the
Boating
Botanist
Off-the-page nature journalling
Illustrations and commissions
Nature-themed artmaking workshops
This website is under construction
Thank you for visiting
about nature journaling
permanent ephemera, predictable chaos
Nature journalling is all about discovering the many faces of nature: the aesthetic and intricate, the functional and incomprehensible, the humorous and seriously mind-blowing.
The workshops I offer are an opportunity to engage with nature in an active and dynamic way. You will express your inquisitiveness and wonder through sketching, calligraphy, writing, and other forms of artmaking. Tap into your curiosity and let yourself be surprised by the diversity of forms on display in your surroundings.
When you peer into nature’s kaleidoscope, you’ll never see the same thing twice. Discover your unique way of observing.
praise for nature journalling events
“I know everyone who attended had a wonderful time and I think several will be inspired to continue to create. I have already pulled out my old drawing supplies and intend to make more time for my right brain to stretch its legs (or neurons!) again.”
“I appreciated the low-key, positive and creative approach of the instructor. I have continued to use what I learned in the workshop and shared the ideas and practices with others.”
“I enjoyed the stillness as everyone was engaged in creating.”
“Kristel’s approach was very accessible and encouraging. Her supplies were fabulous. She was connective and super helpful, informative and friendly.”
upcoming events
Interested in organizing an online event or an in-person workshop in the UK? Want to collaborate? Please get in touch on Instagram!
past events
March 9
Nature Journaling: A creative exploration of the winter landscape
March 9, 2024 (12:30–3:30pm) Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University, Boston MA
Bring your enthusiasm for the natural world and leave with a creative nature journal, inspired by the trees of the Arnold Arboretum. Tap into your creativity and let yourself be surprised by the diversity of forms on display in the winter landscape.
February 24
Nature Journaling with NatureRx
February 24 , 2024 (1–4pm) UConn Botanical Conservatory, Storrs CT
Bring your enthusiasm for the natural world and leave with a creative nature journal, inspired by the plants of the UConn Botanical Conservatory. Offered through UConn’s NatureRx Initiative.
December 16
Nature Journaling: A creative exploration of the winter landscape
December 16, 2023 (12:30–3:30pm) Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University, Boston MA
December 9
Nature Journaling with Joshua's Trust
December 9, 2023 (10am–1pm) Atwood Farm, Mansfield CT
September 23
Nature Journaling with NatureRx
September 23, 2023 (10am–1pm) UConn Botanical Conservatory, Storrs CT
about Kristel
art & science
Kristel is a botanist with a love for natural history and nature art. She spent many years in the living collections of the Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University gathering data for her Ph.D. degree. Then she joined the Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at the University of Connecticut and and started working with UConn’s NatureRx initiative to design and facilitate Nature Journaling Workshops.
In 2024, she traded her Connecticut home in the woods for a narrowboat on the British canals. Follow her journey on Instagram:
