[JOURNAL] Nature Journal Inspiration

Back in 2015 BH (Before Hazel) we had a lovely Nature Table in our living room filled with finds from our walks, travels and gifted to us from our fellow nature enthusiasts. But alas, 'the dog' came along, and my beautiful table came to an end. I have thought up some other clever ways to display our collections that are more pet friendly which I will post soon, but in the meantime, my head has been spinning with ideas on how to create a Nature Journal.

I have been wanting to start a journal of this sort for quite some time now and found myself up wayyyyy too late last night looking for inspiration.

During this search, I came across Fionna Watson - an illustrator from the UK - her nature pages in her untitled book are so simple and unique. I want to put them on my wall!

I love the journalistic approach Kolby Kirk aka 'The Hike Guy' uses in his journals - lots of documentation with beautiful illustrations. His journals are amazing...make sure to visit his site.

Botanical specimens pressed, taped and labelled on pages from the famous poet, Emily Dickinson's journal!

Beautiful watercolour illustrations by artist Claire Walker Leslie.

Whatever style, medium or process you choose, a Nature Journal is a wonderful way to document, research and learn more about the natural world we live in. Happy Journaling!

[NATURE] Nature Pal Treasures

Our treasures from Nova Scotia arrived on Christmas Eve - beeswax candles both dipped and in walnut shells, natural Christmas scents to simmer on our stovetop, lovely kids artwork, a handfelted fairy (check out Marissa's shop Chickadee Swing) and Frankincense and Myrrh to burn on January 6th in celebration of Epiphany.

A closer look at our beautiful fairy that we'll find a special spot for on our nature table to enjoy all year round.

EPIPHANY Epiphany is celebrated in Canada on January 6 each year. It remembers the three wise men’s visit to baby Jesus and his baptism, according to events in the Christian Bible. Mummers or naluyuks may visit homes in Newfoundland and Labrador at this time of the year.

Epiphany is one of the oldest Christian feasts. It was celebrated since the end of the second century, before the Christmas holiday was established. It is commonly known as Twelfth Night, Twelfth Day, or the Feast of Epiphany. It means "manifestation" or "showing forth". It is also called Theophany ("manifestation of God"), especially by Eastern Christians.

It commemorates the first two occasions on which Jesus’ divinity, according to Christian belief, was manifested: when the three kings visited infant Jesus in Bethlehem, and when John the Baptist baptized him in the River Jordan. The Roman Catholic and Protestant churches emphasize the visit of the Magi when they celebrate the Epiphany. The Eastern Orthodox churches focus on Jesus’ baptism.

Mummering around the Christmas season until Epiphany is a 200-year-old tradition in Canada. This activity declined in the 1960s but became more popular in the 1980s and 1990s. It may include the custom of the naluyuks, which has a half-foreign, half-Inuit origin.

So not only did we receive wonderful nature treasures but we also learned about different traditions and celebrations. Nature Pal Exchange - so awesome...seriously, you need to join us!!

[NATURE] Nature Pal Exchange

Scavenging, collecting, documenting, researching and packaging up a natural treasure to send to another family in this lovely country of yours.....ummmmmmm YES PLEASE!! Well my friends, when I was introduced to the Nature Pal Exchange I pretty much lost my mind did a little happy dance.

THE NATURE PAL EXCHANGE "Nature Pal Exchange began in 2015 when two homeschool moms on separate coasts thought it would be fun to collect and exchange nature items their families discovered in their native environments. Once we stepped foot in the outdoors, discovered new pieces of God’s creation, and then shared this with new friends, we knew we had to keep this going. Now, we get to share this amazing experience with you!" Go check out their Instagram Account @naturepalexchange to swoon over all the gorgeous packages being exchanged across North America.

source: naturepalexchange.com

We participated in our first exchange this December - rather than collecting various items, this exchange had a theme - a Christmas Exchange. The object was to create a holiday themed decoration using nature SO . MUCH . FUN!! Oh...and did I mention the site has tutorials!! Yup...it's pretty perfect.

source: naturepalexchange.com

OUR EXCHANGE FAMILY This part of the activity was probably my favourite part - being matched up with a family somewhere in this vast country - a nature pen pal. Well, our first match up did not disappoint - meet Marissa - the author behind Becoming Kindred and the Mama of three beautiful girls on the opposite coast of Nova Scotia. Her blog is beautiful, her house is beautiful (a turn of the century farm house...bestill my little heart) her girls, her animals....wow!!

Here's a few pictures from Marissa's site that are just so beautiful. Her posts regarding her home are my favourite - what a dreamy life. Click here to view her 'Making Home' series.

So if you and your kiddos are anything like us, then you MUST check out the Nature Pal Exchange - it's such a wonderful way to learn more about your environment, your country and to make wonderful connections.

[EVENTS] Holiday Market

The Bowen Island Artisan Collective had another great event at the beautiful Sugar Cube Gallery - we are so thankful to have this space to showcase our wares. I am always so humbled to be a part of such a talented group of individuals. I'll let the pictures do the talking.