New Hobbies We're Trying this Year

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      An interesting outcome of people staying at home so much last year was that many people found or rediscovered hobbies and activities to educate and entertain themselves and their children.  Baking, needlework,  game playing and drive-in movies have all surged in popularity.  With the vaccine out and becoming more available, there is hope that we will be able to venture out of our bubbles a little bit, and perhaps try even more new hobbies and activities that will help us grow our minds and talents and add variety to our lives! 

     The girls and I have discussed what we are interested in trying this coming year.  I thought I would share some of the things on our lists with you and give you some ideas of new  activities that you might like to try.  In turn, we hope you will mention some fun hobbies that you are thinking of trying down in the comments! 

Helen:

Resin:  This past fall, we hosted a virtual craft show on Facebook!  We had some awesome vendors, one, her Etsy shop is ResidualResin,  makes jewelry and art pieces from resin (obviously).  I had worked with resin once many years ago.  Seeing the things done with it today have put a bug in me to try it again.  I have begun searching for supplies and I have found this great beginners kit on Amazon that comes with everything you need to give this craft a try! It has molds that would be great for jewelry pieces.  Then, I found this set of molds for making boxes!  If I get good enough, these would make great gifts.  I've even seen methods for making my own molds!  I'm excited about this! I can't wait to share it with you when I get started. 

Lindsey:

Writing:  Lindsey is very interested in writing.  She is very good at it already and she is considering taking a MasterClass to help her hone her skills. MasterClass costs $15 per month and there are tons of topics covered and taught by professionals in the field.  For example, you can take a writing class taught by Judy Blume or James Patterson, just to name a couple of the choices. 
     Another alternative is Skill Share, a site that offers tons of online classes in many subjects! They have a special offer going on right now that makes one year of classes only $5.77 per month!  That is a smokin' deal for access to so many classes!  Also, if you are an expert at something that you can teach others, you can create a class offering and make some money on Skill Share.  For example, my SIL, who is a sound engineer for a major animation company, teaches an awesome class on how to make your YouTube videos, vlogs, etc. have better sound in simple and free ways!  It is definitely worth checking it out! 
     One way to improve your writing is to journal.  All of us want to get back to journaling for many reasons.  Alicia has provided us with some great reasons to journal and some awesome prompts in a free printable to keep us writing! Click here to get your free printable. 

Ballet:  This is actually for my granddaughter, not Lindsey.  But, since Lindsey is back to working from home, she found her 3 year old an online ballet class for 3 & 4 year olds on Outschool.com.  This is a great source for kids to get live, online courses for things they may be interested in.  Besides ballet, there are classes for painting, photography, guitar, coding, voice...the list goes on and on.  This is another site where you can apply to teach if you have an area of expertise.  You set your own price.  I know Emily is going to have so much fun!  

alicia:

     Alicia has clear ideas about what she wants to do this year and she is very ambitious! 

Water Coloring:  Alicia has this book that she wants to use to help her improve her water coloring skills.  When she is finished, I may have to borrow it from her! The books says you will become a water color artist in 30 days if you follow the lessons daily.  Alicia already has had some experience with water color.  You can check out this idea on this past post that she shared about a water color party! 

Crocheting:  Alicia already knows how to crochet somewhat, but she wants to improve her skills.  We did produce a video together once where I teach you how to crochet a baby's knit hat.   But, if you are an absolute beginner, here is a book to get you started. 

PIckleball:  I hadn't heard of pickleball, but after Alicia told me about it, I looked it up and it looks like a lot of fun! It is a sport played with a paddle using a ball like a wiffle ball.  The game is a mash up of ping pong, tennis and badminton.  You can go tothis website to find out more about the game from the creators of it!  Also, search the web for pickleball courts near you. 

Madalynn:

Clay:  Funny story-as we talked about what we would like to do, Maddy mentioned working with clay.  I replied that I had always wanted to try throwing a pot but never had done it.  Alicia remembered that in high school she had taken a design class that usually offered pot throwing but the semester she took it, they didn't do it.  She was disappointed. Then, Lindsey said, "Well I have that potter's wheel if anyone wants to try it."  What!  You have a potter's wheel?  Why didn't I know this?  She proceeds to remind Madalynn that she bought it for her from a thrift store once upon a time!  Wow!  I think that we are all going to be using that thing! I have already searched the web for classes in our area as well as places to get your things fired once they are formed. 

Yoga:  Healthy habits.  'nuf said.

     Okay!  So those are our first thoughts at the beginning of this year!  I'm sure we will have many more as the year progresses.  Be sure to tell us about the hobbies and activities you plan to try or revisit this year! 
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       If you enjoyed these ideas, you may enjoy some others that we have covered before this:

• ​Disney Glass Etching
• Science, Art and Sewing, an Integrated Lesson
• Wood Burning Garden Markers
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