Tag Archives: create

How To Encourage Your Child’s Creative Side

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How To Encourage Your Child’s Creative Side

Children’s overall development depends on fostering creativity because it allows them to think critically, express themselves, and learn problem-solving techniques. A child’s imagination can be given a fun and interesting outlet through creativity, which enables them to enjoyably explore new ideas and concepts. Today, we’re going to take a look at some of the ways you can encourage your child’s creative side:

Provide Art Supplies:

Giving kids access to a variety of art supplies is among the simplest ways to encourage their creativity. Items like paints, markers, crayons, paper, and clay can be categorized under this. Children can explore their creativity and think outside of the box by being encouraged to experiment with various materials and methods.

Imaginative Play:

Being able to create their own characters, worlds, and stories allows children to engage in imaginative play, which is a crucial aspect of childhood. You can provide props like dress-up clothes, toy animals, and a designated play area in your home to encourage this kind of play.

Read Books and Tell Stories:

Children’s imaginations can be greatly sparked by reading books and sharing stories with them. While storytelling enables children to develop their own interpretations of the stories they hear, books can introduce them to new concepts and worlds. Books are a great way to stimulate imagination and grow vocabulary. As an added bonus, you can organize crafts and activities based around your child’s favorite book.

Create a Craft Corner:

Give your kids a dedicated area for creative endeavors by designating a space in your home for craft activities. An inviting craft space that kids will enjoy using can be easily made with the help of a small table and chairs and supply storage.

Encourage Exploration and Experimentation:

In order to foster creativity, it’s crucial to let kids experiment and explore with a variety of tools and methods. This can entail experimenting with new art materials, trying out various techniques, or discovering fresh approaches to creating.

Attend Art Classes or Workshops:

Children can benefit from structured opportunities to explore their creativity in a safe environment through art classes or workshops. Their confidence can be boosted and their artistic abilities can be encouraged by working with other kids and learning from qualified teachers. These kinds of activities might take place at daycares near you too.

Take Nature Walks:

Children who spend time in nature can be more creative because they can experience the sights, sounds, and textures of the natural world. Go on a nature walk or scavenger hunt together and encourage them to observe their surroundings, which can help them come up with new ideas and engage their imagination.

Foster creativity in your children with the tips above and watch their imagination soar to new heights!

Featured Image By: PXHere

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Homemade Gifts For Everyone On Your Shopping List

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Homemade Gifts For Everyone On Your Shopping List

Hello!! While store bought presents are always nice, I think we can all agree that there’s something about a homemade gift that just hits different. Homemade gifts are special because someone took the time to craft, cook, or create something just for you. It’s a one of a kind gift that can’t be replicated on any website and that means a lot. Today, we’re going to discuss some homemade gift options as the countdown to the holiday season draws closer so you can wow everyone on your shopping list:

Sweet Treats:

The holiday season is the perfect time to indulge in your sweet tooth before New Year’s resolutions for a healthier lifestyle begins. Chocolate, caramel, or candy apples, trays of cookies, cakes, or homemade chocolate truffles are all an easy and delicious way to go. This will also help your giftee with their holiday feast because dessert will already be taken care of!

Scrapbooks/Photo Albums:

Does your giftee have a million vacation or family photos on their phone that never got printed? Then, a scrapbook or photo album will be a much appreciated gift! Let your crafty side take over with fun backgrounds, cute stickers, and your own happy memories of your giftee to share. Your present will make a lovely addition to any shelf or coffee table and will be able to be enjoyed whenever your giftee feels like taking a stroll down memory lane.

Tech Savvy:

Are you fairly tech savvy and have a business owner as a giftee? How about using your skills to create a social media page or business website for them? Your handiwork will assist in helping their business grow throughout the new year. If your giftee already has a site or social media page, you could offer to manage or update it to keep things fresh and relevant.

Pet Parents:

Do you have some pet parents to shop for? You are in luck because there are so many great homemade options to create. Customized pet bowls, snuffle mats, and homemade treats are all excellent places to start. Or, perhaps your giftee owns a small animal who needs fresh veggies in their diet? You could make a small indoor garden with pots containing herbs and leafy greens. Your favorite Lil Red rabbit owner would definitely love something like that!

Game/Movie Night Bundle:

Does your giftee enjoy hosting movie or game nights? If so, a bundle to assist in their next event could be very easily arranged. In a small gift basket, you could provide all of the fixings for a fun night in. A DVD or board game, snacks, or a homemade throw blanket to snuggle up in will further enhance the festivities. You also just might secure an invite to their next get together. Score! PS: This option can also be modified for a date night if you are shopping for a couple.

No matter what you choose to create for a homemade gift, you are already winning the holidays. I just know that your giftee will appreciate your thoughtfulness and generosity!

What is the best homemade gift that you have received? What kind of gifts have you made before? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Tips On Creating A Healthy Family Dynamic

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Tips On Creating A Healthy Family Dynamic

Families are the basic unit of society and, as such, it is vital that they function in a healthy way. Unfortunately, this is not always easy to do. There are many things that can go wrong and create tension within a family. This blog post will discuss some tips on how to create a healthy family dynamic. Follow these tips, and you will be well on your way to having a happy and harmonious family:

Communicate effectively:

The first tip is to ensure that there is effective communication within the family. This means being able to talk openly and honestly with one another about what is going on in your lives. It also means being able to resolve disagreements in a peaceful and respectful manner. If communication is not happening effectively, it can lead to misunderstandings, hurt feelings, and resentment.

Make time to connect:

Another important tip is to create a sense of togetherness within the family. This can be done by engaging in activities together, such as playing games, going on outings, or simply spending time talking and laughing with one another. Doing things together will help to create strong bonds between family members and will make everyone feel more connected to one another.

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^^^ Pexels Image

Show respect:

It is also important to show respect for one another within the family. This means listening to each other, valuing each other’s opinions, and treating everyone with kindness and consideration. If everyone in the family feels respected, it will go a long way in creating a positive and healthy dynamic.

And show love:

Love can be expressed in many different ways, such as through words of affirmation, physical touch, or spending time together. Love is what will hold a family together through thick and thin – so make sure that there is plenty of it!

Encourage a healthy lifestyle:

Create a healthy lifestyle for your family by cooking healthy meals and exercising together. Not only will this improve your physical health, but it will also help to create a positive environment in the home. When everyone is striving towards a common goal, it can do wonders for instilling a sense of teamwork in the family.

Set a routine:

Create a healthy routine and stick to it. This means having set times for meals, bedtime, homework, and other activities. Having a routine will help to create a sense of stability within the family. It can also be helpful in managing stress levels and preventing conflict.

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^^^ Pexels Image

Plan ahead:

Preparation for the future is essential for any family. This means setting aside money for savings and investing in things like life insurance. It can also mean creating a will and putting together an emergency plan. By preparing for the future, you can help to protect your family and ensure that they are taken care of financially if something were to happen to you. Click here to find out more on how to prepare for the future.

A happy and harmonious family is the foundation of a strong society, so it is important that we do everything we can to create one. With love, communication, respect, and preparation, you can make it happen!

Featured Image By: Pexels

Michael’s Haul

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Michael’s Haul

Hello! My mom, sister, and I recently took a really fun watercolor painting class taught by the fabulous Ana-Joel of Falcon Grove Studio. We had the best time and our teacher’s kind words, wisdom, and talent inspired both my mom and I to give watercolor painting a try in our free time. I was so proud of my mom when she sent me pictures of what she had painted already!

This past weekend, Johnny and I did some errands and went to Michael’s so I could get some painting supplies. He also picked up a few things to trick out his banjo with and it’s looking really good!

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While I haven’t painted anything yet, I definitely plan on it this week and already have lots of ideas brewing in my head. Of course, it probably won’t look as good as I am picturing it but practice makes perfect and I’m excited! Prior to taking the painting class, I had never done anything like it before and I know that it will feel good to express myself through a different medium because you all know that I am a word girl at heart.

Ana-Joel was an amazing teacher and I think that it speaks volumes that she motivated at least two of her students to continue painting in their own time. She was so encouraging and it was really moving to see how she celebrated our efforts because it should be celebrated! Ana-Joel said that all art is special because it’s our bodies dancing and creating something new. I loved that and it made me feel inspired to try something new rather than stressed out about not being the best at it.

Every day when Johnny gets home from work, he has taken to building small metal models and I plan on joining him and painting. It’s going to be fun to be able to create things together because he is so musically inclined and I… am not lol. I can’t wait to show all of you what I come up with!

What kind of art do you like to make? What is your favorite medium to work with? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

 

Tips For Boosting Your Creative Confidence

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Tips For Boosting Your Creative Confidence

Do you often feel like you’re not good enough? Do you feel like your work is never good enough? If so, you’re not alone. Many people struggle with feelings of self doubt and insecurity when it comes to their creative work. However, there are things that you can do to boost your confidence and improve your creative output. In this blog post, we will discuss some tips for boosting your creative confidence:

Believe In Yourself:

This may seem obvious, but it’s important to remember that you are the only one who can control your self belief. If you don’t believe in yourself, no one else will. Remember that you can do great things and don’t be afraid to put yourself out there. Think about how you’ve come this far and all of the things you’ve achieved.

Believing in yourself is the first and most important step to taking control of your creative confidence. You are the only one who can make yourself believe that you are good enough and that your work is worth putting out there. So, start by convincing yourself that you can do it!

Be prepared:

One of the best ways to boost your confidence is to be prepared. It will show in your work if you know what you’re doing and you’re confident in your abilities. Make sure that you take the time to research and plan before you start working on a project. This way, you’ll have a clear vision of what you want to achieve and you’ll be less likely to second guess yourself.

Take Risks:

To grow and improve, you need to be willing to take risks. You’ll never progress if you’re too afraid to try new things or step outside of your comfort zone. Sometimes, the best way to learn is by trial and error. The risks that work will create a significant confidence boost that you can carry into future projects. Experimentation will help you learn and expand your creative intuition. A good example of this is Michael Treco, who does various art exhibits following his intuition.

Maintain A High Level Of Output:

You can’t be confident in your work if you’re not producing any! One of the best ways to boost your creative confidence is to maintain a high output level. Make sure that you’re regularly creating new work and don’t be afraid to share it with the world. The more you create, the more confident you’ll become in your abilities.

Confidence in your own creative ability takes time to nurture and that’s okay. Use the tips above to help jump start the process so you can be your best creative self.

Featured Image By: Pexels

Hagrid’s Hut Harry Potter LEGO Set

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Hagrid’s Hut Harry Potter LEGO Set

Hi! Johnny and I love to build with LEGO and we were so generously gifted with the Hagrid’s Hut set from Harry Potter for Christmas. Although it was a much smaller set than what we’re used to, it took us a good three and a half hours plus to finish it and it was such fun to be doing something other than watching TV! Just because it was a small set doesn’t mean that it was any less challenging to assemble and there were lots of exciting surprises incorporated throughout the build. I think it turned out awesome! Take a look at the finished product and let’s discuss:

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Johnny and I have wanted to begin expanding our Hogwarts grounds for a while now and Hagrid’s Hut is the perfect set to start with. It has been sitting on our coffee table since its completion and I can’t help but smile every time I look at it because it is so freaking cool! It really is a to the T replica of Chez Hagrid’s in LEGO form and I almost forgot the sense of achievement and the downright fun that comes with building with LEGOs because it has been so long since we got a new set.

I am particularly fond of the pumpkin patch with Buckbeak and his passenger, the Minister of Magic. He is definitely not supposed to be on top of the hippogriff but, hey, whatever works! I am also completely charmed by all of Hagrid’s tools and utensils hanging from the rafters in his sitting room. The piece de resistance of this set, however, has to be the light up brick used to mimic the fire heating up Hagrid’s dragon egg. All you need to do is press on the rooftop above from the fire place and it lights up. It is such an awesome, simple idea and it still delights me every time I light the fire!

I would highly recommend the LEGO Hagrid’s Hut set if you have a Harry Potter LEGO collection, too. It is also a really nice beginner’s set if you have never built with LEGO before. Johnny and I are very eager to keep expanding Hogwarts and this just lit that fire even more… See what I did there?!

Who else enjoys building with LEGO? Did anyone watch the competition show LEGO Masters? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

The Fashion Statement That’s Out Of The Ordinary

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The Fashion Statement That’s Out Of The Ordinary

Fashion is on every lip and in every shop. Consequently, as a fashionista, you know the two magic words that can get you noticed and send plenty of positive trendy waves your way: Fashion Statement. The only problem with fashion statements, is that it needs to be an extension of yourself through the means of fashion without becoming abusive, shocking, or political. In other words, you can’t exactly be wearing a print out of your favorite congressman and call it a fashion statement; it would be a political opinion, and it can expose you to unnecessary painful repercussions once in the street.

Additionally, the statement is about making your outfit work, which means you need to think in terms of accessorizing or finding the right item to wear, instead of openly sharing your opinion about a specific matter with others. In fact, when you think about it, a fashion statement that doesn’t look like anything else is far from being a piece of cake!

The problem with fashion statements:

Do you know where most people go to find the perfect fashion statement? They turn to magazines, fashion bloggers, and, naturally, high street shops. As a result, everyone’s favorite fashion statement pieces are the same. How can you make a real statement if you look like everyone else? Additionally, one could also ask how a mass-produced piece can be the best personality piece for your wardrobe. In short, belts, earrings, clutch bags, hats, and shoes, while they are often the ideal accessories for your outfit, may not work as a unique, stylish item when everyone buys from the same shop. You need to be a little more creative, and that’s a good thing. Making your fashion statement meaningful by making it more personal is hardly a challenge for a fashionista with a sharp sense of style.

Make it vintage and personal:

If you have a love for old clothes, you can transform an outfit by pairing it with a true vintage item. If you know a few good addresses for vintage fashion, you can make sure to add a nice handbag from the 1950s or even some of the 1970s platform Cuban shoes that everyone wants. However, if you’re worried about wearing something that might require more care than modern fashion pieces, you can make your own vintage tee with SE Apparel. You can wear a fake 1970s vintage top with a picture of your parents’ wedding on it, for instance, or with a logo from the time – as logos are back in trend.

DIY:

If you’re particularly crafty, or if you know someone who is, you can definitely transform your style by wearing a hand-knitted scarf or a cute crochet beanie. The most adventurous can even sew their own clothes. There are plenty of simple patterns for beginners that can take you through the art of making your skirt or your dress in a few hours’ time. Nothing says personal statement as much as handmade clothes!

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Creating your own clothes is the ultimate DIY!

Fashion statements don’t work if they just make you look like anybody else. You have to be creative to showcase your style with original items – and, most importantly, have some fun!

Featured Image By: Pixabay