COZY Magazine Fall 2021

COZY N A T U R E

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W A R M T H

CONTENTS What is COZY? | Page 9 COZY Playlist Fall 2021 | Page 14 COZY Reading List Fall 2021 | Page 15 COZY Environment Checklist | Page 16

In Season: Fall Foods | Page 20 Secret Citrus Applesauce | Page 22 Honey Roasted Acorn Squash | Page 26

Fingerless Hand Warmers | Page 30 Shawl Pattern | Page 34 A Season Of Trees, A Season Of Art | Page 38

How Can Nature Be Cozy? | Page 43 Guided Nature Walks For Fall | Page 47 Fallen Art: Painting Leaves | Page 50

Support COZY | Page 52

P A G E

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COZY / ˈ KŌZĒ/ ADJECTI VE Giving a feeling of comfort, warmth, and relaxation. The sensation of sitting by a fire.

The warm feeling you get being wrapped under a blanket with friends.

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WARMTH G E T T I N G

C O Z Y

WHAT IS COZY? UNDERSTANDI NG

" COZI NESS"

That is the question that started it all.

For years growing up, I always felt like I was seeking a sense of comfort—a rhythm that could nestle in my fingers with a sense of routine and tradition. I wanted tea brewed in the morning. A dinner written down on cards and loose papers.

Candles at my bedside. I wanted to emulate in my personal life the feeling of a blanket—security, warmth, and a sense that the things around me were made with care.

Though, for a long time, I lived in discomfort. Chronic migraines kept me inside on golden fall days. Foot problems made each step careful instead of carefree. Not to mention scoliosis and spina bifida kept any couch or squashy armchair from ever feeling as good as I knew they could.

No matter what I was doing, I was constantly arranging and rearranging, trying to find a place where I felt like I could finally let out the big breath I knew I was holding in. Beyond my body, I never had the patience to develop a routine or make “the perfect” cozy apartment. While my friends had color-coded bookshelves and labeled spice jars, I never had the patience for such things. My bookshelf was a living thing, constantly being pulled from and added to. My kitchen was certainly too small for extra jars and bottles.

To be honest, my mind doesn’t lend itself easily to organization or small intentional acts. I’m restless. I grow tired of keeping things in their columns and rows. Frankly there’s too much else to be doing to be worried about turning out labels.

I never felt like I could live that perfect “cozy” life. Instead, each environment I was in ended up feeling less than it could have been. I was jealous of the aesthetic life I’d pictured in my head… but didn’t have the hands to create in my own space.

In 2019, in the search of this elusive coziness, I conceptualized COZY magazine on a winter evening spent drinking tea and reading a book. In that moment perched in my bed, I felt truly at peace, and I wanted to capture that feeling through what I love: writing. I thought of COZY as a one-off zine full the things I’d been dreaming of—ritual and routine, candles and jars, perfect meals and mugs (maybe even meals in mugs).

The concept was highly material and distant.

Every time I sat down to write COZY, my words felt like letters mailed into my mouth by a stranger, stamp forgotten, stale and stagnant. In early 2020, I again tried to write COZY, but then, of course, everything changed.

As the pandemic surged on and as we all watched months of tragedy sweep over our homes and communities, I didn’t feel like the world needed COZY. Who really needed a person like me writing about bits and bobs in the summer of 2020? I put the project aside for what I thought was forever.

Funny enough, at the same time I was putting aside COZY “forever,” I started spending more time in the woods. With public places unsafe and unsure, the solitude of the woods became a home for me that year. On the weekends, my mother and I began to visit the New England cabin my grandfather built by hand years and years ago in his free time. As a kid, I couldn’t stand going to camp. At the ages of four, six, ten, fourteen—you name it—I didn’t yet appreciate the handmade quality of what my grandfather created. Camp was full of spiders. Cracks at the seams. Frost on the windows. Fire smoke and owls scratching at the door.

Trudging up to the camp in the middle of winter in a set of snowshoes was something to dread fully and entirely.

But now in my early 20s with a bit more experience and wonder resting on my shoulders, the smoke and seams worked their way into my bones. That summer, my mother and I roasted marshmallows over the fire, spent nights drinking whiskey and hot chocolate over our decades old table, and we read our books every weekend by the light of a lantern. The outhouse of course was still an adventure (one you certainly should not attempt without first checking for the potential critter or very, very large bug), but it was one I was willing to pay at the price of a night playing cards by the stars.

It was there in the scratchy flannel sheets and sitting by the wood stove where I realized what being “cozy” really is. It’s not these material things you can buy to make your home beautiful or picture-worthy. It’s not the actions people do or say you should do. To be cozy is to find comfort in what you find comfortable. And for me, that was whisky and kings corner.

Looking at a kind old tree. Reading that book I said I was finally going to finish. Those things that give me a simple, uncomplicated kind of joy were my cozy.

Happiness, in its simplest form to you, is what cozy is.

In the early months of 2021 as the pandemic still knocked on our doors, I found I needed that kind of cozy I discovered at camp more than I needed an aesthetic bedroom. So I gave myself many, many nights watching crappy TV and knitting a scarf.

Nights playing video games wrapped up in the biggest blanket I could find were to be treasured. A bag of chocolate chips became greatly appreciated in my apartment. Quality time with my loved ones and book club meetings were a must every week.

A good nap, or maybe two, is all I needed to feel at peace on a long, cold Saturday.

And as the winter and the pandemic stretched on, I started seeing the need for coziness around me as well. At my age, there were so many people in my life struggling with those first few steps of adulthood—steps they were making in one of the most life-changing events in our modern history.

The people around me were, in their isolation and confusion, seeking those little things that would keep a smile on their faces in the late hours of a winter evening (one they were spending trapped at home again and again and again).

After finally understanding what cozy meant to me, and what it could mean to others, I felt like I could make this magazine.

Finally, writing about “coziness” felt authentic and necessary. In the late summer of 2021, I began to write.

Today, COZY is a seasonal magazine published every Fall, Winter, Spring, and Summer that explores coziness through topics that I have found cozy in my own life: warmth, food, craft, and nature. In the Warmth section of each issue, we’ll think about the coziness of the season, ways to get cozy in your home, and we'll share cozy reading and music lists. In the Food section, we’ll explore seasonal items and recipes to match. In the Craft section, there will be knitting patterns and art prompts to boot. In the Nature section, we’ll discover ways to connect with local green spaces to find a sense of serenity and self wherever you are. Each section, no matter the season, will be there for you to navigate, to take what you need today and bookmark the rest for tomorrow.

And in this, I hope you find what coziness means to you.

COZY

PLAYLI ST

FALL

Savior Complex by Phoebe Bridgers Cardigan by Taylor Swift My Future by Billie Eilish Butterfly by UMI Courage by Lianne La Havas Autumn Town Leaves by Iron & Wine we fell in love in october by girl in red Only Time by Aaron Espe Falling Slowly by The Swell Season Goat by French for Rabbits The Box by Damien Rice Old Friend by Darlingside

2021

COZY

READI NG

LI ST

FALL

2021

Earth Keeper by N. Scott Momaday When The Moon Was Ours by Anna-Marie McLemore Upstream by Mary Oliver Devil and the Bluebird by Jennifer Mason-Black Diary of a Young Naturalist by Dara McAnulty The Marvelous Adventure of Edward Tulane by Kate Dicamillo Mr. Penumbra’s 24-Hour Bookstore by Robin Sloan Practical Magic by Alice Hoffman Teaching a Stone to Talk by Annie Dillard The Sun is Also a Star by Nicola Yoon Lost in the Never Woods by Aiden Thomas The Strange and Beautiful Sorrows of Ava Lavender by Leslye Walton The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky The Anthropocene Reviewed by John Green The Firekeeper’s Daughter by Angeline Boulley The Home Place by J. Drew Lanham Wilder Girls by Rory Powers All Along You Were Blooming by Morgan Harper Nichols A Lesson in Vengeance by Victoria Lee

COZY

ENVI RONMENT

CHECKLIST

Before you start reading COZY, find the perfect reading spot.

If you can, try to find a location that has: A very squishy armchair or couch Soft lighting (fairy lights, candles, lanterns, and the like) Little-to-no disruptive sounds A closed door so you can be in the moment House plants to keep you company A window so you can daydream

Now it's time to make sure your reading spot is as, well, cozy as can be. Grab: The warmest socks you own A large, chunky blanket A pet, if you have one, for cuddling Your favorite sweatshirt or sweater Your most worn-down candle A pot of tea (chamomile, earl, or chai recommended)

FOOD F A L L

F A V O R I T E S

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SEASON:

Acorn Squash Apples Beets Bell Peppers Butternut Squash Carrots Cabbage Collard Greens Cranberries Garlic Ginger Grapes Kale Limes Mushrooms Parsnips Pears Potatoes Pumpkins Radishes Raspberries Rutabaga Spaghetti Squash Spinach Turnips Yams

FALL

FOODS

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SECRET CITRUS APPLESAUCE BEGI NNER

APPLESAUCE

RECI PE

Cinnamon, nutmeg, maple syrup, apples—these are the ingredients that make something truly cozy. On a cold night, a little bit of applesauce and pie or applesauce and hot cider can warm you from your head to your toes. With this recipe, not only will it taste like eating the inside of an apple pie, the applesauce gets an extra tangy kick from its secret ingredient: lime. Yes, it may sound odd, but trust me when I say that it’s absolutely the bees knees.

If you’re looking to make the perfect fall treat, look no further than the ingredients list.

I NGREDI ENTS 5 lbs of apples, peeled, cored, and cut into slices 1 ¼ cup apple juice Juice of 1 lime ½ cup of brown sugar 1 ½ tsp of cinnamon, or to taste 1 tsp of nutmeg, or to taste A splash of maple syrup, to taste

THE

DI RECTI ONS

Find yourself the biggest pot you have. (I mean it, THE biggest.) After you’ve prepared and measured all of your ingredients, pop them into the pot (as a suggestion, consider putting in your solids first so don’t splash your whole kitchen by dumping a bunch of apples into apple juice).

Once your ingredients have found their way into the pot, cook over a medium heat for 20 to 25 minutes while stirring occasionally. The ingredients will begin to bake down and start to look very mushy.

After you’ve cooked, it’s time to mash and smash. In order to get the soft texture of applesauce we’re looking for, you can either blend your mixture in a food processor until it's smooth OR mush the mixture with a potato masher until you’ve broken down all of the large apple bits. If you like smooth and thinner applesauce, consider the food processor. If you like your applesauce to have a lot of texture, grab your best potato masher.

Let your applesauce cool and enjoy!

Extra cozy idea: Consider storing your applesauce in mason jars. Not only is it pretty hecking cute, it’s great for grabbing your snack on the go!

HONEY ROASTED ACORN SQUASH BEGI NNER

SPI CED

SQUASH

RECI PE

Brought to you by home-cook Margot Nelson, this Honey Roasted Acorn Squash recipe is a go-to fall treat.

Whether you're looking for a hardy addition to your lunch or a side dish for your next dinner, this squash is not only easy to make, but it's easy to share with friends and family. Honey, paprika, cinnamon, cumin, garlic powder, dried rosemary, and dried thyme all come together in this dish to make a truly memorable and savory flavor medley.

Pull out a baking pan and grab an acorn squash at your local grocery store—it's time to start cooking.

I NGREDI ENTS 1 Acorn squash, sliced in half with seeds scooped out 3 tbsp butter, melted Honey, paprika, cinnamon, cumin, garlic powder, salt, to taste Dried rosemary and dried thyme, to taste Red chili flakes (optional, to taste)

THE

DI RECTI ONS

Collect your ingredients and preheat the oven to 425 degrees fahrenheit.

Carefully cut your acorn squash in half down the middle of the squash (cut horizontally down the squash). Scoop all of the seeds out with a large spoon and set them aside.

Place each half of the acorn squash on a baking sheet, cut side up. Pour melted butter over squash flesh, using a spoon or brush to coat evenly. Drizzle the squash with honey to taste. Once coated with your desired amount of honey, season to taste with your spices and herbs (paprika, cinnamon, cumin, garlic powder, dried rosemary, and dried thyme). Salt generously. Note: Make sure your spices and herbs coat the inside of the squash.

Place your squashes cut side down on the baking sheet covered in aluminum foil or parchment paper. Place in the oven and roast between 45 to 60 minutes, or until a fork can easily poke through the outer skin and the cut sides are caramelized and golden. Be careful when lifting the squash off of the baking sheet, it will be hot!

The squash can be eaten as is, using a spoon to scoop out the squash. Enjoy!

Extra cozy idea: Clean and save the seeds to roast later!

CRAFT A R T S

F O R

F A L L

FINGERLESS HAND WARMERS BEGI NNER

KNI TTI NG

PATTERN

Let’s be honest, the best thing about fall is the weather. The air is crisp, not freezing. The sky is clear, not yet dancing with snow. The trees are full of color, not bare. Fall is a season of in-between, meaning your clothes have to live in the same halfway place.

In comes the fingerless glove. These chunky hand warmers are perfect for keeping you toasty while you’re out picking apples or running through a corn maze (but not so toasty you’ll be wishing you’d left them at home). Not only are these hand warmers convenient to have, they’re pretty convenient to make, too. When developing this pattern, each glove only took me an evening to make. They can be knit straight like a scarf (no knitting on the round needed) and you don’t have to worry about any complicated counting or stitch reduction.

Let me show you what I mean.

MATERI ALS Two skeins of super bulky wool or mixed wool yarn (needle size US 13)* US size 13 needles (metal needles are my preference) A large blunt tapestry needle *Note: It’s recommended to get your balls of yarn in two different colors so that you can mix and match your hand warmers for a bit of fun. With my gloves, one is a dark purple and the other is a canary yellow.

THE

STI TCH

You can really use any stitch for this pattern, but I decided to use the seed stitch for my gloves to make them extra chunky for a bit of a cute and cozy personality.

The seed stitch is simple: Cast on an odd number of stitches and knit one (k1), purl one (p1), knit one (k1) until you complete your row. If you did it right, you should start with a knit stitch and end with a knit stitch. Repeat until the project is finished.

It’s so easy but looks incredible.

Bonus tip: When making these gloves, I cast on my stitches and then did one complete knit row before starting my seed stitch.

I find doing that helps me better secure my seed stitch to the start of the project.

This project also requires weaving. Weaving is when you use a piece of yarn to make a flat project into a round project.

To weave, simply take the tail of your project and lace it into a tapestry needle. Press the two sides of your project that you want to come together, well, together.

Make sure the rows line up. Starting at the end, weave your loose tail through each side of your project (weave through he last stitch on each row). Tie off at the end. By doing this, the sides of your project will be secured into one piece. If you’re still unsure about weaving, there are many helpful videos that can give you a quick tutorial.

THE

I NSTRUCTI ONS

First you must measure. Measure the circumference of your knuckles. Record your measurement. Next, measure the circumference of your forearm about two inches below your wrist. Now that you know how big your gloves ideally need to be around, measure the length between your knuckles and that

same point on your forearm. This is how long your glove will be.

Now that you have your measurements, determine how many stitches you need across and down your project in order for it to fit on your body. For example, I cast on 13 stitches and completed roughly 17 rows.

Cast on your determined number of stitches (if you’re doing the seed stitch, make sure it’s an ODD number). Make sure you leave a long tail (you will need it later to weave your project together). Now that you’ve cast on, simply knit a square long enough to cover the desired area of your hand and arm. Once your project is long enough, cast off, again leaving a long tail.

Here comes the slightly tricky part. Take your square and gently wrap it around your hand and arm to determine where your thumb lands on the project. Mark the area where your project needs to be open (aka, have a gap) in order to let your thumb through. Now that you know where your thumb should be, it’s time to get weaving.

Turn your project so that the side you cast off on falls on your arm, and the side that you cast on with is going across your knuckles. On the knuckles side (aka, the top) use your top tail to weave the project together. Using your tapestry needle (you can even just use your fingers if you’re confident), weave until you get to where the crook of your thumb is. On my project I weaved together about five rows before I stopped. Tie off your tail, making sure the project is firmly together.

Now weave the other side of your project. Weave up to the point where the base of your thumb will be using your second tail. On my project I weaved together about seven rows before I stopped. Tie off your tail, making sure the project is firmly together. And that’s it! You’ve completed one glove. Repeat the same process for your second glove.

You're now ready for your next fall outing. Let us know how it goes and show us your completed gloves at @Cozy_zine on Twitter and @Cozyzine on Instagram!

SHAWL PATTERN I N T E R M E D I A T E

K N I T T I N G

P A T T E R N

Fall is a season where we are compelled by early sunsets and deep frosts to bundle our bodies up. A sudden wind tickling your neck is enough to give anyone the urge to wrap-up and find comfort in the autumn air—and what better way to find a little warmth than with a hand-made shawl?

Whereas the chunky hand warmers are a project you can take in any direction (they're pretty much a choose your own adventure knitting pattern), this intermediate shawl pattern is an elegant, intentional piece that comes with detailed instructions for knitters ready to take on a larger fall project.

This pattern was contributed by Margot Nelson, an advanced knitter who has been crafting for well over a decade. While the hand warmers had optional instructions and do-as-you-will yarn choices, Margot's pattern should be followed as written for the best results possible. Without further ado, let's get knitting.

That fall cold is waiting for no one!

MATERI ALS Approximately 590 yards of dk yarn (about three to four skeins) US size 8 needles (5mm), round 42in *Note: It’s recommended you find a color that will match your fall clothes or your favorite fall coat. With an intentional yarn choice, you can wear your project as often as possible without worrying about clashing colors.

ABREVI ATI ONS K M1 CO BO

knit - make 1 - cast on - bind off

THE

I NSTRUCTI ONS

Row Row Row Row Row

CO 3 stitches.

K1, M1 in the back loop of the second stitch, K1.

K to the last 2 stitches, M1, K1.

Repeat row 3 until the scarf reaches the desired size.

Loosely BO all stitches, weave in ends.

1: 2: 3: 4: 5:

We'll write that out for those of us who might need a little more explanation.

When first starting your project on the round, simply cast on three stitches. In your second row, knit one (K1) stitch. On the second stitch (that middle stitch), make one stitch (M1). If you've never added a stitch before or need a visual reminder, we highly recommend watching a video on how to do this or ask a friend for help. Knit the last stitch. You should now have four stitches in your row.

In your third row, knit until you reach the second to last stitch.

On that second to last stitch, make one stitch. Knit your last stitch. You should now have five stitches in your row.

Keep repeating this adding process until the project reaches your desired size. Remember that you should always make a new stitch on the second to last stitch of each row. Doing this will make shawl turn into a beautiful triangle shape, and you will create a simple, yet lovely, border.

Once you have reached the desired size (definitely throw it over your shoulders to see if it fits you well), loosely bind off/cast off (BO) all of your stitches. Weave in the tails of your project for a clean finish.

Now you'll have a cozy barrier to protect you from the cold!

Let us know how your project goes and show us your completed shawl at @Cozy_zine on Twitter and @Cozyzine on Instagram!

A SEASON OF TREES, A SEASON OF ART FALL- THEMED

WRI TI NG

&

ART

PROMPTS

Looking to create some fall-themed magic? We have just a few fun, creative, soft, and warm prompts for you to take and use whenever you need a bit of creative inspiration. These prompts can be used to kick-start your writing or to draft your next art piece—no matter the medium.

Let’s get creative, shall we?

F ALL

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PROMPTS

Think about the smells of fall. Changing leaves. Wood fires.

Apple-spiced candles. What’s the strongest memory you have around the smell of fall? Write or create based on that scented memory.

Fall leaves carpeting the ground is not only fun for us, but for the creatures they provide for. Write or create from the perspective of a creature (real or imagined) who collects fall leaves to make their autumn home.

Write or create from the perspective of an autumn garden experiencing the awe and beauty of the first fall frost.

Autumn is the season of apples. Write or create a piece that takes place in an apple orchard. Focus on the bursting colors and constant movement of this place.

Write or create a piece centered around people or animals enjoying their first steps on crunchy fallen leaves.

Think about the foods of fall: Apple pies and crisps, ciders and donuts, hot chocolates and pumpkin pies. What’s the strongest memory you have around fall food? Write or create based on that delicious memory.

“Two roads diverged in a wood, and I— / I took the one less traveled by, / And that has made all the difference.” -Robert Frost. Inspired by Robert Frost’s famous fall poem “The Road Not Taken”—which takes place in a golden forest—write or create a piece about taking the road less traveled by.

While autumn is the season of apples, it’s also the season of pumpkins. Write or create from the perspective of a creature (real or imagined) who moves into a pumpkin for the season.

Fall months are often used in the pursuit of finding warmth.

What’s the strongest memory you have that takes place next to a hearth, wood stove, or bonfire? Write or create based on that wooded memory.

Write or create from the perspective of a tree saying goodbye to the migrating birds.

NATURE

C O N N E C T I N G

W I T H

T H E

O U T S I D E

HOW CAN NATURE BE COZY? EXPLORI NG

THE

WARMTH

OF

THE

OUTDOORS

The existence of this section may be confusing to some. How can nature be cozy? Of course the flowers in your garden can be beautiful. The sunset over the lake can definitely be called marvelous. But the summer sun is blazing, not comfortable. The tree in your yard is hard, not nearly as huggable as some monikers might suggest.

Well, it’s all about looking just a little more closely.

In the summer the sun is blazing, but in the fall and the winter, it is a kiss on the face. The sun is a welcome friend in the snow and after a long rain. The sun is a blanket.

Moss on the forest floor is as soft as the carpets in your home. Even on the hard bark of a tree or the impervious surface of a stone, moss brings comfort to every hand and foot it meets.

Autumn clouds bring endless security. On a late fall day, the pinks and yellows and oranges soaked in the clouds invite you in. They hold you in the moment, letting you know it is okay to simply rest. That you deserve to curl up, put your head on their pillow, and to close your eyes.

Mushrooms on a log are like nature’s teacups. They hold dew and rain and invite birds and bees to take a drink. A log is certainly nature’s favorite mug cupboard.

Fall leaves are of course cozy. While the summer greens encourage long days of laughter, the fall leaves evoke the joy of sitting by a bonfire. The red and golds of autumn remind us of the beauty that can be. You can become warm just looking at their lives above. (And let’s not forget their cheerful crackle beneath your shoes.)

Even the crisp fall air can be cozy in the way that it reminds you to grab a hat before you leave the house. The wind tousles your hair and asks you to grab a hot chocolate with friends. The cold reminds you bundle, and makes you thankful for the warm corners of life.

Not to mention the birds. There is no song more beautiful than an autumn song goodbye. A bird’s song curls around you, giving you a chance to breathe out and linger in your thoughts.

Even the changing of the seasons is cozy. Change asks you to stop and watch. Leaves and snow and new spring buds remind you of the constant movement of the world. That no matter what email you have to respond to or what appointment you have to run to, the world is not rushing, but it is still moving. It is still there for you, always.

Nature is cozy. From the mushroom teacups to the dancing leaves, we can find warmth in the beauty of nature, and our connection to it.

For when we open ourselves up to seeing the comforts of nature —when we allow ourselves to have eyes for the rotting logs and mossy rocks—that is when nature can bring us peace. That is when nature can make us feel at home. And what is more cozy than being at home?

So please, let’s look around us, and find that sense of coziness in the trees, the water, and everything in between.

GUIDED NATURE WALKS FOR FALL I DEAS

FOR

FI NDI NG

WARMTH

I N

NATURE

I don’t know about you, but when I am out for a walk in the woods, I don’t just feel like I can “take a breath of fresh air.” I feel like I can fully breathe and reset.

When was the last time you stopped to listen to a bird song the whole way through? The last time you sat to marvel at a leaf making the trip from the branches above to the ground below? For me, it feels like I never do it often enough— especially in the world of the here and the now. In my day-today life, walking is an act of destination. It’s fueled by a need to be here and there by this time.

But walking in nature is different. It is truly a time where you can unplug and reconnect with yourself and the world around you. You’re resisting the urge of destination by making simply being the purpose of your movement.

Whether you’re walking the woods, along the beach, through a field, up a mountain, or on the craggy coast, it’s a sense of art all in its own.

So how in the fall can you interact with this beauty? You can take a nature walk, and you can set an intention to your walk to help you better connect with nature. We’ve collected a few fall-themed ideas you can use to guide your next walk.

Hopefully you'll find a sense of peace and coziness no matter where you wander.

Note on accessibility: All activities can be adapted to fit your needs and comfort levels. Change each activity to what’s best for you, whether that’s performing these acts sitting in your backyard, looking at the birds instead of listening to them, or walking with a friend or guide who can help you find the specific elements of nature you’re trying to discover.

F OLLOW

THE

RAI NDROPS

When on your walk, look for the touches of water in your environment. Intentionally look for dew clinging to the grass.

Try to find mushrooms still holding yesterday’s raindrops. Find the leaf that is dripping water onto your head as you pass.

Even trying to find puddles, salamander pools, secret ponds, and brooks can be a great way to pull yourself through the moment.

No matter where you are walking, guide your journey by keeping tally in your head of the water you see, whether its hiding beneath a leaf or running next to your feet.

SEEK

THE

COLORS

Since it is fall after all, another way you can guide your walk is by searching for multicolored leaves. Fall is known for its brilliant yellows and reds and oranges, but some leaves don’t always color within the lines.

When you’re walking, seek out the leaves that have more than one uniform color. Maybe you find a leaf whose veins pop out in an entirely different shade. Maybe you see a leaf with three colors wrestling for room.

Look above and below while you are walking, and throughout your time in nature, try to find the imperfections within the perfection of autumn.

LI STEN

TO

THE

BI RDS

Fall is most certainly known for its leaves, but the birds have something to say about the season as well. Many bird migrate for the winter, whether they’re trying to find warmer trees or returning to old homes. In their migration, they can often create quite the racket (have you ever heard a flock of Canadian Geese fly by?).

On your walk, take time for the birds. If you hear a bird, try to scan your area to find it. Plus, when you hear a birdsong, take an intentional moment—just a moment—to close your eyes and listen. Simply clear your mind and be here and now with this bird singing you its farewell melody.

Let the birds be your trail guide the next time you take a walk in nature. Navigate this adventure by focusing on these amazing creatures in their moment of fall flight.

No matter what walk you pick, focusing your walk on a certain topic or idea can bring about a deeper appreciation for not only your surroundings, but your relationship with them. And in that connection, you can find your warmth.

FALLEN ART: PAINTING LEAVES COMBI NI NG

ART

AND

NATURE

When I think of autumn, I always seem to think back to memories of leaves. I remember the big ugly green rake I used to pretend to comb through the thicket of my lawn with, the piles of maple leaves my father used to make for my brother and I to jump into, and of course all of the spiders that made themselves at home in said piles.

Leaves speak to that inner child that still lives in all of us. They shout to that kid who still wants to jump when they see that famous red, orange, and yellow stack no matter our age. They whisper creativity and play to all those who are willing to listen.

This fall, get cozy with the wonders of nature through new art projects. When you’re in need of a creativity activity, or you want to reconnect with that kid kicking around inside of you, try painting leaves. Whether you only have a single dingy old paint brush at the bottom of your drawer or your own easel, painting leaves can bring a touch of joy to any fall day. Just try a few patterns and see for yourself.

LI NES

AND

SHAPES

With a fallen leaf or two, simply relax by creating patterns on your leaf. Using a paint color that contrasts from the leaf (whites and blacks are a good place to start), try ideas like painting simple dots down the veins of the leaf you find, or creating a border around your leaf using different line shapes.

Follow the natural shapes of your leaf and simply paint dots, lines, squares, and the like into patterns you find calming. Use this activity when you need a quiet evening at home.

LEAF

LANDSCAPES

Again collecting your leaves, if you’re up for a more complex night of painting, you can use your leaf as a canvas. Using the inspiration of the nature around us, choose a dry, flat leaf with a large surface area, and paint a landscape. You can paint the place in which you found the leaf, your favorite view, or even your own backyard. With this project, try to let go of expectations and the need for perfection. Just allow yourself to have fun—you are painting leaves after all. (Tip: Painting the base of the leaf white, letting it dry, and then painting your landscape on top of the white can help the image stand out.)

Lastly, you could even use your leaves to create a natural collage. Using a whole handful of leaves, you can paint a section/piece of your desired landscape onto each leaf so that when each leaf is put together, it makes one unified landscape painting. There are endless ways to get creative when it comes to nature. All you need is an idea and a leaf—so let's create.

SUPPORT COZY ON OUR PATREON CREATI NG

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Thank you so much for reading COZY magazine. We hope you found lots of COZY ideas and resources to use for the rest of your fall season.

This is the inaugural issue of COZY magazine. Our staff is currently made up of one contributing writer and an EIC that creates most of the magazine (from layout to art to writing and beyond). It is our dream for future issues of COZY to bring on more contributing artists and writers (and a copy editor) in order to make the magazine even better. Plus, one day, we'd love to bring you full print issues of COZY. As an ad-free magazine, we can only reach these goals through the support of our readers. You can visit our EIC's Patreon at patreon.com/gracesafford to support the project and receive Patron benefits such as COZY sneak peeks and early access to each issue of the magazine.

We're truly thankful for all of your help championing this project. We'll see you in the winter for COZY issue two!

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We want to thank our top Novelist Patrons for their contributions to COZY. Thank you: Victoria Charlie D.

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