Outdoor Arts and Crafts Ideas
With spring being near, the time for outdoor activities also approaches. If you could use a break from staying indoors, it is finally possible to spend some quality time outside. One of my favourite things to do when that happens is take a blanket and sit outside in the sun. Simply lying on the grass, with or without a book in my hands, is one of the most relaxing activities for me. Picnics are always a good idea too, and adding a calming but creative activity to a picnic can make it even better. You can either search for leftover art materials at home that are waiting to be put to use or take a stroll to the art store and pick out a fun kit.
Here are a few ideas that can “spice up” a regular picnic.
Oil or Water Painting
Starting with some classic painting, there’s not much room for error here. All you need is some sort of canvas (a notebook can also work) and some sort of paint (oil, water, etc.).
Even if painting is not something you do regularly, the process can still be fun. Pick out a good inspiration photo, or let yourself get inspired by the surrounding nature! Painting portraits of each other is also a good idea, though it comes with the risk of the portraits turning out more hilarious than realistic.
Alternative if painting is not for you: Gather some flowers, dip them in paint and press them lightly on a canvas. This way, colourful prints can be made and you are still using all of the materials for painting.
Cyanotype prints
With more and more flowers blooming, the conditions for cyanotype prints are perfect. Find a good nature-y spot for your picnic, preferably in a park. Then, gather whatever flowers and plants catch your attention and turn them into a beautiful blue print. Apart from the plants, everything that you need is included in the kit (which can be found in most art stores).
Note: The kit requires mixing some of the ingredients beforehand, so be sure to do a little bit of preparation the day before.
Glass painting
Another solid choice is painting on mugs or glasses. Paint for glass or ceramics is not too hard to come across, and just like the cyanotype kit, it can be found in most art stores. Sometimes the kit comes with glasses too, but you can always pick them out yourself. Whether you want to paint some wine glasses or coffee mugs, there is paint of all kinds! This, like all the other activities, can get somewhat messy, so be prepared with some wet tissues.
Bonus
And for those in the midst of doing important work, perhaps an honours thesis, there is one other “craft” for you. I call it a craft, but it is essentially working but made aesthetic. Get some food and sit outside in the sun while you work!
Article By: Mihaela Mironova (PubliCie Committee)
