Notes on Clay Play for Parents and Educators

Watch the video then listen to my notes below…

Please click here to listen to my notes on clay play in the classroom or at home:

Please click here for your FREE PDF

What we experience as a child establishes deep rooted connections that 

influence our development and what we might become 

I cannot finish without sharing one of my favourite quotes by the beautiful artist Paul Klee. He found nature a constant source of inspiration for his art. As a child he would spend hours in the garden drawing. 

“Lead you students towards nature, into nature; let them learn by experience how a bud is formed; how a tree grows; how a butterfly opens its wings, so that they will become as rich as variable; as precious as nature herself.” 

Wonders of the Natural World - Natural Clay Play

Nature Art in it’s Purest Form

It was an extremely hot day so I went down to the creek next to our camp to cool down and play for a while. To my delight, I found natural clay and began playing with the organic matter…I was beyond excited about playing with Natural Clay in it’s natural environment. 

When you play in nature; observing, exploring what interests you - you discover things - Magical Things!!! - Like Natural Clay!  I didn’t set out to create anything - just to play but I found myself making a little pot, several infact as I couldn’t pull myself away from the creek and the playful fun I was having with the clay. 

My little daisy pot I made is special - for it holds magical memories of my time at the creek, a time of freedom and pure joy, of communion with the natural world. It is a little piece of me and my story, the cedar, the daisy embedded in my little rugged pinch pot, not perfect by any means. It tells of the joy and delight of creative play, the freedom to explore and express myself in my own unique way. We are all beautiful, highly creative beings who need time to express our feelings and emotions and when we do, it brings harmony and balance back into our lives and right now I believe we all need this more than ever before.

Watch the video: Natural Clay Play

 

Now that you have watched the video, how can you and your students experience clay play in your classroom, outdoor space or at home?

FREE NATURAL CLAY PLAY Podcast and PDF

Simply by leaving a message below you can Listen to my short podcast on the video - Natural Clay Play and receive a FREE Clay PDF and discover the magic and wonder of this multi-sensory experience.

CURIOSITY AND WONDER

I am still that young child full of curiosity and wonder. What is clay? What is it made of, where can you find it - you can explore all these wonderful questions with your students and learn together. 

Messy Play - Many children never get to be really messy - clay is messy, that’s part of the fun!

Whats really important is that the children (adults) get to play, explore and discover for themselves the joy of creative expression…the freedom to play with the clay without direction or judgement. 

When the children have had many wonderful playful experiences with clay you can invite them to make something simple like a pinch pot or clay deer; owl…whatever. Very young children will be happy to play along side the older students with the same materials.

We Protect What We Love

Playing in nature with nature helps nurture a deep love and lasting relationship with the natural world.

Down at the Creek immersed in the flowing water, playing with the clay, surrounded by the cedar I felt one with all creation. It felt natural to paint my body with the clay, I know children and adults would love to do this too. Watching the clay designs dry on your body is super cool and what a thrill tit was to allow the force of the pounding water to wash it all away. How quenching and invigorating! 

Truly grateful for this beautiful creative exploration and thrilled to be able to share with you all a tiny glimpse of the magical wonders of the Natural World. Inviting us all to Play, Explore, Imagine, Create…wishing you all a beautiful and creative September - how exciting to witness the changes that will take place during Autumn - a most magical season - enjoy!

A Journey Back to Contentment

During the last few months of COVID, I found myself spending a lot more time on the computer which was affecting not only my eyesight but my overall health and wellbeing. Overwhelmed and exhausted by the events happening around the world, left me feeling lost, somewhat disconnected from the circle of life and what makes me feel harmonious. I knew I needed to unplug and return to the wilds of Nature. Not just unplugging from technology for a few hours or even a few days, more likely weeks or even longer.

Covid has turned all of our lives upside down

During the recession of 2009, we lost our home, the car was repossessed and all credit was cut. At first we felt bewildered, lost and fraught with fear and anxiety, like many of you who are experiencing difficulties during these challenging times of covid. Over time my husband and I began to see the silver linings. Our bond with our children and each other grew deeper and we experienced a greater appreciation for the small things, they became the big things. What really helped nurture us through these difficult times was our time spent in nature, together as a family and solo time; among the trees, the birds, the flowers, the wild things.

Last month our landlord informed us that we needed to vacate the rented property we had called home for many years. We knew this day would arrive but not during COVID when very little rented property was available; only highly expensive summer vacation rentals. 

Something was stirring in us and it seemed as if a path was being chosen for us. With an open heart we listened to what the universe was offering. Most of my work involved interaction with my students both young and old outdoors in nature. When COVID arrived all my classes, workshops and school visits were cancelled. This was hard on so many levels, but it was the human connection that I missed the most. Which led us on to this new journey.

Swapping bricks and mortar for Van life

We took a leap of faith and gave up the comfort of a traditional home. Transitioning from a 2 bedroomed home in the countryside and all its comforts to one tiny space measuring just 21ft by 6 ft has not been easy, however, we are adapting to a new rhythm. A rhythm that speaks to our souls and nurturing our whole being: body, mind, heart and spirit.

We’re Passionate about helping others Reconnect with Nature

We needed time to reflect on what had been happening and how we could move forward during these strange and challenging times; yet still be able to follow our passion - helping others to reconnect with the natural world. With no internet connection to lure us onto our computers we were free to simply-just be.

Thankfully the BC parks opened for summer, as we knew staying local was paramount and the best route to staying safe and being respectful of others during COVID.

Rewilding Our daily Lives - The Elements

“We drove along the winding roads far from the madding crowd. 

It’s there we found Valhalla on the outskirts of town. She had the kind of beauty only a mother could gift. 

It was upon her shores; my mind began to shift.” – David Hughes

Unplugged, we begin to slow down and relax. Immersed in the raw wilderness surrounded by the elements, we feel more alive, more receptive to what is around us. Fully present in the moment, we tune into the natural sounds, the whispering wild winds, the raging creek crashing over boulders large enough to jump from one to another, like we did as children; We notice the different smells that fill the clean crisp air, the sweet smell of pine, the perfumed scent of wild roses. We gaze in awe and wonder at the vast expanse of the glacier mountains and all their grandeur and feel invigorated by the refreshing lake water lapping across our bare feet. The wild and raw sounds, the smells, the mesmerizing flames of the crackling campfire dancing before us as the night sky descends; a feast for our senses. Nourishing our whole being; reminding us of who we are. 

Making time to reflect

FEELING HUMAN AGAIN

Washing dishes and clothing are all done outdoors, the wind and sunshine dry our clothes quickly. When the rain arrives and the wind nips a little, we just add more clothing and sing around the fire. It’s just the two of us, my husband (David) and I - together, wild and free. We are used to being together for long periods of time without interaction with others. We obviously miss our friends and family, especially those so far away back in our homeland of Scotland, (and I miss my one to one classes with my students, their faces, their smiles, their wild, creative spirits); however, we are adapting to a new rhythm, one that makes us feel more human. 

The fire and the surrounding landscape have replaced Netflix and are now our new enriching entertainment (fires are allowed at certain BC Campgrounds) along with new books to read and old and new music to discover. David was a singer/song writer when we met 34 years ago, and he hasn’t really written anything since our children arrived. Now, he has started writing and singing again. Music, like all the Arts is deeply therapeutic and it can transport you to memories past, evoking deep emotions. It can sooth and help ease tension, to make sense of the world around you; and to create your own music, however basic - gifts immense joy.

Moving forward in the time of Covid

Feeling content and nourished by nature, we are able to reflect more positively on the past few months seeing the silver linings, the small but precious gifts that we can build upon to make the future brighter. As we navigate our way forward it is vital that we listen to our hearts and inner knowing. To be open to change and embrace the unknown with an open heart and mind; and a willingness to learn new ways and share our own experiences.

We know Nature is a powerful Medicine

ABUNDANT RESEARCH MAKES CLEAR THAT SPENDING TIME OUTDOORS CAN EASE SOME SYMPTOMS OF DEPRESSION, ENHANCE MEMORY AND COGNITIVE FUNCTION, REDUCE STRESS AND IMPROVE CREATIVE THINKING AND PROBLEM SOLVING. 

(see note for research links credit) 

Not every day is blissful, there are always challenges, however, a strength comes from being in harmony – nature always seems to provide the perfect antidote to days frustrations. We are excited to begin this new chapter and share our experiences living a creative life in our little Van (Indigo) immersed in nature. We appreciate many cannot get out into the wilderness, so part of our journey is to share the wilderness with you through video and workshops. As an artist and educator, I feel compelled more than ever to share the health benefits of combing nature and art as a very powerful natural medicine that we can all benefit from especially during COVID.

Watch our short preview here:

What would you like us to share?

What would you like us to share? What do you miss about the natural world - what are your favorite sounds in nature - maybe we can record them for you - what landscapes sooth you and make you feel calm - does the bird song make you feel happy? What wildlife stirs your curiosity? What would you like us to share about our creative journey; our personal connection with nature? What would you like to learn? Let us know in comments below or message me or you can reach out via email. We would love to hear from you. Sending love and wishing you all a peaceful and healthy summer sprinkled with oodles of creative adventures. Love Marghanita and David xx

You can follow us on Instagram @ roadtowildwood

and sign up for our newsletter @ Marghanita.com

Notes - Research links via article by Denna Shaffer Instructor, Sociology, Ryerson University. - From an article in the Conversation (Academic rigour, journalistic flair)

Nature Play - The Preciousness of Make-Believe

It will soon be International Build a Fairy Home and Den Week June 21st - June 28th - Join us for some Fairy Fun and help raise awareness of the importance of nature play.

Nature play improves all aspects of child development – physical, cognitive, social and emotional

Here is a FREE PDF Booklet - BUILD A FAIRY HOME AND DEN WEEK

Please note this booklet was created a few years ago so please be mindful of COVID restrictions depending on where you are living. Not only is this a beautiful way to actively engage children with nature, it is an escape for "all of us" - both children and adults - from the stresses and worries we are all experiencing during this very challenging time. 

Play is imaginative, and play’s openness, aliveness, and newness are essential to creativity.

Joseph Cornell

Playing in nature, with nature has always held a fascination to me - one single leaf can have me spelled bound, a fallen branch can morph into a little earth being, or a shell may become a home for one of my little fairy friends.

“The child awakens to a universe. The mind of the child to a world of meaning. Imagination to a world of beauty. Emotions to a world of intimacy. It takes a universe to make a child both in outer form and inner spirit. It takes a universe to educate a child. A universe to fulfill a child.”

— Thomas Berry

If you are in lockdown, you can bring nature into your home. We can visit local parks and woodland areas with our children. We can grow flowers in pots; build a fairy home on the smallest of balconies; make flower crowns outdoors in the yard. Every child, young and old, should spend at least part of their day immersed in the natural world.  Bringing nature into a child’s life is needed more than ever before!

Click here to Download your FREE PDF BOOKLET

Play energizes and enlivens people’s experience of nature

The child and the wizard went into the forest and listened with their hearts.

They heard the beautiful music that emanated from the forest - the sweet bird song, the whispers of the wind, they even heard the fairies giggling. They breathed in all the love and beauty, they smiled at each other, content and peaceful, at one with all creation.

After a while, the child looked up at the wizard and asked, "why do you walk with a limp?". 

“I am old and my legs are not as strong as they used to be." - replied the wizard.

The child jumped up and grabbed a nearby stick. He waved it back and forth in front of the wizard - "I will turn you into a frog so you can hop with me around the forest" - declared the child excitedly.

The old wizard smiled. He crouched down and let out the words..."rivet, rivet" and the child and the wizard hopped and jumped and skipped around the forest like wild frogs; and they laughed and played until the first star twinkled in the early evening sky ...

And the forest echoed with laughter once more...  

More wizard stories in the making!

"When absorbed in deep play, our sensory awareness is heightened. We become immersed in the present moment and feel intensely alert and alive. Because play is joyful and rewarding, we operate at the peak of our mental and physical capacity." - Richard Louv, (forward from Joseph Cornell’s book Nature Play)

Wishing you all a magical and playful weekend, with love and gratitude Marghanita x

Nature Art - A Friend to Play with Outdoors

I miss my students, both young and old. I miss their smiles, their joy and laughter. I miss holding their hands, greeting them with a hug. Looking into their eyes and feeling their spirit.

I was hesitant about virtual classes for my students for many reasons, the main one being unable to interact with them outdoors in nature, after-all, my classroom is outdoors all year round. However, I decided, if I can be outside and get them to participate outdoors too - it was worth a try. I wanted to keep the virtual one to one sessions short (30 mins) - I did not wish to add to their growing screen time, simple, fun and make them as interactive as possible from a distance.

Flower Power

Last week we were exploring plants, so this week we were continuing where we had left off. Flowers are fascinating to children and offer magical explorations with their varied color, shape, size, texture, not to mention the cool visitors that frequent the beautiful and enchanting perfumed flowers.

Today, in our one to one virtual session, we were exploring the flowers colors, texture, smell etc

When I turned on my computer I was greeted by a huge smile (from my special needs student - Elise), a familiar smile and it felt wonderful. I could have cried. I smiled so hard I thought my face might burst. I asked how she was - “I’m Good”, she replies and proceeded to tell me about the robins building nests in her garden with such excitement in her voice. The natural world thrills Elise, she is animated as she talks. We giggled a lot and shared stories.

Storytelling with Nature - Rainbow Flower

My students have made many little stick people over the years using natural materials found in nature such as foliage, mud, sticks and feathers etc, materials that allow the little stick being to stay outdoors and eventually be returned to Mother Earth.

Today however, I wished to share a little stick being that could last a lifetime. A little colorful friend for my students who are experiencing a very challenging time. I feel for them, how difficult it must be not to be able to play with their friends. I wanted to provide a playful character that not only was fun to make and play with; and a cool way for the students to explore the flowers outdoors but also an invitation to use the rainbow flower to express how they are feeling. Storytelling is a wonderful way for children to express their feelings both orally and through drawings and illustrations.

 This is a multi sensory experience involving clay work, hunting and gathering, exploring the natural world - inviting storytelling and playful adventures indoors and outdoors

Watch this short video

Exploring Flowers - Match the Colours

Elise loves rainbows and was so excited to make her colorful stick being.

This is just an example, a starting point. Inspiration and an invitation to create - Tyler may not want to make a flower and instead uses the clay and painted stones to make a rainbow dinosaur who loves to eat colorful plants or Lucy may be happy making her stick into a rainbow snake, simply painting her stick and slithering it among the flowers to match the colors. Very young ones will love just exploring the clay, poking with the sticks, squeezing with their hands, touching and smelling the flowers.

As soon as she attached her colourful clay head to her stick body, she announced that her rainbow flower was called Polkadot. She held her up and asked if I wanted to play hide and seek with our rainbow flowers - so we played and laughed so loud and played some more.

We shared a few more stories before we waved goodbye - she pressed her rainbow flower to the screen and made a big kiss sound with her lips…a goodbye kiss.

Exploring together, discovering the joy, excitement, and mystery of the natural world

Later that afternoon Elise went outdoors with her mother on an adventure - in search of plants with the same colors found on her rainbow flower.

Hunting for colours outdoors in nature, we get to experience the wonders of the natural world. Along the way, we might hear a bee, the birds singing, smell the blossoms, feel the wind in our hair or the rain tickle our cheeks. The earth below maybe wet and squelchy, dry and dusty. Snails may slither, worms wiggle, butterflies flutter from one flower to another.

Nature Play - Indoors and Outdoors

Having matched the colors outdoors, we can do the same indoors, only this time instead of plants we can search for anything with the same colors. There are so many learning possibilities that you can expand on with this one single little stick being.

Have fun creating, playing, exploring!

Nature art is for all ages, including Adults!!! Nature Art can be a pathway to health and happiness.

Wishing you all a beautiful and creative week, with love Marghanita x

If you would like to discover more about my Nature Art Programs, workshops and coaching - click here:

NATURE ART with Marghanita

Storytelling with Nature - Here is a little sketch of my stick people family - holding hands with my flower being, deeply rooted - we are one - we are part of nature.

FREE NATURE ART WORKSHOP AND PDF

FREE Nature Art Workshop

with Marghanita Hughes - BIRD SONG

These challenging times can seem quite overwhelming. It has been a time of mental stress and anxiety for many. 

One way to relieve some of the stress is to be creative. 

Self-care is vitally important and when we combine nature and art we get a double dose of very powerful natural medicine.

This week I have been focusing on the bird song.

"Once upon a time...there was the simple understanding that to sing at dawn and to sing at dusk was to heal the world through joy.

The birds still remember what we have forgotten, that the world is meant to be celebrated."

-Terry Tempest Williams

I love music, we all have our favorite music and bird song is one of my most favorite of all  - it lifts my spirit - the bird song speaks to my soul. Nature, even from a distance, can help nourish our body, mind, heart and spirit.

Nature Art is Nourishing and Healing

Today I am sharing a Free Workshop and PDF on how we can experience great joy through Nature Art. Download the FREE PDF and watch the video:

WATCH THE VIDEO

Free PDF to accompany this video is available here:

FREE PDF

The nature art workshops are based on the spirit of sharing and caring and connecting with our natural world. Our first session is celebrating our feathered friends and their song. In this unique session we will do a short meditation - awakening the senses, before playfully exploring bird song and what it means to us personally and collectively through expressive art.

Be Kind to Yourself - Make Time for Creativity

Nature Art I can be helpful for self-care, mental health and developing your creative process. Heart to heart - soul to soul.

“Kindness is defined by doing something towards yourself and others, motivated by genuine desire to make a positive difference.  We know from the research that kindness and our mental health are deeply connected. The research shows that kindness is an antidote to isolation and creates a sense of belonging. It helps reduce stress, brings a fresh perspective and deepens friendships. Kindness to ourselves can prevent shame from corroding our sense of identity and help boost our self-esteem.  Kindness can even improve feelings of confidence and optimism.” Mental Health Foundation 2020

Wishing you all a beautiful and creative weekend, know you are deeply love, Marghanita x

Staying Connected to Nature During Covid-19

Due to COVID-19 all of the in-person nature art therapy sessions were suspended in March and I was waiting to see if our sessions might be able to move to online sessions...which we did late last month. 

All of my nature classes are held outdoors, so I wanted to incorporate as many outdoor experiences as possible for my students yet keeping mindful of certain restrictions.

Nature Art Hunt

Last week I decided to invite my students on a Nature Art Hunt where they had to look for Nature Art I had made outdoors and hidden in locations that they frequented throughout the year during our one to one sessions. This way the students and myself were visiting "our" familiar nature space albeit not at the same time. 

For this particular session I decided to create 4 nature art pieces they could find easily. And invite the students to create their very own nature art from natural materials they could collect from that environment they were visiting. I made a short video and sent over instructions. 

Elise’s older sister reads the instructions while Elise studies the drawings

Being in nature decreases stress, relieves attention fatigue and increases creativity

These multi sensory experiences help nurture the whole child - body, mind, heart and spirit

A break away from the screens and the stagnant atmosphere of the indoors This simple nature art session is very therapeutic and provides an opportunity to: 

• Relax and enjoy the soothing rhythm of the lapping waves - time in nature reduces stress levels

• Feel the sunshine gifting warmth and Vitamin D which is important for bone growth, muscle function

• Playing wild and free on their own - before and after their Nature Art Hunt, they played without any agenda

• Excercise: walking to the location, hunting and gathering natural materials for their own creative adventures

• Challenging landscape is great for motoring skills - spacial awareness 

• Measuring distances, observing and reading maps and following instructions; journaling 

• Oodles of playful creativity, imagination and storytelling.

First on their Nature Art Hunt, they had to find a Mandala made from pebbles I had created on a large rock surface.

They were then invited to create their own rock art while down at the lake - Elise and her sister decided to create this beautiful love heart which I had the pleasure of finding yesterday when I returned to the location. Made my heart sing!

Making mandalas and rock art is a beautiful relaxing, meditative experience for all ages…what a joy it was to find their love heart!

Creating mandalas and rock art is a beautiful relaxing, meditative experience for all ages. At home the children are also invited to create a mandala from items found around their home…for example fruit skins - here I peeled a lemon, a lime and anorange then cut the skin into petals…Citrus oils are great for energising the brain….go on have a go

Not only do these mandalas look great they smell wonderful too!

Elise also had to find a pebble painted ladybug and a bee (that I had made) for their Nature Art Hunt; (the bee will lead us into our next session this week on plants and pollination). During the Nature Art Hunt, older students can record sightings of real bees and other insects in their nature journals.

Back at home, Elise made her very own bee and lady bug…look where she decided they should live for a while…snuggled up beside her tomato plant…how adorable!

Finally the fourth item on their Nature Art Hunt was the Rainbow Gnome made from driftwood. The rainbow gnome is the keeper of the treasured gemstones. He is quite small and very colourful. He loves the trees, especially the Ponderosa Pines. His favourite thing to do is climb the trees. 

Once they have found all the nature art they are invited to make up a story connecting all 4 items, the bee, ladybug, mandala and the rainbow gnome. They can tell the story orally or can share it through words and illustration or by acting it out as a short play...

Very grateful to Elise’s mother for recording their playful, creative adventures during and after their Nature Art Hunt

Nature play indoors and outdoors

Although I was not on the NATURE ART HUNT in person, I was with them in spirit. Being able to provide a session of sorts has gifted much joy and a feeling of normality during a very strange and bewildering time.

Children and nature were made for each other. I really hope you are all able to get outdoors and get a good healthy dose of VitaminN - our body, mind, heart and spirit need it more than ever.

Wishing you all a beautiful and creative weekend, with love and gratitude Marghanita x

Nature Art is a pathway to health and happiness - for more inspiring nature art adventures for children and adults - checkout my nature art programs here: NATURE ART

Nature is my Medicine

March 2020 was a challenging month, waves of heaviness and bewilderment at the uncertainty of it all, yet Mother Nature kept her promise of Spring and showered us with an abundance of new growth, new life...

and hope

My eyes are weary from the extra screen time, looking up from my computer, I gaze out the window...the Arrowleaf balsamroot cover the hillside. The waves of golden smiles invite me to come and play - how can one resist such a colourful invitation.

Time to take a break from Technology

Nature is forever inviting us to play, explore, create....to observe, listen or simply to sit in stillness

gifting harmony and balance back into our lives.

BC Health officials have said it’s fine to go outside as long as a distance of two metres is maintained between people at all times.

Morning

The early morning light in Spring creates a magical and enchanting atmosphere.Spider webs glisten with a hundred jewels. I stand barefoot under the arch of the most delicate white blossoms (the saskatoon), pure and innocent in appearance, the blossoms only last a few days before winds carry them off creating a new love song to fill the Spring air.

Below, deeply rooted next to my barefeet, the golden sunshine faces of the Arrowleaf balsamroot dance majestically - bursting with happiness. Their vibrant, silky flower heads are fully open and so too is my heart; open to receiving the warmth, the light, the energy of the early morning sunshine.

Afternoon

The light is less forgiving, a little harsh but the heat of the midday sunshine is delicous. Bees visit the golden globes of the dancing arrowrleaf and abundant dandelions. Hummingbirds dart back and forth among the ponderosa pines and the saskatoon. Robins are nest building, chickadees playfully chase each other, crows caw and flickers drum and the forest is alive with the sound of music.

My good friends the deer wander in, they are elegant and proud as they walk garcefully through the carpet of gold and emerald green. 

One is curious and comes a little closer. The deer are used to me being around.

I put my camera down to fully appreciate the presence of this beautiful wild animal. To be still, fully present in the moment.

I may have seen the deer a thousand times or more, yet each meeting is like the first, magical and enchanting. 

"It's being still so that the wonder of spirit can flow outward, so that the world touches me and I touch the world"

Richard Wagamees

I gaze into the eyes of this wise soul and my heart melts. Soul to soul. Sunbeams kiss my face, the wind, the flowers, the trees, the birds and bees in the distance become part of the poetry that envelopes my whole being. I breathe in all the beauty, the love, the light, the music and poetry and dance with Mother Earth. I become one with all creation. It is blissful. My heart is full, full of love and gratitude for this sacred day, a gift, a miracle...how precious.

Nourished, I head back indoors feeling calm and peaceful.

Evening

The light is very different. The wind is cooler yet still gentle, caresing the flowers and myself with whispers of love. 

I love this time of day when the light is softer, one last photograph of the golden blooms before they close and sleep under the starynight.

photo by David Hughes

photo by David Hughes

The evening sun will slowly slip behind the mountain and I know the deer will soon be heading back up the hill. Another opportunity to simply sit and be in the moment.

A moment to reflect and appreciate all of the days little miracles. 

All we have are Moments

Some of the greatest photographs are captured without the camera - thay are captured with the heart - heart to heart, soul to soul. These are the ones that can never be lost or forgotten. Taking time to open our hearts and touch nature and be touched by all of creation is nourishment for the whole being - the body, mind, heart and spirit, bringing harmony and balance back into our lives.

May you all be blessed with an abundance of moments with our Mother Earth and your loved ones as the month of May unfolds. If you are in lockdown and unable to get out into the wilds, remember, the wild is in you and even one single dandelion is an invitation to be touched by Mother Earth's love and beauty, touched by all creation.

With love and gratitude on this sacred new day, bless you all, Marghanta x

FREE Nature Art Online Workshop - BIRD SONG

Your Invited to Celebrate our Feathered Friends through playful Nature Art with Marghanita

A Free Online Nature Art Workshop on Tuesday 12th May 2020

Collective Nourishment

These interactive nature art workshops with Marghanita are  based on the spirit of sharing and caring and connecting with our natural world. Our first session is celebrating our feathered friends and their song. 

In this unique interactive one hour session we will do a short meditation - awakening the senses, before playfully exploring bird song and what it means to us personally and collectively through expressive art. The beautiful, peaceful - joy-filled energy we create will go out into the world. Heart to heart - soul to soul.

Creativity is ancient and part of what makes us human

What you seek is seeking you

Rekindling our sacred relationship with Mother Earth - Soul to Soul - Heart to Heart through Nature Art

This 1 hour session is all about the creative process - the flow of love.

You will require to register for this free session - see form below

PDF

May 12th 10am (Pacific Time) BC, Canada (please make sure to check your time zone - Australia will be a day ahead)

This workshop is for Adults

What you will need:

A large, quiet space to move around, with no interruptions

A computer with good Internet access 

Note pad or sketch pad or several single sheets of paper

A Large piece of paper/card - (the larger the better for movement)

Oil pastels or chalk pastels as I would like you to experience blending the colours- however, if you don't have pastels, water colour inks or wax crayons will do or even kids chalks..or something similar. (Coloured pencils could work too - we just wont be able to blend and smudge).

I look forward to sharing this beautiful creative play with you all, sending love on this sacred new day, Marghanita x

You will require to register for this free session

Tues 12th May Workshop is NOW FULL

you can register for the next free workshop

and you will be notified by email of the date and time

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We Are All Beautiful – The Power of Storytelling

I believe we are all storytellers and Mother Nature is the best storyteller of all.

Mother Nature is forever inviting us to play, explore, imagine and create.

It’s through nature play that I discover more about myself, the environment in which I live and it’s where stories find me.

WATCH THE VIDEO and find out how stories can find you

My greatest tool is my imagination

Your imagination is the key to unlocking the magical stories hidden in nature. Each leaf, pebble, fallen branch has a hidden story…There are certain leaves, pebbles, feathers, rocks that you are destined to find – they contain a hidden story that only YOU can unlock!

The debt we owe to the play of imagination is incalculable

Carl Jung

I have never had to go looking for stories, they always find me….here is a simple example.

Having been away for a few days I arrived back to find this potato on the counter-top had grown a tail, on closer inspection I saw two eyes, a snout and there he was, my little potato pig….which I have named Pablico.

The child within has never left me, I am still that curious 7 year old full of wonder and excitment at the unknown, wanting to play, explore, discover and create and learn.

PROCESS OVER PRODUCT 

It is the creative exploration, the process, the journey that really matters! Growing up I had the freedom to play, explore and create in nature every day. No one told me what I should play or what I should create. There were no rules, no judgement. My early childhood education was at home and I had the freedom to express myself creatively and believe every child should have that freedom, throughout their lives. It’s the journey that nurtures the heart and soul and creative intelligence. It’s wonderful to create a beautiful product but it is the process that gifts us the most joy. CLICK HERE to view a snapshot of my

Early Childhood Education

From the Earth

Holding Pablico in my hands, I am so mesmerised by his magnificent tail…beautiful purple hearts cascading from a vibrant green waterfall.

I am excited to draw Pablico, the first little sketch helps his story to unfold. I decide to give him extra long legs. With his magnificent tail and long legs he looks very different to all the other pigs. This is his story he wishes to share with others. It is okay to look different. 

We are all unique, we are all beautiful. It is our differences that make us unique.

“Our similarities bring us to a common ground; our differences allow us to be fascinated by each other”

– Tom Robbins

Here is a brief summary of Pablico’s story.

Pablico the pig had a very unusually tail – he had beautiful purple hearts sprouting from his tail and had very long legs almost as long as a giraffe. All the other pigs made fun of him. This made Pablico very sad.

One day locusts flew in and ate up all the ground food and the pigs began to get hungry. Pablico with his very long legs was able to reach the fruit trees and shouted to the other pigs, come and feast on the fruit as he dropped the fruit to the ground. The other pigs were delighted to have food and as they spend time with Pablico, they begin to feel his love radiate from his beautiful tail. They were amazed it had sprouted hearts. Pablico plucked a heart for each pig from his bushy tail and created a heart necklace for every pig, now you can feel my love always he declared. His love was so powerful, all the pigs wanted to play with him and share their love and that is why pigs are so happy and full of love….they celebrated Pablico’s tail and were forever grateful to his long legs.

What stories from nature will you unfold this week?

Have fun with your stories, with love and deep gratitude on this sacred new day, Happy Friday beautiful people, know you are deeply loved, peace Marghanita x

Nature Art is a pathway to health and happiness

The arts enrich every aspect of our lives..if you would like to learn more about our Nature Art Programs for children and adults please click on the link here:

NATURE ART ONLINE PROGRAMS

Nest Building

PLAY EXPLORE OBSERVE CREATE

Spring is in full swing - the outdoors is so ALIVE- bursting with activity- especially from our little feathered friends. This time of year always gets me so excited, so many opportunities for playful exploration - it takes me back to my own childhood. Playing, exploring and creating in nature with nature was a daily experience for me growing up. My early childhood education was at home until I was 5 and I had 3 amazing teachers, my Mother, Father and Mother Earth. Early Childhood Education: READ PDF HERE

NEST BUILDING

Bird Song fills the morning air as the birds hunt and gather materials for their nests.

Nest building is such a beautiful - playful and nurturing activity for children of all ages. Let the children choose whatever natural materials they would like to use for their nest, materials like grasses, small twigs, foliage etc.. Mud is wonderful for making nests,, however - if you can't get outdoors to access mud or earth, clay is fabulous too. If you don't have clay - you can use playdough, modelling clay or let the children make their own salt dough. How could we make a nest from these materials. How does the bird make its nest? It’s all about the journey - the creative exploration, hunting and gathering materials, playing with the materials, experimenting what works, what doesn’t work.

Elise made her little mountain blue birds out of modelling clay

Imagine

If you are stuck indoors or you don't have a garden and are unable to observe the birds in their natural environment, play some bird song music in the background. Bird song is cheerful and calming. Invite the child(ren) to gather some cushions, blankets, bedding, whatever they want and make a cosy nest together. Snuggle in and share stories about birds and how they make their nests. This is a very strange time for both children and adults right now and nest building brings comfort and a feeling of security.

What bird might they like to be? Let the children fly wild and free around the house...

Elise is a Chickadee and leads the way to the nests

Back in 2019 in our outdoor classroom we had oodles of fun playing around with the fallen pine-needles creating larger nests - sometimes eagles would arrive to rest in the large nests, sometime dinosaurs, even big friendly giants have enjoyed the children's nest creations.

We also weave nests using willow, weaving other natural materials into the creation, whatever natural items the child has gathered and chooses to use. There are no rules, no judgement - process over product.

Indoors - what could you use around the home? Strips of fabric, yarn/wool? What else? let your child have a hunt around the house to see what items they think would be good material to use to build their nest.

Play, explore create...Have fun nest building wherever you are!

Nature Play is a pathway to health and happiness. Play, keep playing and then play some more!

Here is a snap shot of my early childhood education - CLICK HERE

Finding a New Rhythm

Spring is in full swing here in the Okanagan and today's live entertainment was a performance from these striking percussionists - the Northern Flickers - truly a feast for the senses.

Nature is our Greatest Teacher

Mother Nature is forever speaking to us, sharing stories, offering guidance, nourishment, solace, not to mention inviting us to play, explore and create. I am so grateful to be able to witness life in it's truest and purest form. The flickers colourful drumming performance had my heart singing. As they flew gracefully through the Ponderosa Pines, down to the lake and back up into the garden at great speed, they had my spirit dancing too. Their energy, their excitement, their beauty and love filled me with energy, with love and gratitude and hope. And of-course I am inspired to paint that energy, that love and hope.

Flickers are members of the wood pecker family and woodpeckers can symbolize change coming to you - a new rhythm to embrace. 

We are all having to face changes in our lives, some of these changes causing great hardships. When we lost our home back in 2010 during the recession, I turned to my greatest teacher for healing, nourishment and guidance, Mother Earth. Nature has always been my medicine.

There are positives we can take from this difficult time, one positive for many of us, is the gift of having more time - an invitation to slow down. When we slow down, we awaken to the little miracles that are present in every day. The Flickers are a beautiful reminder of how we all have our own song, dance, drum beat and we too, can adapt to a new rrhythm a slower rrhythm one that allows the day to unfold organically where we get to witness all the little miracles unfolding before us.

As I sit and write this post, the Saskatoon's fresh vibrant green leaves dance majestically in the gentle breeze and I am excited, for I know that soon blossoms will bloom and I know that means the hummingbirds will arrive - gifting immense joy to all. This knowing gives me hope, for I can appreciate every unfolding of the Saskatoon's growth before the humming birds arrive. I also know that we will return to the sacred land and sing and dance among the trees and the birds once more..one day not too far away.

The Earth is not just our environment ~ We are the Earth and the Earth is us ~ We have always been One With the Earth 

Thich Nhat Hanh

For now, we can appreciate from a distance the beauty of the natural world unfolding and witness all the little miracles that are unfolding right before our eyes - Our loved ones smiles, laughter, tears, heartbeat.  Take your time to adapt to a new rhythm - like all things in nature nothing is rushed, be gentle on yourself. Keep well my beautiful friends, know you are deeply loved, peace Marghanita x

Play Explore Create Challenge

An invitation to Play, Explore and Create with Nature

I wish to share positivity, love and hope as we navigate our way through this unknown phenomena - here is a very simple, beautiful way to celebrate our inter-connectedness - our love, our joy, our hope, our relationship with each other and our relationship with the natural world. Not only does it give the artist immense joy during the creative process, when we share our nature art - we gift more joy to others - heart to heart soul to soul.

Social distancing doesn't mean we have to distance ourselves from nature - nature is a powerful medicine and it's FREE!  

Time in nature is therapeutic so too is being creative and when you combine both nature and art you receive a very powerful dose of natural medicine. Please note this PDF was created back in January before the Pandemic so when going outdoors please practice social distancing. If you are in lockdown and unable to get outdoors - let us play, explore create indoors. For those of you who can get outdoors - please be mindful and follow the correct protocal where you live - stay away from crowds and keep your social distancing.

Sharing our Nature Art gifts Joy - Heart to Heart

PDF HERE

Please note this PDF was created back in January before the Pandemic so when going outdoors please practice social distancing. If you are in lockdown and unable to get outdoors - let us play, explore create indoors. For those of you who can get outdoors - please be mindful and follow the correct protocal where you live - stay away from crowds and keep your social distancing.

Below is a beautiful sharing from Charlotte Allchin and her children - deeply moved by these beautiful creations - I so love daisies - pure, innocent love - thank you Charlotte.xx

I invite you to share nature art, nature stories, love and compassion...remembering our “Humanness”

Join us in play, explore create - both indoors and outdoors.

Download your FREE PDF here

Creative Nature Play Indoors

Nature doesn't have to be put on hold during this very strange and bewildering time - we can be playful and creative with nature indoors - we can and we must continue to nurture the child’s mind, body, heart and spirit.

We know that nature is therapeutic, so too is being creative - so when we combine both nature and art, the children receive a double dose of powerful natural medicine. 

In light of COVID-19, I am creating a short series of playful nature based art activities children can do indoors

In this first episode we go on a bug hunt indoors.

Watch Welcome - Intro Video

Click on the free PDF below to access how to listen to the storybook narrated by Hamish Clark and how to go about creating your very own nature bug hunt adventure.

CLICK HERE: FREE PDF

“Now more than ever, we need to practice using imaginative hope to think seriously about how to create a healthier, nature-rich, more equitable civilization in the years to come.” - Richard Louv

We need nature in our lives more than ever!

Let’s Go on a Bug Hunt Indoors!

Aiko - Beloved Child

Today I am working on completing my PDF for the Play and Create Outdoors Project which you are all invited to participate in.

Nature Nurtures Creativity

The project is all about getting children back into nature where their curiosity and imaginations can flourish. Today I was that child, playing underneath the ponderosa pine. I gathered a few pine cones, clay and some wool and created little Aiko. 

We are part of nature

The Japanese meaning of Aiko is beloved child - I felt this was the perfect name for this beautiful soul. Aiko is one of the little characters I am using to help promote the Play and Create Outdoor Project. 

Aiko - beloved child

I wanted to capture the innocence of a child, the purity, the love, the joy - I think I have captured that with Aiko

I hope to have the PDF ready to download early next week and hope you will all join in the fun of getting children back outdoors into the natural world.

We are all beautiful, unique, highly creative beings full of love - I just love how different we all are and yet part of one big family!

Daisy by Elise with Aiko

Here is one of my students beautiful creations - Daisy by Elise hanging out with Aiko - what adevntures will they get up to this weekend outdoors in nature? Our Lets go Play, Explore and Create Outdoors Project invites you to share your creative outdoor adventures with Daisy and Aiko - can’t wait to share the project with you next week.

Nature makes us Happier, Healthier and more Creative

Until then, wishing you all a beautiful weekend, know you are deeply loved, Marghanita x

NATURE PLAY FOR ADULTS TOO

I love the process of being curious. I am constantly exploring possibilities, looking at new ways to create through playful nature art. Some weeks ago I was sharing Kandinsky's wonderful artwork - circles within a circle - a starting point for some really cool creative exploration using circles and colours as our focus.

I love how one art form can lead you into another and then another and soon you are swept away on a most magical - soulful creative journey - gifting immense joy along the way.

I couldn't resist making a few little Kandinsky inspied aliens and planets for myself...I made several different sized willow wreaths then covered them in tissue paper - so much fun taking them outdoors to play with in the trees and long grasses. I think I will be inviting my adult students to have some fun with this too - seriously - are we allowed to have this much fun!!! Love love love my work, feeling really blessed

Happy Tuesday beautiful people - wishing you a happy, playful - creative week ahead, love Marghanita x

Creature in Hand - Curiosity and Compassion

We have had so much fun learning about the solar system through playful nature art these last few weeks.  I decided to share Kandinsky's wonderful  colour study using Concentric Circles - a circle within a circle as an example - inspiration - a starting point for our very own exploration of colour and circles in nature which led us beautifully to our solar system investigation.

Elise had an amazing time making her rocket from recycled materials and decorating it with a Kandinsky inspired cone roof . Her aliens, made from fallen branches and clay - were thrilled to be transported from one planet to another.

Yesterday, Elise was about to fill one of the paint lids with more paint when a little insect landed on it. We had just finished talking about how much the lid looked like the planet earth. The bug decided to take a walk around the lid - this made Elise giggle. 

As she observed the insect, the biggest smile grew across her face - "look Marghanita, he's walking around planet earth' - the insect proceeded to walk another lap around the earth, then another - "maybe he would like to visit another planet too" Elise said excitedly and ran off in the direction of the trees.

Creature in Hand

Elise returned with a small leaf, a remnant from Autumn - this could be its space rocket she declared and gently, very gently placed the bug onto the leaf and whisked him off to the chalk planet she had designed earlier, on one of the tree stumps seating. The insect crawled off the leaf and onto the planet - he seemed very happy indeed, so too did Elise. 

Curiosity, love and compassion

Elise was captivated and calmed by the energy of this sacred moment with the insect. A moment of wonder and awe. A moment of pure joy.

Time in nature is a magical time - a time of mystery and excitement, of questioning, sharing stories, learning and growing and forming deeper, meaningful relationships.

We Protect What We Love

Love and respect for the natural world can only happen when we make time to nurture our relationship with nature. As adults, we have a responsibility to help nurture the sacred relationship between the child and Mother Earth.

“If a child is to keep alive his inborn sense of wonder, he needs the companionship of at least one adult who can share it, rediscovering with him the joy, excitement, and mystery of the world we live in.”

- Rachel carson

Join our online program and community at Educating the Heart

Reconnecting the Child’s Heart to Mother Earth’s Heart

The Importance of Play

Be the change you wish to see in the world

“The world has changed and we are in danger of leaving our great great grandchildren no hope. We have almost destroyed childhood, we have almost destroyed nature . We have created technology that dilutes the reality of war both through watching bombing on TV and bombing and killing in computer games. Neutralising our senses and allowing us to believe that refugees are either terrorists or scroungers. 

Growing up is now a pressure point on children - achieving not discovering - and the outcome becomes clearer and clearer - three year olds self harming - obesity becoming the norm - social interaction being eroded - and reading to children disappearing. 
We have to reverse this - some of us are trying...” - Tom Shea

I have known Tom Shea for several years now and had the privilege of spending a playful time with Tom and other like-minded souls during Play Iceland last year. Play Iceland is an organic entity increasingly committed to bringing together excellence in practice, knowledge and the passion to want to grow a movement that will test and challenge the absurdity of putting children into education at a younger and younger age. 

Tom is an extraordinary man with a great vision. He is one of those beautiful authentic souls who’s compassion for all life is evident in everything he does. He is a constant inspiration and what I love most abut Tom is his ability to imagine anything is possible and takes action to make the impossible - possible. I too am a dreamer and a firm believer that anything is possible and I truly believe we can and we must take action to make the world a better place for our children, grandchildren and our beautiful ever-gving planet earth .

Be the change you wish to see in the world

Please take time to watch and reflect on this short film Tom Shea commissioned to help raise awareness of the Importnace of Play.

Played from Lastwood Media on Vimeo.

Beautiful film work by David Hughes

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My Early Childhood Education

PLAY EXPLORE CREATE

I got to play all day, every day. Sometime I played with my teachers but most of the time I played with my brothers and friends. We made up our own games and solved our own problems and built many different structures out of old scraps of wood, ladders, tires -anything that was available.

Creativity blooms in the soil of freedom

Here I share a short excerpt from my early childhood education - click here:

My Early Childhood Education

What we experience as a child establishes deep rooted connections that influence our development and what we might become

So our “early childhood education” built and formed loving relationships that have lasted throughout our lifetime. An unconditional Love - a deep love for ourselves and each other; for the natural world and all its inhabitants; And a love of the Arts.

My early childhood education set me up for life. That strong foundation helped me navigate through the hardships and difficulties I faced later both in school and growing up through the stages in life. Nature and the arts are part of me - how could they not. Today nature and the arts play a fundamental role in my work with both children and adults and the way in which I live my life.

Today I am still that child - playful, curious, full of love and wonder and a passion to share what it means to be human