Yarn Storage & Distribution

Some have messaged me and asked how I handle the "yarn situation" in my room.  How I do things is not THE way....it is just a way.  You need to figure out what works best for you in your situation.

Many years ago I asked our "carpentry team" (I'm not sure that department exists any more?) to build me some wall shelves in two places in my room.  One I keep supplies on that we use frequently and I need to be accessible to students.  The other is used for storing student art(I have baskets for each class). I purchased Sterilite shoeboxes and drilled a whole in one side(using sharp "adult" scissors...be gentle when you push it in...because sometimes the boxes crack).  If you are on a budget.. collect 2 liter bottles and cut the bottom off them & feed the string through the top.  You can hot glue them together to stabilize them. I teach the students to go up (2 at a time) and get their yarn as needed. They pull a wing span out (finger tip to finger tip arms wide opened) and cut the yarn at the lid below the box they are pulling from.  I have little issue with this...my students are respectful and do a good job(because they LOVE WEAVING!!!).  

My specialty yarn...I keep it in a 10 gal plastic box.  When we use the specialty yarn, I spread it out on my classroom counter top so they can see what I have available to them.  Once again, two students at a time are allowed to go up to get their yarn.  I have a cup with scissors next to the specialty yarn.  They are allowed to select one specialty yarn that they can use up to 4 times in their weaving (I tell them it isn't special if they use it a bunch! ha ha)

 

4th Grade Weavings: IN PROGRESS

Before we started with our weft string, we talked about "themes" using color that students could use in their weavings. They needed to select five "normal" yarn colors.  Once they had woven the first five, they were allowed to select a specialty yarn to add to their weaving(they also could chose not to use a specialty yarn).  We talked about how different yarns can cause "challenges" while weaving(pompom yarn, eyelash yarn, blanket yarn..etc). I collect specialty yarn in odd places...and only when it is on sale!! 

This is our second class time working on our weavings. They hate when I say time is up!! Weaving is something that really reaches students in a way other mediums do not. We will work two or three more class times to finish these.  If students don't finish...I open my classroom to them in the morning after the first bell & before the second (about 15 min).  There have been days in years past where I've had 40 students in my room weaving.  

Here are a few examples from my students.

Sunday Devotional With Mr. E: Perspective

People have strong opinions about art.  They will often draw a line in the sand concerning what they feel is art or what they may consider to be good art.  Though I do enjoy a good debate every once and awhile, I do not believe it is my place to "defend" my perspective on art/good art.  I do feel it is my place to "educate" others when the opportunity arises (in a non-condescending manner).  I come from a place of exposure, in depth study, and diverse training from a multitude of instructors from multiple perspectives.  This is not to say that my thoughts on art are "better", but it is informed differently than most.  When others express their opinions, they are sharing out of their experience, understanding, and perspective.  There is great value in this.  As an "art person", I should listen, ask questions, and encourage others to think about/process/unpack their opinions/beliefs about art.  If I remain open to what others are saying...they may remain open to learning, growing, and experiencing art.  If I am closed off  or try to shut them down, they will be less likely to open themselves up again. Plus..I can learn something new along the way!!

Conduct yourselves with wisdom toward outsiders, making the most of every opportunity.  Let your speech always be with grace as though seasoned with salt, so that you will know how you should respond to each person.

Colossians 4:5-6

Being open does not mean compromising your beliefs. Being grace filled does not mean you are allowing others to walk all over you.  In Colossians 4:5-6,  we see a statement to believers about their actions and interactions towards others.  We are not called to be confrontational and demeaning.  We are not called to be finger pointing zealots.  We are not called to be callous spewers of religiosity.  NO!  We are called to be wise, grace filled, and conscientious to the individual.  This means we must be open to share our own story.  We must be open to hearing their story (without judgement or condemnation).  We must be open to give and speak the grace that has been given to us.  Our actions, attitudes, and words need to reflect that life and love. God is all about relationships.  We should be about relationships.  We need to listen more.  Ask questions without expectations.  Encourage others to think, process, and unpack their own journeys. If we live life this way...it will be amazing to see how God might use us when we're open.   

Tying Knots For Weaving

In general, students have lost the ability to tie knots.  Even the simple knot that most know from learning to tie their shoes(They don't really tie shoes much any more?!?). I use that one to start the radial/circle weaving.  I will say...this knot I'm about to show you is a bit different(but simple). I want my students to use this knot because it is easy, strong, and cuts down on wasted yarn. I put this video on repeat for my students during the class.  Yesterday...no one asked me how to do it...they just watched the video! Hope it helps you out!!

7th Annual Art With Mr.E Summer Workshop

Jill is a big fan!! 

Are you looking for a fun summer workshop that actually pertains to what you teach?!? Do you want to hang out with other art teachers from different districts/states and share ideas, struggles, and encouragement?Do you want to use creepy doll parts to make even creepier art work? (Wait?  That isn't a strong selling point is it? Forget you read that!! ha ha)  

Years ago I realized that there were so many art teachers that didn't have access to professional development that dealt with what they taught.  Usually that is because so many teach in smaller districts that do not have many art teachers. I have lead PD in my district for years...AND LOVE IT!!  So..Art With Mr. E Summer Workshop was born.  This is not really a money maker for me (I try to keep the cost low because I know so many won't be reimbursed by their district!).  I do it because I really love working with other art teachers & being an encouragement to them and the work they do! 

Over the years...this summer workshop has become an extended family! 

I'd love for you to join this fun art family!! 

E-MAIL ME IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS!!

Sunday Devotional With Mr. E: STAND

During my freshman year of college I had a real make it or break it moment.  I was wrestling with an assignment from my 2-D Foundations class.  It seemed like I could not figure out what to do, how to do it, or even why I was doing it. I truly felt like giving up.  It was the only time an art project made me cry.  I even contemplated quitting college and moving back home (Yes, I know that is dramatic!)  I thought that if a project in my very first studio class, my very first semester stressed me out so badly... that there would be no way I'd ever make it through four(+) years of college. Somewhere in the midst of the struggle, I decided that I'd not let this assignment get the best of me.  I pressed onward and completed the project to the best of my ability.  I would love to tell you it was an A+ work, that my professor praised my efforts, and that my fellow students were in awe of its beauty.  However, I can not. Though it wasn't my greatest work of art...it still holds a special place in my heart.  It showed me that I could push through frustration, insecurities, lack of understanding, lack of skill, and exhaustion to complete whatever task I found myself facing.  

Therefore my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm.  Let nothing move you.  Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not the vain.  

1 Corinthians 15:58

There have been times in most of our lives where we have cried out to God and told Him we're done...we're through...we quit.  Whatever we're facing seems to have gotten the better of us, and we feel that we just can't do it any more.  Work, family, friends, health, or even things going on in the church(An imperfect place with imperfect people...you better believe the struggle is real in the church as well!).  God wants to hear from His children!  Even when we are crying out in frustration He wants to hear our heart!  We don't need to hold back.  God wants to us to come to him with it all. However, he doesn't want our two weeks notice.  He wants us to press on.  He knows the ending, and He knows it is for our good & His glory that we continue through the pain, through the frustration, and see it through till the end.  We must stand firm & let nothing get in the way of God's plan & direction for our lives.  We must remember that nothing we do for the Lord will be in vain, but will reveal to us & those around us the goodness of God & His glory.  

Spring Kinder Paintings

Don't come at me about "PRIMARY" colors! I know that is debated in the online art education groups. I am not one that preaches red/yellow/blue.  It is, however, what I have on hand to use.  I'm using lids for the paint, 12x18 construction paper, big flat brushes, and tempera paint.  We've painted using markers, watercolor pencils, pan watercolor, and now tempera.  They are pretty good with following basic techniques/rules. I showed them how to mix the colors, but let them experiment.  If they end up with brown flowers...it is a learning experience. 

Video of My Class At Work

Notice how quiet the room is!  They are allowed to talk while they work, but they were so "into it" that they were silent...UNTIL...the one boy says, "Painting makes me tired." ha ha 

*I never show the students full face unless I have parent permission. That was one good thing about masks!! ha ha

Fascination With Peeps Marshmallows

I love Peeps Marshmallows in all their forms....Christmas Trees, Pumpkins, Stars, Bunnies, Chicks!!!  A couple years ago I started noticing at Easter that not all Peeps are created equally.  Specifically...their faces.  There are sometimes mistakes in the "printing" of their Bunnies & Chicks faces.  This year I decided to take pictures of all the funny faces I find in the stores.  Here are the ones I've captured so far! 

Sunday Devotional With Mr. E: The Wait

Most artists & art educators are not known for embracing times of waiting. We are by our very nature.....DOERS.  Some things just take time.  It could be that we are attempting to grow in a certain area, but growth takes time.  It could be that we are attempting to get our work in a particular show, but face rejection (multiple times).  It may be seeing our "dream" job listed, but we are not hired for the position (this time).  No matter our dreaming, plotting, planning, and preparing.....there are times that we just must wait.  The waiting is part of our growth process.  It may be the very thing that allows us to develop in ways we never dreamed, to get our work into the show that will propel us to the next level, or to land the dream job we had yet to dream!

I wait for the Lord, my whole being waits, and in his word I put my hope.

Psalm 130:5

In our faith walk, we often try to take control of situations that we should be laying at the feet of our Lord.  We think we have things under control.  We think we know what is best.  We think we know the way we should proceed to get things done.  We struggle to wait for the Lord. We struggle to wait for his answer.  We struggle to wait for his plan.  We struggle to wait for his best.  Our desire TO DO does not allow us TO BE.   In Psalm 130:5 we see a beautiful picture of waiting.  I WAIT FOR THE LORD- I don't try to make my own way.  MY WHOLE BEING WAITS- It is not only my actions that show I'm waiting on the Lord, but my heart & mind as well.  AND IN HIS WORD I PUT MY HOPE- I can trust in his promises.  I can go to scripture to know why I place my trust in God & to see that he is faithful! Waiting is not weakness. Waiting is wisdom.  Do not begrudge the waiting you do in your life....it may be the very thing God is using to bring you closer to him....to share his love with others....and to protect & prosper you! 

EMBRACE THE WAIT 

Sunday Devotional With Mr. E: NEW

 Have you ever been working on a drawing, and it seemed that you were unable to get things right?  More time is spent erasing than actually drawing.  Finally you start over on a new sheet of paper, and "magically" you are able to do what seemed impossible just moments before.  Erasing usually gets rid of what's on the surface of your paper, but often the hurdles we encounter go beyond the surface.  We develop a mental blocks in our drawing because of the mistakes we were making, and often they snowball into feelings of frustration and defeat artistically.  Sometimes a fresh start on a clean sheet of paper gives us the freedom to create like we were unable to before. The false starts, frustrations, and damaged tooth (texture of the paper's surface) no longer linger.  Sometimes an eraser is just not enough.

So often we don't live as the "new creations" God has made us to be.  We allow our past to keep us from living out the life God has given us to live.  We allow the mistakes we've made to keep us from moving forward in what God has given us to do.  We allow those who knew us before to speak untruth into our lives about who we now are.  The devil uses these things to defeat us before we've had a chance to live out our new life in Christ.  

However, this is what scripture says is true.

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation;  old things have passed away & look, new things have come. 

 2 Corinthians 5:17

Turn the page....get a new sheet....mentally, emotionally, and spiritually!  God has made us new IN HIM!  The mistakes of the past are just that...THE PAST.  We can get hung up on our past mistakes and allow that to rob us of the joy we have in Christ.  We need to see ourselves as He sees us.  We need to accept this as truth. It is at the core of who we now are in Him.  God did not just "erase" our past...he made us NEW CREATIONS....no mark, blemish, or trace of what was in His eyes.  Through Christ...we are spotless...a clean sheet!  How does this truth impact your life?  How should it impact your life?  What are you doing with this gift?  What lies are you believing that are keeping you from embracing 2 Corinthians 5:17?

Kindergarten Funny

This is one of my kindergarten student's cityscape. If you live in or around Nashville...you know!!! Haha He made sure I knew what he did here! He was so proud.

This is the AT&T Building(formally Bell South Tower)...but no one calls it that.  It is THE BATMAN BUILDING.  It kind of looks like Batman's head.  So my amazing student when ahead and put Batman's head in for the top of a building!! ha ha  LOVE IT!

#arteducation #elementaryart #nashville #kindergartenart

M.I.A.

 Not sure if you all have missed me or not, but there is a good reason for my blogger silence!  My family moved last week from our home of 12 yrs.  Moving with three children and 12 yrs worth of "stuff" takes it out of you!! ha ha  Plus, we also had the stomach bug run through our house!!! NO FUN! I'll try to catch you up on some things soon!!  Stay tuned.

#heartaday22: Day 28

IT'S THE END OF 

#heartaday22

(For this year!)

I thought I would end with myself.  I'm not trying to be conceded. I've struggled at times to view myself as an "artist".  I've always viewed myself as a good art teacher that is an ok artist. I've worked really heard at changing this mindset. So...I thought I'd end with me.

I really hope you enjoyed this year's version of #heartaday.  I heard from many people on my social media (art teachers and non-art teachers) that really enjoyed learning about some artists and moments that they had never heard of before.  I know I learned several new things along the way!  

Day 28 is Ted Edinger! 

Shameless Self Promotion! 

This year #heartaday explored different styles, movements, & artists! 

#heartaday22 #iheartart #heartaday 

 

#heartaday22: Day 27

Day 27 is Julie Mehretu!

(This year my #heartaday is going to explore different styles, movements, & artists!)

#heartaday #heartaday22 #iheartart 

Sunday Devotional With Mr. E: CONTINUE

 As an artist, we take our life experiences, art experiences, training, and imagination everywhere we go.  Anything & everything can be inspiration for our art.  Sketch books, napkins, digital collections fill up with promising concepts for future work! Making art becomes a basic need for existing.    However, there can be seasons in our life where we are not creating.  It happens: jobs, family, responsibility, emotional burnout... LIFE!  I've heard it said that it is like riding a bike. You just get back on & go.  I don't really feel that is true.  It is very easy to slip into bad habits, struggles to concentrate, and get easily frustrated when we're out of the artistic habit of creating. I picture the artist like a stagnant pond.  It has all the makings for life & vibrancy, but without input or output...it becomes unhealthy!  It will take a little bit of time getting yourself back into the swing of things, but if we continue with discipline & hard work will once again allow you to see the fruit of your labor.

So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.

Colossians 2:6-7

Our walk with God is the same way.  Life can sometimes get in the way, and we find ourselves not reading our Bible, not spending time in prayer, lacking fellowship with believers, and forget about any kind of discipleship/mentoring going on.  When this happens, we come stagnant....disconnected....out of touch with The Giver of Life!   Our life no longer reflects one passionately seeking after God.  We stop seeing some of the exciting God things that use to be apart of our daily walk with Him.  He has never left & He is still there in your life, but you aren't seeing fruit.  Yes, we can confess our sin(which really it is...putting other things before God), and ask for God to help us keep Him first in all things.  But you have to play a part in this! Getting back into the Word, praying, and spending time with brothers and sisters in Christ(we're all hypocrites and slackers....they will welcome you back! Haha).  You will begin to see God's hand at work in your life, you will know He is with you(and never left you in the first place).....and the fruit will grow once more!  

Receiving Christ is where it STARTS....but we must be ROOTED in Him....and continue on!  Continuing on is not stagnant...it is active & moving!  Just like our faith (and art) should be!  

#heartaday22: Day 26

 Day 26 is Nellie Mae Rowe! (This year my #heartaday is going to explore different styles, movements, & artists!) #heartaday #heartaday22 #iheartart  I found this fascinating interview with her! Check it out.  https://www.soulsgrowndeep.org/artist/nellie-mae-rowe

#heartaday22: Day 25

Day 25 is Saif Azzuz!

My heart does not do his work justice.(This year my #heartaday is going to explore different styles, movements, & artists!)

#heartaday #heartaday22 #iheartart

#heartaday22: Day 24

 Day 24 is Edward Clark!

(This year my #heartaday is going to explore different styles, movements, & artists!)

#heartaday #heartaday22 #iheartart

#heartaday22: Day 23

 Day 23 is Jasper Johns (This year my #heartaday is going to explore different styles, movements, & artists!) #heartaday #heartaday22 #iheartart 

#heartaday22: Day 22

 

Day 22 is Beatriz Milhazes!

(This year my #heartaday is going to explore different styles, movements, & artists!)

#heartaday #heartaday22 #iheartart

Two's Day-2s-Day-Tuesday-2-22-22

DJ ARTY-E 

HERE TO BRING THE ART PARTY ALL 2s-DAY LONG!

 

#heartaday22: Day 21

 

Day 21 is James Rizzi!!

(This year my #heartaday is going to explore different styles, movements, & artists!)

#heartaday #heartaday22 #iheartart

#heartaday22: Day 20

 Day 20 is Grant Wood!!

(This year my #heartaday is going to explore different styles, movements, & artists!)

#heartaday #heartaday22 #iheartart