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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Nature Discovery in Your Own Backyard
Nature discovery is such a natural thing to do in the summer. I remember those days as a kid — summer stretched out before me. Endless days of warmth with nothing to do! Is there anything better? I spent every waking minute outside in those days. We didn’t have air conditioning, so there was no reason to stay inside. Cooling off meant a kiddie pool in the backyard or eating a popsicle under the big shade tree.
Endless Nature Discovery in Your Backyard
Lest you think this is a post about ‘the good-old days’, we’re just here to borrow a few ideas from the past that still work today to help us discover nature all around us. I spent most of my summer barefoot. My grandkids are doing the same today. Barefoot means that you can feel the grass between your toes. Stand still for a moment, you may feel an ant crawl across your ankle. Sit down in the grass and watch the anthill.
Lots of discovery is possible just from going barefoot for a little while. Step it up a notch. Allow yourself an hour — put it in your schedule if necessary — to just ‘be’ outside. Sit on the ground. Use all 5 senses to connect with the nature within your little space.
- What can you see?
- Is there only grass?
- Are there weeds, flowers, vegetables nearby?
- What about ‘critters’ — birds, insects, family pet?
- Lay back and watch the clouds.
- Close your eyes. What do you hear? Train your ears to pick only one sound out of the chaos.
- Birds calling?
- How many different bird calls can you hear?
- Are they ‘chillin’ or are there calls of alarm?
- Dogs barking?
- Insects buzzing?
- Birds calling?
- Can you smell anything?
- Flowering plants?
- Herbs?
- Dog poo? (yes, that’s part of nature too!)
- What can you touch?
- What does the grass underneath feel like? Spiky, soft, cool, damp?
- Is there a breeze?
- Can you feel the sun beating down on your back?
- Is there anything edible? (Be super cautious here — never taste anything unless you are absolutely sure it’s edible and you know it hasn’t been sprayed with anything toxic)
- Think ahead and bring a snack outside with you.
Nature Discovery Through Journaling
There are so many ways to journal. Find something that works for you. I like to sketch. It helps me to notice things about plants and birds that I’m drawing, that I never would have noticed. You have to look very closely and for an extended amount of time to really sketch something.
Maybe you are more drawn to words; storytelling, or poetry perhaps. I was scrolling on Instagram the other day and discovered a woman who writes a haiku on every nature journal sketch. Brilliant! She’s doing her own thing. You do you. Whatever helps you connect to the nature around you!
Your Extended Backyard
While there is plenty to stay occupied in your literal backyard, there’s no need to be too stuck in one spot. Make time in your schedule to check out parks and public areas near your home. You’ll find even more ways to make those local nature connections.
The more time you spend in local nature, the more you’ll fall in love with her! That’s just the way it works. We invest ourselves and our time into something/someone, which makes us care more for them. We learn their personalities, their good points and bad, their quirks and their personalities. Our love grows deeper.
My Grandchildren & I at a park just 20 minutes from home. Nature Discovery: A Few More Tips
- No need to travel to exotic locations — there’s so much to discover right where you live. We see locally every day, but we don’t really ‘see’ it. It becomes nothing more than background noise.
- Ie: I did not know until this past February that orchids are the largest plant group on Earth and grow in every climate! Huh, I had orchids in my backyard and didn’t realize it! On spring walks, I am looking with a different ‘eye’ due to this discovery.
- This spring we’ve had more rain than we ever have. Result? More plants, more insects, more birds. I’ve seen a couple of birds I’ve never seen here before!
- There are 4 seasons and 365 days to discover — you won’t get bored and you will never run out of things to explore!
- Try different times of day (and night). You might be surprised.
- Try the ‘string trick’ — you can only journal what’s in your designated circle. Start with a 5-foot string.
- Ask questions
- Do research
- Discover apps and websites that help
- Take art journaling classes
- Take drawing classes
- Try MeetUp or Facebook to find a group local to you — or start one!
- Do ‘themed’ walks in your area
- Mushrooms
- Spring flowers
- Birding outings (there are birding groups EVERYwhere!)
- Winter walks
I know how difficult it can be to find the funds and/or the time to get out to ‘exotic’ locations. We aren’t all fortunate enough to be able to take those special trips. Please don’t let that stop you! Look with ‘new eyes’ at all the wonderful nature around you and fall in love with the world in your very own backyard.
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- What can you see?
Connecting With Nature: Without the Journal
‘Everybody needs beauty as well as bread, places to play in and pray in, where nature may heal and cheer and give strength to body and soul alike.’ ~ John Muir
Connecting with nature, without the journal — dare I say it? As much as I love journaling, sketching what I see, and connecting with nature via close observation; there are times when the journal can get in the way.
Much like having our phones constantly in our faces, technology always at the ready, there are times when the sketchbook becomes the reason for being out in nature. The sketchbook can become a wall of sorts that we hide behind. We sketch, we observe, but we’re never quite aware that we are actually a part of what is happening around us.
Here is a short account of what happened to me when I was too hot and tired to sketch, and just sat.
A spur of the moment Nature Journaling trip that ended with me spending 30 minutes that felt like only 5 ~ #inthemoment
A Hot Saturday in June
It was blazingly hot out on a recent Saturday; temperatures in the 90s, but the sun was out! Woohoo! After a week and a half of rain and the wettest spring on record here where I live, I decided to brave the heat for a much needed hike through the woods. I made the short drive to my favorite nearby park.
There were only a few other souls out and about, willing to brave the heat. I could hear myself think. I could hear the birds singing, and the water trickling in the creek — bliss! There is a very specific smell on hot days in the summer — damp and wet in the darkest areas of old growth forest; sunny and dry with a hint of green and grassy in the meadow.
Connecting with Nature Requires Learning to Tune-In
It always takes me a while to ‘tune in’ to the nature around me. Honestly, my mind was busy cataloging; ‘I need to add that bird to my list, I wonder what species of dragonfly that is, look at that interesting fungus on the fallen log, I should sketch that.‘ While there is nothing inherently wrong with any of this, I think what I really craved was simply a quiet connection.
After taking a short lunch break and re-hydrating, I thought I’d stay longer and hike another trail at this park, albeit a shorter one. As I knew that the bullfrog pond was not far into this trail; I continued on. But the heat started wearing on me, so I decided to sit on a bench in the shade at the pond. A school of bluegill, ever watchful for any movement that might indicate an easy snack, saw me sit; and congregated at the edge of the little boardwalk nearby.
At the Pond
Every time a slight breeze happened to drop a leaf into the water, there was a flurry of activity from the fish. We began to get into a little rhythm as we rested there together in the shade. I could sense their presence and their movements without watching so intently. After a few minutes of sitting quietly, the dragonflies determined that I was not a threat and began to skim the pond. Of course, every time they touched the water the bluegill hurried to capture them; once even jumping out of the water! Who knew little bluegill could jump?
Connecting With Nature– Becoming One
I almost gave up on the bullfrogs, assuming they were napping in the shade of the reeds, hoping to wait out the worst of the heat. I was wrong. They were simply waiting for the surety of safety as well, and began their loud, hoarse croaking from the far side of the pond. I sat there without agenda and was simply in the moment. I had a real sense that I had become a part of this idyllic little scene. Closing my eyes, listening; I became a part of that little pond ecosystem, if only for a little while.
This is the moment of connection with nature. This is a moment of magic and reverence.
Nature Journaling After the Experience
Journal page completed at home with picture references. OK, so I did end up with a journal page. My experience at the pond that day was so magical, I wanted to put it down on paper so that I could remember more clearly what it felt like. Once home, I grabbed my journal and wrote about my day, followed by sketching from photos to help enhance the memory. This is not ‘cheating’. There is nothing wrong with using photo references. This is your nature journal. This is your experience.
Oh and, . . . the act of telling you my story is another way to cement the experience into memory — simply journal about it with words!
While this article has focused on using other means to capture our nature experiences, I do believe that sketching can be a very valuable way to record our adventures. Think you can’t draw? I believe that anyone with a desire to draw can learn! It’s easier than you think to get started.
For even more help, check out our blog post on Overcoming Your Fear of the Sketchbook!
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Hiking and a Nature Journal: A Perfect Match
Hiking and nature journaling are my favorite pass-times. I made an impromptu decision to try and squeeze in a quick hike today in between rain storms. We have had an amazing amount of rain this spring and I was itching to get a bit of nature. I’ve decided to share my little ½ mile, 1 hour long hiking experience with you to share with you how much you can witness if you just slow down a bit and look!
Hiking: Only a Few Feet From the Parking Lot
I watched an American Goldfinch perched on a tiny little branch at the top of a small bush. It called back and forth for about a minute. Meanwhile, I’m hiking down this steep hill into a planted prairie meadow. From up here, the view is breathtaking.
Just a few steps into the meadow, there is a patch of Queen Anne’s Lace. I stop to get a good look. I want to add these to my Nature Journal later. I get closer to snap a picture. There is a cool bug on the fully opened flower — bonus!
Can You Nature Journal Birdsong?
In the background, I’m hearing one of my favorite birds calling — a red-winged blackbird. I always thought their call sounded a bit like an old-fashioned telephone ringing. There are about 10 of them swooping back and forth across the meadow. They are much too quick and skittish for me to catch a photo with my phone, but I enjoy their presence.
To my right is the usually calm creek that runs alongside the trail. Today I heard it roaring from the top of the hill. We’ve had massive amounts of rain this spring. This normally quiet little creek is a powerful, muddy, rushing river today!
As I walk the trail alongside this creek, I see dragonflies and damselflies flitting back and forth. It’s so difficult to catch them sitting still long enough to get a good picture. (I must get my actual camera out here soon!) I take a short side-trail through the woods to get a good up-close look at the swollen creek. As I head back, I spot a damselfly. I slow down and get my phone camera ready. OMG! I got it this time! I’m not sure what species this is, but I now have a decent shot of it on my phone. I’ll sketch it later and see what species it is. So excited!
Damsel fly modeling for me! Look Closely: Native Wildflowers Ahead
As I walk on, I’m enjoying the native wildflower show all around me. Close to the ground are the delicate pink flowers of vetch. Rising up on tall stems, bursting with buds ready to open, I see hundreds of purple milkweed (aka: swamp milkweed). There are bumble bees flitting back and forth over these. I’m so happy to see so many of these this year. Their super-power is being a nursery plant for Monarch butterfly caterpillars. I can’t wait to see those!
Vetch 
Purple Milkweed + Bee
Hiking Reveals Critters as Well as Flowers
Just a few feet up ahead I hear a loud plonk! I know that a black walnut has fallen from the tree. I know exactly where this tree is, as I gathered nuts off the ground last fall from this particular tree. Yum! I pick up the nut and notice that the stem has been chewed. My mind wanders and I picture a squirrel sitting high up in the tree, trying to time the falling projectile to my walking speed. (I’m not really sure why a cartoon scenario is playing in my head — but I go with it.)
Squirrel Grenade- aka Black Walnut I’ve barely taken a few steps from the walnut tree when I spot 2 small brown rabbits resting on the trail up ahead. They appear to be adolescents. I take slow, quiet steps — I want to see how close they’ll let me come. They hop ahead a few feet, but stay on the trail. We repeat this sequence a couple more times before they hop off into the tall grass.
As the rabbits hop away, my eye is drawn to the small pine tree beside the trail. The sun (we haven’t seen much of that lately!) is shining on raindrops still sitting on the needles. It’s so beautiful! I snap a photo. I may want to sketch that later. (I’m not ‘live’ drawing on this trip as it’s threatening rain again and I don’t want to ruin my sketchbook.)
Eye-Popping Color
I round a corner and encounter a large patch of bright orange milkweed on both sides of the path. Wow! Its color makes such a visual impact in this sea of green dotted with soft pinks and lavenders. There are multiple bumble bees on every plant!
At this point, I’m about ¼ mile into the ½ mile trail that I’m hiking today. My boots are soaked. I’m truly in the moment. It’s hard not to be when you’re in a place like this.
Turning another corner, is that a wild rose? As I get closer, I see it’s a blackberry bramble! Itsy bitsy fruits are just beginning to form. I’ll keep my eye on those as they get larger. Maybe the birds won’t mind sharing a berry or two.
Good thing they’re water proof! 
Blackberry Brambles
Across the path from the blackberries, there are a few conifers; one a fir with large cones. As I step closer, I can see the sap dripping from them. I snap a picture — this will eventually go into my nature journal. Spotting a wildflower that I can’t identify, I snap a photo, so I can look it up later.
Too Much Coffee! (Is That a Thing?)
I still have a bit to go on my trail, including back up the steep hill to my car. Sadly, I speed up my pace and probably miss even more cool things, ‘cause — coffee! I didn’t expect to go hiking today due to the rain, so I had lots and lots of coffee! And now I have to pee! Well, it was an amazing hike. I feel like a new person! I’m over-the-top excited about all that I discovered in this impromptu hike that was only ½ mile and about an hour long in a nearby park in the city limits!
As I really wanted to process the hike and this peaceful mood, I stopped at another little park nearby (baseball fields and picnic tables) to use their porta-potty. I got out my sketching materials and sat down at a table under a shelter; figuring that I could sit and sketch even if it started to rain again. The ball-fields were too wet to play. The park was deserted. Alone in the quiet, I was able to relive my adventure while I sketched.
Hiking and Nature Journaling: To Learn and To Remember
I sketched for another hour and a half. I still have a few sketches to add to these pages. Looking back on the hike as I was drawing, I felt this big rush of gratitude for all that Mother Nature decided to show me today, as well as an overwhelming sense of connection — something we could all use more of. I thought about all that I would have missed if I’d been in a bigger hurry; if my hike had been about exercise rather than discovery, . . .
Oh yeah, remember that cool bug I spotted on the Queen Anne’s Lace? Turns out it was a species of lightning bug that I had never seen before! How cool is that? I see a night trip to the park in the near future!
Want more nature journaling? Follow Lisa’s Instagram page! I post hiking and nature journaling daily over there. You may also enjoy this post on Keeping a Nature Journal.
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Nature Journaling Without Leaving Home
Nature journaling is on my mind now that summer is almost here! We had a nice, warm spring, but very wet, so I haven’t been able to get out to my favorite parks and hiking trails as much as I would have liked. I had big plans this week. My trails were all mapped out, my field bag ready to go. Then, mosquitoes. Yep, I slept with the window open the other night. It rained. Mosquitoes decided to feast on my feet! The bottoms of my feet! So now I’ve had to get imaginative and find things to nature journal without leaving home.
A New Plan for Nature Journaling This Week
Since I can’t comfortably hike until these bites heal, I’m dropping back to Plan B — nature journaling at home. While it’s nice getting out and about, why should staying home to work in my journal be any less an exciting adventure? Let’s take a look at what you might find to journal about during a week at home:
- My vegetable garden
- Bees on the flowers
- Birds hopping around the yard
- Plenty of squirrels to observe
- The neighbor’s cat prowling through the yard
- That interesting weed growing next to the fence
- One of my many houseplants
- The dog taking a snooze in the sun
- Pill bugs under a rock
- Cloud formations
So many ideas come to mind as I sit on the couch thinking and planning. I’m sure when I actually get outside, something else interesting will catch my eye.
General Drawing Practice: Without Leaving Home
Something else I can do this week while I’m sidelined; drawing practice! I can go back to the very basics and do a few value studies or shading exercises to keep my skills sharp.
This forced downtime is also a good time to get out a few books or comb the internet for anatomy to sketch. I’m really interested in birds, so I tend to draw them frequently. Drawings can be more accurate, if you understand the bone and muscle structure hiding under the feathers, so sketching the anatomy of a bird is a great way to spend some time this week.
As a matter of fact, time spent studying the anatomy of many of the common things we sketch in our journals is never a waste of time! Knowing not only the anatomy of birds and mammals common to your area, but also understanding plant structure will help you to ‘see’ your subjects more accurately and make deeper connections.
Live Camera Feeds: Africa in Your Nature Journal!
Practice your gesture sketching in your jammies! All you need is your sketching materials, your computer, and an internet connection. You can watch animals on live camera feeds from around the world! How cool is that?
Always wanted to go on an African safari, but don’t have the money (or the time)? Navigate over to AfriCam ( www.africam.com ) for a real-time glimpse of the fauna of Africa and sketch to your heart’s content. Or how about a scuba diving adventure? You can’t sketch in real life while you’re diving, but you can capture live sea-life by using Live Feeds! Try ReefCam (www.reefcamtv.com ) or BreatheBonaire, ( www.breathebonaire.com )
AfriCam 
EarthCam 
Explore
Find bees, birds, farm animals, and almost anything else you can think of at Explore ( www.explore.org ) and EarthCam. ( www.earthcam.com )
All of this drawing practice is a way to nature journal without leaving home. It’s not often that I have mosquito bites all over my feet but there are rainy days, sick days and days I just don’t wanna put pants on,… don’t judge me, you know you’ve had some “no pants kinda days” ha! With all these options and ideas at your fingertips, there’s no excuse for times when you can’t get out of your own house and garden!
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Overcome Your Fear of the Sketchbook
Fear of the sketchbook. Fear of the blank page or the empty canvas. Writer’s block. It’s the same for artists and writers alike. As someone who keeps a nature journal, I sometimes suffer from both!
‘Don’t wait for you life story to be perfect before allowing yourself to be happy.’
sketches in stillnessAn ‘Ugly’ Sketch is Simply a Problem to be Solved
Many of us believe that you are born with the ‘gift’ or talent of being able to draw. On the rare occasion when we do try to draw something, and are disappointed with the results, we fall back on, ‘I just don’t have that gift.’ We crumple up the paper, toss it in the trash, and decide never to try again.
“Ahhh… What is this” 
“What am I doing with my life”
‘The reality of the creative process is that it often requires persistence, the ability to stare at a problem until it makes sense.’
Jonah LehterLet’s try something different next time. Don’t throw your next sketch away. Leave it. Walk away from it for as long as it takes you to get your emotions about it under control. Now come back to your page.
Sit with this sketch you don’t like. Analyze the sketch — not your talent! Is there anything you do like about it? What — specifically do you not like? You must take the time to do this analysis in order to get better at sketching and drawing. It’s an exercise in problem-solving (not in evaluating your worth as a human). If you can identify the problem areas, you can work on them and improve.
It’s Practice, Not Talent That Makes an Artist
I get it. We all have that fear of facing a blank page. We want everything we create to be of ‘professional artist’ caliber every. single. time. Here’s a revelation — you only get to see the best of the best pages of most professionals! All artists have ugly pages in their sketchbooks; pages they aren’t proud of and don’t want to share with others.
Pro-Tip: If every sketch, every drawing, every painting is successful and perfect, you’re not stretching yourself enough! Stepping out of your comfort zone is the only way to grow and learn new things!
Whether you’re keeping an art journal, a nature journal, or some other type of artistic journal, it’s the practice that makes ‘perfect’. Sketch something every day, even if it’s a tiny, 5-minute doodle. Overcome your fear of the sketchbook 5 minutes and 1 doodle at a time! Make ugly art — lots of it.
The Art of Getting Started
Getting my practice in, I’ve noticed a SERIOUS improvement! Ways to Push Through Your Fear of the Sketchbook
There are tons of ideas out there to jump-start creativity. Here are just a few of the ways that work for me when I get stuck in ‘fear of the sketchbook’ mode.
Canson XL Series Mix Media Pad, 5.5” x 8.5”, Side Wire Bound, 60 Sheets (400037134) (2 Pack)- Purchase or make a sketchbook that begs to be picked up! Yes, that seems a bit superficial, but I am a ‘paper junkie’! I love looking at beautifully crafted journals. I love the way a pencil glides across certain papers.
- Build a relationship with your sketchbook — like any human relationship the more time you invest, the more in love you become!
- Choose a limited color palette to work with for a given period of time. Or use just a pencil.
- Remember why you want to keep a sketchbook
- This is a place where only fun and experimentation exist
- Leave your inner critic behind
- Leave expectations of the outcome behind
- Your sketchbook is not for creating finished works of art — it’s where you play with ideas, take notes, and plan for a finished piece later on
- Your sketchbook pages do not need to be shared with anyone!
- Start your session with a couple of quick ‘no pressure’ doodles — my first attempts for the day are often wonky and ‘ugly’. I need to give my brain time to make the connection that ‘we are drawing’ so that the correct muscle memory pathways kick in.
- If you’re on Pinterest, there are tons of ‘30 day drawing challenges’. Pick one and use it for your doodle practice
- This is my go-to trick. Start small – commit to just 5 minutes at first. Pick up your journal, set a timer for 5 minutes. Most of the time, after that 5 minutes is up, you’ll want to continue. There’s something in our brain (fear of failure/fear of success??) that makes getting started the hardest part. Then once we get into ‘flow’ mode, it’s hard to stop!
- Daily Doodle — choose random words to doodle. Choose random adjective and noun combos — like MadLib. (Remember how fun those were when you were a kid?) Random Generators to jumpstart ideas:
I firmly believe that anyone can learn to draw. It’s a matter of wanting it badly enough to put the time in. It’s a matter of pushing past emotions that get in your way as you’re learning. It’s a matter of relaxing and allowing yourself to enjoy the journey, rather that looking only at the destination.
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Earthing: Making the Connection
Earthing is a modern-day term for reconnecting to the electrical systems inherent in the earth. In a nutshell, it’s getting (temporarily) rid of the things that keep us disconnected from the earth and its electrical charge. Making that connection with the earth is easier than you’d think!
Striving for balance
It’s no secret. We are surrounded by positive ions all day long indoors through our phones, computers, TVs, and other electronic devices. They’re in the air, in the form of WiFi.
OK, so why is this important? Without going into the complex science of ions, we’re talking about a matter of balance. If there is an imbalance between positive and negative ions, all those positive ions wander about looking for balance — robbing other materials of their negative ions to find that balance. If all those extra positive ions are inside our body, they rob body tissues of their negative ions. This process is called oxidation. In the outside world, we call this rust.
Oxidation can wreak havoc with our bodies, causing discomfort and chronic disease. Earthing is one easy and free thing we can do to help counteract this process and achieve better balance.
Modern Clothing Blocks Our Connection
Just spending time outdoors, while great for our mental health and making deeper connections with the nature all around us, does not automatically give us that electrical connection that we need to stay balanced.
Modern clothing is made from fibers that are insulators against electrical currents. The rubber soles of our sneakers and boots are designed to keep us from slipping. They are more shock absorbant when we’re walking and running. Rubber resists oils and stains. But they are also fantastic insulators! This is why we need to kick them off once in a while.
The clothing we wear on our bodies is also a problem. The vast majority of clothing is made wholly or in part of polyester, which is spun plastic. Plastic is also a great insulator! Walk down the electrical parts aisle of any home improvement store. Electrical connectors are made of plastic, wires are coated with plastic and rubber insulation, and hand tools all have rubber or plastic grips! All great things if we’re working with high voltage electricity — not so much when we’re talking about connecting with the low electricity that naturally flows through our body and the earth!
Earthing — Making the Barefoot Connection
Turns out, the soles of our feet are perfectly designed to make this necessary electrical connection with the earth. Plus, most of us enjoy going barefoot — we’ve just forgotten as we became responsible adults who wear shoes!
If you haven’t gone barefoot in a long time, it feels, . . . I don’t know – wrong, weird? I promise, though, kick your shoes off in a patch of soft grass or sand or mud. Once you get past the weirdness, it becomes delight!
Going barefoot is freeing — release your feet from those tight sock prisons! Dangle your tired tootsies in a creek or the ocean. Dig your toes into the sand or mud. Splash around in a puddle.
Go for a walk in the summer rain. Take a nap on the lawn.
But what if you aren’t in your own backyard? Wear your boots, but pack an extra pair of socks in your backpack. Sit down on a rock or fallen log, kick off your boots and socks, touch the earth, work in your nature journal, or just ‘be’. Put on a dry, clean pair of socks afterwards. You’ll find that dry socks will also make the rest of your hike better!
Best Places to Make the Earthing Connection
Ideally, we should look for places to go barefoot where we are not directly under power-lines, next to electrical towers, or near cell-phone towers. If possible, head to the beach or a wooded area where power-lines do not cross.
Honestly, we know that life is rarely ideal. So, the good news? You can still get the benefits from going barefoot wherever you happen to be. Concrete is not an insulator. You can walk barefoot on the sidewalk and get your daily dose of earth energy. If the only place you have to walk is under power lines, go for it! Every little bit helps. You can also make an effort to decrease your exposure to the extra positive ions from electronics in your home to help achieve that balance.
Wear natural fibers outdoors whenever you can. An all leather shoe with leather/hide soles will allow you to ground without going barefoot. Clothing made of cotton, bamboo, silk, linen, and wool are all natural and will not block you from the earth’s energy. What are you waiting for? Go make the connection, get earthing!
Spend your earthing time in an area with trees and you are also Forest Bathing at the same time! You’ll never want to leave!
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