Question: What is mixed media arts? I have heard that term used in several different ways, and with different crafts. I just wondered if you could tell me what hobbies or crafts it is meant for. JulieAnn M., Farmington, NM

Answer: Julie that is a great question! Some confuse Mixed Media with MultiMedia art. "Mixed media art refers to a work of visual art that combines various traditionally distinct visual art media. For example, a work on canvas that combines paint, ink, and collage could properly be called a "mixed media" work - but not a work of "multimedia art." The term multimedia art implies a broader scope than mixed media, combining visual art with non-visual elements (such as recorded sound, for example) or with elements of the other arts (such as literature, drama, dance, motion graphics, music, or interactivity)." Source: WikiPedia

Below I have included some links for different Mixed Media Arts websites and blogs. Enjoy! These were really fun to read and look at.

A big Thank You goes out to Jessica H., for sharing some other fun summer activity ideas. After getting Jessica's email, I just had to share some of her great finds.

Here are a few fun things to add to your list:

Outdoor Games to Rock the Picnic - This article has some games that are similar to the ones in my last post, "Ask Anissa: What are some Fun Summer Activities for Kids to play outside?", but there are some that are different or have a twist to them. A great article and resource for fun picnics.

Educational Games and Activities - Education.com has a brand new section where you can select activities by grade level or subject area. This new area is a great way to find age appropriate activities for your children.

Create a T-shirt Pictograph - This is a really crafty way to disguise learning during the summer. And, it might also help clean out their closet or dresser drawers.

Produce a Family Yearbook - As big of a scrapbooker as I am, I have never thought of making a family yearbook! This is one of the coolest ideas that I have seen in a long time!

Thanks again for these great links, and if any of you ever find yourself with info and links you want to share with other readers, please don't hesitate to email me.

Question: I am always trying to think of new ways or new things to do with my family. We are a young family, and haven't been very good at making or taking the time to be together. Can you suggest or give us some fun outdoor family activities for us? Suzanne B., Farmington, NM

Answer: Suzanne, there are so many great things to do in the summer, and if you like being outside the list I have below should provide you with some really good family moments this summer.

Feeding the Birds

5-Minute Birdbath
A House for the Birds
Bird Feeding
Turn Your Birdhouse into a Planter
Mosaic Birdhouses

Garden Projects

A Pond in a Box
A Railroad Garden: Engineering Togetherness
How to Plan a Winning Family Garden
Rock Gardens
Teach Your Kids How to Start a Garden

Outdoor Projects

Best Seats
How to Hang a Tire Swing
Painted Floorcloths for Outdoor Spaces
Summer Pleasures

Question: Do you have tips on sites where I can look up hobbies?  I read one of your articles about hobbies and wondered if there were particular sites you had used to find different womens hobbies or which hobbies were the most popular.  I would like to research hobbies in general or women's hobbies.  Do you have any ideas where I can look up the general term of women's hobbies?  Maybe in doing some research I might find one that sticks out and calls my name.  Thank you in advance for any help you might be able to offer.  Rose L., Shelley, ID

Answer:  When I do research to answer questions I use a lot of different techniques and strategies, but, your question is a great one, and one that I am sure other women will be asking too!  I have compiled a small list of sites that have great information that may be of use to you below.  Good luck!!

AlwaysHobbies - has some good ideas

NotSoBoringLife - this is just interesting

Find My Hobby

eHow

There are many more places like search engines, forums, and social newtorking sites that may be of help also.  If there is a more defined area or type of hobby you are looking for, I would be glad to help you out!