What do I need for a class?

You don’t need to buy expensive supplies, but having dedicated items for journaling will make it easier and more special each time you go. The goal of journaling is to practice writing, drawing, measuring, observing, and recording, without worrying about the end product.

Basic Outside Gear
Weather appropriate clothing
Hat/Sunscreen
Bug spray
Water bottle
Bag or backpack to hold supplies
Something to sit on: (optional) Can be as simple as a small towel or blanket, but a foldable, lightweight chair or stool is great, or something waterproof like a foam camping pad works really well too. Or you can wear sturdy pants/long shorts and sit on the ground, which I frequently do.

Journal /Sketchbook /Notebook
Hardbound is preferred, so you can write and draw in it while standing up, but any kind will work, especially if you’re just getting started. Unlined, blank pages are preferred, but if all you have is a spiral notebook or composition notebook, don’t let that stop you! Use what you have and make the most of it! Note: If you want to use watercolors in your work, you will need to choose one designed to be used with wet media. Both Canson and Strathmore make mixed media sketchbooks that are great and more affordable. But remember: The best sketchbook is the one you will actually use! Choose a size and price that works for you.

Personally, I love the Laws Sketchbook, it’s a great size, durable, has white and toned paper, and best yet, it has a mini nature journal instruction book in the back. You can buy it here: https://johnmuirlaws.com/product/the-laws-sketchbook-for-nature-journaling/

Pencil
Regular HB school pencils work great. A white polymer eraser or a grey kneaded art eraser is very helpful to fully erase any pencil marks. I prefer mechanical pencils, but everyone is different. Many people enjoy using the Prismacolor erasable non-photo blue pencil, because graphite pencils can smudge.

Permanent Pen
Ball-point pens work well, I used them for years in my sketchbook (I would not recommend the erasable kind). Sharpies, too. Microns (or similar art pens) can be lovely, but are more expensive.

Colors
(Optional) Whatever each student prefers – colored pencils, markers, or crayons.

Watercolors
(Optional) This is only an option if your journal has mixed media paper. It is very frustrating to use watercolors on thin, cheap paper. If this is an option, a small variety of basic colors is all that’s needed, too many and students will spend too much time looking for the exact right color instead of drawing! A basic Crayola set with a water brushes is great to play around with for beginners. Make sure to bring a small rag to clean off your brush. If you cut off the foot from an old sock, you can pull it over your wrist so it doesn’t blow away while you’re working.

What does a normal class look like?

The day will include a mix of lessons designed to inspire deeper levels of observation and awareness of the natural world. These may include introductory art activities, writing prompts, and games. Students will be encouraged to apply a variety of creative techniques and scientific methods of inquiry to their conversations and projects. We will learn the Hawaiian names for native plants, animals, and places, and I might share moʻolelo as appropriate to the time and place.

Every lesson is flexible and based on the experiences and situations of the day and the interests of the class. Ultimately, the land is the best teacher, and remaining open to what can be learned in the moment is the most important lesson. 

ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi ʻoe?

Ke a’o nei au i ka ‘ōlelo Hawai’i. Although I am not of Hawaiian ancestry, I am learning to speak Hawaiian, and I have learned a lot through hula, volunteer work, and personal study, and I seek to share knowledge in respectful and helpful ways.