April Showers...

So we all know the adage, April showers bring may flowers, right?  This has to be one of the best times of the year.  Not only do we still have a little bit of time to get those last few bulbs into the ground, but we also have a minute to enjoy nature all around us.  So far we already have crocus and Japanese iris up and blooming.  Soon there will be daffodils and tulips.  If you are a photographer, professional or hobbyist, you can start capturing all of those beautiful floral images on camera.  Or film, for all of you who still have that 35mm camera you occasionally dust off just for these occasions.

In my case this is the perfect time to start shooting images for my next muse.  Macro, my best friend, has come in handy on more occasions than I should maybe admit.  Capturing those little fluffs of dust resting on the inner center of the petals or the bright yellows contrasted against the purples and dark reds, is just a warm up to what spring really has to hold.  Even as some people can't stand the sight of one, it is still amazing to capture the small little spider making its first home in the center of a flower head trying to get a good start in life. 

Turning those photographs into a workable art piece is just the next step.  There are so many amazing uses of media.  Most of which are left un touched, maybe due to a fear that something will go drastically wrong. 

This is a great time to explore your creative side.  There is a calming reflective process that can occur when you are creating.  Yes, yes, I know there will be times when you want to take your project and throw it across the room, but there will also be times that you can see exactly where your project is going and what it is going to look like in the end.  Oh and don't forget about the times when you will start out with that perfect, clear picture, and end up in a completely new direction and end result. 

An example of that last one....  I once started a painting with the intention of a beautiful backyard tree complete with a swing and a few childrens toys.  I ended up with a beautiful "living" forest complete with faries, dragonflies, a castle, and hidden creatures.  There was also the time I started with one tile etched with the picture of a gorilla and ended up with a full coffee table, but that is a story for another day... 

A persons creativity is only as strong as their willingness to create.  A persons creativity is only stifled by the boundries they set upon themselves. 

Easter is coming.... This is a great time to be creative.  Have you ever thought of taking an egg and using the shell as a decoration? 

This is what we did to make eggshell planters.

First you need to crack the egg in a way that will preserve at least half of the shell. (this is a great time to make angel food cake.) of course your going to be cleaning these shells out, be gentle.  Once the shell is clean let it dry. 

This next part is super easy.

You can use permanet marker, or acrylic paint.  Very carefully draw what ever, egg decoration, patterns you can think of.  Be creative, use lots of color, or lots of pattern.  (Excellent for children with a lighter "touch" or older kids who can take to a gentle approach.)

Now this next part is up to you.  (In the past we have done plant starts.)  You can add a little potting soil and a seed,  or small flower starts, just remember your not going to have a ton of space so any extra dirt from the pot can go into another planting project or directly into your nearest flower bed, if you are doing plant starts.  Another alternative for your eggshell planter is to fill them with small silk flowers.  Or, how about having the kids make paper flowers and adding them to your new "pots"?  You could even do foam or pipe cleaner flowers.... Okay, you get the idea!

Now for a little extra.  Using small rimmed glasses or cups, something with a stem is the best choice, these will hold your eggs.  Place your eggs into the cups and onto the center of your table.  Add a little Easter basket grass around the cups and, "Vaula" you now have a great decoration for Easter.  (For a little "extra", use brown eggs.)

Something easier for smaller kids. 

Find the plastic eggs at the market with a small hole in each end.  To add a little more to the effect, find some colorful wood or plastic beads.  And you'll want thread or fishing line.  Alternating between the beads and eggs you'll tie them in long lines.  We did approximatley 4 eggs per line. Start from the bottom egg and work your way "up".  Leave a length of line above the last egg.  Make a loop in the remaining line above the eggs.  Now that you have these eggs strung together, hang them up in your trees, and enjoy.  It's an easy, almost mess free, craft that smaller kids can help do.  They look beautiful swinging in the spring time breezes, and the younger kids will feel like they got to help. 

Have fun, and just think, what else you can do?


Enjoy!