From Weeds to Wishes-Dig Into 3 Easy Dandelion Crafts: Hello gardeners! When you come across a field full of dandelions, do you see them as weeds or as wishes? Gardener Kelsey sees unlimited creative craft possibilities and today she is here to show us three simple and enjoyable dandelion crafts that gardeners of all ages can enjoy at home or in school! Scroll down to watch Gardener Kelsey's brand new video & to collect your Gardening Tool Badges for these activities! DIY Dandelion Wreath: Use a wire hanger as your frame and string along dandelion heads! You can bend the hanger in any shape you like-a circle, heart triangle or square. Like magic, the heads will poof overnight. These would make for beautiful decorations at an enchanted garden party! Dandelion Painting: Grab some yellow dandelion heads in a bowl, add a little bit of water and gently mash them to create a magical dandelion ink to use for painting! Gardener's Dandelion Wish Jar Dandelions, with their delicate petals and whimsical nature, have long been associated with wishes and dreams. To create a dandelion wish jar is to capture a moment of hope and positivity, preserving it within a glass vessel as a reminder to always believe in the power of your dreams. Gently pluck a dandelion from a field, taking care to keep its fluffy seed head intact. Place the dandelion carefully inside a small glass jar, watching as its ethereal beauty is encased in a world of its own. Seal the jar tight, protecting the dandelion and its wishes from the outside world. Whenever you gaze upon your dandelion wish jar, let it remind you to wish big, to dream boldly, and to always keep a positive outlook on life. Fun Gardener Facts About Dandelions: Dandelions are a type of flowering plant that belong to the Asteraceae family. They are known for their bright yellow flowers that turn into fluffy white seed heads. Dandelions are considered a weed by many gardeners but are also used in herbal medicine and cooking. The entire dandelion plant is edible, from the flowers to the roots. Dandelion leaves are rich in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as calcium, iron, and potassium. The name "dandelion" comes from the French phrase "dent de lion," which means lion's tooth, referring to the serrated leaves of the plant. Dandelion seeds are dispersed by the wind, with each seed having its own parachute-like structure to help it travel far distances. Dandelions have a long taproot that can reach deep into the ground, making them resilient and difficult to remove completely. Bees and other pollinators are attracted to dandelion flowers for their nectar and pollen, making them an important food source for these insects. Hey gardeners, did you make any dandelion crafts, or make a wish on a dandelion? If so, congratulations, you can collect the 'Weeds to Wishes' Gardening Tool Badge'! --> Click the badge to download a pdf sticker for your Gardening Tool Badge Collector Sheet! Discover the magic of dandelions with 3 easy crafts! From Weeds to Wishes-Dig Into 3 Easy Dandelion Crafts and unleash your creativity today!

Homemade With Love-Mother's Day Gift Ideas : Mother’s Day is this weekend, gardeners! Today, let's explore heartfelt homemade gifts to create for this special occasion. Homemade gifts hold extra sentiment and are incredibly meaningful. Express your love this Mother’s Day with a homemade gift. Below are some of our favorite craft ideas that are perfect for the occasion. Thumbprint Pots :Add a delightful and  decorative touch to your pots by embellishing them with painted thumbprint designs of garden critters to welcome spring. This delightful and engaging craft of DIY Thumbprint Pots allows you to add a personal and creative flair to your potted plants. Decorative Birdhouse: DIY Decorative Birdhouses is a great way to spend quality time with kids while also promoting creativity, teamwork, and self-esteem. Faux Stained Glass: Unleash creativity with our step-by-step guide for a DIY Faux Stained Glass Craft. Perfect for kids, this colorful project promotes skill-building and bonding. 4. Painted Mandala Stones: Mandala stones are a beautiful art form that involves painting smooth river rocks with intricate patterns of dots. 5. DIY Shrinky Dink Keychains: Shrinkable plastic is a wonderful craft medium. Encourage your creativity with a variety of design options with an array of cool designs to color, bake, and shrink... gardeners can let their imaginations run wild! 6. 5 Minute Flower Bookmarks:  This fun and quick craft is great for gardeners of all ages and they make the perfect gifts to give and to get. 7. Felt Flowers: The wonderful thing about this craft is your beautiful bouquet will be everlasting and very minimal materials are required. 8. Hammered Flower Prints: This craft is easy enough for toddlers but fun for gardeners of all ages. The best part is you can frame your art or turn them into heartfelt greeting cards. Indulge in a foxtastic breakfast surprise with Cinnamon Roll Foxies this Mother's Day. Click Here to get the step-by-step instructions! Get inspired to celebrate Mother's Day with heartfelt homemade gifts! Check out our favorite craft ideas perfect for the occasion at Homemade With Love-Mother's Day Gift Ideas.

Shorting Out? Reconnect With Screen Free Connections : Hello gardeners! Have you ever felt overwhelmed by constant technological disruptions, excessive social media use, and an overall abundance of fast paced information, making it difficult to focus and connect without screens? This overload is what we refer to as "Shorting Out" and it can happen to gardeners of all ages. As gardeners, it is important we recognize when we are spending  too much time on screens and look for opportunities to take breaks to unplug and disconnect. Today, we are excited to share some useful tips to help you reconnect and engage in screen free connections. In a world where screens are everywhere, and technology is moving at such a fast pace, it is essential for both children and adults to be mindful and explore ways to disconnect and participate in screen free activities. Here are some useful tips to help gardeners of all ages put down the screens and engage in more offline connections: Set designated screen-free times: Establish specific times during the day or week where screens are off-limits. This could be during meals, after school, before bedtime, or for a few hours on weekends. Plan fun activities: Create a list of screen-free activities that you and your family enjoy, such as going for a nature walk, playing board games, doing arts and crafts, or cooking a meal together. Lead by example: Show children the importance of taking breaks from screens by setting a positive example. Engage in screen-free activities yourself and encourage your kids to join you. Create a screen-free zone: Designate certain areas in your home or classroom, as screen-free zones. This will help promote more face-to-face interaction and bonding. Explore new hobbies: Explore new activities and interests that don't involve screens. This could be learning a musical instrument, hiking, gardening, or trying out a new sport. In today's world, screen-free activities are needed now more than ever. Recent statistics indicate that both children and adults struggle to concentrate on tasks and face frequent disruptions. Engaging in screen-free activities can be a refreshing and beneficial way to improve focus and overall wellness. Disconnecting from electronic devices allows us to be more present in the moment and can reduce stress levels. Activities such as reading a book, going for a nature walk, practicing mindfulness, or engaging in a creative hobby like painting or crafting, can provide a much-needed break from the constant digital overload that surround us. By incorporating screen-free time into our daily routines, gardeners of all ages can cultivate a sense of balance and inner peace amidst the fast-paced world we live in. By incorporating some of these tips into your daily routine, you can help foster a healthier balance between screen time and screen-free activities for gardeners of all ages. Enjoy the benefits of being more present and engaged in the offline world! Hey gardeners, did you do disconnect and engage in some screen free activities? If so, congratulations, you just earned yourself the 'Screen Free Activities' Gardening Tool Badge'! --> Click the badge to download a pdf sticker for your Gardening Tool Badge Collector Sheet! Feeling overwhelmed by screens? Learn to unplug and engage in screen-free activities with tips from our blog post 'Shorting Out? Reconnect With Screen Free Connections' and find balance in a fast paced, digital world.

Hello gardeners! We are thrilled to announce that our calendar for the 2024/2025 school year is now officially open for bookings. Early fall presents a great opportunity to sow the seeds of You Are a Gardener® at your school, setting a positive and empowering tone for the academic year. Cultivate values of kindness, empathy, inclusivity, confidence, and resilience among your students, staff, and families. We are now booking the 2024 - 2025 school year, secure your spot today! EMAIL US AT: FLOWERS@YOUAREAGARDENER.COM Now Available for Booking 24/25 School Year: In-Person #PullYourWeeds® Student Assemblies: We recommend scheduling multiple assemblies throughout the year to help the program flourish. One-Click SEL #PullYourWeeds® Extension For Teachers: Get quick access to activities, tools, exercises, visual aids, morning meetings, games, and more to support your weekly/monthly SEL needs, all rooted in the You Are a Gardener® mindset. Family Workshops: Choose from In-Person, Virtual, or Pre-recorded presentations on simple ways to effectively integrate the You Are a Gardener® mindset at home. Our programs are rooted in empowering individuals of all ages as "gardeners," equipping them with the language, mindset, resources and tools to nurture a future generation of emotionally empowered gardeners. We have a limited number of slots available for a select amount of schools each season. Secure your spot on our schedule today! Email us at flowers@youareagardener.com READ MORE GARDENER REVIEWS --> CLICK HERE "You Are a Gardener is an excellent program with a very strong message for students. Its creator, Shanna Truffini, is a pleasure to work with! She has developed a truly inspirational program around her children's book that covers any topic or activity that an educator could think of. If you work with her and this program, you will have everything you need. Shanna is passionate about her work and her message, and as a result, she is constantly updating and adding to her material. Furthermore, Shanna is very professional – she is prompt, responsive, and organized – and she knows how to adapt her message to all age levels. I highly recommend Shanna and the You Are a Gardener program!" -Stacie Paruta, SEL Team Washington Township School District-April 2024 READ OUR SCHOOL SPOTLIGHT ON THE WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP SCHOOL DISTRICT...CLICK HERE! We are now booking the 2024 - 2025 school year, secure your spot today! Secure your spot on our 2024/2025 school year schedule and cultivate kindness, inclusivity, and resilience among students, staff, and families.

Hello Gardeners! Today, Gardener Kelsey is creating a delightful and foxtastic breakfast surprise by crafting fox-inspired cinnamon rolls resembling Foxie from our book. Check out her brand new video to see how she turns ordinary cinnamon rolls into a foxtastic treat! All you need is a can of can of store bought cinnamon rolls, white icing, yellow & red food coloring, chocolate chips and sprinkles (optional). Watch the video for step-by-step instructions! 👩‍🍳The act of baking can be a therapeutic and calming experience, which makes it a wonderful Gardening Tool for gardeners of all ages.  It allows gardeners  to focus our minds on the task at hand and find joy in creating something delicious. 🧑🏽‍🍳Baking can also serve as a social activity, bringing gardeners of all ages together to share in the process of creating and enjoying homemade treats. Whether it's baking with family members, friends, or even participating in baking classes or workshops, the shared experience of creating something delicious can foster a sense of connection and camaraderie. 👩🏾‍🍳The benefits of baking extend beyond the final product – it's about the journey, the process, and the positive impact it can have on our mental and emotional well-being. So gardeners, the next time you're feeling stuck in the weeds(stressed),  or looking for a fun activity to do with loved ones, consider trying your hand at making Gardener Kelsey’s Cinnamon Roll Foxies! Gardener Kelsey's Tip On Trying New Gardening Tools: “Sometimes as you explore a new Gardening Tool - it doesn’t always turn out the way you envisioned it.  As I was creating these cinnamon roll Foxies, I started to get overwhelmed! The dough wasn’t initially shaping into a fox face the way I imagined it and the icing wasn’t getting as orange as I’d hoped.  I was debating giving up and stopping the project, but as a gardener, I started to dig in and I kept on 'growing'! I began to add the little mini chocolate chips for eyes….and then I saw it! The idea was coming together.  The cinnamon rolls started to look more and more like Foxie!  Are they how I thought they would look? No. Are they perfect? No. Gardening Tools don't have to have a perfect outcome.  They can simply just be an hour of time where you are focused on creating, listening to good music, and sneaking a bit of icing here and there. They are rooted in taking your mind off your weeds to help you feel calm and confident. So gardeners, this is a reminder to try new Gardening Tools - even if you are unsure if you’ll be good at them! Hey gardeners, did you make Gardener Kelsey's Cinnamon Roll Foxies? If so, congratulations, you just earned yourself the 'Cinnamon Roll Foxies' Gardening Tool Badge'! --> Click the badge to download a pdf sticker for your Gardening Tool Badge Collector Sheet! Indulge in a foxtastic breakfast surprise with Cinnamon Roll Foxies! Join Gardener Kelsey as she transforms ordinary rolls into delightful fox-inspired treats.

Hello gardeners! Have you ever experienced those overwhelming days or weeks when you find yourself caught up in your stress and worries, and having a hard time getting back to your happy thoughts, joyful feelings, and gratitude? We call this getting "stuck in the weeds," and it can affect gardeners of all ages. Today, we're sharing a Grab-n-Go Gratitude Gardening Tool that can quickly help pull you out of the weeds and back to nurturing your flowers (your positive thoughts and emotions). Scroll down for our Grab-n-Go Gratitude List & scroll all the way down to collect your Gardening Tool Badge for this exercise! Practicing gratitude exercises can quickly help gardeners shift our focus away from  our stress and help bring us back to the present moment. This helps redirect our negative thoughts towards a more positive outlook. It is beneficial for gardeners of all ages to  be consistent with practicing gratitude exercises , as practicing gratitude daily can enhance our overall mental well-being. Consistency is key, and the more we engage in this practice, the greater the benefits we will experience. >> Click on the Grab-n-Go Gratitude poster to download the pdf printable for your home or classroom! Grab-n-Go Gratitude Gardening Tool: The next time you get stuck in the weeds, take a moment to reflect on three things you are grateful for in your life. It could be something as small as a beautiful sunrise, a kind gesture from a friend, or a delicious meal you enjoyed. Focusing on these moments of gratitude can help shift your mindset off of your weeds and bring a sense of peace & positivity to your day. Coming up with things to be grateful for on the spot can sometimes be overwhelming. Here is a list of Grab-n-Go Gratitude to help gardeners of all ages. Family members who love and support us unconditionally. Friends who bring laughter and joy into our lives. Teachers/Coaches who inspire us and encourage us to learn and grow. A cozy bed to sleep in at night and a roof over our heads. Good health that allows them us to feel good, learn, play, and explore the world. Delicious meals that nourish our bodies and keep us energized. Opportunities to learn new things and discover our passions. Beautiful nature that surrounds us and offers endless wonders to explore. Creativity that allows us to express ourselves through art, music, and play. Kindness from others that reminds us of the goodness in the world. Grab this 'Gardening Tool' whenever you feel overwhelmed, angry, sad, scared, mad and you will find yourself feeling more centered and at ease in no time! "Gratitude is the sun that nourishes our soul, the rain that replenishes our spirit, and the soil in which kindness and joy can bloom. You are a gardener." Gardener's Tip: While practicing gratitude, sometimes our minds can wander back to the weeds. When this happens grab some more gratitude and switch your thoughts back to things you are grateful. The more you practice, the more you grow! Practicing gratitude can help gardeners of all ages cultivate a positive mindset and appreciate the abundance of blessings and ‘flowers’ in our lives. Dig a little deeper into spreading seeds of kindness, empathy, compassion & gratitude by booking school assemblies for your school! Click Here > Hey gardeners, did you practice our Grab-n-Go Gratitude Exercise? If so, congratulations, you just earned yourself the 'Grab-n-Go Gratitude' Gardening Tool Badge'! --> Click the badge to download a pdf sticker for your Gardening Tool Badge Collector Sheet! Unearth the power of gratitude with our Grab-n-Go Gratitude Gardening Tool! Shift your focus and nurture positivity with daily gratitude exercises.

Who is a gardener? You are a gardener! We all nurture beautiful gardens within ourselves, blooming with flowers of love, joy, gratitude, and peace. Our unique gifts and talents are growing within us, ready to flourish in the world. Just like in a garden, we need to identify and address our weeds, our stresses and worries in efforts to thrive. By reaching out to and talking to trusted sources, and using healthy gardening tools, we can feel empowered, inspired, confident and calm. As gardeners, we hold the power to sow seeds of positive change and unite in this shared, magnificent garden. Soooo.... when you wonder who is a gardener? It's you! Here are some of our favorite Gardening Tools to help gardeners of all ages turn their weeds into seeds: Deep Breathing: Encouraging slow, deep breaths helps to calm our minds and bodies during moments of stress. Mindfulness Activities: Staying present and focusing on the current moment through activities like mindful coloring, journaling, or listening to calming music helps us keep our minds off our weeds. Positive Affirmations: Practicing positive self-talk and affirmations boosts our self-esteem and confidence. Physical Exercise: Engaging in fun physical activities like dancing, yoga, or playing sports helps to release pent-up energy and reduce stress. Creative Outlets: Providing opportunities to express ourselves through art, writing, or music is a wonderful way to process our emotions. Seeking Support: Talking to a trusted sources such as family, counselors, or friends can is extremely important when we are feeling overwhelmed or struggling. Remember, every gardener is unique, so it's important to explore different Gardening Tools aka coping strategies to find what works best for you. Keep your lines of communication open, and seek support as you learn to ‘pull your weeds’, build emotional resilience and plant the seeds of positive change along the way. Uncover the gardener within! Nurture your inner garden with love, joy, and resilience. Explore essential Gardening Tools for kids and adults alike. Who is a gardener? You are a gardener!

The Ultimate Guide to Making Your Own Fairy Garden Hello Gardeners! Last week, Gardener Kelsey participated in a Fairy Garden class at Graf’s Growers in Akron, OH, accompanied by her 'little sister' from the Big Brothers Big Sisters® Program where she volunteers. She was looking for a fun, creative, hands-on way to dig into some fresh plants and embrace the arrival of spring. For those of you gardeners who are new to Fairy Gardens, a fairy garden is a miniature garden usually created in a potted plant or outdoor space, designed to evoke a whimsical and magical atmosphere reminiscent of a fairy tale. These gardens typically feature tiny plants, miniature accessories, and decorative elements such as miniature houses, fairy figurines, tiny furniture, pathways, bridges, and other whimsical decorations.  They can be as simple or elaborate as desired, and are popular among gardeners of all ages as a creative and imaginative gardening hobby. <> For those of you gardeners who are new to Fairy Gardens, a fairy garden is a miniature garden usually created in a potted plant or outdoor space, designed to evoke a whimsical and magical atmosphere reminiscent of a fairy tale. These gardens typically feature tiny plants, miniature accessories, and decorative elements such as miniature houses, fairy figurines, tiny furniture, pathways, bridges, and other whimsical decorations.  They can be as simple or elaborate as desired, and are popular among gardeners of all ages as a creative and imaginative gardening hobby. Today, Gardener Kelsey will share some of the knowledge she gained from her class and guide us in crafting our very own Fairy Gardens. What's delightful about these enchanting displays is that you can utilize an indoor potted plant or fashion a fairyland in your backyard. Gardener Kelsey's Tip: When designing Flowerpot Fairy Gardens, incorporate pathways and cozy corners to enhance the realism of the miniature elements. Gardener Kelsey at her Fairy Garden class at Graf’s Growers in Akron, OH Exploring the Relaxing and Beneficial Aspects of Creating a Fairy Garden for Emotional and Social Growth For Gardeners of All Ages: 🧚🏻‍♀️ Creating a fairy garden can be a delightful and therapeutic experience that nurtures both emotional and social well-being. The act of designing and tending to a miniature fairy world can be incredibly relaxing, allowing one to immerse themselves in a world of imagination and creativity. This creative outlet can serve as a form of self-expression, providing a sense of accomplishment and pride as the garden comes to life. 🧚🏽 Engaging in the process of building a fairy garden can also be a wonderful opportunity for social connection. Whether it's collaborating with classmates, friends or family members to design the garden together, sharing ideas with fellow fairy garden enthusiasts online, or even just discussing your creation with others, creating a fairy garden can foster a sense of community and belonging. 🧚🏿‍♂️ In addition to the personal enjoyment it brings, a fairy garden can also be a conversation starter and a source of joy for others who see it. The whimsical charm of a fairy garden can spark curiosity and wonder, opening the door to meaningful interactions and connections with those around you. Spreading seeds of creativity...Making a fairy garden is not just about creating a beautiful miniature world – it's about cultivating a sense of peace, joy, and connection that can have a positive impact on both your emotional well-being and your social relationships. Hey gardeners, did you make your very own Fairy Garden? If so, congratulations, you just earned yourself the 'Fairy Garden' Gardening Tool Badge'! --> Click the badge to download a pdf sticker for your Gardening Tool Badge Collector Sheet! Unleash your creativity gardeners and make your own enchanting fairy garden today! Dive into this ultimate guide to learn 'How to making your own fairy garden' and sprinkle some enchantment.

School Spotlight: Washington Township School District: A special gardener collaboration began when the talented Stacie Paruta of the Social Emotional Learning (SEL) Team at Washington Township School District reached out to our Gardening Team at the start of this school year. Their district was looking to introduce a positive, empowering and insping SEL program to the students, staff and families of their Brass Castle and Port Colden elementary schools. Our journey together started in January with a presentation of our One-Click #PullYourWeeds® SEL Educator extension to their SEL Team to share with their teachers, offering tools for seamless SEL implementation in classrooms. The program included mindfulness activities, grounding exercises, classroom tools, activity sheets, and more, all centered around the You Are a Gardener® vocabulary and mindset. You Are a Gardener is an excellent program with a very strong message for students. Its creator, Shanna Truffini, is a pleasure to work with! She has developed a truly inspirational program around her children's book that covers any topic or activity that an educator could think of. If you work with her and this program, you will have everything you need. Shanna is passionate about her work and her message, and as a result, she is constantly updating and adding to her material. Furthermore, Shanna is very professional – she is prompt, responsive, and organized – and she knows how to adapt her message to all age levels. I highly recommend Shanna and the You Are a Gardener program!" ~ -Stacie Paruta SEL Team Washington Township School District By early February, as we engaged with students in both schools at our first in-person #PullYourWeeds® Assembly, a strong gardener foundation had already been established. Our first assembly garnered great success, with their 500 students from kindergarten to 6th grade earning 5 Gardening Tool Badges. In March, we extended our SEL program to families with an in-person presentation, demonstrating how they could easily implement the You Are a Gardener® mindset at home. Maintaining open communication among students, teachers, and families is extremely beneficial to the program's success and empowering children. Our final program with the Washington Township School District concluded last week,  with a Gardener Culmination assembly in both of their schools. Our final #PullYourWeeds® Assembly featured a gardener’s mindset recap, a gratitude gardening tool, pulling the weeds of unkindness, core gardener values, fun and free ways to keep the program growing this summer, and concluded with a delightful guided drawing of our mascot, Foxie with our illustrator. The students and schools were recognized for their growth this year with oversized Certificates of Accomplishment, showcasing their tremendous efforts for digging into our programs. READ MORE REVIEWS OF OUR SCHOOL ASSEMBLIES & SEL PROGRAMS FOR TEACHERS HERE The enthusiasm of students and the dedicated and compassionate staff at schools such as the Washington Township School District exemplify the positive influence schools can have on communities and the world. We are excited to be a part of its continued growth! Washington Township School District, you are gardeners! Thank you for this amazing journey. Read more about our experience with the students, staff and families of the Washington Township School District...click here! GET YOUR SCHOOL ON OUR SCHEDULE! School Spotlight: Washington Township School District:

Building Your Emotional Toolkit : The Essential Gardening Tools for Positive Coping: A Gardening Toolbox, aka  an emotional toolkit, comprises of various exercises, activities, and tools that gardeners can utilize to help manage their emotions. When emotions become challenging, overwhelming, or difficult, having our Gardening Tools at hand can help gardeners of all ages in growing through challenging with a positive approach. Gardening Tools help in cultivating healthy coping mechanisms that enable gardeners to move forward feeling composed, confident, and resilient. The more gardening tools we have, the better equipped we are to handle the weeds when they pop up in our gardens. Learn more about gardening tools & how you can earn Gardening Tool Badges Click Here! <> Some of our favorite Gardening Tools can include practices such as deep breathing exercises, mindfulness meditation, journaling, and seeking support from loved ones. These tools serve as a reminder that just as a garden needs nurturing and care to flourish, our emotional well-being also requires attention and maintenance. By tending to our emotional gardens with intention and utilizing our gardening toolbox, we can cultivate a sense of inner peace, balance, and growth even amidst our garden’s inevitable weeds. Remember gardeners, every seed of emotion planted with mindfulness and tended with love & care has the potential to bloom into resilience and strength... You are a gardener! Click Here to explore some of our favorite Gardening Tools & start collecting Gardening Tool Badges today! Introducing children (and adults!) to a variety of 'Gardening Tools' can help gardeners deal with personal challenges when they arise. It's all about growing through what you go through! Discover the power of 'Building Your Emotional Toolkit' with essential gardening tools for positive coping. Cultivate resilience and inner growth! What are some of your favorite gardening tools? We would love to share them with our community. Send us an email to flowers@youareagardener.com

Today, we're digging into a delightful and colorful DIY craft. Gardener Kelsey will guide us through creating a Faux Stained Glass. of Foxie from our children's book, You Are a Gardener® .This engaging project can be enjoyed at home or in school. It involves several steps, but the end result is sure to be frame worthy! Gardener Kelsey's Tip: To learn how to draw Foxie for this activity watch my step-by-step instructional video- click here! << Scroll down to watch Gardener Kelsey's video & scroll all the way down to collect your Gardening Tool Badge for this activity!>> Let's continue the crafting journey with Gardener Kelsey and explore the steps involved in creating Faux Stained Glass in Gardener Kelsey's brand new video: MATERIALS NEEDED FOR GARDENER KELSEY’S FAUX STAINED GLASS DIY CRAFT PROJECT: PAINT, GLUE, WHITE PAPER, BLACK PERMANENT MARKER, PICTURE FRAME TO FIT YOUR PAPER AND TINFOIL Draw a picture with a black marker on white paper. Put it in the picture frame. Trace your picture on the glass with the black marker. Add straight lines in the background of your image - like a stained glass effect (You can use a piece of cardboard to create straight lines). Mix ⅓ paint & ⅔ glue (want paint to look see through - add more glue if it is too dark). Paint your picture and background (multiple colors work best on the stained glass background). Let dry completely. For a fake lead outline, mix 50% glue & 50% black paint in a Ziploc bag and cut the corner to create a small tip. Flip your project over so the paint side is face down & outline all the lines with the black paint mixture. You can touch up lines with a paper towel. Let dry completely. Crumple up foil to cover up the back of the picture frame-crumple gently to avoid rips. Add your painting back to the frame. Put your frame in a bright & sunny spot. Engaging in creative activities like creating colorful faux stained glass crafts can be incredibly beneficial for our social emotional development. Not only does it encourage gardeners to express their creativity and imagination, but it also helps us develop important skills such as patience, focus, and problem-solving. As gardeners dig into this craft project, it creates the opportunity to practice fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination, which are beneficial for younger gardeners overall development. Additionally, the process of creating something beautiful and unique can boost self-esteem and confidence, instilling a sense of pride. Working on a craft project like faux stained glass can be a wonderful bonding experience for a group activity at home or in school. It provides gardeners of all ages with a chance to spend quality time together, communicate effectively, and collaborate on a shared goal. These interactions can strengthen relationships and create lasting memories. Engaging in activities like creating colorful faux stained glass crafts can have a positive impact on a gardener’s social and emotional well-being. It nurtures creativity, builds essential skills, boosts self-esteem, and fosters meaningful connections with others. So gardeners, grab some colorful paint supplies and some glue &let’s grow! Hey gardeners, did you do our Faux Stained Glass Foxie Craft? If so, congratulations, you just earned yourself the 'Faux Stained Glass Foxie' Gardening Tool Badge'! --> Click the badge to download a pdf sticker for your Gardening Tool Badge Collector Sheet! Unleash creativity with our step-by-step guide for a DIY Faux Stained Glass Craft. Perfect for kids, this colorful project promotes skill-building and bonding.

Join our Gardener’s Self-Love /Self-Healing Challenge to cultivate emotional growth and healing. Taking the time to dig into self-love to help nurture emotional self-healing can be a very powerful process for gardeners of all ages. Embracing self-love involves recognizing and accepting our worth and value as individuals. Self-healing is a journey that allows us to address past weeds, traumas, and negative patterns in order to grow and thrive. By prioritizing self-love and self-healing, we can cultivate a deeper sense of inner peace, resilience, and compassion towards ourselves and others. Today, we are excited to introduce a Gardener’s Self-Love /Self-Healing Challenge that gardeners of all ages can benefit from at home, in school or in a group setting. << SCROLL DOWN TO DOWNLOAD OUR FREE SELF-LOVE SELF-HEALING ACTiVITY KIT TO USE AT HOME OR IN SCHOOL, & SCROLL ALL THE WAY DOWN TO COLLECT YOUR GARDENING TOOL BADGE FOR THIS ACTIVITY!>> Reflecting on past challenges or approaching current difficult situations can allow us to tap into self-love and aid in our emotional self-healing journey. Self-love is at the root of all emotional self-healing, positive change and personal growth. Gardener’s Self-Love /Self-Healing Challenge Consider a time when you felt this specific emotion – it could be from earlier today, yesterday, this month, this year, or even decades ago. Think about a memory that naturally surfaces without digging too deeply. -Think about a time  you felt scared: Imagine yourself now -going back to yourself at that moment in time. 1. What would you tell yourself to make yourself feel safe? 2. Tell yourself about a time when you were really brave. 3. Write an inspirational quote you would tell yourself to help you get through this moment. -Think about a time  you felt angry: Imagine yourself now -going back to yourself at that moment in time. 1. What would you tell yourself to make yourself feel calm? 2. Tell yourself about a time when you felt really loved. 3. Write an inspirational quote you would tell yourself to help you get through this moment. -Think about a time  you felt sad: Imagine yourself now -going back to yourself at that moment in time. 1. What would you tell yourself to try and cheer yourself up? 2. Tell yourself about a time when you were really happy. 3. Write an inspirational quote you would tell yourself to help you get through this moment. -Think about a time  you felt left out: Imagine yourself now -going back to yourself at that moment in time. 1. What would you tell yourself to make yourself feel comforted? 2. Tell yourself about a time when you had fun in a group setting. 3. Write an inspirational quote you would tell yourself to help you get through this moment. -Think about a time  you felt embarrassed: Imagine yourself now -going back to yourself at that moment in time. 1. What would you tell yourself to help yourself feel more confident. 2. Tell yourself about a time when you felt successful. 3. 3. Write an inspirational quote you would tell yourself to help you get through this moment. After You Complete Each One: Imagine wrapping yourself in a warm hug, reassuring yourself that everything will be okay. Remind yourself that you are strong and capable of turning your weeds into seeds! Gardener’s Tips: -This activity can be extremely helpful for younger gardeners when guided with a trusted source (parent, teacher, family, counselor). But is also tremendously helpful for more mature gardeners who may need some emotional self-healing. -If using this activity in school or in a group setting, please keep in mind that many gardeners may not feel comfortable sharing their activity sheet out loud. Please be respectful of this activity. Join our Gardener’s Self-Love /Self-Healing Challenge to cultivate emotional growth and healing. Reflect, heal, and nurture self-love at any age! << CLICK ON THE IMAGE ABOVE TO DOWNLOAD OUR FREE SEL PRINTABLE ACTIVITY KIT>> Do you like free printables to use in your classroom? Check out our free printables page where you can access and download tons of free SEL resources to use with your students today! Click Here --> https://www.youareagardener.com/printables Hey gardeners, did you do our Self-Love/Self-Healing Challenge & Activity Sheets? If so, congratulations, you just earned yourself the 'Self-Love/Self-Healing' Gardening Tool Badge'! --> Click the badge to download a pdf sticker for your Gardening Tool Badge Collector Sheet! You Are a Gardener® goes beyond the pages of a children's book, it is an entire movement dedicated to empowering children at home and in school with a vocabulary, mindset and tools to manage stress and big emotions. Join our community and embrace the power of turning challenges into opportunities for growth through connecting children, families and educators with a shared emotional language. Through our inspiring #PullYourWeeds®  initiative, we encourage children and adults alike to identify emotional obstacles and transform them into seeds of resilience, strength, and personal development.