Creativity
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Charles M. Schulz Museum & Research Center
Charlie Brown and his friends have warmed the hearts of generations of children and adults. Charles Schulz was a genius at finding humor in the trials and tribulations we call life! I think that is part of the appeal of the Peanuts is their ability to make us laugh at life. I have been a big fan of Charles Schulz’s work and when I was a kid, my stuffed Snoopy went everywhere I went. Charlie Brown Christmas is one of my favorite holiday shows to watch with my daughter and it warms my heart everytime I see the crew dancing around Schroeder playing the piano. This week I was looking for some fun quotes…
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Artist: Tricia Courtney
Recently I came across the work of artist Tricia Courtney whose oil paintings really struck something with me. I love the colors she chooses and how the flowers seem to pop off the canvas. We had a chance to speak this week about her work and her upcoming new book Floppy Sue’s Birthday Adventure that will be published as an eBook through Pixel Mouse House. Here is what she says about what inspired her to start creating and about her new story. A happy experience at the George A. Spiva Center for the Arts in Joplin, Missouri “many, many years ago” led to Tricia Courtney’s lifelong love of art. “My…
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Fun Craft: Christmas Family Trees
Christmas trees – they serve as both the main Christmas season decoration & a great bonding tool for family during the holiday season. Decorating them with your family enjoying carols & laughs along the way is one of the things I look forward to all year round. But why not take a twist to the traditional tree with your little ones? Nothing is cuter than a set of tootsie trees hanging on the wall. Materials: Non-toxic paint – green & yellow Black or brown marker pen Canvases – one for each family member Small items to decorate your tootsie trees – we used stick on jewels How To: First of…
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The Majestic Kelp Forests Of Catalina
Not many people realize that one of the most beautiful forests in California is the one under the water, just off shore. -That’s right, the pacific coast is home to one of the most beautiful kelp forests on the planet, and most people watch those beautiful sunsets without the slightest idea that the sun is setting on a whole new world under there. I just got back from a three-day live-aboard dive trip near Catalina, an island off the coast of Los Angeles. I was aboard The Sand Dollar, a dive boat that provides live-aboard diving excursions nearly 365 days a year. Before I get to the sights, let me…
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Artist Flora Bowley
The creative process is such a personal journey I love to hear about artists who do what they do so well and love their “job”. I came across Flora Bowley a few years ago and have admired her ability to draw you in to her paintings, which I find so calming. Read what Flora has to say about her journey as an artist and the new project she is working on. What was your inspiration for wanting to be an artist and create? I think I may have been born to be an artist. My happiest childhood memories included things like sculpting clay that I found near our house, braiding jewelry…
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Mommy & Me Owl Handprint Art
Owls can be wise, all-knowing, and even whimsical. This autumn, owls seem to be all the rage in fashion, art and décor. Here is a delightful Mommy & Me craft to create with your young children this season. Materials: Non-toxic acrylic paint of your choice. (Owls typically are brown, white and grey; however, pink owls are cute too.) Craft paper of your choice. (I used a manila paper, but any craft paper will do.) Various styles and sizes of paintbrushes. A nearby sink to rinse small painted hands. Let’s begin: After selecting your color choice for the owl body, gently paint your child’s palm. Once the palm is painted,…
