Painting Sticks

painted sticks

Last weekend, we had a very cold and wet two days ahead of us. So, I was anticipating a lot of indoor time. To preserve our sanity, I had to think up a few quick projects to keep us busy. A while back, I had had a conversation with one of Arthur’s amazing teachers about how I had wanted to paint sticks with the boys. She too was doing a great series of stick art with the students. One morning they used different colored tape to make stick creations. The next, wire, and then the third day out came the paint.

So, first thing after breakfast this past Saturday morning, we ran into the backyard and collected a bunch of sticks. After bringing them inside, I filled up two paint trays with paint. One tray cool colors, the other warm. Real quick, I talked with the boys about this concept. However, they were ready to paint. Arthur was already pointing out the first stick he wanted.

picking sticks

And off they went.

hard at work

GOL paint 2 GOL paint

ATLpaint 2 ATL paint

boys painting

They had a blast with this and Arthur did not stop until every last one of the sticks was painted.

table paint

finished sticks finished 3

For display, I knew I wanted to put them in glass vases. First, I put them along side what I already had on the dining room table.

table sticks 3 vase of sticks

But, that was a bit too much. I wanted something a bit more simple. I got out some beautiful cuts of wood from a dear friend’s tree that blew over in  one of the many storms that hit us this past winter. I liked this much better.

table sticks 2

table sticks

I have already gotten many compliments on the sticks. Such beauty, and so simple! Try it out.

You Rock Valentine

final 2

Even though Valentine’s Day was a couple of weeks ago, I thought I would share what the boys made for their classes. This was a multi step, multi day project, which was nice, but required some planning. We first spent time collecting smooth, flatish rocks from our local beach. Continue reading

Seed Study Continued

seed set up 2

We love collecting over here. Rocks, sticks, leaves, and then seeds was our newest idea. I wrote awhile back about one of our many visits to the New Canaan Nature Center where we collected various things. One of the things we searched for and collected on that trip were items that held seeds. Continue reading

Sunday Morning Doughnuts

doughnuts close up

Ok, I admit it. I miss doughnuts. I don’t need a whole box, but sometimes a nice fresh doughnut with a cup of tea on a lazy weekend morning is just what I crave. So, when I saw the recipe for gluten-free coconut doughnuts in Aran Goyoaga’s new cook book Small Plates Sweet Treats, I knew I must give it a shot. Continue reading

A color study: fungus…and some seeds

DSC_0846

Happy New Year! I apologize for my break in posts. The past couple months have been filled with numerous birthdays, the birth of my first niece (!), my sister’s wedding, relatives visiting from Holland, sickness, George going on a nap strike (when I would write most of my posts), a couple personal projects I hope to share in due time, and the hustle and bustle of the holiday season. But, now I am back and hoping to get back into the swing of writing!

This project, learning experience, is fun and easy. Continue reading

Nature Nature Walk Walk Walk

We have been taking many nature walks this Autumn. Some are with the whole family, some are with me and the boys, and some special ones for just George and me while Arthur’s curiosity and wonder is being fueled by school. Continue reading

Home Made Muesli

love muesli. Since my mother is from Holland, and we were fortunate enough to be able to travel over to Europe to visit family when I was growing up, we got to experience many wonderful cultures. Some of my greatest memories is of the food we ate while we were one these trips. Continue reading

Apple-Print Thank You Cards

My goodness, this last month (two months really) has been extremely busy. We have had birthday parties, hosted Arthur’s birthday, baby showers, bachelorette parties, and hosted my sister’s bridal shower. Those were just some of the events occupying our weekends. Continue reading

Lemon-Poppy Seed Birthday Muffins

Arthur has a new favorite muffin. When asked what snack he wanted to bring into school to share with his class for his birthday, he shouted, “lemon poppy seed muffins!!!” Ok, then. So we made our new lemon-poppy seed muffins for him to share. Continue reading