REPRINT: Weekly Prompt No. 2: String Safari

Bringing you a "classic" from February 2023 as well as an update about Cricklewood Nature Journaling in August

Dear Ones,

I published this piece back in February of this year, but thought it would be a good idea to bring it out again as this audience has grown and many of you will not have seen it. It’s a fun activity to do as we wrap up this month of nature journaling using our senses. I walk you through the basics and give an optional twist to the activity at the end.

Also, I wanted to let you know that this is the last missive for August 2023. I’m getting caught up with some large projects that I have to move forward, so I’m giving myself some room to breathe.

I’ll be back with a new theme post and prompt on September 1. You may see me around a little on Notes and Instagram. In fact if you follow me on the ‘Gram (@cricklewoodnature), I’ll be live on Thursday morning August 24 at 11am Eastern Time (US). I’ll spend the hour working on a journal page and talking about textures found in nature. Bring your journals and supplies. I’ll have specimens for us to work on or you can just do your own thing while listening to me babble. I’d love it if you can make it!

In any event, look for the September newsletter from me on the first.

xoSusannah

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Let's go on safari with these four quick steps to nature journal wherever you are.

Hiya! One of my favorite nature journalers, John Muir Laws, teaches an activity he calls String Safari. I love this technique because it really helps me focus plus it’s an “ice breaker” for when you’re at a loss to get started. Just set up your string, plunk yourself down on the ground, and start observing!

Here’s what to do:

1. Gather your supplies - a pencil and paper are really all you need, but use whatever you like to add texture and color.

2. Measure out 1.5m - 3m of string or rope. I use a thick hemp cord I got ages ago at a craft store. You don’t need to be exact. I usually measure out the string using my arm/body (x2 or x3).

3. Place it in a circular shape on the ground with a variety of terrain, and observe what is in the circle.

4. Record what you observe using drawings, notes, numbers, etc.

For some extra fun, create a sound circle with you as the center point to engage your auditory sense. I usually find a nice rock in the sun to sit on (yes, like a lizard…), quiet myself by taking a few deep breaths, close my eyes, and let my ears take over. You’d be amazed at what you hear when your ears take over. The layers of sound are incredible. It’s nature’s symphony, I suppose!

Let me know in the comments how you get on. Have a wonderful Safari!