How to Make Your Own Phenology Wheel for Your Nature Journal, Bullet Journal or Art Journal I'm always looking for easy but effective ways to get myself and my children out in nature, recording what we are experiencing together. So when I saw these posts from Lynn Seddon at Raising Little Shoots I was pretty excited to start a phenology wheel in 2019! The word Phenology according to the Merriam Webster dictionary means the study of cyclic and ...
Nature Journaling
2019 Watercolor Bird Printable Calendar with Free Patterns to Paint
I've had so much fun over here creating a new calendar to brighten your day and I hope your year! This time, I thought it would be fun to focus on birds. Birds are so fun to paint (and surprisingly easy) to draw. All of the patterns are available in the Resource Library. If you don't already have a password, you can sign up HERE to get yours and then get started right away! If you don't have time to do a watercolor project right now (I get it) ...
What to Add To Your Nature Journal When You’re Feeling Stuck
The blank journal page. It can be so overwhelming sometimes! Some days it comes easy. Other days, not so much. Facing that page can feel 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 ...
Ten Ways Art Helps Me Be A Better Parent
Did you know art makes parenting easier? It really does! And today I'm going to tell you how. Here are ten different ways ART (either appreciating or making) has helped me with parenting and helped my kids with life. 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 join our community of Creative, Intentional Moms. Okay, now back to this post. ART ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 cognitive ...
How Time In Nature Helps Me Be A Better Mom
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 - even daily. The secret is so simple, requires no money and actually very little time. The secret is simply exploring ...
The Art Habit for Moms – My New FREE Course
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 our kids to find what they love and do our best to help make their goals and ambitions a daily priority. We shuttle them to classes and ...
Our Favorite Nature Study Tools
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 are so many benefits for getting out in nature. You can read about them here, here, here, and here! Just click on the pictures ...