We’re still doing all the usual things: math, history readings, map work, Bible study, copywork, and so on, but we’re trying to add in a bit more art and at least a little nature study.
This week, we did the “three little chicks” pastel, inspired by Nana at the Hodgepodge.
The resulting art: mine, with a confused chick going the wrong way, is at left; Kathryn’s is at right. I like hers much better because it looks like a cute Easter card, but she insisted I share mine, too. She really did a beautiful job with the blending this time! And she blogged about it, too!
This week’s informal nature study was mostly about the irises in our yard. Last year, we planted several different colors from Ken’s grandma’s flower garden, but lost track of which ones we planted where. When we saw buds emerge, we eagerly watched to see what color they would be. These are much, much taller than the purple irises we’ve had for years. We spent some time outside examining the insides of the flowers, and although these new ones look entirely white, they are pale lavender on the inside. We studied how perfectly they are formed to make sure the pollen gets on the bees that visit. And now we’re eagerly watching two different iris buds to see what color they will be when they open in the next few days.
I really want to try to do a watercolor or maybe a pastel of one of these pretty flowers!
Lacy the WonderDog was due for a check-up, and Kathryn was eager to go on this little trip to the vet. We didn’t get a tour or learn all that much new about dogs, so it wouldn’t count as a field trip, but it’s definitely a little bit of life skills — not the least of which was realizing how much it costs to take a dog to the vet! Despite having blood drawn and getting vaccinations, Lacy enjoys vet visits because everyone at the office fawns over her and tells her what a good and pretty girl she is. 😉
In Kathryn’s loom knitting class, they are doing a service project making panels for baby blankets. I think the plan is to finish these in class and then donate them. The yarn she’s using is wonderfully soft. She’s also working on a new purple and white hat.
Next week = Spring Break! We’ll be doing a few catch-up things, eating some frozen yogurt, relaxing, and I’ll be working on earning a few extra Fun Mama points. Meanwhile, Ken and Lindsey will be on a mission trip to the Dominican Republic! Ken is one of the group leaders, and this is the annual spring break mission trip for the high school students at our church.
If you missed our television interview, we hope you’ll check that out when you have time!
** I’m linking up at Kris’ Weekly Wrap-Up and Sue’s A Homeschool Mother’s Journal!
Wife, mama, homeschooler, dog-wrangler. Introvert who finds joy in good books, sunshine, and authentic conversation. Fitness enthusiast and strength coach. Often seen with a steaming mug of tea in hand.
Thanks for sharing the chicks, as I’m on the hunt for projects using pastels. Your iris picture is amazing! I wish I could take a photo like that, let alone paint it with watercolors.
Also, where did you get the knitting looms? My daughter would absolutely love those and she’s got a birthday coming up :).
Paige, we got the set of looms at Walmart. One set comes with 4 round looms, and the rectangular loom is separate. There are great tutorials online to get started!
Oh! I clicked over and was delighted to see your sweet little chicks! And Kathryn’s knitting projects. Wow! We were just talking about doing an iris pastel. We have so many purple and white ones in our yard too. We’ll see. Enjoy your spring break and thanks again for sharing your chicks!
Ooooh, we’d love to see Nana do an iris pastel tutorial!
We MUST do more art around here! I fail miserably at art and handwork; neither is a particular gift of mine, hence the “failing miserably” thing. Kathryn’s chicks are lovely! And I know the baby blankets will be greatly appreciated. Enjoy your spring break!
Ellen, we often fail miserably at doing art, but it’s doggone much fun when we do! And even when I fail at doing handiwork, Kathryn is a crafty little gal so she takes it upon herself to do it! But I do still need to make friends with the sewing machine well enough to teach her how to use it!
Sounds great. We have been trying to fit in more art, too! Although I just realized that I was in such a rush to go to the grocery store today that we never got to it! Ooops!
Theresa,
Haha! That happens! Too often, around here. 😉
Beautiful Post! 🙂 thank you for sharing! she is so cute! and her pastel creation is Adorable!
Amy,
Thanks! I think she did a fabulous job! But I’m the mom so I might be a bit biased. 😉
What cute chicks!
She’s such a creative girl, huh? When I visit here, she is usually doing some hands-on, artistic project! How wonderful that she has such a fun (and useful) hobby!
Jessy,
Yes, she is! If she’s not reading, she’s usually making something. Or playing MarioKart in the late afternoon when my husband gets home. I’m not big on video games but she does so much other stuff that I don’t mind too much. 🙂
Oh, wow! Kathryn did a fantastic job on her pastel drawing! I really need to do some of those tutorials with the kids. They would really enjoy them, I bet. You should encourage Kathryn to enter her artwork in the Art for Homeschool art contest. I’m not sure when the next one is, but I’ve got the link somewhere if you want me to find it.
Kris,
I think somewhere back in my memory I’ve heard of that, but I don’t have any info or anything on it, so I’d LOVE it if you can find the link! Thank you!
Here’s the link, Jamie: http://www.artforhomeschool.com/afh-online-art-show/
It says the deadline is the first of the month, with winners posted by the 15th, so she could still get her work in today for the April show.
Cool! Thanks, Kris!
I love the drawings she made and it looks like a good one…She might have a passion in drawing and coloring…
My daughter loves loom weaving! I just love the picture you have of Kathryn here. She looks so peaceful and content.
Have fun next week!!
It is pretty relaxing! I want to learn to needle-knit, too!
Your girls look just like you! Sweet and pretty! And I loved their art project. There’s just something about chicks that is so endearing! Will pray for your missionaries, too! Enjoy your spring break, but don’t tell my children that you are having one. I was going to try to homeschool to June without a break!
Lisa,
We’ll be doing some things around here, too, so we’re not really taking the week off, but it sounds nice to say we are, and we won’t be having to stick to a schedule with any of it, which will be a nice change of pace.
I simply love the chicks pastels. I am about to check this out for next week. I love both of your drawings but yours is so cute with the wrong way chick. Kinda how I live my life at times!
Kathryn’s blanket looks beautiful . What kind of yarn is that? I love it. I try to work more art into our days but it gets pushed to the ‘next time’ way too often. Enjoy your Spring Break!
Karen,
I’m not sure exactly what kind of yarn it is. Her teacher supplied it, and by the time I saw it, there was no packaging on it. Sorry! I’ve found some pretty delightful yarns at WalMart recently, though!
I like the knitting loom. I will have to check that out! I love the chicks pictures. We love the Hodgepodge art tutorials, too! We haven’t done the chick one yet.
I liked the chick one because it was so simple. Kathryn did a great job with the chickadees but I don’t think she felt like she did as good a job in her attempt to be realistic. This one let her practice blending and all that, but didn’t require great technical skill or the need to be as life-like.
Love love the chicks! good work mama – i think the confused chick is adorable too – Kathryn is doing a great job- you know – I have that set & haven’t a clue as to how to use it for knitting???!!!! I’m a hopeless case! I keep trying – and trying 😉 Y’all have a wonderful week!
Kelli,
Try YouTube! We found some great tutorials there and Kathryn was able to learn the basics and make her first hat just by watching a tutorial with absolutely no help from me!!
We love Nana’s pastels. We’ve done sunflowers, blueberries, strawberries, butterflies, and leaves.
Cute chicks drawings…She is so adorable and I am sure you are very proud to be her mommy…Thanks for the inspiration!