quick recap

The past few weeks have flown by.
In that time, I have:

My first (and only) three beads so far. 

•Learned to make glass beads. (Lampworking)

•Started an example project for my Metals I class. 

(I forgot how dirty copper is!)

•Pruned the heck out of this holly tree (with help from my neighbor)

After

I also visited my family for Easter, during which I:

•Turned a birthday bunny cake into something that looked more like a cow with long ears

•Didn't get around to dying eggs.  (oops!)

•Saw SNOW!!!

What a week

I love to learn new things.
and to remember how much I love what I know.  Like metalsmithing.

I started my new placement this past Monday.
If you are wondering about more teacher samples, the answer is "probably".  Twist my arm...
Fine metals and glass.
Darn.  [Dripping with sarcasm.]
I made my first glass beads today, which was completely awesome.
I can't say the beads are amazing, but it sure was fun.  If there is a torch involved, count me in.

It is just so exciting to think about the projects I want the kids to work on.  In part because it makes me think about what I want to work on.  It is really inspiring for me.  

I am not sure where this experience will take me, but I am looking forward to finding out.
It is always fun to be able to tuck another skill under my belt.
Onward and upward!

Robot putty

Next mission:

Bas-relief ROBOTS!
I must say, who doesn't like robots?
The fun looking ones, at least...

So this is what I made today after school. 

("Another teacher sample?", you may ask.  "Why, yes.")

I miss clay something fierce- and while this was fun, it's not quite the same as throwing :(

**Side note**

Millersville University Pottery Sale is coming up. March 22-24.  

I can't wait!

Anyway, I didn't quite finish the top, since the clay was a little too damp still.

But, I love the Jetsons.  

And I can't wait to see what the kids come up with!

Same old, same old...

Really, more teacher samples.
Hard to believe, I know.
But true.
I have some kids drawing cloth this week, others mixing paint, and some are still trucking along with those balloon animals. (I have to admit, I can't wait until they're done.  I think they are going to look great.  I am pretty impressed by these kids.)
Next will be some weaving. Thanks, Mom, for being a seamstress- that has provided me with a love of most things textile.
Lots going on- planning and all.
Making sure things get done on time, thinking ahead.  All that jazz.
All the while, I am hoping I can set aside some time to make amaretti cookies in the next few days.
Yum!

Pink unicorns?

Another year at the Buyer's Market of American Craft.
It's still like a family reunion.  And I like that.
Not to mention that this year I was able to see the most adorable nieces anyone could ever hope for!
Every year I'm there, I look around at all of the wonderful work and I become inspired.
I think about what I want to make.  What I can make.  What I haven't thought about making yet.
There is so much amazing jewelry made by people like Patricia Tschetter and Sydney Lynch.
(By the way, I suppose I am a sucker for high carat gold.  It just looks yummy.)
I also saw some great leather wallets and bags, and as always, some awesome ceramics.
Of course, then I came home, did some work for school, and got to bed far later than I hoped- without making a thing.
Today, I nearly made up for my lack of making-  Pink balloon unicorn.  No joke.

Good times.

Giraffes everywhere.

My project from last week carried over a bit.
I've made quite a few balloon animals at this point.  Lots of giraffes and frogs.
Here's the final product.
There is still a bit that I have not quite figured out, like how to make it stand on it's own, but there is still time for that.

As much fun as I had making this, it was even more fun to see a real, taxidermy giraffe over the weekend at the Eastern Sports show.
More art class projects to make this week.

bal-looney

I was always jealous of those people at fairs and events who could make awesome balloon animals.
Well guess what, I'm on my way to being one of them...
Ok, maybe mine won't be as awesome, but they will still be pretty cool.
I had this idea for an art lesson.  Make balloon animals and then paper-mache them.  (Because balloon animals, at some point, wither away to shriveled rubber, but a paper-mache one will last indefinitely.)

So, here is my beginning: 

2 Giraffes

A Frog

&

A Dog





I'll have to try to paper-mache one of these- it may be a little tricky, but it's worth a shot!                         

Other than this project for today, there is oatmeal bread rising in the oven and some banana bread cooling on the counter.  A day filled with baking.  Yum.