How to Watercolor Paint Easy Fall Leaves Has learning to paint what you see in nature been on your list for a while? Today I'm going to show you how to watercolor paint some beautiful and easy Fall leaves even if you are the newest beginner. This is really fun and easy! You might also enjoy my Watercolor Mushroom Tutorial found HERE. Watercolor is such a great medium because it's so versatile and dries quickly making it easy to do ...
Nature Journaling
Free Watercolor Color Mixing Guide
Do you get stumped trying to put together color combinations in your Watercolor Art? I made this little guide for myself a while ago just to have handy for watercolor projects. I thought you might find it helpful too. It's just a bunch of my favorite color combinations with mixing recipe notes to the side. You can find it along with a bunch of other fun watercolor projects and resources for your creative life in the Lily and Thistle Resource ...
Prime Day Deals Art Supplies for Creative Moms and Kids
It's summertime and now is the best time to stock up on some essential supplies for nature journaling, homeschooling, and art supplies. It's also the time of year when Amazon has their huge 2-day sale for Prime Day! I have scored some great deals on art supplies, homeschooling supplies, crafting supplies and more in the past so this year, I thought I'd share my finds with you! Amazon Prime Day starts on July 15, 2019 at 3:00am ET and runs ...
Nature Journaling for Beginners Supply List
You don't really need much as a nature journaling beginner, 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 some of my favorite nature journaling tools. There are so many benefits to getting out in nature. Read about them here, here, here, and here! Before we get started, I'd like to invite you to join us at Nature's Art Club! It's a club designed ...
Phenology Wheel – Nature Journaling Prompt for Beginners – Bullet Journal or Art Journal
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 ...
Watercolor Bird 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 for this watercolor calendar 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! Paint with Me - Watercolor ...
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! It even happens in your nature journal. 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 ...
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 become a better parent 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. If you'd like to include ...
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 any type of journal. Benefits like better mental clarity, boosts in both confidence and emotional intelligence, self-discipline, more creativity, and increased problem-solving skills. Just a quick note before we get started: If ...
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: But first, I wanted to let you ...
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 learning toys of all time both for ...
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 ...