Hello, December

Has it really been 13 days since my last post? Well I have to change that.

I went to a beautiful wedding over the weekend, my 7th wedding for 2011 (the 8th was at the same time/day and I wasn't able to attend).  Wow! What a year!! I actually used the 8mm app on my iPhone 4 to do the videography for the wedding. I am working on the editing now and it looks amazing so far. Here are a few of my favorite snapshots from the event. I didn't take as many as I would've liked because of the videography duties....but I got some good ones nonetheless.

I have been really busy getting ready for Christmas.

My favorite thing this week...is wearing this gingerbread apron around school...because I get TONS of hugs!!

 That is all for now. More later.

Classroom stories and an apron

I'm back.
Like for real...I'm back. My student teacher is basically done so I have all my old responsibilities 100% now. Its a little lonely, but I'm getting by.

It is the week before Christmas break...so the kids are as wild as ever. Its amazing how many crazy things you hear in one day. A boy saluted me today 'Yes Captain,' he said.

Another boy, talking to some girls at his table said that his parents allowed him to watch rated R movies. I was assisting the group with cleaning or something when he leaned in and asked ME if I knew what 'nudity' was....I said 'What?!' I wasn't entirely sure I had heard him correctly but he repeated, "Do you know what nudity means? Its like NAKED, he half-whispered.' I replied, 'Young man, I know what nudity is, and its not an appropriate conversation so I suggest you stop talking about those rated R movies before I call your parents and let them know what you've been talking about during art.' He replied with a sincere, "yes ma'am."

 Today, I sat watching my students coloring...normally, I am circulating...moving around giving suggestions, tossing around praise and redirecting student behavior...but this week, I won't matter how many times I say 'Do your best coloring' or 'Maybe you could add this here, or that there'....I will get an ample number of 'I don't want to' or 'I'm leaving it like this' responses...not matter what I suggest...So I am releasing the reigns a bit. Relaxing, lest I get stressed.

Anyway, a student came up and told me that the day after tomorrow she gets to go to her dad's for Christmas. Whispering and hugging her hands up under her chin she said, "And I'm going to sneak up on Santa!" And then she looked at me...and gave me a huge hug. And I gave her my widest, happiest eyes and smile...and said, "but you don't want to ruin the magic?!" And she said whispering with delight, "We are going to sneak up on Santa...stay up really late...my whole family...we are going to hide behind the couch!" And then she gave me another hug and skipped off back to her seat.

Christmas really is magical. Kids do make Christmas more special...and I am totally in favor of prolonging the magic of Santa for as long as possible. I'm just ready for a vacation. Let Santa take over...and let me rest.

My student teacher graduated Saturday.
I made her a birthday+christmas+graduation+thanksforbeingawesome gift. A gift card to a local teacher store...some Lisa Frank stickers for her classroom...and an apron made with Ikea fabric to wear in her classroom. Its white...and I know it will get dirty...but the fabric was too cute not to use.

Big pockets...and a big orange ruffle.
I might have to make one for myself!

How is your week going?

Studio Toolbelt while I am working on losing my mind...

Project 4 for style school was to create a studio toolbelt. YAY!! A sewing project!!! I found the coolest fabric at JoAnn's a while back and I just knew it would be great for this apron!! I had to add a few details to make it more me....I LOVE Aprons!!

Crochet ribbon lace and a felt deer from CTMH:
A vintage doily with buttons....sewn on to the pocket....
And I think the cream lace at the bottom makes it much more feminine.


Oh and I went out thrifting last weekend....Found the perfect office chair for my craft room. It is much smaller than the huge black one that I did have in there. It is sort of a yellow-orange color...doesn't really go with the other colors that I have in the room, but it was so vintage and only $14, I HAD to have it. It matches my tool belt apron...hmmm...to recover or add some new colors to my decor....I must decide.
Marley likes it.....

I am going a bit crazy this month.
I am soooo forgetful.
Not dates or things I have committed to or anything like that....

I keep misplacing important things and it is driving me crazy.

Things I have lost:

1. Fabric-- I put it away before Christmas and searched the entire house. Luckily, I finally found it in the basement.
2. My tripod. It is gone.
3. Artwork examples -- forcing me to hastily re-create artwork minutes before the kids are walking in the door
4. My checkbook. I seriously do not know where it is. Boooo!

In other news, I have cavities. I went to the dentist last week and he said that cavities exist because of 3 reasons: genetics, home care, and diet. Basically, I realized that I need to seriously stop drinking soda pop and cut out the sugar. I am addicted to candy and sweets. Since last week, I have really been taking my dentist seriously. Only one drink of real Pepsi on Saturday (and a couple of diet 7ups-- do those count?) and absolutely no other treats. Well, fat free vanilla wafers...and peanut butter and jelly. Otherwise, I have been steering clear of chocolate, cookies, leftover christmas/halloween candy, cupcakes, and anything else that has loads of sugar in it.

So, I feel like I am working on losing my mind a little bit at this point. Ever feel that way?

Happy New Year!!

I think I will start the new year out with a new apron!! I made this Monday, all by myself. I took home economics in 7th grade...maybe 8th grade too...but that was the last time I have done an extensive amount of stitchery...I am just amazed at all the stuff that I have retained. Just like riding a bike I guess. I am having a blast with all this sewing stuff. I can't wait to make more!! This will be a colorful apron to wear to school, I am super excited!
Oh, and Marley wanted you to know that he helped too....

My Apron

I learned (again) how to sew!! It was so fun to create this little apron to wear at school!! I made a pattern so that I can re-create it using different patterns and materials. I just love the lace on the bottom!!

Top:


Bottom: (the tie is made from ribbon!)