Welcome to the 2015/2016 School Year!

Oh boy, here we go again with good intentions of keeping up posts on this blog...has it really been 2 years? Well, there are a few projects that happened in that time, and here is one that was really successful with an 8th grade class.  Ladies and gents, regard the Adobe wood burning outdoor oven!  I used the plans from Sunset magazine:  http://www.sunset.com/garden/how-to-sunset-classic-adobe-oven

note the can for the back vent

mixing the adobe, using clay from the garden

working on the door

adding adobe mixture to wire form

The door!

Forming opening to oven with curved flashing

Keeping adobe moist so not too many cracks

Burning out the cardboard barrel

Finished!

I'm back, kind of...

Hi everyone!  I am still here and teaching handwork!  I just have not been on top of this blog but I have so much to post and so many pictures!  Keep in touch, I will be back after I figure out some technical difficulties!

7th Grade Marionettes

Oh, I am guilty of neglecting this Blog...part because of being busy, but mostly because I lost the connecter that allows me to download pictures from my crappy camera.  I found it! So in the next few weeks I will update the projects from this year (there is only really one week left of school!).  

I recently went for it and got a fancy smart phone, so I will be able to post on the spot....as soon as I can figure out how that works, lol...

So...here are some pictures of some needle felting from the 7th graders.  I had planned on a much more controlled project, but this took on a life of its own right from the start.  They started needle felting before I could even give instructions, as though they had been doing it all their lives (they hadn't)...and they didn't break that many needles in the process.  They also wrote and performed short sketches, which at first were supposed to be for the Kindergarten, but only one was appropriate for the little ones.  I let them have fun with it!  Here ya go:

Some of the pictures are works in progress.  

Inkle looming with 8th grade

First year I have tried inkle looming with students, and it's a keeper!  I have divided my 8th grade into two groups, one sewing and one inkle looming, when they are done they switch.  This was the best solution to 30 kids, no handwork room, and only enough room in the classroom to store 3 sewing machines. These small inkle looms fit right into their handwork boxes, and on nice days they can work outside so it isn't so crowded in the classroom...perfect size for portablility.

Within the next week we will begin plans for a huge mural they will make for the school!

Handwork update and Happy New Year!

Winter break has been wonderful !  It's time to review the last half of the school year and gear up for the next few months.  Here are some pictures of where we are in some of my classes.

Fourth grade crossstitch:

First time I really gave artistic freedom...these are only a few, and I will try to post all of them because they really are so creative and are really enjoying it!  Yes, we have a Giants fan...

Wet felting slippers with 7th grade

Wet felting with 7th grade.

Wowee, these kids are amazing and fun and loud and kooky and all the things you could imagine from a 7th grade.  I decided to wet felt slippers with about 30 7th graders at the same time in a classroom with one tiny sink ... and it has been fun and a real learning experience...I have never done this before, so I am learning quite a bit.  It has been fun, frustrating, soapy, stressful, loud, impressive, and more.  I think they really have enjoyed it thus far, but at this point I think they are learning mindfulness and not rushing ahead as some are not turning out the way they should, but no fear...patches, needdle felting, sewing will fix all that in the end.  Like we always tell them "If you can't fix it, feature it"!

Michaelmas

Awe, look at this two headed dragon!  These 6th graders really were so inspired this year...and I was totally "hands off" and let them do whatever they wanted, and look what happened!  

At our school we call Michaelmas "courage day", so no-one mistakes the day for something religious since we are a public charter school, and although it is not, we have to be careful I guess...silly really.  The day begins with the 2nd grade doing the St. George and the Dragon play, the 6th graders play the part of the dragon as well as make the dragon (it is very cute, they are also class buddies, the 2nd and 6th grade, so it works out so well!)

It was a super hot day, near 100 degrees!  After the play, the whole school participates in 

"Courage day" festivities, where we have various feats of courage...pretty fun, but oh so hot!

After our play, I went over the Sacramento Waldorf School to watch their Michaelmas play, always a treat to see what the parents and children of the 6th grade come up with for their dragon!

This one was fire breathing!

Well, I need to muster the courage to slay some personal dragons, but it is just too darn hot in these parts!  That will have to wait for cooler weather, even the dragons are seeking cooler places....

Happy Fall !