Tag Archives: summer activities

Sunflowers are Summer’s Glory

Sunflowers are Summer’s GloryAre you enjoying the act of gardening this summer? Do you like to water plants, till soil, and watch flowers sway with a warm breeze? What does your garden have growing in it this time of year?

Sunflowers are a main attraction in many yards. Helianthus (as they are scientifically known) seem to catch everyone’s attention. They are popular because of their unique appeal. The flower is commonly associated with happiness because of its unusual height and brilliant color.

The tallest growing flower, with potential of reaching between 8 and 13 feet, is a summer favorite in North America and throughout the world.

Cheer Up Your Garden

Has this summer inspired you to add more color to your life? If yes, consider cheering up your garden with sunflowers.

There are many types of sunflowers you can plant. Some grow taller than a person and develop bright yellow blooms the size of dinner plates. Others come in shades of orange and red.

With tall stems and large, colorful blossoms, sunflowers are known to be useful too. They can create a natural fence to block a neighbor’s unsightly yard and distract from the view with pops of color.

Why Plant Sunflowers

Sunflowers are native to North America but can be found all over the world now. They are easy to maintain and can begin growing within six months of planting seeds. In addition, seeds can be planted up to 100 days before freezing temperatures strike. Any seeds that fall on fertile soil (as this is important for sunflowers) may surprise you by shooting up quickly next spring.

When autumn begins to sweep in, you can cut the head of the flower off a few inches down the stem. Hanging it up in an airy place to dry will produce many seeds. You can gather the seeds and use them for cooking or save them to plant the following year.

Interesting Facts about Sunflowers

Sunflowers are not only a beautiful addition to any garden, they are also interesting. There are many surprising facts about sunflowers. Wet your curiosity with these four truths. Then, learn more by reading this blog:

  • A single sunflower is made up of thousands of flowers joined together- each pedal represents one flower.
  • Sunflower heads track the sun, which is correctly known as heliotropism.
  • Sunflowers are the national flower of Russia.
  • The tallest sunflower grew to be over 25 feet tall.

Sunflowers are summer’s glory. There are many ways you can express your creativity this season, and many mediums that allow for artistic expression. Gardening can be a canvas to those who like to be outside in nature.

Yard work does not seem very artistic at times, but think about it this way: no two gardens are the same. By all means, get outside and create your unique art garden this summer.

Read more Segmation blog posts about Gardening:

Garden Art Knows No Limits

Where Urban Life Meets Natural Art

Tulipmania Art

Be an Artist in 2 minutes with Segmation SegPlay® PC (see more details here)

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Summer Sand Castle Challenge

Summer Sand Castle ChallengeAre you looking to spend a lot of time outdoors this summer? Do you want to combine fun, physical activity with creative art projects? Have you thought about visiting a beach?

Building sand castles is the epitome of summer fun. If you think sand castles are child’s play, think again. Some adults make the most of this summer hobby by taking time to create sandy sculptures of fine art. With advice from a pro, you too can use sand as an art medium.

This year, challenge yourself to create the biggest and best castle you can. Use this article to help you combine summer fun and creative expression. Let’s first get some advice from a professional sand artist.

Kirk Rademaker – Professional Sand Artist

Kirk Rademaker is a carpenter by trade. He made his living by working with wood but spent his weekends building massive sand sculptures for fun. The longer he worked at his hobby, the more impressive his sculptures became.

These days, Kirk earns his big paychecks by creating one-of-a-kind sand sculptures. He designs unique sculptures for private parties, business events, and birthdays. Some of his unique art has even been used for Hollywood movie premiers and contracted by famous people like Dustin Hoffman.

Tips for Building Your Own Sand Sculptures

You may not be a master like Kirk Rademaker yet, but if you are inspired by his story, and interested in creating unique sand sculptures, here are a few tips to get you started:

  • Always use moist sand – sand from the tide line is suggested.
  • Create a mound of densely packed wet sand – there is no such thing as too much water.
  • Work from top to bottom – it is easier to take sand away then to add it.
  • Purchase a sand castle kit – this will include the tools you need to carve fine detail into your sculptures.

If you live near a beach or plan to travel to a tropical climate, try taking on the summer sand castle challenge. Segmation is interested in seeing pictures of your sand castles. Be sure to snap a shot with your phone or camera and share it with us on Facebook.

In the United States there are many official sand castle competitions that take place throughout the year. Attending one of these shows is an excellent way to expose yourself to unique art.

Where have you seen creativity expressed this way? What did you think of artwork made from the medium of sand.

Summer is the season to be outside, active, and creative.  Whatever art projects you take on this season, be sure they are one of a kind.

Read more Segmation blog posts about Creative Summer Activities:

From Sand Castles to Sand Sculptures

Beach Fun

Create Fun, Everyday Art by Tie Dying

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Image made available by  Joe Dsilva on Flickr through Creative Common Licenses.

Beach Towels: Where Art and Function Meet

Beach Towels- Where Art and Function MeetFun in the sun is what summer is all about. Whether you enjoy bronzing your skin, laying in the shade, diving into a pool, or wading through salt water waves, your beach towel is sure to get a lot of use this season.

If you like to express your artistic style, having a one-of-a-kind towel is one way to make a splash. This type of beachwear comes in numerous designs, colors, sizes, and fabrics. Therefore, finding a towel that is both artistic and functional is a breeze.

Beach towels are sold at most retailers during summer months. They range in price and design, and serve most purposes. If you want to make a statement with your beach towel, it may involve shopping around. Below are some ideas and links to help you begin your search.

Be Unique

A different approach to beach towel design is to purchase one with a famous work of art printed on it. Complex Art+Design shares 10 unique styles that include abstract art, expressionist art, funny quotes, and everything in between.

You may want to hang your new towel on the wall rather than take it to the beach. Have no fear; these one-of-a-kind beach accessories are durable, washable, comfortable, and ready for sand and salt water spray.

Add a Splash of Colorful-

Every summer season brings a fresh roll out of vibrant beach towel designs. This year is no exception. Beach towels are often associated with bright colors and bold designs. While you want to be unique, it is essential to have a beach towel that shouts color. Stripes, polka dots, animal patterns, sea shells, or any other bright, bold designs host colorful accents well. Bright, Bold & Beautiful wants to set you in the right direction by sharing where you can find these sorts of beach towels.

Get Creative-

Did you know that your beach towel can serve multiple purposes? DIY crafters are getting creative with beach towel projects. Martha Stewart is showing her audience how to embellish towels with tic-tac-toe boards so they can play games by the water. Also, some Kentucky crafters offer tips on how to sew old beach towels together to create one large, water absorbent picnic blanket. Read more creative tips in this article.

Find Something Functional-

While creativity and color are great characteristics for a towel, functionality is king. A couple traits people look for when shopping for this summer staple are size and fabric. Find a towel that is long, wide and absorbent. Towels come in all shapes and sizes, and are made of numerous types of materials. If you want to learn more about what type of towel is going to serve you best, Thirstytowels.com has more information on this subject.

A beach towels can be a great way to display your artistic side. Enjoy the summer sun in style this season. Be unique. Get creative. Celebrate color. Enjoy comfort. With beach towels, you can truly have it all. 

Read more Segmation blog posts about Summer Fun:

What are your Summer Colors?

A Summer Activity for Leisure Days

Create Fun, Everyday Art by Tie Dying

Be an Artist in 2 minutes with Segmation SegPlay® PC (see more details here)

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Image made available by bionicteaching on Flickr through Creative Common Licenses.

A Summer Activity for Leisure Days

© Dave Dugdale: Flickr http://www.learningdslrvideo.com

Summer days are notorious for bright sun, hot temperatures and endless activities. The irony here is that summer days are also supposed to be days of leisure. This is why lounging around inside is okay even when the sun is bright. In fact, one of the most enjoyable things about a summer day is air conditioning!

Indoor summer activities often consist of watching television, sitting on the computer and working around the house. It is challenging to find a leisure activity that is also mind stimulating. This is why Segmation offers the perfect summer activity for all ages.

Paint by Numbers

Since the 1950’s, paint by numbers has been known as a leisure past time and summer activity.  It became popular when people began making more money, working fewer hours and increasing the amount they shopped. As a result, people purchased items to use in their free time. With consumers buying items like TV sets, barbeque grills and paint by numbers kits, these popular past times became better known as “new leisure.” To this day, paint by numbers, among the rest, are still a favorite past time, even though they all have new faces.

The Artist in Everyone

© Kara Allyson: Flickr

Paint by numbers is not just a great past time; it allows anyone to become an artist. Even a clumsy hobbyist can paint the perfect picture. This is why the box tops of paint by numbers kits formerly proclaimed “Every man a Rembrandt.” While every person can craft the perfect picture with paint by numbers, different levels of expertise offer this leisure activity at any skill level.

Now you have it all; all you need are leisure summer days to awaken the artist in you. The virtual paint by numbers program, Segmation, will turn you into a Rembrandt, or at the very least, a graphic design artist. Enjoy picking colors, following a pattern and watching your masterpiece appear on screen. With Segmation, this leisure activity awaits your next air conditioned summer day.

Be a Artist in 2 minutes with Segmation SegPlay® PC (see more details here)

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