Even though we’ve not had much beach weather in New England this summer, with the chilly temperatures and rain, there are still occasions for exploring artistic opportunities.  A day at the ocean or lake can be much more than swimming.  Look around you and expand your imagination…be creative.

Sketch pictures of the scenery and people
Collect stones and shells.
Later make collages with them.
Create jewelry.  My aunt had a long, narrow shell with jewelry fastening glued to the top for a chain.
Take photos and create a slide show on your computer.
Find sea glass and learn about it.
Write a journal about your beach experiences and …read more

Saving summer memories, organizing collections, or simply finding something to entertain the youngsters (that’s not electronic) if you have a rainy day often puzzles parents.
Why not try some clipboard art, or making altered clipboards, as some call it.  I’ve described the project in one of my Arts and Crafts posts, Clipboard Altered Art & Wall Hangings.
Youngsters often collect shells, sea glass, and stones when at the beach.  Unique stones attract their attention even at a lake beach.  You might find other objects you can combine on a clipboard for a piece of art you can hang in their room, instead of …read more

When my husband and I travel, we generally bring home gifts for our grandchildren.  But they’re not the kind we spend a great deal of money to purchase. 
They are rocks and seashells, seaglass, foods from the area, something a relative may have made, and stories of places we’ve visited.  The natural objects are typical of that area and may tell of the geology and history.  We bring home recipes to try and ingredients we might not find at home.  (I use these for my travel writing, but the grandchildren seem to look forward to them, too.)
he “gifts” include:

 Rocks of a …read more

Thanks for coming to the Straw Dispenser Reuse Party. Wow. Just dazzling! No wonder she waited to make the grand entrance. Ah, the final guest. As mentioned earlier, toilet brush holder sent his apologies.

The Seashell Keeper
(Photography by Peggy Rowland)