Topics

Oct

Artistic Expression That’s a Cut Above

by Janine Boylan on October 14, 2013

Karen Bit Vejle, showing the artistic expression of cut paper art (Image © Marjaana Malkamäki)

Karen Bit Vejle
Image © Marjaana Malkamäk

The Cut Paper Art of Karen Bit Vejle

Until just a few years ago, Karen Bit Vejle had a secret hidden under her rugs.

Like many in her home country of Denmark, Vejle grew up making gækkebrev, cut paper holiday cards. She discovered that she was rather talented at cutting out the little greetings.

For years, Vejle reserved her paper cutting for the holidays. But the summer she turned 16, she had an “Oh, I see!” moment:

. . . I saw a man who was sitting in the sun cutting out paper silhouettes with motifs I had never before seen. I was enraptured, and stood there staring for a long time, watching the man as he maneuvered his scissors to bring forth the most beautiful little paper cutting. I was so taken with the idea that I went right home and got my mother’s sewing scissors, and I have never let them out of my sight since. Read more...

Janine Boylan 10 Comments

Denmark/The World's Art & Design

Oct

Excuse Me, Where’s the Fly in My Soup?

by Janine Boylan on October 7, 2013

A fly in soup, illustrating new views on eating insects as food

This fly crafted from different foods is perfectly edible.
The actual insect may be harder for many to swallow.
© Thinkstock

New Views About Insects as Food

When I was a child, Brussels sprouts were disgusting. I knew this quite well because so many of the book and TV characters I loved told me so. No way was I going to eat Brussels sprouts!

Then a respected friend, who happened to be a Brussels sprouts supporter, convinced me to try the tiny cabbages. I did, and, it turns out, Brussels sprouts are actually pretty good. Read more...

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Discoveries

Sep

Connect Kids and Nature, And What Do You Get?

by Janine Boylan on September 30, 2013

A Better Life

Test yourself—

What percentage of preschoolers go outside daily with a parent?
About how many hours do children spend outside on a weekday?
Do children spend more or less time outdoors today than children did twenty years ago?

See answers below.*

Yes, the “Caution: Children at Play” signs are still on the streets, but the real caution today is that children are not playing outside. In fact, they are losing touch with nature and are losing out on better lives. Read more...