More Beautiful Circle Weavings!

 I have been so incredibly impressed by my 3rd graders this year!! Their circle weavings have been AMAZING!!!  Here are a handful that finished their backgrounds completely.  There are so many ways that you can "finish" the background/looms for circle weavings.  I like having my students create patterns in the background and color them (using marker) with the colors they used in their weaving.  I do this after they are done weaving...because you never know how big they will be, and I'd hate for students to work extremely hard on the background and then cover it up with the weaving.  This method has "morphed" over the years.  I was first introduced to this project 24 yrs ago when it was a part of the first curriculum we used in Metro Nashville Public Schools.  It has changed for the better over the years, and is one of my favorite lessons.  

Paint Sticks & Collage

 Today my students created a character using paint sticks ( Sargent Art ) & collage.  Since we've been back in person, I've really tried to do projects that use supplies we just weren't able to use during virtual.  They LOVE the paint sticks.  I had them create a "character" and simple background using the paint sticks.  They could use food items, objects around home or school, or even clothing items.  I told them not to make the face though.  We would be creating the face and any additional items using collage.  I think their pictures turned out super cute.  

One of the reasons I had them use collage for the face is because my students sometime struggle cutting out circular objects.  I believe part of this is because they no long use scissors in the classroom to do cut & match activities like they use to do. (like matching words or placing vocabulary in a sentence)  That coupled with the fact that many do not do crafty/arty things at home as much as they once did....we have some struggles in the scissor skills department!! 

Sunday Devotional With Mr. E: Worth The Risk

Do you take risks in your art?  Do you ever think, "That might work?!", and then go for it?   I tend to be a bit more conservative when I'm creating.  I struggle with the idea of doing something that could completely undo the hours I've already invested into something.  The problem with "playing it safe" is that you continue to do the things you've always done.  There is no "new".  There is no breakthrough. Honestly, what is there to be afraid of in taking risks?  What is the worst that can happen?  You might have to fix your mistake or possibly start over.  I think we focus too often on the possibility of failure instead of embracing the opportunity for progress & success.  Don't you think it is worth the risk?  

 “Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water. ”Come,” he said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus.  But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!” Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” he said, “why did you doubt?”

Matthew 14: 28-31

The story of Peter walking on water often seems to focus on the fact that he sank. We talk about his doubt or how he took his eyes off the Lord.  All true.  However, how many of us would have even tried to step foot on the water in the first place?  We quickly point out Peter's lack of faith, but struggle to see our own.  God prompts us to talk to someone, give financially, use our time for act of service or ministry, and the first thing we do is take a risk assessment of the situation we are presented with us. 

"They might not want to hear what I have to say or I might say the wrong thing. I don't have the money to give right now or it will put a strain on the plans I have for the money.  Someone else would do a better job serving in that roll, and I just don't have the time."

We can make excuses much better than we can quote scripture...and that's a problem! 

(I'm speaking to myself here!)

When God calls us to do something...it is always worth the risk. What good is it to claim we have faith if we never put it into action?  It is kind of like the china in the cabinet that never gets used.  Sure, it is pretty, but it never serve the purpose for which it was designed. That is kind of sad, don't you think?  

Where can you put your faith in action, and trust God to be God?  Is there something that has been on your heart?  What is holding you back? It is worth the risk to trust the Lord with it....with everything! 

4th Grade Weavings

 Here are some of this year's 4th grade weavings.  I want to be honest with you....this was not my favorite year of weaving with the 4th graders.  Not because of the students or their work, but because of the looms.  I had ordered pre-notched looms, and I guess I typed in the wrong thing and did not notice.  I never...NEVER....get these thin looms.  I like to get the ones that are 9 inches wide.  I hate fussing with sending things back...so I decided I'd just use them.  I felt like I had more issues with the smaller looms.  One of which was it seemed much easier to hour class & it was more noticeable. If you like them...GREAT!  For me though...I'll be ordering the 9 inch wide next year!!!!  

1 Point Perspective Using Kleki

This week we worked on 1 Point Perspective using www.kleki.com !  I did this with my online students. I tend to get more work turned in using the kleki site, so whenever possible....we use it!! 

It was interesting doing a tried and true paper, pencil, and ruler lesson. The kids really enjoyed it though.

  

Here is the video of my instruction! 

Art 2 Art Game

 

If you love Apples to Apples, Art 2 Art is for you!! This game is easy for a variety of ages to play, and provides exposure to a variety of art, artists, and vocabulary.  

If you are interested in buying Art 2 Art, check out https://moxieboxart.com/ for more information!

My kids are 6, 9, and 12 years old....and truly enjoyed the game 

(They were mad when I told them it was time fore bed!) 

Art With Mr. E 6th Annual Summer Workshop

 Please forgive the late notice, there were many details that had to fall into place for this summer's workshop.  We will be returning to Cumberland University's Fine Arts Building this summer (We were there last summer for our modified one day summer workshop!!). 

We have a great group of teachers every summer that love to laugh, learn, and share!  We've had teachers from 7 different states, 5 area counties, and Pre-K - 12 attend!  We go through a ton of projects during our time that can be modified up or down depending on what grade level you teach.  At the end I'll give you a certificate for 18 hours of professional development, but you will need to be responsible to see if your school district will accept it or not.  The cost is $125.  E-mail me if you would like to sign up!  We try to keep our numbers no more than 20 educators so we can get to know one another.

  [We will be abiding by Cumberland's Covid protocol/policies as part of being allowed to use their space.  More information on that when you request a form to sign up!]

Sunday Devotional With Mr. E: Underneath

Gesso is used to help prepare a surface for painting.  The proper paper is necessary for watercolor to be done optimally.  Solid paper mache starts with the appropriate paper and adhesive. Weaving needs to have a loom that will hold the warp in place.  Often we see a finished work of art, and we do not consider the beginnings.  What is underneath is as important as the beauty we see on the surface.  Without the right foundation, a work of art can fall apart, degrade over time, or not even come to fruition in the first place. 

Truly my soul finds rest in God;

    my salvation comes from him.

2 

Truly he is my rock and my salvation;

 he is my fortress, I will never be shaken.

Psalm 62: 1-2 

It is an amazing life changing experience when someone begins a personal relationship with the Lord. However, as with all relationships, you must go underneath the surface to see the time and effort it takes to develop.   Knowing God to the point where he is not only your salvation, but your rest, fortress, and rock requires time praying, in the Word, fellowship with other believers, meditating, and praise is a process.  As we grow in our relationship with the Lord, we see & experience his faithfulness.  We come to realize that he is always with us & loving us.  We can say no matter the storms we face...that we are unshaken because we know our God.  

Some Completed Circle Weavings!!!

We are wrapping up our circle weaving project.  I have my students create a design after they have completed their weavings. They then use marker to mimic the colors of their yarn so the design looks like it carries on to the end of the plate. (I use the cardboard circles that are white on one side..usually around $15 for 100.)   This is the first group to finish up.  So expect to see more weaving posts over the next week or so! 

 

My Award/Trophy

 Today my school presented me with a trophy/award for being Teacher of the Year. It is etched glass, and has a turtle at the center! If ya don't know...turtles are my favorite animal. Being teacher of the year does mean a great deal to me, but trophies & awards are just objects that collect dust. This one however...will not! ha ha I love that they took the time to add something personal. It isn't just a brass or marble apple. It is not a generic trophy. It is thoughtful/meaningful..and I'll treasure it always!

So thankful to be at a school that supports & recognizes the arts!

Dollar General Wood Burning Tool Review

 As a kid, I always wanted to have a wood burning kit.  They looked so cool. However, my parents never bought one for me.  We were poor, and that was kind of an odd purchase....so I get it.  I also now get the fact that wood burning tools get SUPER DUPER HOT!  I don't know if I'd let my kids play with one!?!?  ha ha  A couple months ago I saw a wood burning tool at Dollar General in their beefed up craft section for only $10.  At first I resisted the urge to get it.  Do I really need another art related hobby when I have trouble keeping up with creating "real" art?  When I went back and saw that it was no longer there...I realized I had missed my opportunity.  I went to four different locations to see if I could find it...AND I DID!!  So I bought it.  Here is a video of my first experience using a wood burning tool!!  

 

Rizzi Buildings With Aluminum Foil Transfer Print

My Kindergarten students are loving James Rizzi!! After looking at & discussing his work, the students drew three Rizzi inspired buildings.  They then traced their drawings with Sharpies.  Then they colored a sheet of aluminum foil with Crayola Markers.  I walked around and sprayed their foil with water, and the took a transfer print from it. The Ohs! & Ahs! when they saw the results were amazing!  

MY WAY IS NOT YOUR WAY/YOUR WAY IS NOT MY WAY

 AND THAT IS OK!

We need to support & encourage one another purposely. We don't need to try to assert our thoughts/ways of doing things on others. We do not need to tear others down because we might not agree with their method of doing things.   You are not in their situation. They are not in your situation. I've seen so many snarky comments. Mean comments.  I feel like sometimes our responses are more "high school" than caring professionals.  The pandemic has caused our teaching situations to change dramatically....some times multiple times.  There is not a tried and true way of doing things any more because everything has changed.  If someone asks a question...answer it.  If you find their way interesting...mention it.  If you had a situation similar and handled it differently....share it (but not in a MY WAY IS BETTER THAN YOUR WAY kind of manner). Let's be encouragers so that art education can be stronger because of our words, wisdom, and experiences. 

Peeps!

Did I mention I like Peeps??? I had to go to Walmart after school...and the greeter asked if she could take my picture!😂 I love making people smile...and at times shake their head in disbelief!! Haha