6th grade medieval games tunics

Here are some 6th grade tunics in the process...we use freezer paper to put on the shield, then paint in gold acrylic.  Each student creates his/her coat of arms.

8th grade birdbath

The 8th grade has decided to make "gifts for the garden" as their parting gift to the school.  We are experimenting with cement to make a leaf print birdbath...the first one cracked, the next one looks great!  We are learning from mistakes...they will each make a leaf print stepping stone.  We used an artichoke leaf for the first and second one...we learned to make cement patties, like hamburger patties, then piece them together on top of the leaf...the first one we just globbed on and it was all uneven and cracked...I'll take a picture of the second one tomorrow when we turn it over.

The bowl is made by heaping play sand under the leaf, covered by plastic, of course...then the leaf face down, then the cement, then covered in plastic and DON'T TOUCH IT for at least 3 days, then turn over and let cure more, spritzing with water, or I just hold it under the faucet, then put back...we possibly will make a mosaic stand if time permits, but we are really getting down to the wire!!!

4th Grade Cross Stitch in progress...

I love fourth grade crosstitch!  I love how the kids know exactly what they want to do and the colors they will use...their designs are just stunning!  This project ends up as a pin cushion that they will need for 6th 7th and 8th grade sewing!  The measurement are 5 X 5 ", and they lay out the design on graph paper first.  I think we will have some finished very soon!  If they finish, then they can make a needle book...this may be the first year I have had so many done this early!

4th Grade vests and aprons

Here are some of the 4th grade finished vests and aprons.  We hand sew these for a class trip to Malokov Diggins, a hydrolic mining town where the children learn some California history and dress up in period clothing...in handwork we call this pioneer sewing!  Aren't they beautiful?  They must make a pocket on which they embroider their initials...so lovely...I always love this project and seeing all the pretty vests and aprons hanging in the window of the classroom.  (They also are doing cross stitch projects on the side)

Skills:  Running stitch, back stitch, gathering (basting) stitch, blanket stitch, some basic embroidery stitches, threading a needle, knotting, and knotting off at the end.

Vero Beach Schoolhouse

I love this picture of a turn of the century school house in Vero Beach Florida!!  Can you imagine!  I would love it!!!  (Not the dress in humid hot Florida, though...)

waldorfhub

Well, just joined waldorfhub...don't know how that will help me, I was having some difficulty figuring it out and none of my pictures would load.  Anybody out there using this site?  Looks like more of a blog host, and I already have this blog that I neglect. 

I wish I could see the people who look at my (poorly kept) blog...who are you?? 

Paper maiche marionettes

Another pic of the process...using foil for form then paper mache...the wires will be coiled and we will use jump rings for limbs...torso and head are one, seemed easier that way.  I actually think these will turn out pretty nicely!

Paper maiche marionettes

Well, we are on our way to some crazy marionettes...I have to admit, this was a pretty open ended plan, but it seems to be coming together pretty well...we haven't decided how to do the feet though.  We also have not decided on skits to perform...any ideas?  (They are making them in their own likeness, then we will dress them up according to the part they will play....just like a class play!)

organization

Why didn't I think of this years ago !!!  Today I awoke with this idea to use magnet bars to organize the scissors, sewing nick nacks that have metal, and also the carving tools for woodworking...aaaaack, all of these things are just knocking around in boxes in classrooms...I think I have enough in my budget to buy a few.  It will be so helpfull...but when will I find the time to go to Ikea to pick them up?  Oh, right, I can mail order...but Ikea isn't that far!  Oh my gosh...this is going to be perfect! 


http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/00116901

More video testimonials to Waldorf Education

Additional testimonials to Waldorf Education from my co-workers!  Aren't they wonderful!

Medieval Tunics Begin

These are the freshly dyed Tunics for this year's 6th grade medieval games.  They chose sable (black) which created quite an issue with one parent who has now taken her child out of my class because of it.  Does anyone have an opinion about this?  I think it is just fine to have this color for the tunics, and I also knew they would not turn out completely black anyway, if that was the issue!  Black was available in Medieval times...

Really heavy sigh...

Hmm, needing to post some pictures, but lacking the energy from being sick and some pretty serious (I think) teenage son issues...I could stay home and sigh and cry a little, but off to school I go to sew with my 8th graders and knit with my 5th graders, head held high and hanging my "woe is me's"on the hook by the door!  We finally died the "sable" tunics, which turned out more greyish purplish, as I figured they would....

This is where I work!

The people with whom I work are truly amazing!!

January blues

Am I the only handwork teacher out there that considers a change in career around January?  I think I am just a little tired and maybe a little blue from all the fogged in days here...That said, the January conference was very uplifting and reminded me of why I love Waldorf education so much!  Eugene Schwartz was a key speaker, and he is just wonderful...a little wisdom, humor, and controversy!