Dandelions and Fortune Cookie Messages in the Sketchbook

One of the many things uncovered when Trevor was packing to move into the dorms was a collection of fortune cookie messages. Neither of us remember when he was collecting them. I went through the stack, picked out four that I thought offered the best advice as he's headed off to college, and added them to this dandelion page in my sketchbook. 

 

The right side was already in the sketchbook (here's the tutorial for the dandelions). I didn't like what was on the left side, so I painted over it, glued the fortunes in place, then added the dandelion fluffs and the grass. 

Trevor, please do your best to remember each of these as you navigate through college and beyond: 

• Do not hide your feelings. Let others know where you stand. 
• You will obtain your goal if you maintain your course. 
• The strengths in your character will bring you serenity. 
• People enjoy having you around. Appreciate this. 

Sometimes, there's a lot of wisdom hiding inside a fortune cookie. 

Dandelion Painting, Using Posca Markers

I recently learned that dandelions grow on every continent except Antarctica. They are entirely edible - the flowers, stems, leaves, and roots. The name dandelion comes from French and means "lion's tooth." And it turns out that they're really fun to draw. 

I painted a page in my sketchbook with Folk Art Midnight, let that dry, then used a white Posca marker to draw the dandelions (affiliate links). I started with the stems, then made oval blobs at the end of the stems. Then I used a flicking motion to create the florets coming from the oval. I added a tiny scribble at the end of each to mimic the fluffiness. I drew some florets randomly being carried off by the wind. The last thing I did was draw the grass. 

I've never tried to draw a dandelion before and working only in white was a great way to start. I didn't have to worry about color or shadows, which took away a whole level of difficulty. It was a fun exercise and I'm happy to have it in my sketchbook. 

Earth Day Nature Collage

There is so much beauty in nature. Some of my favorite crafts are made with fallen leaves, acorns, pinecones, and other found treasures. This project is particularly great for Earth Day, because instead of removing items from nature, you're just rearranging what's already there. There's so much room for creativity. The collage you make is temporary, so be sure to take a photo!

Earth Day Nature Collage

Materials: 

• leaves, rocks, and other natural materials already on the ground*

Steps: 

Clear a place in the dirt for your collage. I used a place along our fence that has fallen leaves from the neighbor's tree. I pushed them aside to expose a heart-shaped workspace. 

It's easiest to center your project by starting with the R. I made mine out of small rocks. I picked the lightest colored ones I could find so they would contrast with the dirt. I made the A and T next. Then I added the E and the H. Finally, I outlined the shape of the heart with the yellowest of the fallen leaves. 

Don't forget to take a photo! 

*I picked the dandelions (which I was harvesting for Trouble, who LOVES them); everything was already on the ground.