OWLCafé | A Balanced Life
Hobbies
General
NotSoBoringLife - It's safe to say, in the world we live in there is a hobby for everyone. That simple fact means there are more hobbies than we could possibly write about, and that's why we need your help and your hobby.
The World's Largest List of Hobbies
Find Me a Hobby - Your Source for Hobby Ideas, Hobby Stores, Hobby News and Hobby Tips.
How To Do Things - If you're like many people, you're always on the hunt for new and exciting ways to spend your free time. Learn about hobbies that might interest you: whether it's playing poker or making photo memory quilts, we have authoritative guides that will help you get started with your new hobby.
Ten Hobbies for Retirees - Many people getting ready to retire wonder what they will do with all the free time, and these ten hobbies for retirees can fill plenty of the gaps. With a broad selection of weekly activities, you can fill up your days, many times while enriching the lives of others.
Mixed Media
Often referred to as assemblage art, mixed media includes, but is not limited to collage, altered books, altered objects, art cards (ATC and ACEO), handmade greeting cards, tag art and handmade books using a wide variety of mediums and unusual supplies.
Creative Mixed Media - Learn mixed media art! Painting, collage, journaling, drawing, assemblage & more - we have the best mixed media techniques, ideas, projects & tutorials!
Zentangles - Zentangle is an enjoyable and uplifting artform for all ages and skill levels. All you need is a piece of paper, pen, and pencil.
Collage - A collage is a technique of composing work of art by pasting on one surface numerous materials not usually associated with each other. Making a collage is fun, easy, and creative! You are going to make a collage to represent who you are. What kind of things do you like? What are your hobbies, favorite colors, and favorite singers? You can put anything that you love into your collage! Be creative! It's about things that interest you!
Genealogy
Genealogy plays an important role in how we view ourselves, our history, and the connections we have around the world. Both children and adults can benefit from knowing where they come from and from studying their genealogy.
A Genealogy Guide - The Hub Post - Searching genealogy has become very common, with many people investing in different methods. People have different reasons for wanting to find out who their ancestors are; sometimes it’s just curiosity while other times there is a medical necessity. Whatever your reason may be, you need to be sure you know how to approach the process.
Public Records Reviews - Working on your genealogy can be both interesting and time consuming. Although done mostly to secure medical information, it can also be a side hobby. Use the following sources as you begin working on your genealogy.
Cyndi's List - A comprehensive, categorized & cross-referenced list of links that point you to genealogical research sites online.Your genealogy starting point for more than 15 years!
Lineage & Heritage Societies - Learn more about lineage and heritage societies, including requirements for membership and how to apply. Plus, links to some of the better known lineage societies.
Why Genealogy? - Genealogy is said to be the third (some say the second) largest hobby in the country. Why would you want to take up this hobby now?
Bird Watching
A bird watching hobby can be adopted by anyone as you can watch birds anywhere you please, even in your backyard. A bird watching hobby is always better developed when you live in the suburbs of a city or in a smaller town unless you get away whenever possible to entertain it.
Make Your Own Plastic Bottle Bird Feeder Bottlestore.com - One of the best ways to attract birds is to put up a bird feeder. Instead of buying one, it's a lot less expensive and more fun to create one using a plastic bottle.
A Kid's Guide to Bird-Watching in the Playground - This guide includes tips and aides from experienced watchers. Thank you Sarah!
19 Ways to Make Your Backyard Bird Friendly - Birds like this beautiful male bullfinch can be attracted to your backyard by sunflower and other seeds, making for a welcome visitor to your garden space. With their bright, colorful plumage.
Hand-Made Birdhouses: Bring Life to Your Porch and Yard - One way to bring the outdoors a little closer, even when you're inside, is to build a birdhouse. Bringing songbirds, migratory species, and even hummingbirds within view of your kitchen window is simple and inexpensive, and it can also provide lasting benefits to your garden and your local ecosystem.
Helpful Bird Watching Tips (PDF) - Take your time – don’t rush. By walking slowly you will see more birds, especially the quiet or skulking ones.
How to Photograph Birds - This guide could be used for any type of wildlife photography, but I will be concentrating on fast-moving birds and birds in flight, so if you are taking a picture of a fast-moving animal, feel free to use the same camera settings.
What You Need to Know about Bird Watching with Kids - The great thing about bird watching with kids is that you can take it slow or dive in with both feet! The most important thing is to have fun.
Mobile Apps for Nature Travel and Birding Trips - Traveling to far-away places to see birds and wildlife? Load some of these mobile apps onto your smartphone to get the most out of your explorations.
Gear Kit: What to Carry when You Go Out and Bird - I’ve been getting questions about what people should bring with them on a birding trip, and while I’ve written about this in the past, it makes sense to do an update and share what I’m carrying now, and to make some suggestions on options and alternatives for those just starting out as well.
Backyard Bird Watching: The At-Home Audubon Guide - Spending time in nature can do wonders for your state of mind. Bird watching is no exception.
A Homeowner's Guide to Identifying Birds - From Angie's List: Bird watching is one of the most enjoyable hobbies that can be done by young and old. Plus, it can be done in all parts of the world.
Best Birdwatching Binoculars - Advice on binoculars for Birdwatching including, what to look for & reviews helping you find the best birding binoculars.
Beginner's Guide to Bird Watching - Bird watching can be enjoyed by kids to adults. Learn about the right binoculars, when to watch, bird identification and other tips and tricks. Thanks to Alyssa and Taylor for this link!
Bird Watcher Meetup - Meet other local Birdwatchers. Gather to discuss sightings and learn more about our feathered wonders.
Wild Bird Watching - The bird watching information on this site is for everyone who enjoys learning the feeding, nesting, and mating habits of backyard birds. We've also included bird videos for many of the popular backyard birds.
All About Birds - Use our Bird Guide to identify birds, learn about the life history, listen to the sounds, and watch bird behavior on video--the most comprehensive guide to North American birds.
Model Building
Model building is a hobby that appeals to people of all ages. Model railroads, model and model planes are only the start. A passion for building in miniature can develop into a lucrative career or simply become a lifelong hobby that brings years of enjoyment.
Google Searches
The world’s smallest airport is Knuffingen Airport located in Hamburg, Germany. It took six years to build and cost over 3 million euros.
Gardening
State-by-State Gardening - Gardening Books, How-To Information, and Magazines for Your State and Region
Garden Tips for Seniors - National Wildlife Federation
Yard Share - Knocking down fences.
Pollinator Gardening
Million Pollinator Garden Challenge - Nationwide call to action to preserve and create gardens and landscapes that help revive the health of bees, butterflies, birds, bats and other pollinators across America.
US Department of Agriculture - Follow these simple steps to create a pollinator-friendly landscape around your home or workplace.
Xerces Society - Pollinators require two essential components in their habitat: somewhere to nest and flowers from which to gather nectar and pollen.
Kids Gardening - Lesson Plans- Planning a Pollinator Garden. Good resource for grandparents.
