Have some outdoor fun with wonder, whimsy and creativity!  Make art from the outdoors and with the outdoors.

There is something magical and joyful that brings out your inner child as you draw outside under the beautiful open skies, or as you dream, watching the clouds float by as they change shapes and whisper their stories.

This week is your invitation to go outside, play, create and be delightfully present.

Here are four outdoor ways to have creative and whimsical fun:

1.  Sidewalk Chalk Masterpieces
 

Bring out some sidewalk chalk using your driveway, sidewalk, porch or patio as your canvas and:

• Create a colorful hopscotch path with affirmations in each square.

• Try mandalas, rainbows, or flower meadows.

• Trace shadows from leaves or toys and color them in.

If you don’t have sidewalk chalk and are a do-it-yourself kind of person, check these 

links out:

Just Crafting Around - DIY Cornstarch Chalk

DIY Natural - Make Sidewalk Chalk

Living Well Mom - Easy Homemade Sidewalk Chalk

Princess Pinky Girl - DIY Sidewalk Chalk

Those are four different ways to make chalk.

After that, let the wind and weather eventually wash it all away.  It is a beautiful reminder that creativity doesn’t have to last forever to be meaningful.

2.  Sky Story Time
 

Lie on a picnic blanket, stare up at the sky, and let your imagination roam:

• What do you see in the clouds?

• What stories could they be telling?

• Name a cloud creature and invent a little tale about its sky adventures!

This can be relaxing and magical as you gaze up at the sky and daydream.

3.  Mini Outdoor Art Show

• Create mini nature exhibits with tiny leaf collages, pinecone spirals, or colorful rock mosaics.

• Take a picture of each, then let nature reclaim them.

• Post on social media, or keep them as a personal joy collection on your phone to look at every so often.

4.  Travelling Art Kit

• Pack a bag with a sketchpad, crayons, watercolors, or pastels.

• Head to a nearby park or coffee shop patio and sketch what calls to you.  It can be the birds, trees, flowers, shoes or the sky.  Whatever catches your fancy and brings you joy! 

Have fun with these four ideas to choose from this week:

1.  Create a mini sidewalk art gallery!

2.  Make a few mini chalk sketches outside your home with encouraging messages, garden doodles, or “exhibits” for passing neighbors to enjoy.

3.  Set up a folding chair and sketch what you see around you.  Let nature inspire your lines and colors.

4.  As you enjoy your chalk gallery or sky-gazing spot, here is a delicious, simple treat to make and enjoy!

Frozen Banana Pops with a playful twist!

•     Slice bananas in half, insert popsicle sticks.

•     Dip in melted chocolate or almond butter.

•     Roll in crushed nuts, seeds, shredded coconut, or rainbow sprinkles.

•     Freeze for 1 hour. 

.

•     Enjoy as you admire your chalk gallery or sky gaze!
   

Soak up the sun, sketch your stories, and dream as you gaze up at the sky.  Your creativity doesn’t have to stay inside.  Let it run outside across the sidewalk and in the sky with you!

A couple of questions to think about and maybe journal on:

1.  What did the sky look like today?

2.  What stories did you imagine, or feelings did the clouds bring up for you?

Love and blessings,

Coach Angela Schmidt