Boomerang - March, 2022

BoomeranG S E E T H E W O R L D D I F F E R E N T LY

YOUR PLACE FOR FUN, GAMES & MORE.

Everyone can be creative! Just relax that brain!

ILLUSTRATION BY: PENELOPE DULLAGHAN

ISSUE #17 • March 2022

02

Boomerang

IN THIS ISSUE 04 YOUR BRAIN AND CREATIVITY What’s happening when you pick up a paint brush or play the piano?

06 LET’S GET STARTED! Fun activities to get your creative juices flowing!

10 ARE YOU ARTISTIC? Check out details about our art contest!

PLUS: 13 BOOKSHELF 14 WORDSEARCH

Boomerang

03

WHAT IS AND WHY DO WE NEED IT? VIDEOS FOR FUN THE NEUROSCIENCE OF CREATIVITY! KIDS ON CREATIVITY:

WHAT IS CREATIVITY AND WHY DO YOU NEED IT? Creativity helps us perceive the world in new and different ways. In fact, it is one of the most important characteristics of being human. It is one of the main traits that makes us successful as individuals and as a society, but where does creativity come from? Why do you need it?

To gain a better understanding, let’s explore creativity and its importance in life.

WHAT IS CREATIVITY? Creativity is the ability to make new things or think of new concepts.

It involves transforming your ideas, imagination and dreams into reality.

Creative people use their imaginations to solve problems and come up with innovative ideas. They can see hidden patterns and draw connections between things that are not normally related.

04

Boomerang

WHAT IS CREATIVE? Anyone can be creative. It’s more of a developed skill than an inherent talent. You can learn to be creative by experimenting, exploring, asking questions and using your imagination.

Learning to be creative is like learning a sport. It takes practice, but with some hard work and dedication, you can flourish.

WHAT HAPPENS IN THE BRAIN WHEN YOU CREATE?

Neuroscientists, or scientists who study the brain, suggest that creativity happens when all three of the brain’s networks are problem-solving together.

Let’s break this down.

The brain has three different networks, or regions, that each handles specific tasks: the default network, the executive network and the salience network.

The default network is the brain’s “inactive” mode. This part of the brain shows increased activity when a person is daydreaming or not focused on what is happening around them.

The executive network is the brain’s decision and emotion center. This part of the brain helps us make decisions based on our thoughts and feelings.

The salience network is where the brain determines what things you will always notice and what things you don’t. To put it simply, this part of the brain decides what is or is not deserving of our attention.

Each network has its role to play in the creative process.

The default network generates ideas, the executive network evaluates them, and the salience network helps identify which ideas get passed along.

Scientists are still exploring the many layers to creative expression. However, understanding the science behind creativity helps us to better understand our own creative processes.

HOW DOES CREATIVITY IMPACT THE MIND AND BODY?

Creativity is good for your health in many ways. It improves immune function, decreases blood pressure and relieves physical pain through the release of endorphins, or “feel-good” neurotransmitters, in the brain. Studies show that creative activities help the brain recover after illness, injury or severe stress.

Expressing yourself creatively not only benefits the body but the mind, too. Creative activities are like therapy for the mind.

They help us connect with ourselves in a deeper way by promoting critical thinking and self-reflection. This process helps to relieve stress, reduce anxiety and depression and improve our overall mood.

Creativity also affects your social life. People bond through common experiences and interests. Socializing over creative activities creates community and promotes positive interactions between people. This form of healthy social life is essential to our well-being.

HOW CAN YOU ENHANCE CREATIVITY?

Creativity is all about finding new ways to solve problems and approach situations. You can enhance your creativity by engaging in a variety of activities and behaviors.

Here are just a few ideas:

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

10.

BRAINSTORM NEW IDEAS. CREATE A VISION BOARD. DRAW OR PAINT. SING OR PLAY MUSIC. DANCE. PLAY OR EXPERIMENT. KNIT OR SEW. SPEND TIME IN NATURE. JOURNAL YOUR THOUGHTS. READ OR WRITE.

Boomerang

05

NEED SOME CREATIVE INSPIRATION?

CUPCAKE LINER FLOWERS WHAT YOU’LL NEED: • • • • • • •

INSTRUCTIONS: 1.

Start with one large cupcake liner and one mini cupcake liner. Stretch and flatten them out a little bit so they are easier to fold.

2.

Fold the large cupcake liner in half 4 times. Then, using scissors and beginning the cut on the folded edge, carefully cut a curve into the cupcake liner.

Let Your Creativity Blossom With Springtime Arts and Crafts

The seeds of your creativity are already planted in your heart and mind.

Now, all you have to do is nurture them! Arts and crafts projects offer unlimited opportunities to explore, discover and create new things.

Here are five arts and crafts projects that are great for blossoming creativity and just in time for spring!

1 regular cupcake liner 1 mini cupcake liner 1 popsicle stick 1 large rhinestone sticker Crafter’s tape Green construction paper Scissors

Pro tip: Cut the curve deep enough to give the cupcake liner a distinct petal shape when you open it up. If you did not cut low enough the first time, just fold it back up and cut your curve again.

06

Boomerang

3.

Next, repeat step 2 using the mini cupcake liner.

4.

Unfold both cupcake liners.

Each one should look like a flower with eight petals.

5.

6.

Now, add a little flare by placing a rhinestone sticker to the middle of your flower.

7.

Fold a piece of construction paper in by about 1.5". Then, cut out 2 leaf shapes from the fold.

8.

9.

FAIRY HOUSE NIGHT LIGHTS

Using a bit of crafter’s tape, attach the mini cupcake liner on top of the regular cupcake liner.

Using your crafter’s tape, attach the leaves to the back of the popsicle stick. Then, attach the popsicle stick to the back of the flower.

Flip it over. Your cupcake liner flower is done! Just in time for spring!

6.

Now comes the really fun part. Decorate the outside of your fairy house with silk leaves and flowers.

Empty plastic bottle Multisurface craft paint LED tea light candle Silk leaves and/or flowers Faux moss Hot glue gun Craft knife Scissors

7.

Next, cover the bottle lid with silk leaves or flowers. Place the lid back on the neck of the bottle.

8.

Add hot glue to the inside of the bottom half of the bottle. Then, line the bottom with moss.

INSTRUCTIONS:

9.

Add in your tea light candle.

WHAT YOU’LL NEED: • • • • • • • •

1.

Using your craft knife, cut off the top portion of the plastic bottle.

2.

Remove the lid and set it aside. Then, cut off the plastic band around the neck of the bottle.

3.

Paint both halves of the bottle with colors of your choice. Allow up to 30 minutes to dry, then repeat for a second coat.

4.

Next, cut a window in the bottom half of your plastic bottle. It should be large enough to fit your tea light inside.

5.

Cut slits halfway up the top half of the bottle, about 1" apart. Bend the ends of each slit upward so that they stick out like shingles on a roof.

10. Finally, place the “roof” on top of your house. Enjoy your brand-new fairy house night light!

16 CREATIVE DRAWING HACKS FOR KIDS LEARN MORE

Boomerang

07

LADYBUG PAINTED ROCKS • • • •

Decorart Patio Paint in colors of your choice Smooth rocks, preferably oval or round in shape Paintbrush Toothpick Outdoor sealer, outdoor Mod Podge, or Decorart Patio Paint clear coat

08

Boomerang

Next, paint your rocks using colorful Patio Paint. If your rocks will be sitting outside in soil, no need to paint the bottoms.

4.

Paint on a black ladybug head and let dry.

5.

Using the handle end of your paintbrush, dot on ladybug spots with black paint.

6.

Next, use the handle end of the paintbrush to dot on white eyes. Let rocks dry completely.

7.

Cut the tip off of a toothpick.

Then, dip the toothpick in black paint and dot onto white eyes to make the pupils.

8.

When your rocks are completely dry, paint them with a coat of Patio Paint Clear Coat or an outdoor formula sealer like Mod Podge.

9.

Now, find a place to display your colorful ladybug rocks!

INSTRUCTIONS: 1.

First, find your rocks. A good place to start is by looking around your yard for oval or round rocks. If you can’t find any out in nature, you can purchase them at any home improvement store, garden center or craft supply store.

2.

Once you find your rocks, be sure to wash and dry them.

This will make it easier for the paint to stick.

WHAT YOU’LL NEED: •

3.

TIN CAN PAINTERS

3.

Now, it’s time to decorate!

Paint or draw on your can, add scraps of decorative paper or fabric, or experiment with stickers and glitter. The choice is all yours.

WHAT YOU’LL NEED: •

Tin cans (make sure they are rust-free) Scraps of decorative paper or fabric Acrylic paint, colored pencils, crayons or markers A paintbrush or sponge- tipped applicator Glitter and stickers (optional) Succulent(s) Potting soil Drill (for adults to use only) Waterproof sealer (optional)

• • • • • • • •

4.

Your tin can planter is complete! Take good care of your new plant by giving it the water and sunlight it needs to thrive.

2.

First, adults will need to drill a small hole in the bottom of the can to allow proper drainage for a plant.

Optional: If you want to keep the tin can planter for a long time, you may want to seal it with a waterproof sealer. This will prevent it from rusting over time.

Pro tip: Due to the potential of the can rusting, do not use the planters for food or vegetable plants.

To begin, string beads on your string or lace.

2.

Pour paint over the top of the overturned flowerpot. Then, pour a second layer of paint right into the center of the first puddle.

3.

Watch the paint drip down in layers, creating a fun, dramatic effect.

Pro tip: To encourage the paint to drip down quicker, you can also run your finger along the bottom of the pot.

4.

Optional: Once the paint has dried, spray it with your waterproof sealant.

Pro tip: While this is not 100% necessary, the waterproof sealant will prevent the paint on your wind chime from fading or chipping over time.

INSTRUCTIONS: 1.

1.

Once the paint is dry, insert soil and a succulent into your can.

Pro tip: Use succulents in the planters because they require less watering than other plants.

5.

INSTRUCTIONS:

GARDEN WIND CHIMES

5.

Once everything is dry, tie your beaded strings to your first washer, leaving a few inches of room at the top.

Then, poke the strings through the top of the garden pot and tie them securely around your second washer.

6.

Next, tie all of the strings into one knot at the top where you left extra room, forming a loop to hang the wind chimes.

7.

Finally, find a spot to hang up your new wind chimes!

WHAT YOU’LL NEED: • • • • • • • •

Gardening pot Waterproof string or leather lace Assorted beads Paint 2 washers Kitchen tray Scissors Waterproof sealer spray (optional)

Boomerang

09

ARE YOU ARTSY? 10

Boomerang

H

ave you always wanted to have your art on exhibit? This spring, in partnership with Greenfield Community and Hancock Health System, “Boomerang” is hosting a kids’ art competition!

We invite children ages 5-18 years from around Hancock County to enter unique art that explores their thoughts, emotions and ideas about the topics of community, kindness and unity. The possibilities are endless! The winning artists, along with a sampling from all contest submissions, will be on long-term display in a common area of Hancock Regional Hospital as well as Healthy365.

There will be an overall winning entry, along with second- and third-place winners, as judged by a distinguished panel of judges from organizations around the county. Judging will be based on three criteria:

CONTEST RULES:

The contest ends March 31, 2022. Winners will be notified by April 15, 2022, and invited to a future celebration featuring the unveiling of the art installation at Hancock Regional Hospital.

Artists must reside in Hancock County, Ind. Submissions may be no larger than 11" x 14". Art may be on canvas or sketch paper and include media of paint, ink, crayon, pencil, marker, digital formats, or they can be texturized. Only a single submission is allowed per student. The back of the piece must include the artist’s name and grade. A parent/ guardian’s contact information and signature are required with each submission.

• • •

EXECUTION UNIQUENESS ARTISTRY OF CONCEPT

Additionally, there will be a Greenfield Community Readers’ Choice winner per a FaceBook poll featuring snapshots of the top 15 entries. Winners will receive art supply baskets along with cash prizes, depending on placement.

Art submissions may be dropped off at Healthy365, 120 W. McKenzie Rd., Suite G, Greenfield, Ind. Parents will be asked to sign a permission form for their children to participate in the contest.

Boomerang

11

Kids' Art Contest Have you always wanted your art on exhibit? Hancock County students aged 5-18 are encouraged to enter their unique art into our upcoming art contest! Themes are community, kindness and unity in Hancock County.

Winners will receive art supply baskets along with a cash prize and have their entry on long-term display at Hancock Regional Hospital and Healthy365.

If a winning piece is submitted through a local Hancock County art teacher, a special $500 supply grant will be awarded to that teacher, too.

The back of the art piece must include artist’s name, grade and guardian’s contact info. An entry Submissions may be no larger submission form also must be filled out by artist's guardian when you than 11" x 14." Art may be on canvas submit your entry at Healthy365 (120 W. McKenzie Rd., Suite G, in or sketch paper and use paint, ink, crayon, Greenfield), M-F 9 a.m.-4 p.m. pencil, marker, digital

by March 30, 2022! formats or texture.

One entry per Hosted By student.

12

Boomerang

BOOMERANG BOOKSHELF KINDLE YOUR CREATIVITY WITH THESE BOOKS! MAX EINSTEIN: THE GENIUS EXPERIMENT

BY JAMES PATTERSON MANY POINTS OF ME

BY CAROLINE GERTLER CRAFTILY EVER AFTER: MAKING THE BAND

BY MARTHA MAKER ART FOR KIDS: COMIC STRIPS: CREATE YOUR OWN COMIC STRIPS FROM START TO FINISH

BY ART ROCHE SEW ZOEY: READY TO WEAR

BY CHLOE TAYLOR This month’s book selection suggestions provided by Nicole Newell, Youth Services Librarian at the Hancock County Public Library. For more book suggestions, ask your local library’s information desk.

Boomerang

13

ALL ABOUT CREATIVITY EXPRESSION DAYDREAM ENHANCE CONNECTIONS PRACTICE EXPERIMENT EXPLORE JOURNAL BRAIN 20 14

Boomerang

SALIENCE EXECUTIVE READ IMAGINATION ENDORPHINS CRAFTS DEFAULT SKILL ARTS

I Z H D B R A I N P E B D H E

M B E E J Y D T L P X I A W N

A J X F M O X T L G P I Y R D

G O P A C R A F T S R E D T O

I U L U E S K I L L E X R G R

N R O L N Y R J U G S E E X P

A N R T H O F E J Z S C A D H

T A E P A S G P A M I U M T I

I L J A N Z A S A D O T K T N

O G M H C Y N L A D N I G J S

N H U V E C Q Z I A O V I S Q

R S P R A C T I C E J E N M G

D C O N N E C T I O N S O S P

Y R E K L M A R T S A C R O D

V H X G H E X P E R I M E N T

Boomerang

15

Become the healthiest generation ever!

When you know more about your health and how to take care of it, you can be more, do more and have more fun — starting now!