What to do in the summer with children or grandchildren? Go outside! With so many children tied to their phones or computers, we must get them outside!
And as simple as it may seem, summer projects do not have to be expensive, and they are often free. I have a talented friend from Carlsbad who makes it her daily project to collect and paint rocks. Barbara Jean Lemon has been creating miniature works of art on her newly found objects for years and insists on giving them away.
The rock becomes the canvas, and with the correct paint and small paint brushes, your family can create landscapes, a favorite animal, brilliant flowers, even a fantasy island.
Barbara says, “I just love to paint, but I also like to share my rocks with others.” Her artwork can be found at many coffee shops in Carlsbad, such as Baba Coffee at 2727 State St.
If you and your children would like to paint your own rocks, follow these simple steps:
- Locate one large oval rock, at least 8-10 inches in length. Wash thoroughly and dry in the sun.
- Purchase one small jar of white acrylic paint and three small jars of your favorite colors. Choose at least three tiny brushes as well. And a sturdy pencil.
- Locate a photo or internet image to use as inspiration, such as a flower, landscape or favorite pet. Print out the image and use as reference.
- Paint the entire rock white and allow to dry thoroughly. Sketch the design on the white surface with a pencil. Fill in your design, following your photo or handmade sketch.
- To be certain the rock painting will last, cover with acrylic clear gloss. Sign and enjoy or give away!
Become a collector
When I lived on Lake Michigan during the summer months in grade school, I often walked the shore with my dad. The beach was laden with special treasures, such as pieces of gray driftwood, fish heads, rocks and worn sea glass, to name a few.
I discovered rather quickly that throwing my treasures in a basket simply wouldn’t do. So, we started collecting cigar boxes to display our treasures. When the box stood upright it became the perfect showcase for objects that had once simply washed up on the beach.
If you are making your treasure box, glue your pieces to the inside of the cigar box, and write a few notes to remember your special day.
Children and collections
Children love to pick up and carry home assorted objects. When asked why they chose certain objects, they will say, “Because they look cool.”
While observing a brother and sister pair, playing tag under a tree in the park, I noticed the sister picked up a long, bumpy pod and put it in her sweater pocket. The brother followed suit and put one in his pocket as well.
I asked him what he found interesting about the magnolia pod, and he said, “Because my sister did!” Who knows, they might be budding horticulturists.
Pounded flower prints
Jennifer Wardell, a fellow horticulturist, lives with her family in upstate New York and often plan craft projects on rainy days in the summer. This one was a hit with the whole family:
- Locate brightly colored flowers with sturdy buds and place them on a piece of 8×10 white paper. Place paper on a wooden surface, such as a cutting board.
- Arrange at least 5-10 flowers, depending on the size of the bud. Place a second piece of white paper directly on top of the buds.
- Pound with a hammer, until buds are flattened. When you lift up the paper, you will have a colored flower print.
If we can encourage our children to explore what is in our backyard or the local park, maybe they will play with each other and won’t spend so much time glued to the computer or their phones.
Jano Nightingale is a horticulturist who loves to create with plants. Contact her at [email protected].
