creative

In an age where iPads and television are very prominent within our children’s lives, it can be worrisome to think about the loss of curiosity, creativity, and innovative thinking. When our children spend too much time on these devices, it causes a dependence and can have an impact on their mental health.

Children are creatures that do not need much to keep entertained. They can be happy colouring, painting, playing dress up, amongst many other activities! There are no limits to a child’s imagination, and it is very important that as parents and teachers, we help cultivate it! Giving a child the tools to get creative and let their imagination run free is an important component for both their cognitive development as well as their socio-emotional development.

Limit screen time

First and foremost, children’s screen time needs to be limited. Studies show that children spend an average of 4-6 hours of screen time per day! Although there are ways to monitor our child’s devices, we are not able to know all the time what they are watching. This means that there is a much higher risk of our children being exposed to violence, sexual content, cyberbullying, amongst other things. On top of these issues, too much screen time can also disrupt our children’s mental health. Some of the most common problems are with sleep, mood, and social anxiety.

As a parent, you can also influence how your children spend their screen time. There are plenty of educational shows and games to be found on the internet. Click here for free online kid’s stories!

Stock up on Craft Supplies

Making sure to have craft supplies available is a great way to keep kids busy and off their screens. Try to prepare a craft box full of supplies that children can use to be creative. Make sure the craft box is accessible to them anytime without needing to ask for help to get it. Include a variety of different things such as glue, crayons, cotton balls, and basic craft supplies. Once your child creates something new, ask question such as their thought and story before their creation. Asking these questions can them process their artistic expressions.

Another idea would be to create a gallery in your home for your children’s art and crafts. By framing or putting pieces on display, your children will feel appreciated and perhaps motivated to create more!

Try one of our STEM activities for inspiration!

Storytime

When a child is very young, it is common to read stories to them before bed. As they get older, we stop incorporating stories in their upbringing. Stories are a great way to let a child’s imagination wander. Instead of reading to them, try setting aside a time to do activities involving stories. Whether reading a chapter of a book all together, writing a story together, writing poetry, or having them read on their own, stories are an important piece of the puzzle when it comes to creative thinking!

Play Pretend!

Every child loves to play pretend and get silly with dress-up clothes and props. It is nice to have a dress-up trunk available to children to reach in and step into a new character of their own imagination. This is also a great way for siblings to do an activity together or have friends over to play! Make use of old Halloween costumes, dance recital costumes, or thrift store finds! You can even incorporate stories from story time and act out scenes that the children created or read in a book!

Artistic Pursuits

Ask your child what sort of activities they would like to be a part of outside of school. Many times, parents decide what activities they will put their children in, without asking the child first if that is what they would like to be doing. First, make sure any class your child is taking is something they actively enjoy. If it feels like a chore to them, it will not be aiding in their creative thinking. Whether it is a one-time workshop or weekly lessons, let your child decide the route they take in their young lives. There are plenty of options to choose from including dance, art, music, photography, language, and writing.

Get Involved!

Many times, parents are busy and when it comes to play times, they let their children play on their own or with their friends. Although, it is very important to be a part of these creative moments as well as the more serious moments. You will get to see first-hand what your child’s creative process looks like and what they are more receptive to.

Try sparking a child’s ‘what if’ questioning which help trigger creative thinking. Asking what if can lead to thinking outside the box. Ask question that can spark their imagination such as “what if animals could talk”. Questions like these allow children to think about the world in new and creative ways, not only logical ways.

Saskatoon has immensely developed over recent years into a thriving city with so much to offer! There are a wide variety of activity option for any age!

A couple weeks ago, we posted about creative workshops in Saskatoon for adults, but now it’s time to take a look at what there is to offer in the city for the little ones! Children are like sponges so why not allow them to soak in all that Saskatchewan has to offer!

Creative Kids Sask

Creative Kids Sask is an organization that offers programs for Saskatchewan kids between the ages of 4 – 19. The organization believe in helping children explore their creativity without the financial burden. With Saskatchewan being one of the provinces with the highest child poverty rates in the country, this organization works towards providing opportunities regardless of economic barriers.

“Creative activities are fundamental to the positive growth and development of children and youth”

Nutrien Wonderhub

Nutrien Wonderhub is located on Spadina Crescent and is Saskatchewan’s first children’s museum! Parents can take their children to wander through the museum which offers two levels of interactive exhibits. Along with the museum, Wonderhub offers classes, workshops, and camps for kids!

“All of our classes and workshops incorporate STEAM learning and encourage children, families, and adults to understand and appreciate the intersection of science, technology, engineering, art, and math.”

We Move Sask

We Move Sask is a business that offers a variety of children and adult classes focused on dance and music. Music Together is a mixed-age class that allows children to get creative and experiment with music! Children can join anywhere from ages 1 – 7. Parents can attend the class as well and join the ‘family zone’ to experience this workshop together!

“It is a highly effective learning dynamic because it allows every child to personally create their own musical challenges and successes”

U of S Art Classes

The University of Saskatchewan offers art classes for children between the ages of 9-11 and 12-17. Class sized are kept small (8 students or less) in order to give each child the attention and focus they need from the instructor. Some of the classes offered include: visual arts intensive, sculpture, comics & graphic novels, journaling, and drawing.

“Classes are delivered live/synchronously through short lectures, demonstrations, time to work on projects, instructor feedback, and class sharing.”

Remai Modern

Remai Modern is a public art museum located on Spadina Crescent in Saskatoon. There is a center inside the museum called the Cameco Learning Studio which is meant to be a creative space for workshops and events. There are a variety of classes held throughout the month which are sometimes free! The activities are focused on artmaking and education on the creative arts.

Wanuskewin Heritage Park Authority

Wanuskewin Heritage Park Authority is a non-profit organization set in the Northern Plains, dating back to over 6,000 years ago. It was once grounds for herds of bison and a gathering place for Indigenous peoples. There are still archaeological findings being discovered here, shedding light on the depth of the culture that once lived here.

“Wanuskewin strives to grow and develop as a centre of excellence and a place for gathering, sharing and learning.”

WHPA is open to all visitors whether you would like to simply wander the galleries, attend an event, or go on a tour. Along with day visits, there is also the option to stay overnight in a traditional Tipi. This allows guests to relive stories and walk in the footsteps of the indigenous tribes that once walked these grounds.

Western Development Museum

The Western Development Museum is located on Lorne Ave in Saskatoon and is the largest human history museum in Saskatchewan. The collection holds over 75,000 arkeological artifacts found throughout the province. The museum is open to the public year-round and people are able to wander through the museum or attend one of the varying educational programs or special events.

“The WDM’s mandate is to collect, preserve, and exhibit objects of historical value and importance connected with the economic and cultural development of western Canada and to stimulate interest in western Canadian history. Our vision is a Saskatchewan where everyone belongs and histories matter.”

The WDM has an Education Room and hold a variety of activities throughout the day for children. The activities are for kids from the ages of 3 – 6 and give the children the chance to learn and play with hand-on artifacts in an interactive way! There are three different zones of learning, the schoolhouse zone which allows kids to play school as if they were in the 1900s, hands-on zone which allows kids to participate in sensory engaging activities, and the cozy story zone which allows kids to sit back and relax for story time.

In the midst of the cold winter season, it can be a bit difficult to stay inspired and creative. Luckily, the city of Saskatoon offers a variety of fun, creative workshops for adults! Read below for our list of top workshops and classes offered in the city:

Pottery & Painting

Wet Paint Pottery offers pottery classes for both kids and adults. Aside from pottery, they also teach canvas painting and glass fusing. The drop-in classes are open to the public and a great, affordable activity to go solo or with friends! There are also fun events such as ladies night, date night, and student night!

Cooking Class

The Local Kitchen is a business based in Saskatoon, focused on events and workshops in food & drink. They offer public classes, private events, as well as virtual events for those outside of the city! Their motto is “using quality food to create connection and build our community”. The classes are always taught by local chefs in the area and the ingredients are of the highest quality. There is a nice range or classes from Greek to Thai cuisine!

Plant Workshop

Getting out in nature can be a bit tricky on those extra cold winter days. So, why not reconnect with nature through a plant workshop! Plant Vibe offers shipment of succulent kits and virtual workshops to make your own terrarium from the comforts of your home! Plant Vibe is a company based on Saskatoon but they offer deliveries outside of the city as well. They offer different collection as well as different types of workshops. One of their most popular is a team building workshop where the team meets online to build their at-home terrariums together!

Photography Workshop

The Saskatoon Camera Club offers a variety of photography workshops for any skill level whether you are just starting out or already a more advanced photographer. The workshops also have a nice range from product and studio photography to landscape and outdoor photography.

“The Saskatoon Camera Club is composed of a group of friendly people who are interested in improving their photography.”

Floristry Workshop

Twig & Bloom is a Saskatoon based florist business that offers different types of floristry workshops throughout the year. Twig & Bloom believes in bringing the community together to through their events which focus on helping people create beautiful flower arrangements.

“Being part of a community that has always believed in our vision is what has allowed us to realize our lifelong dream of using flowers to help people create beautiful moments and memories. We designed our floral workshops to pay that feeling forward, giving thanks to the community that has given us so much by empowering others to realize their dreams, too.”

There is so much love in the air on that special day in the middle of February. Yes, Valentine’s Day focuses mainly on couples through mainstream media, but this day should be a time to show all of your loved ones just how much they warm your heart. If you are single, this day should not bring a sense of loneliness but instead a day to celebrate love! Love is not only meant to be romantic love, but all kinds of love are equally as important!

Instead of buying gifts from a store, why not get creative with some DIY gifts this year! DIYs are great gifts because it is more thoughtful and shows you that you took the time to make something with that person in mind! Not to mention, DIYs are a great cost saver if you are on a budget. Check out a list of a few of our favourite DIY gifts for Valentine’s Day!

Handmade Pottery

Join a workshop and learn some pottery! Making your own vase or mug can be a beautiful and special gift to show your love for someone very special in your life. Take advantage of a pottery class offered in Saskatoon with Wet Paint Pottery! You can also get creative with paint after the pottery has dried and come up with colours and designs to suit the person you are gifting it to!

Baking!

Everyone loves baked goods! Get creative in the kitchen with some Valentine’s themed baking such as heart shaped cooked, pink frosting cupcakes, or strawberry flavoured macaroons! Boxing up little baking packages is a tasty way to show you care. Many people find baking to be very therapeutic and can be a great stress reliever. There are unlimited recipes online, but Pinterest is a great place to find inspiration if you can’t decide!

Houseplants

Houseplants not only add a nice aesthetic to a space but are also known to have many benefits. Studies show that houseplants can improve mood, reduce stress, improve indoor air quality, and boost productivity. What better way to show someone you care than giving a gift that can help your loved one’s quality of life! Some of our favourites are succulents, aloe vera, and snake plants. Read our blog on the best plants for indoor gardening here!

DIY Kit

Motivate the people around you to get creative by making a little DIY kit. Whether it is painting, weaving, or clay art, there are plenty of options to get creative. This would also be a great idea to hangout and get creative together, working on something new!

All-Natural Beauty Products

Beauty products can range from lotions to soaps and everything in between! This is another way to get crafty and create some great smelling all-natural products for your loved ones. If you are interested in trying your hand at a bath bomb, check out our DIY blog post here! If you are interested in soap making, check out another blog post of ours here!

Before the digital world of smart phones, film photography was the best way to capture candid moments, travels, or gain expertise for the creative art. Having a physical copy of photos rather than just swiping through your phone can be a nice change. There are also a variety of projects you can use your photos for such as collages, framed wall decorations, and scrapbooks! Photos can be very sentimental and can also make great gifts for family and friends. Whether the photos are set up or candid, the memories are sure to last!

Long Lasting Memories

Gaining popularity in recent years, film photography is no longer viewed as old-school art and has become quite the trend again. It is all thanks to an Austrian man named Florian Kaps who fought to keep film photography alive. He bought the last Polaroid production plant with the mission to show the importance of film photos – calling this ‘The Impossible Project’. His vision succeeded and many people across the globe see the value of capturing a moment for how it was rather than capturing a staged moment that can be retaken 1000 times on a smartphone. Film also makes the photographer more selective about the photos they take rather than trigger happy, shooting to fill the SD card. With one roll of film taking between 12-36 photos, each photo is taken with a lot of thought to capture the most special, memorable, or artistic moments.

It’s not about capturing the perfect moment; it’s about capturing the memory the way it was

Analog & Instant Film Cameras

There are a few different options when it comes to film cameras. The two types are the traditional analog cameras and the instant film cameras. There are many options for film cameras that are beginner friendly with brands such as Nikon, Canon, and Olympus. The most popular instant film camera is the Fujifilm Instax. The difference between the two is that analog cameras shoot onto a roll of film which then needs to be developed whereas instant film cameras create immediate, self-developing film. If you’re thinking about getting a film camera, go for a point-and-shoot with about 35mm film which is the most common for starters. Great places to find film cameras are on the Facebook Marketplace, Kijiji, or Amazon.

Getting Started

There is quite a lot to learn with film photography which can make things a bit intimidating or overwhelming. The best thing to do is to take it slow and learn step by step. When you purchase your first film camera, you will also need to get a few rolls of film. The most affordable film is made by Kodak Ultramax. You will have the option between colour and black & white, but colour is probably the best option if you are just starting out.

Unlike digital cameras, with a film camera you will need to understand how to set the proper exposure. Once you understand this, you can get creative and shoot the ‘mood’ you want for each specific shot. It can be a bit tricky to get the right light in the beginning. You will need to balance the highlights and shadows without overexposing or underexposing. A light meter helps with balance and can be purchased or downloaded as an app onto your phone. One tip is the ‘Sunny 16’ rule which is a go-to method for settings on a typical day. On a sunny day, you can expect to set your aperture to f/16, ISO 100, and shutter speed at 1/100.

Learning Process

When you are taking shots on your first roll of film, try to keep a notebook handy and jot down the aperture, shutter speed, and film speed. You can also record stuff like, sunshine, cloudiness, and time of day. This way, when you get your film developed, you can go through each shot and compare to your notes which can help you figure out where you went right or wrong.

Once you capture enough photos to fill your roll of film, you will need to take the film in to be developed. It generally costs under $20 and there are many photo lab processing stores around the city or at shops such as Walmart and Shoppers. You will have the option to develop the film on print paper or to scan them for digital copies.

From beginning to end, film photography is a process, each step takes time, patience, and understanding. Film can be a way of disconnecting from the digital world while traveling or in a social situation rather than having your phone out. Since there are no screens or displays, you must trust your creative eye to capture the moment!

Nowadays, everything is accessible at the click of a button. Although this offers convenience, there is still something to be said about holding a physical copy of something in your hands – including photo albums. Imagine sitting to show someone memorable moments from your life, but rather than having them swipe through a series of photos with the backlight of your mobile phone, having them instead of looking down at these candid moments in a beautifully made photo album. The once-popular art of scrapbooking has been lost to the mobile world. It is a form of art that can be very precious and something that can be passed down through generations, linking family and moments together. When you are first getting started, scrapbooking can seem a bit intimidating and perhaps a long process. If you’re interested in getting creative and making your first scrapbook, check the tips below to help get you started!

Process

The first thing you should do before getting started on your scrapbook is to brainstorm ideas and organize your thoughts as to how you would like your scrapbook to look. Planning out colours, themes, and design will help you when you’re starting out so that you are happy with the final product. There are countless craft stores both in-person and online to purchase materials. Michaels has a huge selection in-store and online to choose from, and you can get it delivered right to your door. Once you’ve done this, you’re ready to create!

First, you will need to print the photos and then organize them in the timeline you want. From there, you can create the layout you want to display on each page of the album. Once you glue the photos in place, you can add your own creative flair and design to each page! Other than photos, you can also add things like ribbons, newspaper clippings, or any other sentimental pieces.

Scrapbooking Essentials

To begin scrapbooking, you’ll need a variety of craft supplies. Listed below are some of the basics to get you started:

Album: Choose any size and length of album you wish, making sure it is a scrapbooking album with thick paper.
Page Protectors: Some albums already come with page protectors, but if not, it is important to get some. Once you finish a scrapbook page, you can slide it into the page protector, which will keep it from getting bent or ruined.
Adhesives: You will need adhesives for the photos and decorations. There are a variety of options such as glue sticks, liquid pens, photo tape…etc.
Cutting Tools: You will need scissors and other cutting tools to shape your photos and decorations to fit the page of the album. There are more decorative scissors to give your designs a more creative edge.
Die Cuts: There are specific shapes and designs that can be added for the aesthetic of your scrapbook
Decorative Paper: Decorative paper comes in all sorts of colours and textures and is used to go underneath photos and die cuts for extra design.
Pens/Markers: Make sure you get ink that is fadeproof and waterproof. Be sure to let the marked pages dry before closing the album to make sure the ink doesn’t smudge!

Benefits

Making a scrapbook may be just the thing to get you back into a creative flow and motivate you to get out and take more photos! If you’re been distant from family and friends throughout the pandemic, it can be a great way to feel more connected to your loved ones. It is a great hobby to keep busy and feel nostalgic as you look back on past memories. People use scrapbooking as a way to tell the story of their lives and cherish important moments. As with other creative projects, you may find scrapbooking to be a source of relaxation and stress relief. From beginning to end, making a scrapbook can be a very fulfilling creative project.

Other Options

If you are not able to get to a place to print your own photos, there are many online platforms that let you design and purchase your own scrapbook online! Photobook is a great website that allows you to submit your photos, choose a photobook design, and have it printed and shipped to you! There are many other websites that allow you to get your photos printed onto mugs, magnets, keychains, calendars, and more! Not only is it a great idea to create a lasting physical copy of cherished memories but can also be a great gift idea for your loved ones!

Candles are a great accent to your home décor and keep your home smelling heavenly! In stores, candles can be quite pricey though so why not try your hand at this simple tutorial! This is a great afternoon project that gives you the chance to get creative with your designs. There are endless ways to customize your candles and candle holders to fit any season! Candles also make great gifts for family and friends.

Supplies

Candle-making wax
Candle wicks
Essential / fragrance oils
Spatula
Measuring cup
Heat-proof container
Double boiler
Thermometer
Chopsticks
Mason Jar

Instructions

To begin, make sure you clean your workspace and wipe down all surfaces. To figure out how much wax you need, fill the mason jar with the solid wax and transfer it into a measuring cup. You will need to double the amount of wax in the measuring cup so that the melted amount can fill the mason jar. The next step is to melt the wax, waiting about 10 – 15 minutes and stirring constantly. Once the wax is fully melted, you can add the fragrance oils of your choosing!

Next, you will need to fasten the wick to the bottom of the mason jar before pouring the wax in. This can be done by dipping the bottom wick into the melted wax and quickly attaching it to the bottom of the container, holding it in place while it hardens. Once the wax has cooled a bit and the thermometer reads 140 degrees, you can pour it into the mason jar. Keep a little extra wax if you need a top up in the end.

Hold the wick while you pour the wax and afterwards secure the wick in place with two chopsticks, one on either side. If the wax hardened with cracks on the top, you may then reheat the extra bit of wax to top up the container for a smooth finish. The last step is to cut the wick shorter and voila, enjoy your final product!

Decorative Options

There are endless ways to get creative with your candle making designs. Whether you decide to decorate the mason jar or to add something extra to the candle mix, you can be free to get creative! One simple way to add a unique touch to your candles is to add fresh flower petals or pieces of shrub, like rosemary. If you want to add some colour the mix, try melting a wax crayon with the wax! Mason jars aren’t the only option for containers either, you can try upcycling something unused in your home, such as an old teacup!

Photography is an artform that anyone can learn more about and begin creating beautiful shots! If you only want to capture candid moments of life, you can stick with your smartphone but if you are planning on taking photography more seriously, you’ll want to invest in a DSLR or mirrorless camera. A DSLR or mirrorless camera will give you the opportunity to grow as a photographer and learn all there is to know about the art! There are a few things you can think of when setting up your shots, whether you are using your smartphone or a professional camera, such as composure, lighting, and focus.

For smartphone users:

Hold the square on the middle of the screen to lock your focus. Try to always keep the landscape line horizontal. Try to take photos without direct sunlight, otherwise the photo will be over exposed. There are plenty of apps, such as mobile Lightroom, to adjust the colours, contrast, and exposure of your photos in post-processing.

For DSLR & mirrorless camera users:

You can get a lot more playful and creative with a professional camera. Although in the beginning, you may shoot in ‘Automatic Mode’ while you get comfortable with your camera, eventually you’ll want to switch to ‘Manual Mode’. At first, it can be a bit overwhelming to learn all the buttons, switches, and lingo within shooting manual, but the picture will be a lot better once you get the hang of it. Professional photographers always shoot in manual mode because it gives them the creative freedom to set up the exact photo they are after. You will also want to shoot in ‘raw’ as it will give you the highest quality of photo which is better for post-processing.

There are many tutorials, workshops, and manuals that you can find online to help you figure out the workings of a camera. If you want to take your hobby to the next level, there are also full photography courses you can take online or in-person. The courses will not only teach you the functions of your camera but will also teach you how to set up and compose beautiful and creative shots! Taking the perfect shot is only one step, the next step is loading the photos to your laptop and begin the post-processing. Post-processing is an important step and will allow you to adjust the colour, exposure, highlights, and contrast. This can be done through many platforms such as Lightroom and Photoshop.

Along with arts and crafts, there are plenty of other ways to get creative, even in the kitchen! It’s easy to get stuck in a cooking rut, making meals that you’re good at and are easy to make. Cooking tasty meals is a pleasure and a great way to bring the family together! If the winter blues are hitting, why not bring some colour to your plate! Eating healthy and nutritious meals are a definite mood booster and will give you loads of energy to get moving about.

With more and more people realizing the benefits of a plant-based diet, this blog will list some fun and tasty vegetarian recipes to try at home! Not to worry if there are vegan eaters in the house as most of the recipes can be adapted to be vegan as well.

Buddha Bowl

Buddha bowls are a very balanced meal and an excellent way to get all of your macros. The recipe I like to use is listed below (use portions that suit you!)

Add about ½ cup of cooked quinoa to the bottom of your bowl. In sections, add the different chopped veggies and top with dressing of choice!

Ingredients:

Quinoa as the base

Roasted sweet potato

Chopped red onion

Julienned carrot

Chickpeas

Sliced tomatoes

Chopped cucumber

Topping: hummus, drizzled oil, salt & pepper

Stuffed Sweet Potato

Stuffed sweet potatoes are a great comfort food option since it is higher in carbs and loaded with flavour. Firstly, you’ll want to fully bake the sweet potato in the oven. Then toss some chickpeas in the oven, coated in oil, salt, pepper, and ginger. Once cooked, take everything out of the oven and add the chickpeas on top of the sweet potato. You can top with tahini, green onion, and sesame seeds.

Ingredients:

Sweet potato in halves

Chickpeas

Green onion

Oil, salt, pepper, powdered garlic, sesame seeds

Tahini

Butternut Squash Risotto

This is a great meal to make on a cold day. It’s a delicious, healthy turn on a traditional risotto recipe. For added fiber and nutrients, make the risotto with brown rice rather than white rice. Cook the rice in white wine and vegetable stock, adding the liquid slowly and stirring constantly with a few basil leaves thrown in. Chop butternut squash into cubes and cook in a pan with chopped onion and garlic, seasoning with salt and pepper. Once everything is cooked, combine the butternut squash and some chopped spinach and stir everything together. Once placing the risotto in bowls, top with cilantro, salt, and pepper.

Ingredients:

Butternut squash

Brown rice

White wine

Vegetable stock

Onion

Spinach

Garlic

Basil leaves

Oil, salt, pepper

Beetroot Salad

This is a great and healthy meal on the days you want something a bit lighter. Add mixed green, feta cheese, pumpkin seeds, and roasted beetroot with a drizzle of oil, salt, and pepper! Always make sure to add some carbs and protein to your salads to make sure they have enough sustenance to fill you up!

Ingredients:

mixed greens

beetroot

pumpkin seeds

feta cheese

Topping: oil, salt, pepper

Falafel Sliders

Falafels are extremely tasty and super easy to make! Falafel is a Middle Eastern dish and is made by a mixture of chickpeas, herbs, and spices. You’ll want to use dry chickpeas rather than canned chickpeas and the skins should be removed after they are cooked. The chickpeas need to be mashed and mixed with a blend of herbs and spices to bring out the flavour. Once the falafel patties are finished, add them to a bao bun with some kale, shredded carrot, salt and pepper for a delicious dish!

Ingredients:

Falafel

Bao bun

Kale

Shredded carrot

Tahini

Vegetarian Chili

Chili is a winter favourite, packed with nutrients and flavour! You’ll want to start off by cooking the aromatic ingredients first which is the onion, garlic, celery, and carrots. Once these veggies are cooked, you can add the spices until fragrant. Then you can combine and stir all other ingredients in, turn down the heat and let simmer until ready.

Ingredients:

Onion, celery, carrot, garlic

Red bell pepper

Canned diced tomato

Black beans & pinto beans

Vegetable broth

salt & pepper, chili powder, ground cumin, paprika,

oregano, basil leaf

Although these are only a few recipes, there are so many recipes available on the internet whether through blogs of videos on YouTube! Each of the six recipes here can be modified based on your own preferences. Trying out new recipes in the kitchen is another great way to clear the mind and feel creative!

Spring is in full bloom! The weather is warming up, birds are singing, grass is getting greener, and the winter cold has washed away. Spring is a fresh start and a perfect time to get busy with some fun crafts! The following crafts are great for adults but can be adjusted to a simpler version for kids as well!

Painted Mason Jars / Flower Vases

Painting is always a fun project, but have you ever tried painting a mason jar or flower vase? This can be as simple or as detailed as you would like and is also very kid friendly! Grab some mason jars or flower vases, a range of paint colours, brushes, and get busy! A nice design is to first paint the jar white as a base, let it fully dry, and then add a design on top! Try playing around with spring colours such as yellow, pink, and green. When you are all finished, take a walk to go pick a bouquet of wildflowers to put in your new vases!

Tissue Paper Flowers

If you didn’t get a chance to find some fresh wildflowers for your new vases, why not try to make some cute tissue paper flowers that will last much longer? Tissue paper flowers are simple to make and are a nice touch to add a pop of colour to your home for spring! All you will need are pipe cleaners and tissue paper! Simple how-to below:

Layer about 8-12 pieces of tissue paper of either the same colour or a couple colours that go well together
Using a cup, trace a circle out onto the top sheet of tissue paper and cut it out
Cut two small holes in the center of the layered tissue paper
Take a pipe cleaner, put in through one hole and loop it through the other
Lastly, you just need to scrunch up each layer of the tissue paper, going from the top to bottom
You can also create leaves with extra pipe cleaners

Nature Clay Impressions

Clay impressions are a fun and simple little project but make for beautiful decorations and memories. Before you get started, go for a hike or walk through the outdoors and pick some leaves or plant materials that catch your eye. Be mindful and do research before you pick something – you want to make sure you are not picking a protected flower or plant.

To make the clay, you will need the following:

Flour
Salt
Water

Mix together equal parts flour and salt – add teaspoons of water and continue mixing until a soft, smooth dough is formed. Grab a piece of the mixture and roll in your hands to form a ball. Put the ball down on a sheet of baking paper with flour sprinkled over. Use a rolling pin to roll the dough to at least ¼ inch thickness. At this point, you can create any shape you’d like using a cooking cutter.

Once you have prepped your clay to the thickness and shape you want, take your flower or leaf and press it into the clay mould. After, lift the flower or leaf to reveal a nice pattern on the clay. Allow the clay to set by leaving it out for approximately two days in a well-ventilated room. Alternatively, you can bake the clay at 100 degrees for approximately 3 hours. Once the clay impression is dry, you can leave as is or add some paint!

Faux Stained Glass

Stained glass is beautiful but can be fairly expensive so why not try your hand at a faux stained-glass project? There are a variety of ways to make faux stained glass, but using acrylic paint allows for the most intense colour results.

Supplies:

Acrylic paint
1 bottle white glue / 1 bottle clear glue
8×10 photo frame (or other sheet of glass)
Craft blade
Painter’s marker (black tip)
Super glue
Clear acrylic spray sealant
Paint brush

Before you get started, you will need to find a template that you want to use. If it is your first time, try going for a simpler design. Put the printed template underneath the glass and outline the picture with the black painter’s marker straight onto the glass. Once you’ve finished outlining, let the paint dry overnight. The next day, your design will be ready for paint. Mix one colour at a time – with 3 tablespoons of clear glue and a few drops of acrylic paint. Make sure the paint is thick so that the colours show up vibrantly.