Teen Breathe

NOBLE GIANT

The lion is considered king of the jungle, but in many countries
across Europe and America the oak tree bears the forest crown.
Here, a Year 12 student explains why it reigns supreme

One of the last trees to lose its leaves when the colder How have they influenced cultural traditions?
months set in, the oak embodies determination, strength
and endurance. When its majestic canopy of leaves unfurls, Oaks have inspired songs, stories and ceremonies
it wears a green-gold crown, and each tree supports a throughout the ages. Were you sung Rock-A-Bye Baby
multitude of wildlife, demonstrating the generous and when you were little? Some believe the baby in this lullaby
benevolent qualities with which true sovereigns reign. is an acorn, cradled in its cup, blown down by the breeze.

As well as its royal pedigree, it’s often said that In times gone by, druids of the British Isles worshipped
companionship with the oak can help to make you feel the oak as a sacred tree. They ate acorns hoping to
grounded, rooted and connected, and give a sense of glimpse the future and believed mistletoe sprigs growing
belonging in nature. It’s the perfect reason to find one in the oak’s branches were divine gifts from the gods.
near you and make friends.
Traditionally many Native American peoples revered the
What do they look like? oak as medicinal, with powers of healing and protection.
They, along with druids, held gatherings in oak groves to
Oaks grow native across Europe, America and Asia. Most channel the wisdom and strength of these ancient trees.
are deciduous, losing their leaves in winter, but come
springtime they burst into tender new life. In European mythology, gods of thunder and lightning –
Greek Zeus, Norse Thor, Roman Jupiter and Celtic Dagda
When identifying oaks, look for thick, gnarled bark, with – were associated with the towering tree, as it was often
deep ruts and rivets running along the sturdy trunk. The struck during thunderstorms. These cultures saw oak-
short-stemmed leaves grow in clusters and have distinctive lightning as a sign from the gods that a significant event
lobed edges. would soon occur.

Oak flowers look like catkins – yellow tassels cascade And what about practical uses?
from the tip of new twigs. The smooth-shelled, oval-round
acorn nuts nestle in bobbly cups. Oak’s crooked branches and hardwood timber is ideal for
building the curved boughs of ships. Tannin in the bark has
Why are they so important? been used to tan leather since 31BCE, and acorns can be
ground into nutty flour, whose bread provides a staple diet
Oaks are essential to ancient woodland ecosystems – a for indigenous cultures across America and Europe.
single tree can live for 1,000 years and support more than
2,000 species (see overleaf). For centuries, acorns have even been collected to make
ink (see overleaf). This has allowed royal decrees to be
As well as this, its acorns provide vital food for deer, transcribed, musical scores to be composed, ancient maps
mice, voles, squirrels, jays, badgers and many more. to be drawn and heartfelt letters to be written.
And as its leaves fall and biodegrade, the soil becomes
rich in nutrients, enabling fungi, such as mushrooms and Turn over to discover more on the importance of oak, as
toadstools, to spring to life. well as how to make your own acorn ink

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Oak-supported ecosystems WORDS: HEATHER CASEY LEIGH. ILLUSTRATIONS: LOU BAKER SMITH

Oaks are essential to ancient woodland flora and fauna.
Here are just a few of the species that benefit from this
generous host

Buzzards perch atop its towering height to scan the landscape
for prey.
Woodpeckers scale its bark and their tap-tap-tap can be heard
as they hunt for the insects and spiders that live underneath.
Tawny owls build nests in the hollows of its trunk.
Snuffling badgers set up home in the crevices of its roots.
Bats roost among the branches and higher in the canopy.
Butterflies, such as the rare purple hairstreak, sunbathe
peacefully on its leaves.
Gall wasps lay their eggs inside the cosy encasements of the
oak buds.
300 types of lichen flourish along its wide-spreading branches.

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Written in acorn ink

As well as being vital food for wildlife, acorns can be collected to make ink. Why
not give it a go? It makes for a fun day out with a guardian or an older sibling
and you can then work on the project when you get home. Head out between
September and November after the acorns ripen and fall from the tree

You will need:

Three handfuls of acorns
Rusty nails, wire wool or other iron metal (these will need careful handling,
so make sure you ask a guardian to help and wear gloves)
Vinegar
Honey
Alcohol (ideally vodka – as with the rusty nails, ask a guardian to get this for you)
Jars

1. Gather fallen acorns beneath oak trees. Leave enough for hungry animals, respect
nature and give thanks for what you receive.

2. Briefly dip acorns into boiling water to soften, then peel and roughly chop.
3. Place into an old pan and cover with water.
4. Simmer on a low heat, with the lid on, for two hours.
5. Add iron and 3 tbsp of vinegar – stir well. This causes the reaction that creates ink.
6. Leave overnight to cool.
7. The following day, repeat Steps 4 and 6, adding more water if the acorns

are uncovered.
8. On the third day, simmer for an hour then strain through a sieve lined with a cloth

(make sure it’s not a much-loved tea towel!).
9. Return filtered liquid to heat and add 1 tbsp of honey.
10. Simmer gently, with lid off, until the volume of liquid decreases by half.
11. Test ink with a paintbrush. Return to a low heat if you desire a darker colour.
12. Pour into a jug and add a splash of alcohol to preserve. Leave to cool.
Store your homemade acorn ink in labelled jars, ready to use with fountain pens,
feather quills or paintbrushes!

51

POCKETS OF TRANQUILITY

Living in a multigenerational household or with a large family can feel like being
caught in a hurricane of activity. But there are ways to find the calm space in
the eye of the storm and enjoy the benefits a busy household can bring

The hustle and bustle of a home that’s always buzzing with equals a lot going on pretty much 24/7. This can make
life can bring many rewards. There’s always someone to it tough to find moments to be alone with your feelings,
talk to, more people on the dog-walking rota and plenty of which is an important way to recharge your batteries.
opportunities to create strong bonds between generations.
If you share your house with many generations, you’ll
If you’re really lucky, you might even have a sibling who already understand how finding this space can be difficult,
shares your fashion sense and is happy to do the same especially during the past year when many people have
with their wardrobe. been at home a lot more.

But there are times when it can feel crowded. In some But taking care of yourself, no matter how many others
cultures, for example, it’s common to have grandparents, you live with, is important, so here are six ways to seek out
parents, children and grandchildren living together, which peace and quiet, even when you’ll never be home alone!

52

WORDS: KIM BANSI. ILLUSTRATIONS: LA JEANETTE 1 Get moving 3 Sleep well
Whether it’s a quick stretch when you wake up or Being with a lot of people all of the time can be
kicking a ball around in the garden, getting your body draining and your mind will need to take a breath, which is
moving is a great way to feel good. Physical activity exactly what sleep provides. Physical rest also allows your
releases endorphins (also known as happy chemicals) in body to repair and gear up for a new day.
the brain that boost your mood throughout the day.
A great way to wind down before you go to bed is by
Focusing on any activity can also help you to stay in the following a sleep routine that gives your mind and
present moment and switch off from stressful situations, body all the signals it needs to realise it’s time to rest.
such as schoolwork, friendship woes or sibling squabbles.
So this combo lets you create some alone time while also You could have a warm shower, switch off any
looking after your mind. devices an hour before bed, relax with a book or
spend time journalling. This could also be a chance
2 Find quiet time to note down at least one thing you’re grateful
Are there times of the day when your house feels for about living in a large family. Aiming to go to
a little less chaotic? Perhaps first thing in the morning sleep at the same time each night also helps
before the bathroom and breakfast scramble, or just before your body find its natural rhythm.
bedtime when everyone’s winding down.

Use these moments of calm to do things that bring you
joy. It could be listening to your favourite playlist when you
wake up, doing some sketching before bedtime or reading
when people are out at work. Making time to do the things
you love will leave you feeling refreshed and energised.

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4 Take time away from tech
When you’re living in a full house, chances are there
are lots of different conversations going on and it’s always
a constant hive of activity, which can feel overwhelming.

Try not to add to that constant chatter with non-stop
messaging, scrolling or even watching TV. Even if it’s just
for half an hour, doing something that doesn’t involve a
screen is one of the kindest things you can do for yourself.

Perhaps you could use that time to get some fresh air
and clear your head of anything that’s on your mind.
The virtual world will still be there when you log back on.

5 Find calm in the everyday
Concentrating on the task in front of you is a great
way of switching off from the chaos. And you can do it with
the smallest of jobs (see right) and even when there are
other people around.

In fact, really paying attention to an everyday task or
activity might give you just enough headspace to be able
to see the joy in that family chatter.

6 Establish boundaries
If you’re struggling to find space to think and it’s
making life difficult, talk to your parents or guardians about
how they can help you find a solution. It might be that you
can set up different routines if, for example, you share a
room with a sibling (see issue 20).

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It’s the little things

Find calm and focus in the following…
Doing the washing up

Sorting through your clothes
Tidying your room
Deep breathing

Practising yoga (see page 42)
Painting your nails

Playing an instrument
Having a shower
Sitting in the sun

Brushing your teeth
Journalling
Sketching

Baking bread (see page 34)
Making a hot drink
Watering your plants
Walking
Making your bed

55

COOL AND COLLECTED

Are you mad about memorabilia? Do you love discovering interesting
artefacts? If so, it might be time to start a personal collection and learn

how to display it in your very own mini-museum

Collecting can be a magical experience that sparks random as your passion might seem, remember you’re
endless joy. It makes sense when you think about it, you’re doing this for you and no one else. You’ll enjoy researching,
basically stockpiling tons of your favourite stuff. swapping, trading and buying bits so much more if each
piece makes you smile.
In fact, you’ve probably already had a few collections in
your lifetime. Think back to when you were young: were The next part is the coolest for a lot of collectors –
you obsessed with toys or teddies, or maybe you couldn’t organising, cataloguing and exhibiting that special stash.
get enough of comics? Some enthusiasts even dedicate entire rooms, houses
or even purpose-built sheds to their favourite finds, a bit
Whether it was marbles, crayons, stickers, shiny pebbles, like a mini-museum.
conkers or some other weird and wonderful object,
chances are you’ve already accumulated a whole load of If you love that idea too, why not dedicate a space in
treasure (even if you haven’t kept it). your bedroom for your prized possessions or invest in some
quirky furniture that acts as a display cabinet?
So how do you turn this childhood habit into a grown-up
hobby? First, find something you care about. Collections If you’re still not sure how to kickstart a new collection,
can be cool, strange, kitsch, historical, rare, arty, unique or check out our beginner’s guide (see right and overleaf). It
everyday. It all depends on what you’re into. covers fun artefact ideas, creative ways to arrange them,
and what to do if you feel your accumulation of treasure
There’s no point in collecting posh grandfather clocks is beginning to overwhelm your space or your thoughts.
if you’re obsessed with cartoon postcards of cats. As

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Cool collection ideas

Collect objects you love, and don’t feel you have to go for traditional
favourites, like stamps or coins, if they don’t interest you. Need inspiration?
Here are a few ideas you might consider
Rainbow glassware. Colourful cups, presentation plates, cocktail glasses and
bright beakers can create one awesome kitchen display.
Postcards. Think vintage, modern and everything in-between. Easy to find in
flea markets and a staple of gallery and museum shops, they’re also free in many
cafés and cinemas. But don’t hide them away. Once a month, pick out three or
five with the same theme or colour palette and pop them in a picture frame.
Key chains. Whether you pick up a new one every time you travel or you’re
on the hunt for something fashionable, they’re perfect for anyone on a budget.
Portraits. Some paintings come with a story while others remain a mystery. Start
your search at secondhand stores and car-boot sales.
Badges. From political movements to pop icons, badges often stand as
statements of allegiance. They also make great accessories for jackets and bags.
Vintage crockery. If pretty antiques are more your vibe, check out charity shops
for hand-painted tea cups, art-deco ceramics and twee cake stands.
Magnets. OK, some are a bit cheesy, but they’re an inexpensive way to chart all
the places you’ve been. Start now and it’ll be a collection of happy memories.
Turn the page for more innovative ways to display your collection

57

Creative displays

Show your artefacts off to the world by
creating a mini-museum at home. Here
are some awesome ways to curate your
beloved collection
Hang on hooks. Plaster your wares all over
your walls. This gallery-style tactic works well
for crockery, pictures and light objects like hats
and scarves.
Showcase on shelves. Treat your collection
to its own fancy mantle or invest in large storage
units with windows to create centrepieces
that wow viewers.
Curate corners. Make dedicated presentation
spaces for your favourite finds using open
bookcases, stands, ladders and dressers.
Exhibit on social media. Take special snaps of
key items and create a stylish online display.

58

Are you a hoarder?

If your collection is beginning to take up more space
than you’d like but the thought of giving away any items
feels distressing, it might be helpful to assess your
habits. Here are a few questions you could ask yourself
to see if your passion might be becoming a problem

WORDS: CLAIRE BLACKMORE. ILLUSTRATIONS: KATE STYLING Is the collection causing you significant distress or
negatively affecting your quality of life?

Has the amount of things you’ve accumulated started
to interfere with everyday living? Is there no longer any
space to do schoolwork in your bedroom?

Do you keep items that might have little or no monetary
value, such as clothes tags and carrier bags, or items
you intend to reuse or repair?

Do you find it hard to organise or categorise items?

Do you have difficulties making decisions?

Have you become extremely attached to items, refusing
to let anyone touch or borrow them?

Is your collection upsetting your family? What happens
if your parents try to clear any of the items? Do you get
upset? And is it affecting your relationship with them?

It’s important to reach out if your collection is becoming
overwhelming. If you answered yes to any of these
questions or want more information, visit nhs.uk/hoarding.

59

PLAYING WITH ART

Think you’re not creative? Think again! Here are some fun
ideas on how to engage with your inner artist through games

Could you write an entire story without using the Whether you’re a pro with a paintbrush or feel
letter E? Or, how about taking items you use every daunted by doing anything artistic, have a go at
day and turning them into a piece of art? the following creative activities and see what you
come up with.
Artists and writers have lots of creative methods for
making new work that are way more interesting than There’s no right or wrong way to do any of them.
staring at a blank page waiting for inspiration to strike. They’re just a bit different and (hopefully) fun. The
chances are you’ll also be surprised at what you
Sometimes it can be hard to know what to draw or make and realise that you just needed a different
write, and art games are a great way to tap into your way to discover your creative talents.
creativity, make something new and have fun.

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Let the games begin

CRAF A COLLAGE OUT O FUND OBJECT Next, get a sheet of paper or card and some glue
or tape and start arranging your items on the page.
Some artists include everyday items in their work, Try playing around with your layout and see which
which is a technique called using found objects. One objects and colours complement each other. Train
of the most famous to do this was Pablo Picasso, who tickets from a day trip could work well stuck next to
was part of an art movement called cubism. Picasso postcards from the place you visited, for example.
often used items like matchboxes and newspaper
cuttings in his paintings. You could also try positioning things randomly.
Jean Arp was part of an art movement in the early
You might have tried collage before. It involves 20th century known as dadaism, and he would glue
pasting different pieces of paper or other materials items to the page wherever they happened to fall.
together on a page to create an artwork and is a This can help you let go of any worry about trying
common way to use found objects. to make it look right.

Start by gathering items for 10 minutes. They can Turn over for more games to get your creative
be anything from old bus tickets or a scribbled note juices flowing
from the bottom of your bag to postcards, stickers,
sweet wrappers, receipts, photos, dried flowers, even
junk mail and newspaper clippings – anything at all.

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EXQUISIT CORPS WRIT A SORY WITHOUT USING A PARTICULAR LETR

Don’t be put off by the name! This is a game invented by Oulipo was a movement that used restrictive writing
surrealist artists in Paris in 1925 and it’s fun to play with techniques. Those who practised it would set themselves
friends or family. challenges such as not using a certain letter in an
entire story in the hope that this would force them to
Get a blank sheet of A4 paper and some pens or pencils. think creatively and choose words they wouldn’t have
The first person in the group draws a face at the top of considered otherwise.
the page, then folds the paper down so it just covers what
they’ve drawn. Directly below, the next person draws a Why don’t you select a letter and try writing a short
neck, then folds it and passes it to another person who story, song or poem without using it at all? Some are easier
draws a torso and arms. than others – a whole story that omits E is going to be
much trickier than one without any Zs. One top tip is to
You do this together for the whole body, making sure have a thesaurus on hand to choose alternative words.
no one else sees what you’ve drawn. The last person then
unfolds the page to reveal the body that’s been created You’ll probably find this makes you think more about
out of a mishmash of pictures. what words you’re using and will inspire you to try out
different vocabulary and ideas.
You can also play this game with words. Each person
writes a line, folds the paper down over it and then
passes it along. At the end, you’ll have a poem you’ve all
contributed to. You could set a theme to follow, like nature
or cats, or just see what flows.

These games are a nice opportunity to get everyone
together to try something creative – even if you’re not
hugely into art or writing, you’ll surprise yourself at how
funny and enjoyable it is.

62

WORDS: CAROLINE BUTTERWICK. ILLUSTRATIONS: TONWEN JONES CREAT A POM OUT O RANDOM WRDS
The American poet Jessica Salfia created a poem called The First Lines
of Emails I’ve Received While Quarantining out of emails that she was
sent throughout 2020. She cut the first lines out of these messages and
arranged them into a poem that illustrated brilliantly how art can reflect
the real world. This is often referred to as art imitating life.

Other artists have made work this way too. Dada artists would cut up
newspaper articles and take words at random to create surprising or
satirical poems.

To do this yourself, try taking any piece of writing and then cutting it
into individual words or phrases. Pop these into a hat and pick them out
at random, then paste onto a page.

The results can be funny and bizarre, sometimes making interesting
descriptions or helping you to see a piece of writing in a completely
different way.

Or, you could copy Jessica and take a more careful approach by
selecting lines from different places and arranging them into
something new.

63

‘You have to be
honest. When you’re
being open, that’s
when people connect
with you. You just

have to be
yourself’

Little Simz

ILLUSTRATIONS: SHUTTERSTOCK.COM Small tweaks, big results

Use this space to explore the mini marvels (see page 10) that would
bring positive changes to your world

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