Emoji Stuffy Tutorial

You may have seen me do "Ugly Dolls" in the past, but time is escaping me to get such a project completed before the end of the year.  I decided to modify it so students still had the skill development in sewing.  I made a video showing how I approach this project.  If you have never sewn before with your students...this might be a great "gateway" into it!  It should take just two class times (45 to 60 min classes).  Please feel free to comment or message me if you have any questions.  I'll help out anyway I can! Have a wonderful day.

!!!!!! Ugly Doll Supply Alert !!!!!!

In the fall you may have seen my posts on my 4th grade Ugly Doll project.  There are "extra" costs to such projects, but it is totally worth the investment.  However, you can find some great deals to make it very affordable.  One "trick" I use is for the stuffing.  After Christmas, I hit the stores to find the best sales on Christmas Snow.  That is the white fluff that looks & feels like quilt batting /poly-fil people use under their trees, on mantels, or other decorating for the season.

Right now Dollar General has their Christmas items on sale for $0.25. 

!!!! T  W  E  N  T  Y  - F  I  V  E -  C  E  N  T  S !!!!

I bought all the bags they had.  They aren't huge, but this will be at least 2 yrs worth!!!  I don't always find it every year..so I stock up!   

HAPPY HUNTING FRIENDS!!!

Ugly Dolls Heading Home

I made the kids put their Ugly Dolls/Soft Sculptures together on the last day before they took them home.  I'm thrilled with the results this year.  I'm already excited about next year....I've ordered a pack of smart fab that contains at least 16 different colors!  I think the variety will be amazing.  Here are the "family pictures"!! 

 

Sewing with Elementary: Answering Some Questions

Hey friends!  There were a handful of questions that several people asked concerning sewing with elementary students.  Hopefully this quick video answers your questions! If not...please leave me a comment with your question/concern.  I'll try to respond ASAP!

Oh..and if you aren't following me on YouTube..check out my channel & subscribe. I'm going to try to be better about posting more content!! 

https://www.youtube.com/user/TnTedDE 

Finishing Up Ugly Dolls....

I really fell like this year has been the best "experience" with 4th grade creating ugly dolls/soft sculptures.  Their attitudes were great from the start...they were ready for the adventure.  Some struggled...but I really had no one give up!  That is success.  Here are a few snap shots of students putting the finishing touches on their work....and some finished pieces.

  

Once they are completely done with their creation...I have them write about their creature & their experience creating it.  I had some students ask..."CAN WE CREATE A BACKSTORY?"  

YES! YES! YES!

HERE ARE THE QUESTIONS I GAVE THEM TO 

GET THEM GOING ON THE WRITTEN PORTION!

1) What is your ugly doll's name?

2) Tell me about your ugly doll(not just it's physical appearance..but its personality!)

3) What did you enjoy about this project?

4)What did you struggle with during the project?

5) What did you learn from this project?

Dear Wal-Mart Fabric Department....

I have a limited budget....school money & my own pocket.  I try to save..buying things on sale..using my money & resources wisely.  That's what we do as art teachers!!  I think it is in our DNA!  ha ha  I found a product/fabric at Wal-Mart that is perfect for my soft sculpture/ugly doll project.  I use the whole piece..no fabric wasted!!  

Last night when I went to pick up a few more colors...the person in the fabric department was very friendly...very chatty!!  I don't think she was really paying attention to what she was doing.  She cut my fabric crooked & jagged.  I know a lot of people wouldn't think much of it, but I was really bummed. I am going to have to recut that side before cutting the fabric down for my students. #artteacherproblems

The Last of the Ugly Dolls: 4th Grade

They've been so much fun...and I'm sad to see the project finished for the year. The kids have done a beautiful job on them, and I know they're looking forward to taking them home and showing their parents!!

Until Next Year Ugly Dolls!!!!  

More Completed Ugly Dolls: 4th Grade

I think this guy is pretty awesome!! So much expression.  I do think this is probably my fav. project after weaving!!!!  The color...the fun...the development of new skills!!!! If you've done ugly dolls in the past, leave me a link...I'd love to see them!! 

The Start of Ugly Dolls: 4th Grade

Last year was the first time I tried having my 4th graders create "ugly" dolls.  I had used burlap, but this year switched to felt.  It is a little harder to sew through with the plastic needles, but doable & more attractive.  

Day one I have students draw what the want their finished doll to look like, create a pattern for the main basic shape, cut the felt out, and begin sewing.  Yep..busy jammed packed hour!!!!!!!  Can't wait to see how they end up!  Stay tuned!!