this phenomenon (while cleaning) and wondered why for me, cleaning and creative epiphanies seem to always go together. So I did a bit of research (aka: I googled it). Why Cleaning Aids Creativity Turns out, I'm not alone! According to science, creativity and menial ...
25 Creative Things You Can Do in 15 Minutes or Less
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 just 15 minutes or less. I've discovered that doing a little each day really does produce amazing results. Doodle in a sketchbook. Paint a ...
Creativity Loves Limits – Good News for Creative Moms
"The enemy of art is the absence of limitation." - Orson Welles 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, Phil used a particular pointillist style he’d developed with great success. Tragically, because of the intense hand movements required to make all of those perfect little points, he ...
Nature Journaling For Mom – Why It’s Awesome and How to Get Started
This is one of those subjects that makes me want to find a rooftop and a megaphone. :) Nature journaling is something I fell into when researching the Charlotte Mason method for our homeschool. We are at the end of our fourth year of homeschooling (phew!), and I can say in all honesty that nature journaling has been nothing short of a gift for both my kids and me. Let me tell you why: Benefits of Journaling I think ...
8 of The Best Online Art Classes for Creative Moms
There has never been a better time to improve your skill in your favorite art or craft. The internet is bulging with resources! 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 that works for me and going as slow or as fast as I want. Also, being able to rewind or pause when I am trying to master something is a game changer for me. Another huge plus is ...
Loose Parts – The Ultimate Learning Toys
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 calling screens behind. Lately, I've found that I don't have to go far or spend much. In fact, some of the best toys of all time both for ...