We’re buggin’ out over bugs this year! This summer’s bug-stravaganza was kicked off with a cool set of DIY clothespin cicadas, and we’re rounding it out with a bug scavenger hunt. This invitation to search for actual insects is a…
Welcome to BUG SEASON! The flowers are bursting open in the garden and the bugs are BACK in a big way! Just this week I’ve seen my first butterfly, box elder bug, bumblebee…even a mosquito (it IS Minnesota, after all).…
A few springs ago, I was inspecting the garden in the backyard when I heard the faintest little chorus of “cheep! cheep!”‘s coming from…somewhere….! As I wandered around the yard, the sound grew louder until I finally found the source…
It’s been a cold and rainy spring here in Minnesota, and although the chilly days have slowed my progress outside, Mother Nature works away unphased. Bees have started emerging from the little leaf piles in the back gardens, birds have…
Spring’s arrival brings the loveliest changes to our garden, and also a parade of holidays that stretch right into summer. Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, Teacher Appreciation Day…coming up with unique gift ideas year after year can feel a bit overwhelming…
With the first signs of spring come the welcome sounds of excited shrieks, whoops, and hollers from the park down the street. Playground season is nearly upon us, and after a long winter, I have a feeling it’s in for…
Back before I had a fancy iPad program with lots of cool texture tools, I used to gather up my inks and brushes and head outside to the garden at the first inkling of spring. Throughout spring and summer, I’d…
Spring…can you hear it coming? Deep underneath the melting snow things are beginning to happen. Every “cheep” of the sparrows and “hey, sweetie!” of the chickadees has me daydreaming of lush green secret gardens. Since we have to wait a…
Deep in the heart of winter, I typically find myself turning to rainbows for cheery, bright art inspiration. A few years ago I shared a Frank Stella deconstructed rainbow project, and it’s been a site favorite ever since. This year…
