International Youth Art Exhibit

Do you remember the international art competition for youth, based on the 2012 mutual theme? Well, now until June 17, 2013, some 80 pieces of art - as a result of that competition - are being featured in an exhibition at the Church History Museum in Salt Lake City. (Hope I make it to Utah before June... I would love to see it!) :)

 

Here is the link with all the information.

 

One of the major missions of the Church History Museum, to build testimonies in the rising generation and connect them with the history of the Church...  If you live within driving distance of the Salt Lake City area, this would be a great activity for your youth.

 

The museum is located directly west of Temple Square at 45 N. West Temple in Salt Lake City.

Pioneer Girls

With Pioneer Day approaching, I thought I would re-post this:
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When I saw this American Girl Pioneer Party by One Charming Party I immediately thought to myself, "What a fun activity to celebrate Pioneer Day with the Young Women!"  Fresh baked bread, homemade jam, games...  and an awesome opportunity to discuss our Divine Nature, Pioneer Heritage, and Family History.  "Love it!"
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I also found a few more ideas here.

Lucky You!

We had a great Laurel class activity planned for tonight. Since it was going to be St. Patty's day this week, we decided to focus on service and how lucky we are.

I started off the night by reading part of a talk No Less Serviceable, by Howard W. Hunter.  We talked about how there are some people who seem to be in the limelight all the time.  But, there are others that are the unseen heros who give service to others, not expecting anything in return.

I then asked the girls to think of some one in our ward... an "unseen hero" who would love to receive a winners welcome.

We then made our deliveries to our "lucky" winners (in a Publisher Clearing House way):

• balloons
• a poster that all the girls had signed
• a lucky treat
• followed by a free hug from all

The reactions of our "lucky" winners was priceless!
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Knowing why the girls chose who they did, all came together as we started the fun... We soon found that the first sister we visited lost her husband a year ago yesterday, another lost her husband 8 years ago and it was his birthday today, another spent the whole day in a huge mess rearranging her kitchen and said she needed a hug and another had some health issues taken care of today.

It was amazing to watch the Young Women after each delivery. They truly felt the spirit of happiness and service.

 

free printable found here, from A Little Tipsy

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free printable found here, from It Is What It Is

Beginning Cross Stitch

Here is another activity I have done with the young women.  Beginning Cross Stitch.  It would also be a great activity for the activity day girls as well.
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Honestly, this turned out much better than I thought it would.  When the girls told me they wanted to learn how to cross-stitch I thought to myself, "Cross-Stitch? Really?"  Luckily, a quick refresher course and a few supplies later...  voila!  "You girls would be so proud of me!"
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SUPPLIES USED

• 14 count plastic canvas, perfect for beginners
• embroidery floss
• 22 rounded needle
• scissors
• pencils

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I went to Michael's and picked up a plastic canvas sheet for each girl.  My first thought was to purchase an embroidery hoop and fabric for each girl, but I am glad I went with the plastic.  I figured the plastic canvas would be easier to work with.  And it was.   

I admit, I needed a refresher course myself.  I found this:  Learn How To Cross Stitch In 5 minutes.  Just what I needed to get started!
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I started by drawing a grid on the chalkboard and explaing in detail how to create a basic cross stitch.  Remember, I am a visual learner.  :)  I think that approach worked out really well.  We also went over how to thread a needle, knotting the end of the thread, and finishing a stitch.
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There was some one-on-one instruction where needed.  But, the girls picked it up really quickly.  And we heard a number of them say "this is fun!".  :)
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The girls used their pencils to draw a picture, a favorite quote, a design, whatever they wanted to on their sheet of plastic.  Then, using their new found knowledge, they began to stitch.

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Here is a sample of a few different stitches (no, I did not stitch this):
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DID YOU KNOW?
The word 'Sampler' is derived from the Latin word 'Exemplum'. The meaning of this word being 'an example to be followed'. (You could create a great object lesson with this information, couldn't you?)  :)  Samplers are different examples of a stitches. It is generally believed that sampler stitching was carried out by young girls to encourage skills in stitching for use in later life. A sampler would probably have a variety of different stitches, and would be kept by the girl as a reference for future work. It would normally have been the particular individuals first attempt at stitching.
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 The above sampler was done by 6 year old (yes 6),

Emily Shelton Sander, dated 1858.

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During the 19th century, samplers became an important part of the school curriculum, young girls were encouraged to stitch to prepare themselves for their role as wives and mothers. These samplers tended to simple in their design, usually only having alphabets, numbers, their name and date, and the name of the school. The age of the stitcher ranged from as young as six up to about the age of fifteen years. The average age being eleven.
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Creating a sampler would be a wonderful 10 hour project for the young women.  And a great addition to their hope chests.  :)  Just sayin'.
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Here are a couple modern day samplers I found (plus a few more patterns):
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Daisychain ABC's Crewelwork Sampler Pattern

available here for $6.00
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found here
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Arise and Shine Pattern
This and more LDS cross stitch patterns found here.
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"Use it up, wear it out, make it do, or do without."
found here

Hope Chest and Testimonies

Maddy, my daughter, asked me to help her with a spiritual thought for mutual.  Her Beehive class activity for the night was going to be focused on the hope chest.  (Yea!)  Maddy said it was her idea.  (Double Yea!)

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We started by reading a few different scriptures to see if anything we found went along with the idea of a Hope Chest.  We began focusing on 2 Nephi 31:20, "Wherefore, ye must press forward with a steadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of hope, and a love of god and all men.  Wherefore, if ye shall press forward, feasting upon the word of Christ, and endure to the end, behold, thus saith the Father:  Ye shall have eternal life."

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Maddy practiced what she was going to say - a few times.  We both, in our own minds could see the correlation, but agreed it was a stretch.  So we tried something else.

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I am a visual learner.  If I can see it - I usually get it.  So, Maddy and I went to the whiteboard.  This is what we drew, as we talked about the correlation between a hope chest and a testimony:

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A hope chest, historically, is a box where a young women collects items:  linens, dishes, a special dress, etc... - in hope/preparation for married life.  The box being portable, so she can take it with her.

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A testimony, is a place in your heart where you continually add to it:  prayer, scripture study, service, etc... - in faith/preparation for eternal life.  A testimony is the one thing you take with you.

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It is amazing what you can learn when you put a some thought into something.  I especially enjoyed the conversation Maddy and I had as we were brainstorming our ideas.  :)

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As for the activity, the girls were asked to bring an item, a momento, to place into their hope chests.  When Maddy came home at the end of the night she was holding a box that her young women leaders had given her to begin her very own hope chest.

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I love that the leaders are encouraging this! 

Photo Share

I was on FACEBOOK this morning and noticed Kathy was tagged in a few photos taken during Young Women activities.  Looks like a great group of girls!  (photo credits go to Lori)

I loved this one!  A bike ride down by Utah Lake.  Fitness, nature appreciation, building friendships, ...  bike repair?  ;)

Young Women in Excellence:  Personal Progress - A Recipe for Life.  (still waiting for details on your night)  :)

"Two birds with one stone."  Teaching them how to work and through providing service. The young women worked at their high school "snack shack" during a football game.  What a great activity!  Nothing better than building a good work ethic then actually putting them to work.

A holiday favorite, Temple Square.  You all look a little cold.  :)

Arise and Shine: Hot Air Balloons

These fabulous paper mache hot air balloons have sparked a few ideas to go along with the 2012 Mutual Theme:  “Arise and shine forth, that thy light may be a standard for the nations” Doctrine and Covenants 115:5.

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Paper Mache Hot Air Balloons
found here
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New Beginnings

• Hot Air Balloon theme
• When introducing the YW Values I envision a young woman either holding up a Hot Air Balloon in the color of the value - maybe even having the value on the balloon itself - and after explaining the value and reciting the scripture, placing the Hot Air Balloon into a backdrop filled with white clouds and a sun - representing the Savior.
• Or, the Hot Air Balloons could already be hanging as the backdrop, and the young woman places a tea light into the basket of the balloon as the value is being introduced.  Resulting in a backdrop of beautiful glowing value balloons filling the sky.

DIY Fabric Hot Air Balloon Mobile

found here

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Room Decor

• Have the YW values (and scripture references) modge podged onto hot air balloons and hung from the ceiling (as a backdrop for Opening Exercises).  Of course, there would have to be a few fluffy white clouds and a sun - representing the Savior.
• The value balloon for the month's focus value could be placed on the table for opening exercises.  Illuminated with a battery operated tea light.  Or you could simply leave it hanging and illuminate it.  I can see it!  It is beautiful!

Paper Cloud Mobile
found here

Activity

• The YW could get together before New Beginnings and create a balloon for each value.  Realize this would take a couple activities because of the drying time involved.
• As a class, the girls could make them, fill with goodies and deliver to less active girls

Camp Theme

• Wouldn't  a camp filled with colorful Hot Air Balloons be wonderful?
• Each cabin could create their own Hot Air Balloon, in their color, to place in front of their cabins.

DIY Paper Hot Air Balloon Mobile

found here

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2012 Mutual Theme Launch

• Make hot air balloon lumieres for all YM/YW to launch - after a fireside introducing the 2012 Mutual Theme.
• Sky Lanterns/Mini Hot Air Balloons can be purchased for as little as $2.00 a piece.  You can find them here, here,  here, and here.

• Or you could have a separate activity where the youth make their own Hot Air Balloon out of tissue paper.  It would take a whole activity.  When I was working at a Treatment Center for Troubled Youth we had a night where one of the interns from BYU made these with the kids.  They loved it!  I loved it!  And what an awesome site!
• Here is another handmade Hot Air Balloon idea: click photo for link to tutorial

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ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

I found this article Stand on A Cloud, by Richard M Romney, New Era, June 1984. It contains some wonderful lessons using the idea of a Hot Air Balloon being tied to the 2012 Mutual Theme. (I think it does) :)

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It begins with a description of an Hot Air Balloon Festival in New Mexico. This is what I took from reading the article - when keeping the theme in mind. Here are a few ideas coupled with a quote from the article:

1. We are to "Arise and Shine as a standard for the nations".

2. You cannot do it on your own. You need your Heavenly Father and a Savior. Your parents and family. Your leaders. A living prophet to guide you.

• It isn't an easy task to prepare the balloons for flight. And it could not be done alone. "Many of the ward members joined the chase crew—the people and vehicles who follow along behind the balloon on the ground and assist when it lands. That’s where the history comes in. The Komadinas hold the record for the Fiesta’s largest chase crew ever—97 people in 23 vehicles."

3.  Learning through the spirit.  Line upon line.  Then taking flight spiritually.

• The balloons are filled and take flight.  "The propane burner then heats the air, which rises inside the envelope, inflating it even more.  The balloon then tries to assume an upright position. But if that happens too fast, the balloon will not inflate properly..."

 4. People watch. We are an example. "A standards for the nations".

• Thousands gather to watch the balloons.  "Buses arrive, full of tour groups, senior citizens, school children, the handicapped. City buses, school buses, trucks, trailers, campers, and cars are all guided to parking areas by flashlight-toting service groups." 

5. We need to be living the gospel.  Stand in holy places.

• "Balloons only fly in calm, clear skies."

6. Follow the commandments. Pray. Hold to the rod.

• "They discuss safety (it’s important not to get in or out of the basket unless told to, because ballast is critical), preparation for landing (it’s important to remember to bend your knees to help absorb the impact), and flying techniques (the balloon drifts with the wind, but by ascending or descending, the pilot can usually find a breeze headed in the direction he wants to go)."

7. Importance of a testimony.  Keeping a journal.

• “Sometimes I get cold and grouchy early in the morning,” Amy said. “But then I remember my first flight."

Here are a few more quotes from the article:

• It is flight without wings, flight without a runway or the whine of jet engines. Because the balloon floats with the breeze, there is no sensation of motion. It is, indeed, like standing on a cloud, quietly watching the earth beneath.
• “When I’m up here, I think about Heavenly Father,” Jennifer said. “I feel close to him, peaceful, when I see the world he’s created and how big it is. You somehow know he’s in charge.”
• “You get some idea of who you are and how small you would be on your own. But you also get a feeling for what Heavenly Father has made, what he can help you accomplish if you have him on your side.”
• “Nobody doesn’t love a balloon,” Amy said. “We fly over people’s houses that we know, and you can see everything. People come running out in shower caps and bath robes just to wave. If you drop down low, you can hear the dogs barking and see horses run back and forth, but nobody complains.”
• “People here are used to balloons,” Jenny added. “It’s a mutual benefit. Pilots love to fly them, and people on the ground love to watch them float by.”

I also came across this article, which has a wonderful tie to obedience:

Drew Neel of Dayton, Ohio , by Richard M Romney, Friend, October 2002

He tells how he once built a hot-air balloon during a class visit to the flight museum. “We made it out of paper, then filled it with hot air and it flew!” he says. Through that activity, he learned about obedience. “The balloon works because hot air rises,” he says. “It’s a natural law.” And when laws are obeyed, whether they are laws of flight or laws of life, the obedience brings blessings.

DECOR AND OTHER FUN IDEAS

Hot Air Balloon Decoration

Love the stripes!

found here

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Refreshment Table Idea

found here

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Hot Air Balloon Cupcakes & Lollipops

found here

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Photo Op

*As I am looking at this picture another idea comes to mind...
The bags of sand could represent things of the world, bad habits, etc. which hold you down.
As we remove these things we are able to RISE!
found here

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Up and Away Hot Air Balloon Sugar Cookies

found here

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Hot Air Balloon Tea Party

found here

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Hot Air Balloon Invitation

You should take a look at the whole party!

found here

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I just like this illustration.

So I thought I'd share.  :)

found here

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Invite Idea

found here

Terrariums: A Tiny Garden Party

This is something I'm working on.  "A Tiny Garden Party".  Wanted to share.  And gather your ideas.

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How fun would it be to host "A Tiny Garden Party" where each guest created and went home with their own Terrarium.  Beautiful little gardens of their own creation.  Small enough to sit on a side table, kitchen counter, or a dresser in their rooms.  As for containers, there are so many choices.  Anything from a 2 litter plastic bottle to a more sophisticated glass vase.

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I would love to teach the young women how to plant their own terrariums, of course coupled with a lesson!

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terrarium by DoodleBirdie

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LESSON

As I read the paragraph below, a number of different analogies came to mind.  Without spoiling your own thoughts...  what gospel centered principles come to your mind when you read this particular version of the story of how the terrarium first began?

"One hot summer day a man walking through an arid field, where all plant life was withered and dry, saw at his feet an unbroken bottle lying on its side.  Inside the bottle was lush green growth. Through wind and rain, soil and seed had drifted into the bottle; and there, protected from the elements, the seed had germinated and grown. The moisture within the bottle condensed each day and fell upon the little plants, and so they grew in their own small hothouse in the parched field."*

SUPPLIES

• 1 or 2 small plants:    Possible plant choices for Open Terrariums -Fittonia, Ivy, Palms, Philodendron, Syngonium, Begonia, Airplant, African Violet, Aluminum Plant, Asparagus Fern, Baby Tears, and Bloodleaf.  And for Closed Terrariums - Fittonia, Palms, Philodendron, Syngonium, Begonia, Bloodleaf, Ficus, and Croton.
• glass jar or plastic container, large enough to hold plants with room for growth
• bag of small rocks or pebbles
• charcoal or fired clay pellets
• sphagnum moss
• potting soil
• wooden skewers or twig, to extend your reach and aid in the planting process
• tiny plastic trinkets, to add interest
• creativity

INSTRUCTIONS

• Put about an inch of pebbles in the bottom of the container for drainage.
• Add a layer of charcoal to keep odors at bay.  Note:  charcoal only works for a couple of years.  If you plan to maintain your terrarium for longer, substitute a layer of fired clay pellets.
• Add a layer of sphagnum moss to keep the potting soil from seeping into the drainage level. (If you pack the drainage level tightly, you can skip the moss.)
• Add an inch or two of potting soil and begin planting.
• Top off the landscape with rocks and plastic trinkets. Spritz with water. Sit back and forget about watering for a while.
• NOTE:  Once established, terrarium plants can go weeks or even months on a spritz or two of water. That's because the water evaporates from the plant, but remains inside the container as condensation moistens the soil.
• Open Terrariums need only occassional watering, water lightly.
• Closed Terrariums watering needed only when fogging on the sides stops or plants starts to wilt

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RESOURCES

Twig:  Moss Terrarium and Other Small Worlds
"The Glass Garden", Ensign, November 1972

Temple Blocks

Love these temple blocks by Lil' Luna.

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wonderful tutorial and photos here

Artsy Ring Dish

I have been trying to come up with ideas for crafts, that the girls will actually keep and use. Something that will not end up on the floor, under the bed, or in the trash can. I have a hard time seeing money, time, and creativity go to waste.

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I am very happy with this little guy, or should I say gal (it is kind of a girly thing).  Though you could man it up, for a Father's Day coin dish.  Oh, the possibilities!

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I found these little sauce dishes at our local 99cent store.  I initially grabbed a few for myself, for kitchen use.  But then I got thinking...  "this would be perfect to use as a ring dish".

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How fun would it be to use permanent markers to design them how ever you wished?  Endless creative possibilities!

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I was sold on the idea!  Then I bought the whole shelf.  The cashier asked me what I was going to do with all of them.  I proudly described my plans.  She loved it too!  And I smiled.

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I made one to place on top of my dresser.  But I am thinking I should make another one to put in my kitchen.  I remove my rings frequently when I am baking, especially when making pizza dough.

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NEEDED SUPPLIES

sauce dish

Sharpie permanent markers

a dash of creativity

(pretty rings or coins to fill it with)

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NOTE

I found that you'll want to make sure the ink is completely dry before touching.  It dries quickly, but it may smear if you touch it right away.  Just sayin'.

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This is what I did in my first attempt at creating an Artsy Ring Dish:

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Photo Scavenger Hunt

Maddy had a fun class activity last night.  A photo scavenger at our local Target store.  This is the list of photos their teams were to find (put together by her awesome leaders Jill and Heather):

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1.  Something yellow, with two team members in the picture.

2.  Something with a wheel, with a stranger in the picture.

3.  Three hats on a team member's head all at the same time.

4.  Some food that nobody on your team likes, with your finger in the picture.

5.  A long and skinny garden tool, with your foot in the picture.

6.  A heart, held up to your heart.

7.  Something with polka dots, with a team member in the picture.

8.  Try on a jacket and take a picture.

9.  Something you would buy for twin boy and girl babies.

10.  One team member reading a book.

11.  Something you would like to put on your bed, with your elbow in it.

12.  A flashlight that cross under $5.00, with proof.

13.  Pokemon cards in your hand.

14.  Sunglasses - on the back of your head.

15.  Something with Dora on it and your finger in the picture.

16.  Something with Batman on it and your finger in the picture.

17.  Point to a shelf price marker with the number 3 on it.

18.  The most expensive pack of toilet paper you can find with your knee in the picture.

19.  A Black and Decker appliance with your hand in the picture.

20.  A wooden spoon in your hand and a smile on your face.

21.  Something for wedding with your knee in the picture.

22.  A "G"rated movie, with your elbow in the picture.

23.  A greeting card that is for a grandparent, in your hand.

24.  A toothbrush and toothpaste that are the same color.

25.  A team member standing next to something that you can buy, but is too heavy to pick up.

Give, Said The Little Stream

PURPOSE

Enjoy nature. Inspire young women to make a difference in the world around them.  Participate in and plan future service activities. Have fun.

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MUSICAL INSPIRATION

"Give", said the Little Stream - Children's Song Book #236

Listen to Danielle Vaughn singing it here

Listen to Insideout A Cappella singing it here

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“Give,” said the little stream,

“Give, oh! give, give, oh! give.”

“Give,” said the little stream,

As it hurried down the hill;

“I’m small, I know, but wherever I go

The fields grow greener still.”

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Singing, singing all the day,

“Give away, oh! give away.”

Singing, singing all the day,

“Give, oh! give away.”

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“Give,” said the little rain,

“Give, oh! give, give, oh! give.”

“Give,” said the little rain,

As it fell upon the flow’rs;

“I’ll raise their drooping heads again,”

As it fell upon the flow’rs.

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Give, then, as Jesus gives,

Give, oh! give, give, oh! give.

Give, then, as Jesus gives;

There is something all can give.

Do as the streams and blossoms do:

For God and others live.

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Personal Progress Possibilities:

Good Works #6

Spend at least three hours giving service outside your family. Ask your ward or branch Relief Society president or a community leader for suggestions for service. For example, you might take care of children while parents attend the temple; collect, make, or recondition toys or games for a nursery; accept an assignment to clean the meetinghouse; or perform errands for or read to a home bound person or others in need. Record in your journal the reactions of the person you served and possible goals for future service opportunities.

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ACTIVITY

• A easy hike, next to a stream if possible.  Wildflowers are in bloom. Beautiful!
• Share a nice little picnic. *ideas below
• "Give", Said the Little Stream Object lesson:  use your surroundings as part of the lesson

No matter how small, or insignificant you think you may be,  you have the capacity to make a huge difference in the world around you!  You are a daughter of God, with talents and abilities to do beautiful things.

• Sing-A-Long/Jam Session:  *see guitar chords below
• Plan future service activities.
• Service:  Have bags ready, just in case there is any trash to pick up along the trail.

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GUITAR CHORDS (for your little jam session next to the stream)

sheet music found here

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TAKE-A-WAY

I found this adorable tutorial and free printable from Peppermint Plum.

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These are the two prints they have designed:

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PICNIC IDEA

• chicken salad on a butter croissant
• fruit flower kabobs
• bottle of water
• anything chocolate!

I thought these fruit flower kabobs displayed in containers filled with wheat grass was adorable.  So I thought I'd share.