Slow Projects

As someone who has a variety of artistic interests, I have often found myself wanting more time to spend pursuing an art or craft idea. Designing and making things is fulfilling. I have in some years, particularly while in the thick of homeschooling my kids, found it difficult to consistently block out time to focus on my art.

I always have a backlog of creative projects waiting for me. I enjoy creating designs for embroidery and stitching them. There is usually a hat, scarf or baby blanket on my knitting needles. I frequently have an idea for a drawing or painting floating around in my mind.

Our new lifestyle of an empty nest has opened up the prospect of bigger blocks of time for me to follow through on more of those ideas. Over the last several months, I have been developing the routines I need to really dig into my own creative pursuits again.

Now with the social distancing and shelter in place directives our home has suddenly returned to full and overflowing. Even with a full house, I have been able to utilize the forced time at home productively and creatively.

While it is currently a scary time in the world with social distancing and shelter in place orders in effect in Illinois, I can't say that I mind the slowing down aspect of it all. Even with the return again to a full house, I am have been able to utilize the forced at home time productively and creatively.

So far I have completed one, left from last year (lol) Christmas project, made progress on a pieced baby blanket and worked on more than one painting. I have also enjoyed getting out the watercolor paints for shared time creative experimentation time with my 18 year old daughter. Sharing the creative process with her is such a delight. We have been working on sewing some clothing items for her, as well.

For myself, an ongoing creative project can begin with a favorite image I've captured with my camera. I enjoy exploring a variety of ways to present an image. Using different mediums to create the same or similar composition allows me to emphasize different aspects that are interesting.

I am missing my forays out into the world with my camera but I  have plenty stored and ready for some editing. Many have been taken as a way for me to record an image idea for future inspiration and use as a catalyst for new ways to explore an image. Below are a few visuals from one of those adventures.

One thing leads to another...

Snowflakes - Art, Science, Craft, and Beauty.

January 2017

Updated

The seasons they go round and round... 

Snow has covered the ground once again in Chicago-land. 

We are celebrating the days of winter with a unit study of snowflakes from a wide variety of angles. Because there is also, so much anticipation of spring around our house lately, this is somewhat of a scratch the surface, snowflake study. You will see, if you explore any of the resources listed here, a unit study of snowflakes can easily become an in depth science lesson or a major exploration into an art such as photography, a craft like crocheting, or the more unusual craft of paper cutting. Enjoy these inspiring resources and the last lovely (yes, lovely) days of winter. The muddy shoes of spring are just around the corner!

Art

Don't miss the absolutely, amazing snowflake creations by Thomas L. Clark, aka Dr.Snowflake.
A true paper artist, Thomas L. Clark creates snowflake masterpieces. I had the good fortune of discovering his work at an exhibit at the Brookfield Zoo, in Illinois, several years ago. He has published 21 books of his inspiring hand cut snowflakes. He also conducts an annual winter workshop in Michigan teaching his paper cutting techniques. It's on my calendar for next year!
Get a glimpse of his art on YouTube.

DIY. Try your hand at creating paper snowflakes. You can find simple directions for making your own paper snowflakes from Alpha Omega Publishing. Below, Adah is following the instructions in one of Thomas L. Clark's snowflake publications.

Science

From an amazing snowflake photographer - Don Komarechka. This is true scientific observation at work. Don Komarechka's work is fascinating and inspirational for all aspiring photographers and scientists. Don posts his snowflake photo wonders regularly during the winter on his page on google plus. Check out the snowflake poster, on his website.

DIY. For your own micro snowflake observations, keep a piece of black felt in the freezer, when the next snowstorm hits, catch some flakes on it and observe through a magnifying glass, microscope or camera. What is captured under the lens is truly magnificent!

More Art and Craft

We have an amazing aunt who makes us beautiful crocheted snowflakes. This year, she also sent us detailed how-to crocheting instructions. As with many enticing projects, it is on our - learn to do list - to make these, unfortunately, we admittedly, haven't gotten to it yet! DIY. Still to do!

Reading 

There are actually quite a few good children's read aloud options that explore snowflakes and individuals who have been captivated by them. We read this one together when my children were younger.


It is a delightful read!
"Of all the forms of water the tiny six-pointed crystals of ice called snow are incomparably the most beautiful and varied." -- Wilson Bentley (1865-1931)

Creation Illustrated has a wonderful
Unit Study about snow.

And here's one by Snowflake Bentley's brother.
http://amzn.to/1KuStUi

The dark, cold days of winter can seem to drag on at times, but any new exploration and acquisition of knowledge (even if it's while snuggled on the couch, especially with hot chocolate!), can revive everyone's spirits. Enjoy the snowflakes, while looking forward to spring. The crocus will be peeking through the snow soon!

This post is linked on the Schoolhouse Review Crew Blog

(RunRanFam participates in Amazon's affiliate program. There are affiliate links in this post.)