New Sketchbook Anxiety
New sketchbook anxiety is real for most of us! It used to be a real stumbling block for me. Purchasing a new sketchbook is always a rush — thinking about all the potential in those blank pages was thrilling! But all of that imagining always gave way to crippling anxiety when actually facing that first blank page.
It’s an all or nothing mentality really. It goes something like this: ‘If I mess up this first page, the whole sketchbook is ruined. Why do I even bother?’ We make those tentative first marks, and our prediction has come true! We failed to create a masterpiece!
Remembering What a Sketchbook Is
For me, the first step in overcoming that anxiety is remembering why I keep a sketchbook in the first place. My sketchbook is for exploration and experimentation. It’s for taking notes and for planning out the occasional larger finished artwork.
Remembering the purpose of my sketchbook takes lots of pressure off of that first mark on that first page.
My favorite ‘go-to’ sketchbook is Canson’s Mixed Media. The paper is just heavy enough to take watercolor in the field. I also find that it has just enough tooth that I don’t have a bunch of trouble with graphite smearing. I also love that it’s wire-bound so it lays flat when I’m working. Plus it comes in several sizes!
New Sketchbook Anxiety Busters
Here are a few more tricks I’ve learned along the way:
Muddy boot on page became my title page after outlining and a bit of lettering! - Don’t buy expensive sketchbooks! I am much less ‘precious’ about a sketchbook that hasn’t cost me an arm and a leg. On the occasion that I want a more expensive one, I try to buy in advance and on sale!
- Create a title page on the first page. Do some nice hand-lettering. It’s all about creating those first marks.
- Drop your book on the ground – yes, you heard me correctly! Drop it on the ground, step on it. Create a doodle from the marks.
- Make pre-set layouts for the first couple of pages. Draw smallish rectangles or squares — they’re much less daunting than an entire blank page.
- Tuck a couple of scrap papers between the pages. Do your warm-up sketches (ie: the uglies) on the scraps before you work in your new journal.
- Create reference materials on the first few pages.
- Value studies
- Color wheels
- Write or paste a copy of a favorite inspriational poem or quote on the first page.
- Choose a theme you’d like to explore. Write that theme at the top of a couple of pages.
- Who says you have to start on page 1? Flip your sketchbook to a page in the middle and get started!
- Take a cue from bullet journalers and create:
- A moon chart
- An index
- A sketching habit-tracker
Color-Mixing Practice & Value Study/Color Wheels These are but a few ideas to get you started. Try one or two or come up with a list of your own ideas! Most importantly, don’t let new sketchbook anxiety win — get started on that new journal!
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Nature Journaling in Public: Yikes!
Nature Journaling in public can be a daunting prospect for most of us. Planning a nature journaling trip to a museum, zoo, or aquarium sounds like a great idea! That is, until you get there — it’s crowded, and you’re now too nervous to get out your sketchbook. Today I’m sharing tips to help you get over your fear of nature journaling in public.
‘Fear is not a rational response to whatever challenges stare at us in life. And it is all in our mind, within us, and not anything external to us.‘
from Think Simple NowPrepare Your Mind Before You Go
Before you head out remember, everyone else is usually busy doing THEIR thing as well. Look at how many people are texting or talking on their cell phones, chatting, talking with a friend, having lunch or tea or a drink in the pub, shopping, sightseeing, taking photos, or reading… most often they’re going on about their own business and won’t even notice that you’re nature journaling!
There are basically two strategies that we’re going to discuss: avoiding interactions with other people and how to handle situations when people approach you anyway.
Tips for Avoiding Interactions When Nature Journaling in Public
- Wear headphones or earbuds and make sure they can be seen from a distance! Most people are reluctant to approach someone who is listening to music. Of course, you don’t actually have to be plugged into anything! Just tuck the end of the cord into your pocket — they’ll never notice!
- Use a smallish hardbound sketchbook. It looks more like a written journal or diary and people won’t be as inclined to look over your shoulder.
- Don’t bring every art supply you own! That will definitely call attention to what you’re doing! Choose your favorite sketching tool: a pencil, pen, or brush marker should do.
- Look busy — concentrate. This may be the appropriate time to bring out your resting bitch face if you have it! People don’t often interrupt someone who looks totally engrossed in what they’re doing.
- Use the buddy system. Bring a friend, or join a group. You won’t be as nervous if you aren’t alone! Also people are less likely to approach a group of people involved in an activity.
Tips for Times When Someone Approaches You
In spite of your best efforst, there will ocassionally be someone who breaks through your defenses. Although these encounters will be few, it always helps to dispell that fear if you have a plan in place in advance.
- Relax and breathe! You are allowed to be a beginner — give yourself that permission. You can be an expert artist and an old hand at nature journaling, but new to dealing with people looking over your shoulder as you work. That is a learning process as well!
- Do your warm-up sketches in the car so you aren’t worried about doing those first few wonky sketches with an audience.
- In my experience, most encounters are positive. Remember that most people think that drawing is magic! If someone does approach you with a comment, say thank you for the feedback (whether positive or negative), then put your head down and get back to work. You will have acknowledged them politely and shown them clearly that the interaction is over and you’re getting back to work.
- Look at an encounter as an opportunity to be an ambassador for nature journaling! You are in love with nature or you wouldn’t be out here trying to capture it in your journal. Don’t be shy about sharing your passion!
Lastly, getting over that fear is just like exercising a muscle. The best way to get over the fear of nature journaling in public is to, . . . nature journal in public! Just get out there and do it!
Make sure to take a look at some of my favorite Nature Journaling tools.
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10 Tips: Your Winter Nature Journal
Keeping your winter nature journal can be tough when you live where winters are long and harsh. We’re talking multiple feet of snow and temperatures below 0 F. Difficult but not impossible! I’m going to get you started with a look at 10 ways you can continue your Nature Journaling even in harsh weather!
Tatuo Women Convertible Glove Cable Knit Glove Half Finger Mitten with Cover for Cold Days (Burgundy)
Tip #1: Work on Improving Skills
- Practice sketching from photos, your own or online. If you use photos that you’ve found online, make sure you understand copyright laws before sharing your sketches!
- Explore.org is a great online resource full of live video camera feeds from around the world. It’s more like sketching in the field with animals moving rather than a stationary subject in a photo. Perfect for practicing your gesture sketching!
- Take a class! Winter is the perfect time to sign up for that drawing or painting class you’ve been wanting to take. Check local art centers or online sources.
- YouTube is a great resource for free tutorials on drawing and painting techniques. Subscribe to my YouTube channel for videos on general Nature Journaling topics as well as drawing and painting tips, with new videos uploaded every Friday.
Tip #2: Bird Feeders are a Natural For Nature Journaling in Winter
Granted, if it’s super cold outside there won’t be lots of birds but there are a few hardy souls that stick around even in the coldest weather.
A bird feeder or two outside your window will be a favorite hang-out for them! Get out your nature journal and sketch away while they have a snack!
Tip #3: Field Trips
Field trips are a go-to for winter journaling! Find a few local indoor spots where you can get out your sketchbooks in a heated environment.
- Aquariums
- Conservatories
- Natural History Museums
- Zoos with indoor exhibits — my local zoo has indoor exhibits for many of the animals, including big cats, reptiles, insects, nocturnal creatures, and an aquarium.
Watercolors are not an option when it’s really cold out! In winter, I travel light and carry only a graphite pencil and a permanent pen.
Tip #4: Local Nature Programs
Check the events calendars of your local public library, parks systems, and rescue organizations. Many offer programming with live animals in indoor settings in the winter! Even better, find a way to volunteer and get up close and personal with them!
Tip #5: Nature Journal in Winter Around the House!
There is truly nature all around us, all the time. We just take some ordinary things for granted!
- Produce from your kitchen — Yep, ALL sketching will improve your skill-set! So, draw that apple or that pepper before you eat it!
- Houseplants — if you don’t have any, get some! Added bonus: besides being great to work on your drawing skills, they help to clean the stale air in your home if you’re stuck inside during a long, cold winter!
- Grab a bouquet of cut-flowers from your local florist. Choose flowers with different shapes to ready your drawing skills for spring and summer!
- Pets — Live models ready and waiting for you! And they stay still enough for you to sketch them in different positions — well, some of them anyway!
Tip # 6: Field Guides
Most nature lovers have at least one field guide on their bookshelf! Practice sketching your favorite bird, plant, mammal, or tree! Learn their common markings and traits, so you’ll be ready to live-sketch them in better weather.
No field guides at home? Check your public library. They usually have several to choose from.
Tip # 7: Anatomy Books
Although most of us don’t have bird and mammal anatomy books hanging out on our bookshelves, you can find plenty of these at your local public library as well. You’ll be surprised at how much better your live sketches become when you understand how to draw the underlying bone and muscle structure of your chosen subject.
Learn to sketch how a bird’s wing folds and where the feathers lie.
Tip # 8: Taking a Trip to a Warmer Climate?
Are you heading out to visit relatives or perhaps you have a business trip scheduled in a warmer climate? (or at least slightly warmer) Don’t forget to pack your nature journaling kit and take advantage of those spare moments!
Tip # 9: Foraged Items in Your Winter Nature Journal
- Shells saved from your beach vacation
- Interesting sticks, rocks, and twigs saved from your last hike
- Found bird feathers
- Fallen leaves, acorns, and pinecones
All of these items can be sketched in the comfort of your warm home — in your pajamas!
Tip # 10: Practice Hand-Lettering Techniques
Learn and practice new hand-lettering techniques to enhance those journal pages. Once again, online resources abound!
Check out Pinterest and YouTube to find tutorials on every type of hand lettering and calligraphy that you can imagine!
Get my Hand-Lettering for Nature Journalers FREE pdf booklet from the Freebie Library to get started.
Bonus Tip #11: Play Around with Layouts in your Winter Journal
If you’re anything like me, you scroll through Instagram, Pinterest , or your favorite Facebook group, and oooh and ahhh over the amazing (and organized!) page layouts that some of your favorite nature journalers come up with. Study them, copy them, and layout a few pages in advance. Find the layout ideas that work for you.
I’m certain that there are many more ways to continue your nature journaling practice even in the harshest of winters, but these 11 tips are a great starting place! Can you think of any others? Share them in the comments!
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Nature Journaling in Winter
Nature Journaling in winter? Absolutely! With just a few minor adjustments to your tools and routine, winter journaling can be tons of fun and a great learning experience. Today we take a look at the things you need to adjust to make your nature journaling excursion a success.
Nature Journaling Field Kit: Winter Style
How does a winter kit differ from a summer kit? In summer, I carry a small watercolor set with a fillable water brush for adding color to my sketches. Where I live, winters have many days that are below freezing — making watercolors difficult or impossible. So in winter, I switch to colored pencils.
But, how do you carry and sift through all the colors you might need, you ask? Most of the time, I carry only 6 colors — 2 sets of the 3 primaries — one warm and one cool. That way I can create almost any color I might need.
Aside from switching to pencils, I tend to carry pretty much the same things. I do eliminate the small junk book I carry for pressing leaves and flowers. Winter cold makes things too brittle to press most of the time. I also leave the insect repellent at home. Yay! I add a tube of lip balm in its place.
A Change of Clothing
There’s no such thing as bad weather, only inappropriate clothing.’
~ Sir Ranulph FiennesSo, what to wear out in the field in winter is really the biggest change you’ll probably need to make. Dressing for the weather is really not as difficult as we like to make it!
Keep your core warm, and the rest of your body will be warmer as well. Layers, layers, layers — my mantra for all seasons! No matter what you’re doing, where you’re going, or how long you’re planning to be out, layering is the way to go. As your body temperature and the air temperature fluctuates, it’s easy to add or subtract layers as needed.
Cover your ears! There are not a lot of nerve endings in our ears to register temperature changes; but ears, fingers, and toes are the first body parts to be damaged by prolonged exposure to the cold. Choose thick socks and appropriate footwear. Look for fingerless gloves so that you can sketch, but make sure to cover your fingers when you aren’t sketching.
But Winter is Boring; Just Brown, Gray, and Dead!
Well, . . . OK, I get that. I used to think that too. Used to.
Nature journaling is all about observation and connection, right? For sure, when I’m sitting at home looking out the window, most days are gray, cloudy and lifeless looking. But, trust me, when you get out there and begin to really look, you’ll see a whole different world!
With nature journaling in winter, it’s all about texture. The strong, bright colors of summer might be behind us, but they leave behind the structures of the plants — the parts that were hidden behind all those colors. You get to see the support structures, the seeds and how they were formed. And bonus — all those seeds now become winter food for birds and seed eating mammals. You can get some great sketching time as they come to dine!
Sketching textures can be a challenge, but challenging ourselves is good for the brain! And so what if your attempt at a pinecone is not a work of art! You spent time with that pinecone – observing. Did you hold it in your hand? Turn it over? Did you notice something you hadn’t before? Did you identify the tree it fell from? Congratulations! You’re a winter nature journaler!
Winter Nature Journaling: Yes, Virginia There is Color!
OK, so like we said, at first glance all you see is brown and gray. But, in order to successfully capture that brown seed, you’ll need other colors! Really. Look closely. I’m betting that you’ll see some form of purple in the shadows — not black like you thought. In winter, the light or highlight areas often contain a bit of blue.
Look closely at that mound of snow. Depending upon the time of day, you’ll see blues and purples as well as reflections from sunrises and sunsets.
Look up. There will be breaks in that bleak, winter sky! Sketch the clouds and that beautiful blue surrounding them!
And who doesn’t need practice mixing green colors? The other day, I stood in one spot at a local park and counted at least 5 different species of evergreen trees, all with wildly different coloring! One could spend an entire winter season sketching, studying, and cataloging just those trees and bushes!
So you see, at first glance, nature journaling in winter seems like a boring proposition, but just like nature journaling any other time of the year, it’s all about the closer observation! Are you excited to get out there?
Are you new to nature journaling (in any weather!)? Start HERE.
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Introduction to Nature Journaling
I’d like to introduce you to Nature Journaling. Are you feeling a bit disconnected? Life moving too fast? Do you feel anxious and stressed? Both spending time in nature and drawing can help you to slow down, decrease your stress levels, and even lower your blood pressure! Bonus — it’s FUN!
Me? I have always had a passion for nature and drawing. Nature Journaling was the perfect solution for enjoying both at once. I’m so excited to share this with you. Keeping a nature journal can be an amazing adventure!
Are you ready?
What is a Nature Journal Anyway?
The simplest answer: it’s an individual’s exploration of the nature around them. This exploration can be expressed in several ways:
- Drawings — this part goes without saying. It’s what most of us think of when we think about a nature journal. I know — you’ve been looking at other people’s nature journal pages online and you’re intimidated. Me too! Honestly, though, it’s social media folks! People only put the best of the best online — including artists! I promise that you CAN learn to draw the things you find intriguing in nature!
- Writing– can take many forms
- Metadata — Put the date, time, a quick note about the weather. That’s called ‘metadata’ and it’s science! This allows you to keep a running record from year to year about weather patterns as well as the plants and animals you encounter.
- Scientific names — you’ll learn these along the way as you become curious about flora and fauna you encounter
- Random thoughts — just like any other journal or diary
- Poetry — many people are inspired to write in verse to add to their pages
It’s your journal! Pick and choose what you want to include in yours. It will probably change over time. Experiment! Most of all — don’t forget to have FUN with it!
What Do I Need to Get Started?
Since this is an introduction to Nature Journaling, we aren’t going to get too technical. Personally, I like to keep things simple anyway. Think about where you’ll be journaling. Are you a hiker? Will you likely hike a few miles? Or are you more likely to park close to your chosen spot?
Make sure to grab your FREE copy of my Quick Start Guide to Nature Journaling from the Freebie Library.
Both are valid options, but may influence what tools you choose. I tend to be a hiker most of the time, so I like to travel light. A heavy pack full of lots of supplies is not something I would choose.
- Art supplies — choose your favorite media whether it’s pencils or paint, but carry only what you need. While it’s cool in the studio to have every color of paint, in the field it’s not practical. That bird that you’re trying to sketch won’t sit still long enough for you to rattle through your bag looking for the perfect color!
- Sketchbook — Choose one that’s small enough to carry with you. Pay attention to the type of paper. You’ll want heavier paper — perhaps mixed media if you plan to use watercolors. If you’re going to use mostly pencil, any sketchbook will do. I like to see beginners start with the least expensive option available. The reason? It’s best to not have to worry about wasting expensive paper! The more drawings you do, the better you’ll get!
- Clothing — this should go without saying, but make sure you’re dressed for the weather! Layers are best whether it’s the height of summer or the middle of winter.
That’s all you need to get started! And I’m willing to bet that you already have most of this at home without needing to go out and purchase a bunch of expensive supplies.
Take a look at my personal favorite supplies to get you started!
Your First Nature Journal: Getting and Staying Motivated
An introduction to nature journaling wouldn’t be complete without a motivational section! If you’re like most of us, me included, you’re going to start off strong. After a little time passes, you’ll lose the motivation that comes with the ‘newness’ of things. Here are a few tips to keep you going.
- Start small — habits are easier to maintain if you start with small commitments. Even 5 minutes a day of drawing will increase your proficiency! Create lasting habits — check out this video on Mini-Habits to get you started. Sketch while you have your morning coffee, or on your lunch hour. You can find nature everywhere! (Even in your kitchen! Sketch an apple, a pepper, or your houseplant.)
- Stay close to home. As appealing as it is, there’s no need to travel to distant, exotic lands to find interesting things to add to your nature journal. Your own backyard has plenty of journaling opportunities!
- Learn to adopt a growth mindset rather than a fixed one. Check out what Carol Dweck has to say about this in her TED talk on YouTube.
Nature Journaling is accessible to anyone! The supplies are inexpensive and easy to acquire. And one last tidbit of motivation. You’ve heard that it takes 10,000 hours to get good at something, right? Wrong! That number has been misquoted on site after site. It takes 10,000 hours to become a musical virtuoso or an Olympic class athlete. For the rest of us, studies show that it takes only 20 hours to get reasonably good at something new! How awesome is that?! You can do 20 hours — that’s easy, right?
What are you waiting for? Get busy and get those 20 hours!
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Nature Journaling: Leaves 5 Ways
Nature journaling leaves doesn’t have to be a daunting prospect! Let’s take a quick look at 5 different ways to include leaves in your journal!
Sketching Leaves in Your Nature Journal
Of course, for most nature journalers, sketching will be the the ‘go-to’ method for adding leaves to the nature journal. If you’ve been following me at all, you know that I firmly believe that anyone can learn to draw! But, I digress. Here’s a simple way to sketch a leaf:
Take a look at the overall shape. As in, would it fit better in a square, a rectangle, or perhaps an oval? Giving your leaf this type of boundary will help you with proportion.
Next take a minute to study the veins in your leaf. Is there one predominant vein? This one usually runs down the middle of the leaf from the stem to the tip. This is the best place to begin your sketch.
Most leaves are pretty symmetrical. I usually begin at the leaf tip and sketch lightly — alternating down each side until I get to the stem. Are your proportions off? This is the time to adjust.
Notice whether your leaf has smooth or toothed edges. Add that detail.
Lastly, add in any heavy veins as they appear. Add color and shading as you like.
Tracing
Here’s a ‘no-brainer’ way for nature journaling leaves!
If your sketchbook is large enough and your leaf small enough, you can simply trace your leaf. Wait, does this count as nature journaling? Of course! Nature journaling is not just about creating pretty art!
Simply trace the outline of your leaf into your journal. Add in the veins. Add a bit of shading and color. Voila! You’ve added a leaf to your nature journal!
Leaf Rubbing
This is an old tried and true method. For this to work, you’ll need to work with paper that is thin enough to feel the veins in the leaf. If you can’t feel them with your fingers through the paper, you won’t be able to capture them with a rubbing.
You also need a leaf that has pronounced enough veins to capture them.
Place your leaf, vein side up, under your paper. Use the side of a crayon or pencil and scribble over the surface until the image appears! This is a great option for kids to nature journal with leaves!
Printing Leaves with Paint for Kids Nature Journal
This is another popular option for kids. Simply paint the backside of the leaf with
watercolor or acrylic paint. Place wet paint side down on the paper and press. Voila!
Take your time and have fun with this one. Choose several leaves and using different
colors of paint, layer them on your page.
Want even more tips on Nature Journaling with Kids? Check out Nature Journaling with Kids: Part I (supplies), Nature Journaling with Kids: Part II – Let’s Sketch!, and Nature Scavenger Hunt.
Washi Tape
The simplest method of all is to simply use washi tape and tape the actual leaf into your journal.
The drawbacks? The leaf will eventually dry out and crumble. There are, however, several methods of preserving leaves. My favorite method is to iron them between sheets of waxed paper. The heat transfers the wax to the leaf and preserves it fairly well. While the wax does help preserve the leaf, it is still very delicate — handle it gently! Use washi tape to attach it to the page.
I believe it’s time for us to begin looking at nature journals a little differently. It’s time to think outside the box. Although sketching is my preferred method of working in my nature journal, not everyone wants to sketch. We all, however, really need that connection to nature. Journaling in any form forces us to lean in, to look a little bit closer, live in the moment, and make that all important connection to the nature that we, as humans, are very much a part of.
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Nature Journaling With Kids II: Let’s Sketch!
Nature Journaling can be a bit of a daunting proposition, especially if you think you can’t draw yourself. As we all know, your kids will mimic what you do. Grab your own nature journal and sketch along with them! Here’s what I want you to remember as you begin this journey. First – nature journaling is not about creating a pretty or perfectly accurate picture. Second – drawing skills will improve with continued practice.
(This is Part II of Nature Journaling with Kids — click here for Part I)
Where to Nature Journal With Your Kids
This one is kind of a no-brainer. Kids are naturally curious. Any place there is nature, your kids can find something to explore in their journal. Honestly, the best nature connections generally come from exploring your immediate surroundings.
- Get them excited to begin a new adventure – try going to a new-to-you park not far from home for a first outing.
- Sketching in your own yard can be a fun adventure. Although they see their own yard every day, you’ll be surprised at how different it looks to you once you begin to sketch elements you find in it.
- Discover the nature that resides inside your home! Yep, it’s there too!
- Check the produce drawer in your refrigerator. Pull out an apple. Sketch it whole. Notice how most of them are not one solid color. Is there a stem? Cut the apple open horizontally. Draw the insides. Cut one vertically. How is it different? Draw it.
- Do you have any houseplants? Draw them. Cut flowers in a vase?
- What about pets? Have them draw the dog, the cat, the hamster, the goldfish.
- Is there a spider crawling up the wall? Have them draw it before you take it outside!
- Get in the habit of packing your nature journaling supplies when you take trips. Nature is everywhere!
- A trip to the zoo or the aquarium is a good way to study and sketch non-native animals up close.
Leading Your Kids on a Nature Journaling Adventure
Get kids in the ‘mood’ to become explorers! I bought a set like the one below for both of my grandkids — they loved it! They would often get all geared up on their own and head out to the backyard.
If you’re just starting out with a nature journal, make it easy on yourself! Let it be just a spontaneous thing. Grab a pencil and some paper. Head out to your backyard or a nearby park. Ask your kids to draw whatever catches their interest; a bug, a tree, a flower, etc. You won’t be hovering over their drawings, as you’ll be making your own, right? This is a big deal — kids mimic what they see.
Now ask them questions. Do not comment on the artwork — nature journaling isn’t about the art! Ask them what they noticed about their subject. What colors did they notice? Do they know the name of it? (What kind of bug, flower, etc.) Let them lead the discussion. Have them tell you why they chose to draw what they did. What do they like about it? What do they wonder about the object? Let them color their drawings when you return home. Congratulations! You just made your first nature journal entries!
For specific recommendations on supplies, check out My Favorite Supplies page.
Next Steps in Nature Journaling with Your Kids
Make a habit of carrying your nature journals with you when you travel or even when you’re running errands. Nature can be found everywhere. You might spot a dandelion in a sidewalk crack, a hawk skimming over the water as you’re driving, or an interesting spider crawling on the dashboard of your car!
We all get too busy and it can be hard to find extra time for activities — think outside the box. Cut a length of string or yarn; no more than 5 or 6 feet long. Have your kids sit in your yard. They can only sketch what is within the reach of their string! You’ll be amazed at what you can find even in that tiny space! This exercise will help them build observational skills as they become hyper-focused on finding interesting things within their space.
Nature Journaling is Both Art and Science
If you want to take your journaling to the next level, get in the habit of looking up scientific information on your subjects. You can often do this on the spot using field guides specific to the area where you live. Or get your phone out and google it!
Use your nature journal to ask questions. Is this bird native to our area, or is it just passing through as it migrates? Is this flower an annual or perennial? What insects are attracted to this particular plant?
I am a big fan of John Muir Laws, who teaches nature journaling with kids and adults. He advocates asking yourself 3 things on each of your journal pages: I notice, I wonder, It reminds me of, . . Observing closely enough to complete these 3 statements, forces you to look very closely and to engage your brain!
Nature has a way of pulling you in. The more time you spend observing and journaling, the more you’ll want to. Nature journaling forces you to observe plants and animals up close and personal. You begin to connect, to realise that you are a part of it all. You fall in love. And most importantly, you naturally begin to protect what you love.
Don’t forget to grab your FREE copy of my Quick-Start Guide to Nature Journaling from the Freebie Library.
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Nature Journaling With Kids Part I
Nature journaling with kids doesn’t have to be intimidating! Even if you ‘can’t draw’ yourself and you don’t know a lot about plants or birds, you can take your kids on a nature journaling adventure!
Supplies for Nature Journaling With Kids
Really all you need to get started is a piece of paper and a pencil or pen. However, with just a few inexpensive supplies, you can help your kids get really excited about getting out there and journaling.
- Small sketchbook – Choosing a sketchbook can be confusing! Your kids will go through a lot of paper quickly, so do yourself a favor here. There is no need to buy an expensive one. Look for a spiral-bound book that is a comfortable size for your child, as they will often hold it and stand while sketching. If they will be using anything other than a pencil or pen, you’ll want to find one filled with multi-media paper. This means it can handle markers and watercolor paints.
- Drawing utensils:
- A graphite pencil for doing a quick sketch. A regular #2 school-pencil is perfectly fine. A mechanical pencil is a great option here – no need to carry a sharpener. An artist quality drawing pencil from the art supply store will run a little over $1 in the U.S.
- For a slightly older child who is into drawing and sketching you might want to add a fine-line waterproof marker or pen. These are great for outlining a drawing before adding watercolors or markers. They’re also nice for adding final tiny details after the color.
- Watercolor paints are a great addition to a nature journaling set for kids. What kid doesn’t love water and paint?! A kid’s set from the big box store is sufficient. Capturing the color of the flowers, the bird, or the insect they’ve just drawn is an important part of the process. Hint: keep this as a special nature journaling supply — it’ll give the kids another reason to get really excited about getting out there!
- Markers come in so many colors and sizes! Your child may prefer to use markers rather than paint. (You may prefer markers, as they’re a bit less messy!) Again, no need to break the bank here. An inexpensive set is fine. If your child can handle the thinner markers, choose those as they can add more detail than with the larger ones.
As far as the journaling itself goes, that’s really all you need to have lots of great nature adventures throughout the year. If you’re in the U.S., back to school time is the best time to grab some of these items. You can often grab paint, pens, pencils, and markers for under $1.
Outdoor Gear for Nature Journaling With Kids
Depending upon where you plan to go nature journaling, there are a few things besides drawing supplies that you’ll need to consider. It goes without saying that you need to check the weather forecast ahead of time and dress accordingly. If your kids are uncomfortable, they won’t be inclined to spend much time sketching.
Get kids in the ‘mood’ to become explorers! I bought a set like the ones below for both of my grandkids — they loved it! They would often get all geared up on their own and head out to the backyard.
If you’re going to be out in a wooded area, a meadow, or prairie:
- Hair ties and/or hats to keep their hair (and sun) out of their face.
- You will want to consider long pants (even in hot weather!). You may at times have to dodge fallen branches or weeds hanging over the trail. Long pants can protect from scratches and they also help deter insect bites.
- Speaking of insect bites – insect repellent should be in your nature journaling bag! I make my own, so I control the ingredients! Find the recipe below.
- Covered toe shoes with a good grippy sole. Keeps the toes protected from protruding branches and rocks and will give your kids traction for walking on multiple surfaces.
- A small backpack or bag for carrying their supplies. Carrying their own things gives them a sense of being more grown-up and part of the process. It also helps teach them responsibility.
- Last but certainly not least – a water bottle! If you’re anything like me and my crew, you’ll often end up staying longer than you thought. Always have water handy, no matter what the weather. You can get dehydrated even in cold weather. (If your kids are carrying watercolor paints, you’ll also want water for that.)
Make your own safe & effective insect repellent - Spray bottle
- Fill ¾ full with ½ witch hazel & ½ water
- Add 20 – 50 drops (depending on size of bottle) of any 2 or more of these essential oils:
- Lavender
- Lemongrass
- Eucalyptus
- Tea tree
- Peppermint
- Clove
*Never put undiluted essential oils directly on your skin.
Sketching in Urban & Suburban Areas
It’s not always necessary to get out to the woods or an exotic natural location. There is plenty of nature study to be found closer to home. In the city, notice dandelions growing through the cracks in the sidewalk; or take a stroll to the nearest park. You’ll undoubtedly discover squirrels, birds, insects, and plenty of interesting trees and plants.
If you’re walking through your suburban neighborhood, you’ll find all kinds of different flowers, bushes, and trees along with squirrels and birds.
Even though you probably won’t need as much gear in the city, you’ll still probably want sturdy walking shoes, insect repellant, and water bottles.
If you’d like a bit of help learning the basics to get you started, grab your FREE copy of my ‘Quick-Start Guide to Nature Journaling’ from the Freebie Library.
Continue reading Nature Journaling with Kids Part II: Let’s Sketch!
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Nature Scavenger Hunt With Kids
The following is a ‘guest post’ by Elizabeth Kreider, my daughter and the other half of Wandering Leaves Studio. Although we don’t often hear her voice on the blog, she is behind the scenes doing the work that makes it all come together!
Your typical nature scavenger hunt simply doesn’t work! If you’ve ever tried one with your kids, you know that there’s lots of running, yelling, and competition. I believe there is a better way to do a scavenger hunt.
Nature Scavenger Hunt vs. Competitive Race
Do a quick search on Pinterest and you’ll find dozens of printable nature scavenger hunt pages for kids. Trust me, I’ve looked at most of them. I’ve also made a few of my own. The typical pages are comprised of images to find and cross off. I tried this with my children and found that the lovely nature walk turned into a hyper-focused hunt/competition to check those items off as quickly as possible. This was not my goal. What I really wanted was to help them to see beyond what they normally would on a nature walk.
Here’s a throwback of my kids after a typical scavenger hunt. (ages 3 & 4) Can you tell by the glare who “won”? Yeah… I didn’t want to recreate this! Rofl!
I propose a different kind of nature scavenger hunt; one that will take more than one adventurous day to complete. Most of the things on this list can be done as a group — making it a cooperation rather than a competition.
This list (with adult participation) is suitable for children ages 3-10.
A Word on Teachable Moments
Children are naturally inquisitive. Any parent learns this early on in their child’s development. (You know,.. because your ears are bleeding from the 10,000 questions a day!) So basically, a “Teachable Moment” happens when you let go of your parental expectations and allow space for that natural inquisitiveness.
For example, say you are helping your little one with the first task on the scavenger hunt, finding rocks and building a rock tower; but your little one is more interested in throwing rocks in the creek than building a tower. Sound Familiar?
Instead of getting frustrated and forcing the original project (resulting in no fun for either of you) what if you decide to participate, throw rocks with them, and ask questions like:
- What happens to the water when you throw a rock into it?
- How many rings can you count?
- Does the sound it makes change when you throw the rock higher?
- Do big rocks and little rocks make a different sound?
- Why do you think that is?
Okay parents, see the difference? Now I’m not suggesting that you let your child run around like a little untamed mini-Tarzan doing whatever he/she wants. However, taking advantage of a situation like the example above, can change the way a child views nature in a beautiful way. Eventually, they start asking those kinds of questions themselves; and for me, when my kids do, I usually learn something I didn’t know. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve sat in the car after a walk and looked up the answers to their questions I couldn’t answer.
Did you know that some fireflies live underground for the first two years of their life?
Yeah… Neither did I!
Now, go have a magical adventure with your child! There’s so much to discover (even in your own backyard!)
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Field-Bag for Nature Journaling
Backpack vs. field-bag; here’s why I think the field-bag is a big win over a backpack if you’re on a nature journaling adventure.
Wait, What is a Field-Bag?
Technically, any bag that you carry your work or hobby-related items in, is a field bag. That means that a plastic bag from the grocery could be your field-bag. (I actually used that idea for the grandkids on a spur of the moment trip. It works, though it doesn’t last for more than one trip!) That means that your backpack could be called a field bag if you’re out hiking and nature sketching. And that is a perfectly acceptable bag for toting your hiking supplies and your nature journaling supplies all in one convenient spot, leaving you hands free to explore and draw.
Why a Cross-Body Bag is Better
For a long time, I simply tossed all my supplies into my backpack and took off for the nearest trail. It worked pretty well and I didn’t have to purchase another bag. If that’s what you have, by all means use it! However, I found myself more and more often, frustrated with my backpack solution. Every time I wanted to snap a quick photo or stop and do a quick sketch, I had to take my backpack all the way off and root around trying to find the supplies I wanted. It can be disruptive and take enough time that your subject flies, walks, or runs away!
A much better solution is a cross-body bag. If you wear your bag at hip level, on the side of your drawing hand, you’ll have quick access to your sketchbook. It works kind of like a holster, but for your sketchbook! Gives a whole new meaning to the term ‘quick-draw’!
Not everyone has the desire to make their own bag! A great option is a waterproof laptop bag. Most have plenty of pockets for your supplies, an adjustable over the shoulder strap, and are a great size for most sketchbooks. They come in all price ranges.
What to Carry in Your Field-Bag
Ultimately the choice is up to you, of course; but here are the things that I find essential to carry in my field-bag:
Make sure to visit My Favorite Supplies page for links to my specific favorites!
- My favorite sketchbook — This is a very personal choice and one you’ll need to make depending upon what types of tools you prefer to sketch with. I have settled on a spiral-bound pad of 98 lb. mixed media paper. There is just enough tooth to the paper to hold on to my media of choice — graphite — with very little smearing. It’s also thick enough to take a light watercolor wash so that I can capture accurate colors in the field.
- A mechanical graphite pencil — I prefer a mechanical pencil in the field — no need to worry about stopping to sharpen a pencil in the middle of sketching! I always have a container of graphite refills also.
- A small, portable watercolor set — I have a 12 color half-pan set. That’s more than enough colors for me to mix whatever I need.
- A water brush — This is a watercolor brush that holds water in the brush handle. I prefer a small round brush.
- An old bar-mop towel (or old tube sock) for cleaning out the waterbrush.
- Colored pencils — I carry a non-photo blue for quick, light under-sketches and a white or cream that I use under watercolors to keep lighter areas light. (ie: white or light colored veining in a leaf.) I also carry a small pencil sharpener for these.
- A permanent ink pen — I carry an 02 or an 03 size pen for detail. Permanent ink allows me to draw both under and over watercolors without smearing.
- Insect Repellent — OK, so this is not technically a sketching supply, . . . or is it? I keep a small spray bottle of DIY insect repellent in my kit also. It’s tough to sketch when you’re being eaten alive!
There are tons of insect repellent recipes out there, but here’s a quick run-down on my recipe for safe DIY insect repellent: start with a small spray bottle. Fill it about 3/4 full with 1 part water and 1 part witch hazel. Add in a TOTAL of 20 – 30 drops of at least 2 of these essential oils: lavender, rosemary, eucalyptus, and tea tree. Shake well before spritzing, and apply as needed. **Disclaimer — ALWAYS do your own research on essential oils. Although usually safe, occasionally people are allergic to certain oils and a few can cause sensitivities in pets and children.
What Type of Bag?
The tools and supplies you carry with you when journaling will dictate what type of field-bag you need. I hunted around for a couple of months and couldn’t quite find one that fit the bill for me; well, at least one within my budget! So I scouted around on Pinterest looking at patterns for messenger bags and cross-body bags and every other type of bag you can imagine. OK, I admit it, I’m a Pinterest junkie! I felt like Goldilocks. One was too big, the next one too small. One didn’t have any pockets. Another required a zipper — to hard to get quick access. I was ready to give up. I figured I was just being too picky.
Then one day as I was wandering through clothing racks at my local thrift store, I got an idea! I bought a pair of men’s cargo pants with tons of pockets! Then, I created the bag and the flap out of the pocket areas and used a plain part of the leg for the back of the bag. I pieced together random scraps of the pants for the strap. Then I lined the whole thing with fabric I had left over from another project. An old laptop bag (also purchased at the thrift store years ago) supplied the buckles and hardware. Voila! A custom-made field bag that I created for about $5.00 U.S.!
Me cheesing with my NEW custom made bag! (I may be a little too excited about this) Now, making your own bag may not be your thing. I get it! There are tons of great field-bags and messenger bags available out there. There is one for every budget. The point? Find something that works for you — and get busy exploring and sketching!
If you’d like to have a go at making your own field bag, the instructions and YouTube tutorial can be found HERE.
New to nature journaling? Check out ‘Keeping A Nature Journal’ on the blog. Also grab a FREE copy of my Quick Start Guide to Nature Journaling from the Freebie Library.
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