tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-39019213388492247322024-03-05T21:50:23.043-08:00Color Color ColorGailPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00086469962344443021noreply@blogger.comBlogger113125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3901921338849224732.post-11275869038282855932012-04-04T23:12:00.000-07:002012-04-04T23:12:34.470-07:00I am Back<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNFvpj9TehcU1RQTdtlBAZDFWiA4l79ys9KsGdOlcZsZ-B034WvZvLQYv7NX-6Vv0nnS4shiTCZI8GNeuJ974V7FieXFiW0Pp0UC09BdYhuSSh9tis9qdNh6SXotzgA3yxDxC02_n05ls/s1600/090.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNFvpj9TehcU1RQTdtlBAZDFWiA4l79ys9KsGdOlcZsZ-B034WvZvLQYv7NX-6Vv0nnS4shiTCZI8GNeuJ974V7FieXFiW0Pp0UC09BdYhuSSh9tis9qdNh6SXotzgA3yxDxC02_n05ls/s320/090.JPG" width="287" /></a>So it has been quite some time since I have paid any attention to Color Color Color. I suppose it is because I have been busy busy busy. I started this little virtual scrap book of creative endeavors as a way to keep track of the artsy things I do with my kids and to connect with others with similar ideas. I still wish to do that, but with a bit more. My kids have grown. When I started this blog my little girl was newly four and my baby boy was only one. He is now four and she will be seven in a few weeks. I was a stay-at-home-mom in Maryland. We now live in Alaska and I work part-time and have a first grader and a preschooler. I have also been able to make the shift in my creative outlet. It used to be that the only art I made was with my kids, in the past few years I have been making more and more of my own art again. I still make art with my kids, I hope that I always will. I imagine that I always will. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">So, I guess what I am trying to say is that I want to "come back", but things might be a bit different. I am not even really sure in what ways. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This painting is my most recent large work. It is 40" by 36", oil on canvas. It was a commission. I really enjoyed working on this painting and was a little sad to see it go, although I know it is in a great home and is very loved. I painted it late at night in my kitchen after the kids went to bed while my husband watched some sci-fi show. I did not title it, but to me it exemplifies March. It is the view out my window. It is sunny and bright, yet snowy and cold.</div>GailPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00086469962344443021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3901921338849224732.post-29919641274512622102011-06-07T00:27:00.000-07:002011-06-07T00:27:10.784-07:00Art in the Park<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdD6ERrK-nvVP517Bx8tMgB1PFGP2FM0qAl1lpPPYsXsKXfc43X779c53UcGqRKl8L4qave6fIKVEpsIipxESlYt8LDsbuwRdVlMarXL0DG0GyfLi68eqYurrRVJWZleMmgWPLYlo6Y2w/s1600/IMG_5135.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdD6ERrK-nvVP517Bx8tMgB1PFGP2FM0qAl1lpPPYsXsKXfc43X779c53UcGqRKl8L4qave6fIKVEpsIipxESlYt8LDsbuwRdVlMarXL0DG0GyfLi68eqYurrRVJWZleMmgWPLYlo6Y2w/s320/IMG_5135.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Waylon having a great time with the shaving cream--he still smells like Old Spice, even after a bath:)</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">What a beautiful day to get together with friends and make a huge artsy mess in the great outdoors. I wish I had more pictures, but I was so involved with the art making that despite the camera around my neck, I took only a couple of pictures. I will do better next week.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We made <a href="http://alwaysarting-colorcolorcolor.blogspot.com/2009/06/shaving-cream-prints.html">shaving cream prints</a> and did some printing with gadgets and vegetables. For this we used tempera paint on black paper. Adding white to each color ensured that the colors stood out on the black background. All of our colors today were cool colors- blues, greens and purples. These Alaskan kids need strategies for cooling off when the temperature hits 70! </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij2YLHo8WliEVgRLRFBCNvsFCx-kkpGcBtucwq01F_SYJ28pa9GwKd_0VkbmyI0qOn1LUNCqoYjV9fuJ5IKknjoF7I8cduACjFuskFiaV_Ygrsog81EqKi_Jy_GknQh1pELr3C8ZhHX_Q/s1600/IMG_5134.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij2YLHo8WliEVgRLRFBCNvsFCx-kkpGcBtucwq01F_SYJ28pa9GwKd_0VkbmyI0qOn1LUNCqoYjV9fuJ5IKknjoF7I8cduACjFuskFiaV_Ygrsog81EqKi_Jy_GknQh1pELr3C8ZhHX_Q/s320/IMG_5134.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">There were about 15 kids between the ages of 2 and 9, not to mention a few babies who were able to watch the fun. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMe-ce_jzy5x-VDvrbjoK4omXPARy4jjKr6M161SVBuhY5Hu8k-rAwdpmVf1jRhldmaIwWj2oYtpOX8V3hxTUZelI2Vk9LVlXmCUIbsaYxeHsz6wq36HFI7C-wgHBAhoUY5hEJVguu46I/s1600/IMG_5133.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMe-ce_jzy5x-VDvrbjoK4omXPARy4jjKr6M161SVBuhY5Hu8k-rAwdpmVf1jRhldmaIwWj2oYtpOX8V3hxTUZelI2Vk9LVlXmCUIbsaYxeHsz6wq36HFI7C-wgHBAhoUY5hEJVguu46I/s320/IMG_5133.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The aftermath of the gadget printing station.<br />
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</td></tr>
</tbody></table>GailPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00086469962344443021noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3901921338849224732.post-21286038345996280752011-04-09T21:10:00.000-07:002011-04-09T21:10:00.238-07:00Secret Messages<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I know that Valentine's Day is over and we have moved on, really. But these secret messages that started out as Valentines have become so much more. We are hooked on making these and I think you might be too once you see how easy it is. All you need is heavy paper or card stock, a white crayon, a washable marker, water and a paintbrush.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Write a message or draw a secret picture with the white crayon on the white card stock. Gently color over the entire thing with a washable marker. Give it to a friend or anyone special and tell them to paint it with water to reveal the secret message. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQLV3JA1kzGkhSpKJa8UQc6S2t0ZJu8xvYJ0D-ZMSKAmp9HVIL95PPZYKbJKUwQNM2ngrqEaxTDjhlx1xQaDqdeWBcpu0JKPTJTKveMVnyuelxqzLAQJ2rE0okYVUDHecXAGiCHa2akKk/s1600/IMG_3692.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" l6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQLV3JA1kzGkhSpKJa8UQc6S2t0ZJu8xvYJ0D-ZMSKAmp9HVIL95PPZYKbJKUwQNM2ngrqEaxTDjhlx1xQaDqdeWBcpu0JKPTJTKveMVnyuelxqzLAQJ2rE0okYVUDHecXAGiCHa2akKk/s320/IMG_3692.JPG" width="320" /></a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The water blends the choppy lines and pops out the white writing.</div>GailPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00086469962344443021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3901921338849224732.post-68078457635011091302011-04-07T20:46:00.000-07:002011-04-07T20:46:00.160-07:00Bunny Chicks<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I found an unfinished piece of wood cut in the shape of two bunnies at a thrift store the other day.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> I love what my almost six-year-old did with it. I had suggested that she use paint and she insisted on Sharpies. She was right. the colors came out great and she was able to get the details she was after. I love the way she made the bunnies peeking out of Easter eggs. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyGIKcrakb9J7e9XpW_mFhjONXEHzMXAru0aOKgUX8RlDkV8y4g5o89e7KnLUMAGggRqzCaxhOiSWCUT9wu5eNd3qHN4QWVZ1vzmJtSS_IprZm4IEz4jRWqBRv5k5Eb61WnxJdZ18ykfI/s1600/IMG_4474.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyGIKcrakb9J7e9XpW_mFhjONXEHzMXAru0aOKgUX8RlDkV8y4g5o89e7KnLUMAGggRqzCaxhOiSWCUT9wu5eNd3qHN4QWVZ1vzmJtSS_IprZm4IEz4jRWqBRv5k5Eb61WnxJdZ18ykfI/s320/IMG_4474.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Maybe she can do the back next year.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>GailPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00086469962344443021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3901921338849224732.post-67991971561113678802011-04-05T20:46:00.000-07:002011-04-05T20:46:04.250-07:00Plastic Lid Bunny Wreath<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiKLYtxIL5oLnOcjt76rWNKolgj9qAT0qpT3EJfoyqkg9NqS36Y3ufhEvQp0iX6bBiqmTdhlJDkeiTxgNNNHHB_xn1_KPCXrYAzjV6kZ2u6CnpSYzuiUc2a3EmgcjEbf7WggV8bs6K90Y/s1600/IMG_4473.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiKLYtxIL5oLnOcjt76rWNKolgj9qAT0qpT3EJfoyqkg9NqS36Y3ufhEvQp0iX6bBiqmTdhlJDkeiTxgNNNHHB_xn1_KPCXrYAzjV6kZ2u6CnpSYzuiUc2a3EmgcjEbf7WggV8bs6K90Y/s400/IMG_4473.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">A few months ago I started a <a href="http://alwaysarting-colorcolorcolor.blogspot.com/2010/09/changeable-wreath.html">changeable wreath</a> for our front door. The kids and I just got it ready for Easter. I cut the edge off two large 64oz plastic yogurt lids and cut out simple bunny shapes. Basically, a figure eight with ears. I cut 3 bunnies from each lid and made them various sizes. Hollin decorated their faces with colored sharpies. Waylon helped me cut ribbon. The ribbon just loops through the twigs and ties around the bunnies' necks, securing them to the wreath and giving them a bow tie at the same time. </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnsymBbi9UC4lz2fTTek3YFanzBCmtDqim_DDA5TkDlnKksrjHe6B0KVulk9VUNmnbCaYmHv7rH3plE0evUF09EBrlwL8kolis7VXVbgkEuQQwowdaYP5VgUrQOMu9IHIhYf2aJ6BXP9I/s1600/IMG_4476.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnsymBbi9UC4lz2fTTek3YFanzBCmtDqim_DDA5TkDlnKksrjHe6B0KVulk9VUNmnbCaYmHv7rH3plE0evUF09EBrlwL8kolis7VXVbgkEuQQwowdaYP5VgUrQOMu9IHIhYf2aJ6BXP9I/s400/IMG_4476.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I am very hoppy with the result (I could not resist).</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>GailPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00086469962344443021noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3901921338849224732.post-34730862480993023842011-03-08T14:41:00.000-08:002011-03-08T14:41:28.182-08:00The Days are Getting Longer<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisWVVgvTAD7i7LK4CpXaHHAucskQiDLTVZP3ZLXdC1ca_o6yTlGq5wS1jRh3zuvpozeMh8MWdksdTueohYoHqq_fD7RmgDfmT4ICzwF0Rc9fpG8Q0plQmA_BG_B_PtGgBmtyo14nueBs4/s1600/IMG_3979.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="295" q6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisWVVgvTAD7i7LK4CpXaHHAucskQiDLTVZP3ZLXdC1ca_o6yTlGq5wS1jRh3zuvpozeMh8MWdksdTueohYoHqq_fD7RmgDfmT4ICzwF0Rc9fpG8Q0plQmA_BG_B_PtGgBmtyo14nueBs4/s400/IMG_3979.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I spent every spare minute last month working on this oil painting. It is pretty big, 36" by 40". I suppose it is my interpretation of February in Fairbanks. Still so very cold and still, but the light is incredible. It is the month where, after so many months of cold and dark, you start to get a glimmer that spring may actually return. It is still cold, but the days are noticeably longer. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I will never tire of painting the trees in interior Alaska. Even around our 2 acre yard, the inspiration is limitless. The aspens and birches are all so unique and they change dramatically depending on the weather, the time of day and of course the seasons. I love to wander around and look for my next painting. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div>GailPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00086469962344443021noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3901921338849224732.post-79107038750592441832011-02-26T10:16:00.000-08:002011-02-26T10:16:37.613-08:00Upcycled Party Gift Box<div style="text-align: center;">We made this gift box for a friend's birthday party the other day. It is made from a cereal box. I have seen this done using gift wrap to cover a box. We covered ours with white contact paper and decorated it with permanent markers.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4cETFqsUuLuKLHWs0-NEGYltbAFLCxTIe778KygoWLeZAhBz60CfNKpwa0JXGfb-kqBhgXSAPISlOi3wLu4fZkyRXBJX_yYPqbMUZBIllezEYCO88MUXGjzhca_wy4mUpC2dSOi8-_cc/s1600/IMG_3680.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" l6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4cETFqsUuLuKLHWs0-NEGYltbAFLCxTIe778KygoWLeZAhBz60CfNKpwa0JXGfb-kqBhgXSAPISlOi3wLu4fZkyRXBJX_yYPqbMUZBIllezEYCO88MUXGjzhca_wy4mUpC2dSOi8-_cc/s320/IMG_3680.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Cut the top flaps off a cereal box and wrap in contact paper. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmY_ai-yCPo49zOvcsM3sTM7F0zYeT5yimOTlqf29ib-04LQkIX-dDyhSYbGuJmHvkirHLNZ3xmbbG_Y_r4u9RsfK3KW4lzN08eCjD0-1Hgwb1MPQUwYUZ-m0E4-Rr9HdXsEx3C-PiBK8/s1600/IMG_3679.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPcMfV39WPyOc8n1dkULqjaWuFa7D0P4ML2oX0HhPBbugAJbJ7ec6z5gCsGzDE16pfj9ZjxjQptZLbQ5j571pJqaiIO94JG-Rb7VmcSew-65xkSz_5kRsI-2HDQi1OWASPLuk1xumhxjY/s1600/IMG_3674.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" l6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPcMfV39WPyOc8n1dkULqjaWuFa7D0P4ML2oX0HhPBbugAJbJ7ec6z5gCsGzDE16pfj9ZjxjQptZLbQ5j571pJqaiIO94JG-Rb7VmcSew-65xkSz_5kRsI-2HDQi1OWASPLuk1xumhxjY/s320/IMG_3674.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Poke two holes on the top, both sides, for handles. We fastened a pipe cleaner handle to each side.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnPaVtlRNANBR2a1cVJThtgxoc8K35vx_0dS8lanlPw6KkyZ5wttsA-6bMCUXKi02dB1VBa15nqOf7TBScTPAgrkZAs9awSN4QXyP_7-ZUp1KzEGcIaul7IhuccxRoIP6JOSNrdkgaWqs/s1600/IMG_3675.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" l6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnPaVtlRNANBR2a1cVJThtgxoc8K35vx_0dS8lanlPw6KkyZ5wttsA-6bMCUXKi02dB1VBa15nqOf7TBScTPAgrkZAs9awSN4QXyP_7-ZUp1KzEGcIaul7IhuccxRoIP6JOSNrdkgaWqs/s320/IMG_3675.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We tied tulle and ribbon to the handles to make it fancier, then Hollin drew birthday designs on each side with permanent markers.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJO1KeLn5RAGigO05yZ0-Y3o4yzQnlTeEjRiURA1Lvwqp_zfYH9TTSIIAIDGtsMr_ulMoa5oVTmF9nb6MMPAY-7H8ncWszKX7MT8_HQWR5MjvNB5gxApuXDqfDQ_95MN3xOT1tfRUL-gw/s1600/IMG_3676.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" l6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJO1KeLn5RAGigO05yZ0-Y3o4yzQnlTeEjRiURA1Lvwqp_zfYH9TTSIIAIDGtsMr_ulMoa5oVTmF9nb6MMPAY-7H8ncWszKX7MT8_HQWR5MjvNB5gxApuXDqfDQ_95MN3xOT1tfRUL-gw/s320/IMG_3676.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We added the gift, which was a lovely assortment of art supplies, some tissue paper and a little card.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmY_ai-yCPo49zOvcsM3sTM7F0zYeT5yimOTlqf29ib-04LQkIX-dDyhSYbGuJmHvkirHLNZ3xmbbG_Y_r4u9RsfK3KW4lzN08eCjD0-1Hgwb1MPQUwYUZ-m0E4-Rr9HdXsEx3C-PiBK8/s1600/IMG_3679.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" l6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmY_ai-yCPo49zOvcsM3sTM7F0zYeT5yimOTlqf29ib-04LQkIX-dDyhSYbGuJmHvkirHLNZ3xmbbG_Y_r4u9RsfK3KW4lzN08eCjD0-1Hgwb1MPQUwYUZ-m0E4-Rr9HdXsEx3C-PiBK8/s320/IMG_3679.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">So sweet and personal. We gave new life to an old box, and saved $ on a gift bag. </div>GailPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00086469962344443021noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3901921338849224732.post-91641471925607189832011-02-10T19:58:00.000-08:002011-02-10T19:58:31.960-08:00Valentine's Day Shirts<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_DkrAIDoW8BIheXrNbMR8KdibcNhUA4eYkalP5Tmd-z4RUK6GKRtHv6ou5u60d3cADYjTHQheP00woBWYqwqTEkd_RrRoKttyKkkh6C4hFh0NoZ9IASkfNGRKWackNwf7SbKb6OXyxI0/s1600/IMG_3665.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_DkrAIDoW8BIheXrNbMR8KdibcNhUA4eYkalP5Tmd-z4RUK6GKRtHv6ou5u60d3cADYjTHQheP00woBWYqwqTEkd_RrRoKttyKkkh6C4hFh0NoZ9IASkfNGRKWackNwf7SbKb6OXyxI0/s320/IMG_3665.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>I had been planning to make <a href="http://artfulparent.typepad.com/artfulparent/2011/01/how-to-make-a-heart-doily-t-shirt.html">doily print shirts</a> with Hollin since I saw the idea a few weeks ago over at <a href="http://artfulparent.typepad.com/">The Artful Parent</a>.<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOSDBGJxcZcH4LxKXGVUVs1LxM8aTE4zDYrAzIA0aMRylB6c1urNCfkuPJv5TQ9J86F59url61E_YOu3ma08OBdWQsDm6GriyaJt7LAJNMytl8tV5AotBUWm89Qpq-nc0ac0BtuZXXrVc/s1600/IMG_3645.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOSDBGJxcZcH4LxKXGVUVs1LxM8aTE4zDYrAzIA0aMRylB6c1urNCfkuPJv5TQ9J86F59url61E_YOu3ma08OBdWQsDm6GriyaJt7LAJNMytl8tV5AotBUWm89Qpq-nc0ac0BtuZXXrVc/s320/IMG_3645.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEP0h-H77XJtO5u8YuW9TnDvWgSrzYbHI8QGzIHN-qBZr1gsVR2AG82ZoKA_-IlhIJvpcTsi2do3l4q-kwkq_r0z514Pj-rute0WXZFEgmo6OnEKMdPNxYCSKSrKdJgb70kurw41BWWbc/s1600/IMG_3642.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEP0h-H77XJtO5u8YuW9TnDvWgSrzYbHI8QGzIHN-qBZr1gsVR2AG82ZoKA_-IlhIJvpcTsi2do3l4q-kwkq_r0z514Pj-rute0WXZFEgmo6OnEKMdPNxYCSKSrKdJgb70kurw41BWWbc/s320/IMG_3642.JPG" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh9lF6gqEaKB8r4fcDReJps-vnIld6lhwvE-UmC_jKxA3-apqVOvgO8e4tK51YZnIhUqp9EdUcRLsQU7y2IopkHGfVtqjc4tBuJ72Jau-IE0vWoWdDhtAwQ_IUy0lZJeYjsQ9LrhJKjts/s1600/IMG_3656.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh9lF6gqEaKB8r4fcDReJps-vnIld6lhwvE-UmC_jKxA3-apqVOvgO8e4tK51YZnIhUqp9EdUcRLsQU7y2IopkHGfVtqjc4tBuJ72Jau-IE0vWoWdDhtAwQ_IUy0lZJeYjsQ9LrhJKjts/s320/IMG_3656.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>While inking up the doily, we could not help but notice how nice the stencil effect of the doily looked on the paper underneath it, so very impulsively, we put the doily on the shirt and rolled over it. I think it came out cute. It was hard to hold it perfectly still, but between the two of us we made it work. So instead of making doily prints, we ended up using the doily as a stencil.<br />
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I am not opposed to boys wearing hearts and pink, but I thought a pink doily shirt might be a touch too much. So, I jazzed up an old shirt with a cute boyish Valentine design using <a href="http://alwaysarting-colorcolorcolor.blogspot.com/2009/07/should-be-packing.html">freezer paper stencils</a>.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBkawXUHsz-EHGug0NktPmCY5fRDcOvhqp9VFVTBryztLBBm1116RZQFnM7RYvEjAEX-aa1IQhWs9WrTsNEReO0PtdoPQcwPQphaMfCQs2KKR1x8sV4OWns695V-qNRPkEBzUxw3j6Pq8/s1600/IMG_3651.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBkawXUHsz-EHGug0NktPmCY5fRDcOvhqp9VFVTBryztLBBm1116RZQFnM7RYvEjAEX-aa1IQhWs9WrTsNEReO0PtdoPQcwPQphaMfCQs2KKR1x8sV4OWns695V-qNRPkEBzUxw3j6Pq8/s320/IMG_3651.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I really like heart art. There. I said it. We have been doing a lot of lately and I will try to get some more up before the big day. </div>GailPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00086469962344443021noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3901921338849224732.post-64998755791367562502011-02-06T16:12:00.000-08:002011-02-06T16:12:08.836-08:00Painting in a Real Painting Studio<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">What's a mom with two sick kids to do on a cold Sunday morning? </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">They were not sick enough to stay home (or I was not willing to stay home another day), but sound way too terrible to go to church or to any other public place (really nasty cough). I am taking a painting class this sememster so I decided to take advantage of the big beautiful painting studio. I had some work to do and I figured we could bring some paints and let them get messy. They were so happy and had such a great time. We were alone the entire time we were there, three hours! I even got a good chunk of my own work done.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKHRQthqQkY6rjJ_fAN4nXmpqyX_tE1cPcbbkycRWQBkFbUhX6vexUGxHrpP-vzqov9R0ihF5Hu20_TbHWyhETxnsVQlYrLzRNUI2GOR7vyySt27gr1H19RqMSJaCXqkQf6JbOWKvBkWs/s1600/IMG_3605.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKHRQthqQkY6rjJ_fAN4nXmpqyX_tE1cPcbbkycRWQBkFbUhX6vexUGxHrpP-vzqov9R0ihF5Hu20_TbHWyhETxnsVQlYrLzRNUI2GOR7vyySt27gr1H19RqMSJaCXqkQf6JbOWKvBkWs/s320/IMG_3605.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> I packed liquid watercolors, droppers, huge sheets of watercolor paper, salt, a spray bottle, shaving cream, trays and sponges. Snacks, drinks, and a portable dvd player ensured that after they painted, I would be able to paint. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3N4Vo0hZMkZ_O8sa52r8Ny5uF2bO51gJljd8ASS8Nz3gBge6U_IzZePiX1xClWl3B2M0R5aadofo18GveNWLPkoHaSk6yYfiMCVooJEwSHlk3LW2lE3j9D6WYENVDVaBaZRsczWjsrsY/s1600/IMG_3606.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3N4Vo0hZMkZ_O8sa52r8Ny5uF2bO51gJljd8ASS8Nz3gBge6U_IzZePiX1xClWl3B2M0R5aadofo18GveNWLPkoHaSk6yYfiMCVooJEwSHlk3LW2lE3j9D6WYENVDVaBaZRsczWjsrsY/s320/IMG_3606.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Hollin found a doillie and went right to work creating with it.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1p8d2jQaFhtkk0F4hDN6OURBANfyoT9v8gPYjXWu0GxEhGBDHJ9rhtH_bBWJWLsy8-Zwl8_s6k0rxZs_tTE8C8AX0PypD8uD_zlh77SZ3A8cH3rRNqQl7lNJS3bPbSzGIGhokDojilVI/s1600/IMG_3610.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1p8d2jQaFhtkk0F4hDN6OURBANfyoT9v8gPYjXWu0GxEhGBDHJ9rhtH_bBWJWLsy8-Zwl8_s6k0rxZs_tTE8C8AX0PypD8uD_zlh77SZ3A8cH3rRNqQl7lNJS3bPbSzGIGhokDojilVI/s320/IMG_3610.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> They were all smiles and giggles. It was so nice to play and get messy with the materials and not worry about it. Waylon actually sang while he worked. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9PCy22YsMbdolsl08_2YmQfG-f-sSmlbOf3UuqqNx4E7K46zGkU2TS9ITTRLCpy1viENeEdo0sRzfA27gUaJYs_zx7i7oZA-U9Easopn3Jki6RSM9TBBt8j7vxw0teW0H8QgoRiCWXv0/s1600/IMG_3614.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9PCy22YsMbdolsl08_2YmQfG-f-sSmlbOf3UuqqNx4E7K46zGkU2TS9ITTRLCpy1viENeEdo0sRzfA27gUaJYs_zx7i7oZA-U9Easopn3Jki6RSM9TBBt8j7vxw0teW0H8QgoRiCWXv0/s320/IMG_3614.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">I usually do not give them such huge sheets of expensive paper, but once in a while it is nice to splurge. I just ordered some new art supplies for myself and felt I could part with two sheets.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgceC5TQ2cIz5hvYBXnjdzeQ8mSKkx9uuojmBDb_kFeZWi-slT3o7qc-e6g9sy0s1dB5XBu3UGlbY8664fwGutQuVQL56wzRuPXYVwnJ9yQyTJjPbmt8qe-bUsHtV3T49sg6mAzY54P03c/s1600/IMG_3615.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgceC5TQ2cIz5hvYBXnjdzeQ8mSKkx9uuojmBDb_kFeZWi-slT3o7qc-e6g9sy0s1dB5XBu3UGlbY8664fwGutQuVQL56wzRuPXYVwnJ9yQyTJjPbmt8qe-bUsHtV3T49sg6mAzY54P03c/s320/IMG_3615.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD_gvuzXBdw37evLjfepE4d652zqJrcWxP_CApzQ4qC-UddDAkBZmd5G6sUsFtfr7550r-vGZ4ra1V5J3pl6uBF2kc74L-kwqrYO8sQCJ4iphel_Bg7jIBe8iuj1VSAgUjiu28Q8TXtTc/s1600/IMG_3622.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD_gvuzXBdw37evLjfepE4d652zqJrcWxP_CApzQ4qC-UddDAkBZmd5G6sUsFtfr7550r-vGZ4ra1V5J3pl6uBF2kc74L-kwqrYO8sQCJ4iphel_Bg7jIBe8iuj1VSAgUjiu28Q8TXtTc/s320/IMG_3622.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdcv7fTYblWuNBy2Yxr8JrypSARKV3bFKKpn5N7LT-goMKk_2vDWqSP6LJbuUFL-Xz8vX9sGKvYSMOkOVIUCJFjCEgEyK5E-nLf1qJUIOCqwappGZsLdeBQQKDnyY_cHxRdzXOgDylagg/s1600/IMG_3626.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdcv7fTYblWuNBy2Yxr8JrypSARKV3bFKKpn5N7LT-goMKk_2vDWqSP6LJbuUFL-Xz8vX9sGKvYSMOkOVIUCJFjCEgEyK5E-nLf1qJUIOCqwappGZsLdeBQQKDnyY_cHxRdzXOgDylagg/s320/IMG_3626.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6mH_fyOC12pg2l8FATbHMjvfhyI_IlmaeDQg-CyECCmgYP-ZzRBCEici9O8_3xKX5hRH-vB79GvaVI-pdiZU4IueYHDvvJ9Kpql8VLnkHN9G9g7i6UNe3WgcvfynW4eBCcAR_lu1UxhU/s1600/IMG_3627.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6mH_fyOC12pg2l8FATbHMjvfhyI_IlmaeDQg-CyECCmgYP-ZzRBCEici9O8_3xKX5hRH-vB79GvaVI-pdiZU4IueYHDvvJ9Kpql8VLnkHN9G9g7i6UNe3WgcvfynW4eBCcAR_lu1UxhU/s320/IMG_3627.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> After a little while (or as Waylon would say, after a couple of whiles) the shaving cream got out of control as it always does. It was time to clean up and have a snack. </div><div style="text-align: center;">Creating art in a space designated for art making was a great experience for them. I know I work better when I am there. There is great light and so much to look at. Paintings everywhere, tools, strange things like bras dipped in plaster and plastic doll legs. What's not to love? I see this becoming a weekly adventure.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>GailPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00086469962344443021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3901921338849224732.post-58479912084841759292011-02-03T17:09:00.000-08:002011-02-03T17:09:51.287-08:00Fleece Doggie Scarf<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXy7ELiJ1VJpQHrLKYxFcduPlQUH-YfWnzgXi3TIxBpNpQqCJb0v0-C-VYaha1TpX9pzvzkNlDjKeQC-HHdMcaEVivaWNE2myum6u_dYt_oG8nfDCiZVQINIJMpey2BgC9wgzrFhZixOo/s1600/IMG_3561.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXy7ELiJ1VJpQHrLKYxFcduPlQUH-YfWnzgXi3TIxBpNpQqCJb0v0-C-VYaha1TpX9pzvzkNlDjKeQC-HHdMcaEVivaWNE2myum6u_dYt_oG8nfDCiZVQINIJMpey2BgC9wgzrFhZixOo/s320/IMG_3561.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Recess at minus 20 can be pretty chilly with or without a good scarf. We rarely attempt it without and wanted to make something new and special. This was fast and came out really cute. My little sweet girl loves it and it gives her face a place to hide when it is really cold. I wish I had taken more pictures of the process, but I was on a role as it was a total impulse project on a school night.</div> I did take this one picture once all the pieces were cut. There are two pieces for every one you see in the picture (2 bodies, 4 ears, 8 legs). As you can see it is a long body piece with the head and tail included . The legs and the ears are separate. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik0jGev2QMvF3BfKjelnhP_3r3__uDrWAQz9jtGZ4dDJKMtWDGZ4IWZerChv1J3VcTGB222q3pwAlko7_xi_gRCsvpOaRPzE9wcWrHfSmROoBorvTH43gsPiStzhsUy_pfAnpMDGrU6m4/s1600/IMG_3438.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik0jGev2QMvF3BfKjelnhP_3r3__uDrWAQz9jtGZ4dDJKMtWDGZ4IWZerChv1J3VcTGB222q3pwAlko7_xi_gRCsvpOaRPzE9wcWrHfSmROoBorvTH43gsPiStzhsUy_pfAnpMDGrU6m4/s320/IMG_3438.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I stitched up the ears and legs first and turned them inside out. I put a tiny bit of stuffing into the legs. Next, I pinned them to the inside of the body (right sides together) and stitched the body leaving a place to turn the entire thing inside out. Hmm, I think I sewed the blue collar on before sewing up the long body pieces. Once it was all together I embellished it with button eyes, a nose and a pink heart. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Cute easy project. Fleece is perfect for this as it is so easy to work with, I find it is great for experimental projects. I can see making all sorts of animal scarves. The next one I plan to make is going to be a long tractor trailer for my truck lover. </div>GailPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00086469962344443021noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3901921338849224732.post-3703273871210462452011-01-18T22:22:00.000-08:002011-01-18T22:22:48.874-08:00Big Paper Snowflake<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We get to enjoy making various types of snowflakes from October through April (hopefully not May...). This is one of our favorites.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6ZbzJPI9da5OSo17iAJILcOuWuUDSjuGoRKPSEmNp9Ss3rSFxica1QYWPrYj6t8Bnd4zRF3XaRk0wU4vn4cZd3LDup7Sv-CSaFleHYObOCSrZMBSXr-r7osmixLIjjNILpGfs2NrHK5c/s1600/IMG_3388.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6ZbzJPI9da5OSo17iAJILcOuWuUDSjuGoRKPSEmNp9Ss3rSFxica1QYWPrYj6t8Bnd4zRF3XaRk0wU4vn4cZd3LDup7Sv-CSaFleHYObOCSrZMBSXr-r7osmixLIjjNILpGfs2NrHK5c/s320/IMG_3388.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We make one or two of these big beautiful snowflakes every year. You need 7 squares of paper, scissors, a pencil, and clear tape. We used white paper cut in 9" squares. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKkFcuz4j1kuJq9yIYLLj2NRkuEoMguW2KU7L68Bj3JTXTeL9MRcsQF0RU-I0k3Mdw8MS6Sw3EE49CCHld1AhIUjRFoIQhP-sDxTtxlJjDFWfL42JqB2cvExA9yw11jN4mDuvjgV_xvtc/s1600/IMG_3358.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKkFcuz4j1kuJq9yIYLLj2NRkuEoMguW2KU7L68Bj3JTXTeL9MRcsQF0RU-I0k3Mdw8MS6Sw3EE49CCHld1AhIUjRFoIQhP-sDxTtxlJjDFWfL42JqB2cvExA9yw11jN4mDuvjgV_xvtc/s320/IMG_3358.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Fold in half to make a triangle, then in half again forming a smaller triangle. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">With the open sides at the bottom, cut three lines, parallel to the long straight side, from the bottom, almost to the top (but do not cut through the top). Use the picture below as a guide. Draw first if that helps.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeTs-uwtWz0kzEtR_EB0fVMXBs2wbY1Ed8r0ASpqKJIL_FsKgCrSE1iGZa4Mpt-cySri0upJLlT0Zcze7wqwPMU4Ko_y5pCbJbMs0tI0GBqRhHBiwQXIiLjdOYBGg1nOnbxSGP6lkhvy0/s1600/IMG_3359.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeTs-uwtWz0kzEtR_EB0fVMXBs2wbY1Ed8r0ASpqKJIL_FsKgCrSE1iGZa4Mpt-cySri0upJLlT0Zcze7wqwPMU4Ko_y5pCbJbMs0tI0GBqRhHBiwQXIiLjdOYBGg1nOnbxSGP6lkhvy0/s320/IMG_3359.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">When you open it up, it should look like this. Now, repeat with the remaining 6 squares.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbC03WUbKre1PIzbqzPc0U4E-G_-16cJRwC1uO7P9dAbNUGfvmBMqj08dKbuuheJXIrqapwE5ZbTZYM9K7_a09F1o__mmJmCTmiDDfzL-pYRqYp46WSRxHLAyhc4P2Y1CuJ6__GMoE6oY/s1600/IMG_3362.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbC03WUbKre1PIzbqzPc0U4E-G_-16cJRwC1uO7P9dAbNUGfvmBMqj08dKbuuheJXIrqapwE5ZbTZYM9K7_a09F1o__mmJmCTmiDDfzL-pYRqYp46WSRxHLAyhc4P2Y1CuJ6__GMoE6oY/s320/IMG_3362.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Now, you want to make each piece 3-dimensional. Take the top and bottom corner, bring them together and secure with clear tape. Then take the next top and bottom corners and bring them together on the opposite side and secure with tape. Looks like we started with the inside pieces...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFXTQlfm8whBJcRU1chc34Ny2J_bipzTSOX1-mr7HWMSxSxBopuJPFq3b6Z01y35JoEqol-1V4Vg3BBm-UP3h1Yz7PW08_wDHMMiiMaPwKhESOXwgAO3zBmiu0riVXVJlFxlj2VZmi0B0/s1600/IMG_3364.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFXTQlfm8whBJcRU1chc34Ny2J_bipzTSOX1-mr7HWMSxSxBopuJPFq3b6Z01y35JoEqol-1V4Vg3BBm-UP3h1Yz7PW08_wDHMMiiMaPwKhESOXwgAO3zBmiu0riVXVJlFxlj2VZmi0B0/s320/IMG_3364.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It really does not matter how you start as long as you end up with seven pieces like the one pictured below.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj-CTIBsITPJ1lCgnsG27fvaULDKz0E3gvpJFmgwktAMoQXnP0LNoHTTsiHbOc_6xH42tNxTMMAz5P5_NEVll4VEgTZxuHS5fyJCoc57JBOhxZmgaM0-XdRNkzXN1BGlHnywCuMFUlFBA/s1600/IMG_3365.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj-CTIBsITPJ1lCgnsG27fvaULDKz0E3gvpJFmgwktAMoQXnP0LNoHTTsiHbOc_6xH42tNxTMMAz5P5_NEVll4VEgTZxuHS5fyJCoc57JBOhxZmgaM0-XdRNkzXN1BGlHnywCuMFUlFBA/s320/IMG_3365.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Now line them up and tape the sides together so that they form a long line. We only have five lined up in the picture, just pretend there are seven.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpDMj5U6zM_HHAH3QHpo5KvBrDEMut0cFKla4Toy_A2TEzL0zgF5zvF9alxiYsX3RWs9XlM6uOlE3bfD5ohPrC3jHmIJlBnHfGVlbYlhfmoq12wW1E_cNKsgVOC-rKfKIty4cG-zp77lw/s1600/IMG_3372.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpDMj5U6zM_HHAH3QHpo5KvBrDEMut0cFKla4Toy_A2TEzL0zgF5zvF9alxiYsX3RWs9XlM6uOlE3bfD5ohPrC3jHmIJlBnHfGVlbYlhfmoq12wW1E_cNKsgVOC-rKfKIty4cG-zp77lw/s320/IMG_3372.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Finally you want to tape the bottoms together so that it forms a round snowflake. As you can see, I took over at this point. It can be tricky getting the corners together. </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiabMVz8NZozhO7xl9g2JN15d4V-Rto5tIGK7Z2MA5K5y4zqXntezvKBDxHSxIwL9c4buiVthP5PwyNwaklDBjCL9tMHnnUMqYQy4py4CgvwJ_Vy7SANoN7q_NhMjBx7sOj-no3XMfusCU/s1600/IMG_3379.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiabMVz8NZozhO7xl9g2JN15d4V-Rto5tIGK7Z2MA5K5y4zqXntezvKBDxHSxIwL9c4buiVthP5PwyNwaklDBjCL9tMHnnUMqYQy4py4CgvwJ_Vy7SANoN7q_NhMjBx7sOj-no3XMfusCU/s320/IMG_3379.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">These are beautiful in a classroom or a space that can accommodate a bunch especially if they are various sizes and colors. </div>GailPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00086469962344443021noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3901921338849224732.post-50808879133239704302011-01-16T20:27:00.000-08:002011-01-16T20:27:03.053-08:00Painting with Vroom Vrooms<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">"Vroom Vrooms" have been a huge part of our lives since Waylon was mobile enough to scoot to the stroller and try to spin the wheels. He takes them everywhere. He sleeps with them, eats with them, bathes with them and paints with them. Now every little guy (or girl) enjoys running a car through some paint to make tracks on the paper, but Waylon manages to do it regardless of my intention. I will set out paint and brushes, or paint and gadgets, or fingerpaints, etc. and he will somehow produce a car and start painting with it or painting it.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggbXXcwr2sRpVA88_1OZ54hcZtU1oPLrQham8mZXehKe4yevuWuyv2hsm2JQcYPqigFkriYRpxb56bk2N1crl8yJGvSMYUvDL54zZ9mbAZ_WkU0tibR6Fnxdca0OL-xTEb6tpjsKUCq-Y/s1600/IMG_2165.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggbXXcwr2sRpVA88_1OZ54hcZtU1oPLrQham8mZXehKe4yevuWuyv2hsm2JQcYPqigFkriYRpxb56bk2N1crl8yJGvSMYUvDL54zZ9mbAZ_WkU0tibR6Fnxdca0OL-xTEb6tpjsKUCq-Y/s320/IMG_2165.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUL4W3Wm7LO746PMnJvNDqT4Mxvq_tuk_bB0A321qb4-XA8yOv1EZQhyORiKFYOr0DybD9P3pBh3hBmJfKkM70RV4sTSUEMcRWrjHtgbCyc9_kwraP5U-jVW_iSGDLUDZOY4k6_3WHHhk/s1600/IMG_0972.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUL4W3Wm7LO746PMnJvNDqT4Mxvq_tuk_bB0A321qb4-XA8yOv1EZQhyORiKFYOr0DybD9P3pBh3hBmJfKkM70RV4sTSUEMcRWrjHtgbCyc9_kwraP5U-jVW_iSGDLUDZOY4k6_3WHHhk/s320/IMG_0972.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2ISr8l5gp5qfVH6s_XTjsCQuDHBbvZZMvyxDVC51ukQKYOdtnyBUrvpBaNiu49zaCrnS6SkfHMnpfQaPhdJL2_c3X6l4CogXAM4BrK8FD2ACrPhVYWMbzyRHNjLEo8FVwnznL5bOXduA/s1600/IMG_0989.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2ISr8l5gp5qfVH6s_XTjsCQuDHBbvZZMvyxDVC51ukQKYOdtnyBUrvpBaNiu49zaCrnS6SkfHMnpfQaPhdJL2_c3X6l4CogXAM4BrK8FD2ACrPhVYWMbzyRHNjLEo8FVwnznL5bOXduA/s320/IMG_0989.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Washing the car in a tub of soapy water might even be more fun than painting it. Perfect for a cold January day. </div>GailPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00086469962344443021noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3901921338849224732.post-18853639854608892292010-12-13T21:40:00.000-08:002010-12-13T21:40:34.630-08:00Cutting Wheatgrass<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Oh Color Color Color, I have missed you. I have been sewing, knitting, crafting, and painting so much that I have not wanted to take a break to tell anyone about it. In fact, with all the turkey art around here, I cannot believe I did not post anything for Thanksgiving. I feel like a squirrel, I have a huge storehouse of images stored up for the darkest days of winter. Actually, these are the darkest days of winter. It has been very cold and dark. This is the time of year that I am ready for dinner by 3:00 and want to go to bed at 5:00. We can always use a little something green and alive this time of year. That is why I like to grow wheatgrass. We plant it, watch it grow, care for it and trim it. There is just something therapeutic about cutting the blades with a pair of scissors. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjM10rcVd2SmJttmUAgQKxUIetzvUrlza6O-tc7JbYQsADsdfIm1uP9ZAoCw4UMgRY5CoUjYk_gYs9HnhTfa9Zznmk91BZx5T6r_zi0jBQzQ1Z1HkWnkDr5BZYw_tvvOrdDMQ84trsnDE/s1600/IMG_2856.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjM10rcVd2SmJttmUAgQKxUIetzvUrlza6O-tc7JbYQsADsdfIm1uP9ZAoCw4UMgRY5CoUjYk_gYs9HnhTfa9Zznmk91BZx5T6r_zi0jBQzQ1Z1HkWnkDr5BZYw_tvvOrdDMQ84trsnDE/s320/IMG_2856.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">To grow wheatgrass you simply press wheat berries into soil. Water it and watch it grow. It comes up in a couple of days and grows fast. I suppose we could juice it or eat it too. But for now we will just continue to play.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div>GailPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00086469962344443021noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3901921338849224732.post-5929977597845030742010-11-11T17:40:00.000-08:002010-11-11T17:40:30.880-08:00Owl Cake<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I made this cake a few weeks ago for a cake auction fundraiser at my daughter's school. It was so cute and easy...and it got lots of bids) I found an image of an owl cake and tried my best to copy. I should warn you, you will have to tilt your head to view the last two pictures. For some reason they will not rotate, but I think it is worth the neck stretch.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I made a chocolate cake using two round pans. I cut one piece to look like the tufts on the top of an owl's head. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">White frosting for the face and belly....<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMA0yaJ_hJQIbGw4naHyKbePlDCxGdMHzZU10JNI5x4j9E3Y_YpyfCWcwW-h1ld1IbF22wqTbNP8JYV3OOZWueb4lFZUBQ26ZU0Al20dZTdmmxghP2mnOtIG4TI8U6qPGZx6XUoHxtF-0/s1600/IMG_2797.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" nx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMA0yaJ_hJQIbGw4naHyKbePlDCxGdMHzZU10JNI5x4j9E3Y_YpyfCWcwW-h1ld1IbF22wqTbNP8JYV3OOZWueb4lFZUBQ26ZU0Al20dZTdmmxghP2mnOtIG4TI8U6qPGZx6XUoHxtF-0/s320/IMG_2797.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin7_0RYPvjBHHzFQN1RTUpQOG0b_dWl1YC-qwRX21TfWeMKdbThnWqxS7Q8xF_POUaoKxJ7zMvFjU0tmV1DodmimZqY5NpQa28A8ZUl0Oa5VryrJNFOo1l8ZcteDsJi20iYE41_OpvQgg/s1600/IMG_2801.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" nx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin7_0RYPvjBHHzFQN1RTUpQOG0b_dWl1YC-qwRX21TfWeMKdbThnWqxS7Q8xF_POUaoKxJ7zMvFjU0tmV1DodmimZqY5NpQa28A8ZUl0Oa5VryrJNFOo1l8ZcteDsJi20iYE41_OpvQgg/s320/IMG_2801.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">...Chocolate frosting along the edges. The feathers are sliced almonds, the beak is a pecan. I dusted two dried pineapple rings with powdered sugar for the eyes and the eyeballs are chocolate covered almonds.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH9kTV15JGCsPm_GjXXiAmFgLm155WDi6AxMd6zsjHRxUkkaNtN-nLoByAP9xswkKMxOLc0Ffz3T-GvqQyXTiCezP3Z282xrySK4aqfCP80y2NcyHPENagxC-pxGhd8aBXx0KZUfna1FU/s1600/IMG_2803.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" nx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH9kTV15JGCsPm_GjXXiAmFgLm155WDi6AxMd6zsjHRxUkkaNtN-nLoByAP9xswkKMxOLc0Ffz3T-GvqQyXTiCezP3Z282xrySK4aqfCP80y2NcyHPENagxC-pxGhd8aBXx0KZUfna1FU/s320/IMG_2803.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhwxExoxev96dDftlAYXJYb0Y-xvGI9_0KHImUKl9cngz8rQfLKsaOltmYhY8qJqLTuunZsGdA0cMpqj4RGPLTM5VdDklhbDinSdpn7RLnJqzgXT-jEJUvLU6XoxySBxgpUstJj_8_Sho/s1600/IMG_2811.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" nx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhwxExoxev96dDftlAYXJYb0Y-xvGI9_0KHImUKl9cngz8rQfLKsaOltmYhY8qJqLTuunZsGdA0cMpqj4RGPLTM5VdDklhbDinSdpn7RLnJqzgXT-jEJUvLU6XoxySBxgpUstJj_8_Sho/s320/IMG_2811.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span id="goog_748252898">Enjoy!</span></div>GailPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00086469962344443021noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3901921338849224732.post-68357217717847444762010-10-25T14:24:00.000-07:002010-10-25T14:24:01.275-07:00Luminated 3-Dimensional Jack-o-Lantern<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8CJDKVB-Z1GBsgihgoiXWbCLV6AjVBkt3SN8uhLz39jJel-6cVJx9qd87L0K9BFMMJl8qv0r0rYFUnJStpvx7tz5EOvRyL5lT3ulFY8VRxth_joTChsrX63j0uvcF0q1IUdq8BeT9hiY/s1600/IMG_2481a.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" nx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8CJDKVB-Z1GBsgihgoiXWbCLV6AjVBkt3SN8uhLz39jJel-6cVJx9qd87L0K9BFMMJl8qv0r0rYFUnJStpvx7tz5EOvRyL5lT3ulFY8VRxth_joTChsrX63j0uvcF0q1IUdq8BeT9hiY/s320/IMG_2481a.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">A few months ago a stumbled across this great idea <a href="http://artfulparent.typepad.com/artfulparent/2010/08/a-stained-glass-sculpture.html">via the Artful Parent</a> for making a 3D contact paper stained glass sculpture. I applied that concept to make this little guy for Halloween. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I made a circle with 20 gauge wire in the size I wanted the jack-o-lantern to be. I cut a larger circle of clear contact paper-- large enough to fold the edges of contact paper around the wire and have some room to make it 3-dimensional. Clear packing tape was necessary to reinforce the seams.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpOdlPjTc6btSSqvZxQlngwHdNtwIkf-rI0C4TzQON0x1VJQNto8PnR1wI2x_y2LuyBbFnfcvvj_CD_NjZ_zrmacVKRdokRUYXTAGinHjfvn8jLCws_oWob-sLzBJO_dPjEdOllETvGPQ/s1600/IMG_2470.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" nx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpOdlPjTc6btSSqvZxQlngwHdNtwIkf-rI0C4TzQON0x1VJQNto8PnR1wI2x_y2LuyBbFnfcvvj_CD_NjZ_zrmacVKRdokRUYXTAGinHjfvn8jLCws_oWob-sLzBJO_dPjEdOllETvGPQ/s320/IMG_2470.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I made a face using black yarn, but I think it would have been cuter to let the kids draw a face with a Sharpie (or the yarn--their faces are always better). They stuck bits of tissue paper on the sticky side. Then we stood it up and pushed the contact paper around until it was the shape we wanted and able to stand on its own. We put a little LED tea lite behind him and it glows beautifully.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG_9hD0mL-0z9ZdAlSbHIPEieoACqs0F3mDVAXW3sUn6tHguYEyVkunryy5CzxyZP1QPi6G1Gvr03qEUvsG95Mv9mi2YSM3Dxo2V_KaePurxtXRYibOZSBnJtEhOqHpAHONGhLXQmuECY/s1600/IMG_2473.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" nx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG_9hD0mL-0z9ZdAlSbHIPEieoACqs0F3mDVAXW3sUn6tHguYEyVkunryy5CzxyZP1QPi6G1Gvr03qEUvsG95Mv9mi2YSM3Dxo2V_KaePurxtXRYibOZSBnJtEhOqHpAHONGhLXQmuECY/s320/IMG_2473.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The LED candles have been a major source of entertainment the last few weeks. The lights are always being turned off so they can set up the candles.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSz0p1HNJ79KA6BN3Scdc4Qg6yYSVxCWuJix-pjKoprgByJP3GugDFrkFYpXDL4X-zhP1KAIkBUf9k3MFLBAU7cuO4RGFSFWUTUWamT9ktLw0iCKBJiBw8V6cBxinEyHB8WEF7VCJd9Go/s1600/IMG_2492.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" nx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSz0p1HNJ79KA6BN3Scdc4Qg6yYSVxCWuJix-pjKoprgByJP3GugDFrkFYpXDL4X-zhP1KAIkBUf9k3MFLBAU7cuO4RGFSFWUTUWamT9ktLw0iCKBJiBw8V6cBxinEyHB8WEF7VCJd9Go/s320/IMG_2492.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I had to include this photo of our huge sweetheart, JJ. Always involved in, even if oblivious to, the action around him. At one point he had about four candles on him before he looked up. </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl65ThHeUJyWtfWYrBYdfhcF4wkY58GWzKTSQe9fei5fp4VjV0zxENdyde8-glOxKModJVa-c-QPG8auBXwS6ODv2k58jHDwPC5t0Qoyu6GP_csoc9qLqq4Ba7B9ZI33h6uzX6uQ1ndiM/s1600/IMG_2482.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" nx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl65ThHeUJyWtfWYrBYdfhcF4wkY58GWzKTSQe9fei5fp4VjV0zxENdyde8-glOxKModJVa-c-QPG8auBXwS6ODv2k58jHDwPC5t0Qoyu6GP_csoc9qLqq4Ba7B9ZI33h6uzX6uQ1ndiM/s320/IMG_2482.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>GailPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00086469962344443021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3901921338849224732.post-51514906387642948832010-10-15T12:16:00.000-07:002010-10-15T12:16:21.742-07:00Easy Kid Made Outdoor Ghost<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We made this spooky little cutie last week using a stick, a plastic white table cloth, fiber fill, a pipe cleaner and a sharpie. We wanted to decorate the outside of the house with ghosts, but wanted something that would withstand the elements. This is easy and not messy. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj1ZCyj3LS4xldf-bFhZAg5sUDFaQvRnA3ToVidrv8rkSGTvas2CySTBBeyxrcHgEoVWdC2N16HK8okb9PJVasEdNv9KaDTGmR35Q0VGafYlVxI5PkgO4G14xBhsG9md7L4jfjtOHDan0/s1600/IMG_2526.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ex="true" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj1ZCyj3LS4xldf-bFhZAg5sUDFaQvRnA3ToVidrv8rkSGTvas2CySTBBeyxrcHgEoVWdC2N16HK8okb9PJVasEdNv9KaDTGmR35Q0VGafYlVxI5PkgO4G14xBhsG9md7L4jfjtOHDan0/s320/IMG_2526.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We stuck ours in a flower pot, but they would also be cute in the garden.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">First, find a stick. A straight stick is okay, a branchy stick will create the illusion of arms or movement. A branchy stick is more likely to tear the tablecloth so be careful.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZjJv3kuJrel_UFml4ALfiNyUnzOWG8io5D5qtv5XGno_vcO4SPcKSNZqPDVlAjQ9EtmRjyNdzO5Bwsf58-zVUlg-jWTbwdme3J1GeOfAup0x5ND26vkJHBOCuNefj2KvhvYVnSgbddcg/s1600/IMG_2523.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ex="true" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZjJv3kuJrel_UFml4ALfiNyUnzOWG8io5D5qtv5XGno_vcO4SPcKSNZqPDVlAjQ9EtmRjyNdzO5Bwsf58-zVUlg-jWTbwdme3J1GeOfAup0x5ND26vkJHBOCuNefj2KvhvYVnSgbddcg/s320/IMG_2523.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Gather your materials. You will need to cut the tablecloth so that it fits the stick you are using. A round piece will make a softer bottom edge. A square will work too, and is easier for a little one to cut.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Secure the bottom of the stick and add some fluff to the top. Plastic grocery bags make great stuffing too. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Center the tablecloth piece over the fluff.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIHOFleCNdmH_Cf_MIq2NRv3H8kt5j_xRPIJAgmsPvT7ek4UERDpIZQstzzVmuOqOzpy-xN5nh91ohL6SjuJT3aPM2ZjeQuhpE8YE2ImMAD7nPMWi8OKk-NJqFQ-8aywzzy6p6wlCbNdg/s1600/IMG_2524.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ex="true" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIHOFleCNdmH_Cf_MIq2NRv3H8kt5j_xRPIJAgmsPvT7ek4UERDpIZQstzzVmuOqOzpy-xN5nh91ohL6SjuJT3aPM2ZjeQuhpE8YE2ImMAD7nPMWi8OKk-NJqFQ-8aywzzy6p6wlCbNdg/s320/IMG_2524.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Twist the neck tight with a pipe cleaner.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Draw a face with a sharpie.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div>GailPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00086469962344443021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3901921338849224732.post-53932028903347320952010-10-11T22:38:00.000-07:002010-10-11T22:38:47.815-07:00A Few Things I Want to Try<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI3gbeER98QDADo0zqBsDs-OByL1F6h18L2PQhfdc1XyKrIUAQBt6Pe6bTJj7-pyyRWKzi1Pfn7V1GGgR7aiyZkJAM2SyvNcrvOPlv5HwvoRGzgjRGTx2O1iCh0FxFVd8Rel4xdl-EF6U/s1600/IMG_2503.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ex="true" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI3gbeER98QDADo0zqBsDs-OByL1F6h18L2PQhfdc1XyKrIUAQBt6Pe6bTJj7-pyyRWKzi1Pfn7V1GGgR7aiyZkJAM2SyvNcrvOPlv5HwvoRGzgjRGTx2O1iCh0FxFVd8Rel4xdl-EF6U/s320/IMG_2503.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEZeZ0wYx7RllIKMvOc_BAYP0P-BEMVrz2UPpN-ry9ex5HKS0PMUFFuE1QwXpU5-jm3wAYYOv5UDEk4IZ-1BqeoXHWbH180ymIeAyy78q9gJa94iPM1iu196hmKUqw4zvXSQ4cjliWyVk/s1600/IMG_2507.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ex="true" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEZeZ0wYx7RllIKMvOc_BAYP0P-BEMVrz2UPpN-ry9ex5HKS0PMUFFuE1QwXpU5-jm3wAYYOv5UDEk4IZ-1BqeoXHWbH180ymIeAyy78q9gJa94iPM1iu196hmKUqw4zvXSQ4cjliWyVk/s320/IMG_2507.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">These pictures are totally unrelated to this post, but I could not resist.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>There are so many incredible ideas out there. One of my favorite late night treats is to navigate my way through blog land and get inspired. I know, that might sound pretty lame, but chances are if you are reading this, you have similar interests. By the time I get the kids to bed and finish all the lunch making, dish washing, clothes folding and mess cleaning I am really too tired to do much else. It actually works out well. My husband is in his Netflix world on the couch. I am sitting across the room in heaven reading about sewing projects I will someday do and new ways to use chalk. We both have a glass of wine and exchange occasional smiles. The first snow of the season is on the ground, the house is cozy... life is good!<br />
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<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">So about those ideas. I am presently inspired by many things, but will only share a few. I love <a href="http://maryannfkohl.typepad.com/blog/2010/09/dark-sugar-chalk-from-preschool-art.html">MaryAnn F. Kohl</a>'s Dark Sugar Chalk. I did try this while Hollin was at school and Waylon was napping. I did not take pictures, I figured I should really let the kids have a chance. It really is fun.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><a href="http://zakkalife.blogspot.com/2010/10/painting-world-with-our-imaginations.html">Zakkalife</a> has a beautiful idea of switching from paper to leaves as a painting surface.<br />
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I love this sweet drawing book from <a href="http://paintcutpaste.com/drawing-book/">Paint Cut Paste</a>. A beautiful way to keep and treasure the many drawings made by your child.<br />
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<a href="http://camilledawn.blogspot.com/2010/09/embroidered-family-hands.html">The Mother Lode</a> is truly loaded with good stuff. I especially love this embroidered family hands project.<br />
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I really want to get some little ones together and make some paper shapes like the ones featured on <a href="http://artfulparent.typepad.com/artfulparent/2010/09/paper-shapes-with-the-toddler-art-group.html">The Artful Parent</a>.<br />
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And there is so much more out there!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"></div>GailPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00086469962344443021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3901921338849224732.post-24003391014683957082010-10-09T10:55:00.000-07:002010-10-09T10:55:19.890-07:00Alexander Calder Inspired Bat Mobile<div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9FmbV1UUyz5toP9WP8lK5w6z9LRdhmj1dbZeEDSQDwEAKJ5WPszUrFH33jPQMhcENX6e9cHt1CX13pLe6_5bIunnkQGK4noumq9SYAV8idZEYaLqak2TzEFFvmme_42u81qUdl2pF_9o/s1600/IMG_2556.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ex="true" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9FmbV1UUyz5toP9WP8lK5w6z9LRdhmj1dbZeEDSQDwEAKJ5WPszUrFH33jPQMhcENX6e9cHt1CX13pLe6_5bIunnkQGK4noumq9SYAV8idZEYaLqak2TzEFFvmme_42u81qUdl2pF_9o/s320/IMG_2556.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I have long been an admirer of Alexander Calder and his colorful, fun whimsical work. He strikes me as someone who was a quirky and interesting person to know. He is probably most famous for his mobiles and stabiles. In fact, you really cannot teach, learn or even think about kinetic art without discussing Calder. When making mobiles, I try to replicate (in a very stretched sense) the way that Calder would balance each piece when choosing where to add the next. Little ones do not need to merely hang various lengths of string from coat hangers to make a mobile, it is much more interesting to build and balance from the bottom up. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This mobile is holiday themed and a bit on the hokey crafty side, but I think the structure redeems it. I cut out the wings and bodies. Hollin glued them together and added faces, mango trees, night vision and more. Some are flying, others sleeping. Bold colorful shapes can easily take the place of bats--actually anything can work!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We used:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">5 paper bats made with black construction paper and decorated with crayons</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">4 pieces of wire (20 gauge) between 14" and 8" (does not need to be exact)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">pipe cleaner for a hook (and extra cut of wire would work too)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">hole punch</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">wire cutters</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">pliers</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I pulled out some other metal bending/ working tools, but really, the pliers and cutters are all you need.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>1. Gather materials and make your bats and punch a hole in each bat where you want it to hang from. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirDyA2KZVJCgJ_DbKPM-GEiNfGk88aU6kE6thA6nAf06k8xetPs2AtUgBCbN1aurf34CrPa91w4L_2W1YIDlzg5A4_w_xt3o9acc0ffgkZMciLCR1YB16o2oLjSJMQhGrR_QniDn0WNuc/s1600/IMG_2541.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ex="true" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirDyA2KZVJCgJ_DbKPM-GEiNfGk88aU6kE6thA6nAf06k8xetPs2AtUgBCbN1aurf34CrPa91w4L_2W1YIDlzg5A4_w_xt3o9acc0ffgkZMciLCR1YB16o2oLjSJMQhGrR_QniDn0WNuc/s320/IMG_2541.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">2. You will be building the mobile from the bottom up. Use your longest piece of wire and attach a bat to each end. This is the only piece of wire that will have two bats. All the others will only have one. Be careful not to tear through the paper around the hole. The pliers help make a nice loop in the wire. Pinch and close it up tight. You may need to help make sure the bats are attached securely.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA260mxBETapfvZJqhlcMtHN9rBLRSLd5lgl0j2kRgksoJpLvPe4Xgc6x-nn6MimgDMa7G_pd7mey5rdEbJBzAZr6T-lOpqwIlbauvY8ZVfWgp7for6y20Y9H2vVh3kBK9cPGTYQcXAoI/s1600/IMG_2545.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ex="true" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA260mxBETapfvZJqhlcMtHN9rBLRSLd5lgl0j2kRgksoJpLvPe4Xgc6x-nn6MimgDMa7G_pd7mey5rdEbJBzAZr6T-lOpqwIlbauvY8ZVfWgp7for6y20Y9H2vVh3kBK9cPGTYQcXAoI/s320/IMG_2545.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">3. Using your finger, find the point where the wire balances (does not slide off your finger onto the floor).</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNMhGm0UAWuRcKy9qfuvFbnUxfGR0PhgGpJzz-_CqadpjUDD65E6ldeKEJiERodn9uw_9GsnO9zEzgzVlWyQ2gPIhdbYdwj9AEAttW84spSm9S85ZNUgPo30MvhyphenhyphenyRXLf_mgLcSQGid8A/s1600/IMG_2547.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ex="true" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNMhGm0UAWuRcKy9qfuvFbnUxfGR0PhgGpJzz-_CqadpjUDD65E6ldeKEJiERodn9uw_9GsnO9zEzgzVlWyQ2gPIhdbYdwj9AEAttW84spSm9S85ZNUgPo30MvhyphenhyphenyRXLf_mgLcSQGid8A/s320/IMG_2547.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">4. Make a loop in the wire in that spot. </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJNsdEtHuQ1SieflESnM9gzpnF67w-3e0kmj98xv4gns-TIOS1kIvq07blRiCgq7XNt1qLyeSTaEN_itvI2fS3JUAEzvgFYT8jUzWUctLC_NIFVIYtQBlclhZB4mk8y8QoqZ1kh71Pfs0/s1600/IMG_2549.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ex="true" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJNsdEtHuQ1SieflESnM9gzpnF67w-3e0kmj98xv4gns-TIOS1kIvq07blRiCgq7XNt1qLyeSTaEN_itvI2fS3JUAEzvgFYT8jUzWUctLC_NIFVIYtQBlclhZB4mk8y8QoqZ1kh71Pfs0/s320/IMG_2549.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">5. Select another piece of wire. This time, attach one end to the loop you just made. </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_JuD-GNSPh4sgjhhUJ4W6b5XJtMOrNXT90vKJuZt1wHInoBqDQedPB433r2-gjsbkDXtOGt5pBY1IjOJZx_tLYUoapchGdSpAk5NZ1lhjqcd3TrM7E0duduaL99-MNVhlMXESlO_ycV0/s1600/IMG_2551.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ex="true" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_JuD-GNSPh4sgjhhUJ4W6b5XJtMOrNXT90vKJuZt1wHInoBqDQedPB433r2-gjsbkDXtOGt5pBY1IjOJZx_tLYUoapchGdSpAk5NZ1lhjqcd3TrM7E0duduaL99-MNVhlMXESlO_ycV0/s320/IMG_2551.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">6. Carefully attach the third bat to the end of the newly attached wire.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHVN01qed5PtoYNXEphS5ly4lOrBMey9NECy5iekwCV7-bJivrcve9vH8McXoVQ2yRCFb2D4BXbXkWerGP-8neYnLfIkloDdYlT-vxqJOTJv0f8fXtWAQmyX1HOFFkGHdYeiCFEsveLQ8/s1600/IMG_2552.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ex="true" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHVN01qed5PtoYNXEphS5ly4lOrBMey9NECy5iekwCV7-bJivrcve9vH8McXoVQ2yRCFb2D4BXbXkWerGP-8neYnLfIkloDdYlT-vxqJOTJv0f8fXtWAQmyX1HOFFkGHdYeiCFEsveLQ8/s320/IMG_2552.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">7. Now find the balance point by placing your finger under the wire with the bat (number 3) you just attached. Make a loop in that spot. Attach the next piece of wire and then the next bat. You just keep repeating this process until you are finished. </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFesEavqJRgMW3TmhSg18Hvq7FRZ0ppROeEpWjp8HWtWyTD-JVzSCfA2XSj4GJv5gMjCRYKRnGgv58SH0krGbURt_ai2-Su1z7F-K8mWvvEmQz_fabiVNH71sgKKiIlwDZtH_j986rdcw/s1600/IMG_2555.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ex="true" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFesEavqJRgMW3TmhSg18Hvq7FRZ0ppROeEpWjp8HWtWyTD-JVzSCfA2XSj4GJv5gMjCRYKRnGgv58SH0krGbURt_ai2-Su1z7F-K8mWvvEmQz_fabiVNH71sgKKiIlwDZtH_j986rdcw/s320/IMG_2555.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Once you have used up all of you bats and wire, find the balance point on the top wire, add a loop and attach a hook. We hung our mobile on the light over the kitchen table. It is very light and delicate and spins around slowly and gently. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisbeP0aYlfRJeQT9AwrvM1qcI3rb20b47owt5qaGBKE4Wypud5lRkmD9dq0F60wDNIXT9JMW9hvvIxSO8XruS1pIg1mJxWGyapo7oJiBeP5hiO9Q7LHVVHOIEZcOEvd4xFc_j2ekZlUBA/s1600/IMG_2562.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ex="true" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisbeP0aYlfRJeQT9AwrvM1qcI3rb20b47owt5qaGBKE4Wypud5lRkmD9dq0F60wDNIXT9JMW9hvvIxSO8XruS1pIg1mJxWGyapo7oJiBeP5hiO9Q7LHVVHOIEZcOEvd4xFc_j2ekZlUBA/s320/IMG_2562.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
It all sounds a bit complicated but t really is not. The balancing is great fun for the little ones and a great way to throw some science into your day. <br />
Enjoy your weekend. This may be our last snow free weekend for awhile so I think we will be playing in the leaves.</div>GailPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00086469962344443021noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3901921338849224732.post-57936008289804499202010-10-04T07:32:00.000-07:002010-10-04T07:32:22.878-07:00An Autumn Collage<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Nothing Earth shattering here. No new groundbreaking idea. Just my boy, some contact paper and a beautiful fall day. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZe49ZAegNju3Bs0ntTUYcoLJU4ukdQwu26U4I-CEsTiMBIFiIhwJZIfRB2ZlMMA-V5Wqsw9j5tex7g7sujvWnXvWKUAYXqy5j6hbekzlfImKuJ5Pt6mYzO_FDfyHzgRS4npAIwSi_kwQ/s1600/IMG_2345.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZe49ZAegNju3Bs0ntTUYcoLJU4ukdQwu26U4I-CEsTiMBIFiIhwJZIfRB2ZlMMA-V5Wqsw9j5tex7g7sujvWnXvWKUAYXqy5j6hbekzlfImKuJ5Pt6mYzO_FDfyHzgRS4npAIwSi_kwQ/s320/IMG_2345.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Leaves, petals, grass...some tissue paper found its way out here too.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHI-igGCfrMUbuPZyLuaTwu-sAGTE49FQf5gKgJoX8SQEybU34Z76ZTg3VNjteAjbfz4phOtgMgHRQiBekJIUWIj6kZUxEik42pR7KSobK3eiQo87IuBNV8MBhlPlfh5dpyJTKJGX8-h8/s1600/IMG_2346.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHI-igGCfrMUbuPZyLuaTwu-sAGTE49FQf5gKgJoX8SQEybU34Z76ZTg3VNjteAjbfz4phOtgMgHRQiBekJIUWIj6kZUxEik42pR7KSobK3eiQo87IuBNV8MBhlPlfh5dpyJTKJGX8-h8/s320/IMG_2346.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">He is enjoying the light shining through.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSYGGP4iqgqDtwrepy_5a0M8bgQooXTFOIMpsw_JP7CjLMIMvZ3m34LuptKuMVJlRGrp8ysBzrSxEeWZ4qYX9kcI_CocfNLMvpmkDrMLNDxEZFYePfww3-AYnd49XOFn9xVFpcgAkvi1U/s1600/IMG_2347.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSYGGP4iqgqDtwrepy_5a0M8bgQooXTFOIMpsw_JP7CjLMIMvZ3m34LuptKuMVJlRGrp8ysBzrSxEeWZ4qYX9kcI_CocfNLMvpmkDrMLNDxEZFYePfww3-AYnd49XOFn9xVFpcgAkvi1U/s320/IMG_2347.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Yes, he is kissing his creation.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJUdDujeIacrrchilLt7ZZetxhgrUqTTgFmm1tPe_5MObnPNwzbi21PDSb4vpyUwksaFHMx4DDtK5Ywyynaq7Z1I5cZib8Xgc95ggET-IaU0FmQh255qs1B8xp3jt8hRzh5vFXMKshkzE/s1600/IMG_2348.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJUdDujeIacrrchilLt7ZZetxhgrUqTTgFmm1tPe_5MObnPNwzbi21PDSb4vpyUwksaFHMx4DDtK5Ywyynaq7Z1I5cZib8Xgc95ggET-IaU0FmQh255qs1B8xp3jt8hRzh5vFXMKshkzE/s320/IMG_2348.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And hugging it... (his cuteness is unreal:))</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJRxpCYKkvtBaDyPrgYrWA7OxU1HYrzYGNG1FyWrJChgdrDD7ew20jQWiYCz1rs_VvdIXACRtTfJZ3zpczkuxfdVJ6p3kABgMJRomLAmUq5LpIHAGXooY91-mjc9VT-RGPkYCyG4ldYY0/s1600/IMG_2349.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJRxpCYKkvtBaDyPrgYrWA7OxU1HYrzYGNG1FyWrJChgdrDD7ew20jQWiYCz1rs_VvdIXACRtTfJZ3zpczkuxfdVJ6p3kABgMJRomLAmUq5LpIHAGXooY91-mjc9VT-RGPkYCyG4ldYY0/s320/IMG_2349.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We hung it on the garage door to brighten the view once those leaves are all gone!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpHysMWuoCD_PjoSOb6BFzc8Zd1oPITFuu1R87NzAwKyW-L5GjtJK4PcycIEz8BM6z7owgjEYGMBRxwNn31IUhTUtH6kzOShPSyRX5ZLyc2TpnitL8lvNW7Y5hbnzXMUpvSkLbY2qHKeY/s1600/IMG_2352.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpHysMWuoCD_PjoSOb6BFzc8Zd1oPITFuu1R87NzAwKyW-L5GjtJK4PcycIEz8BM6z7owgjEYGMBRxwNn31IUhTUtH6kzOShPSyRX5ZLyc2TpnitL8lvNW7Y5hbnzXMUpvSkLbY2qHKeY/s320/IMG_2352.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This was actually done a few weeks ago and it is a good thing it was. Things are not so green anymore, most of our leaves are gone. The marigolds have withered and our days to play outside without mittens and hats are numbered. Brrr. The thought just gave me a chill. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div>GailPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00086469962344443021noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3901921338849224732.post-49634272166622335762010-10-01T09:11:00.000-07:002010-10-01T09:11:02.435-07:00Upcycled Plastic Lid Ghosts<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">A few months ago we made <a href="http://alwaysarting-colorcolorcolor.blogspot.com/2010/06/upcycled-plastic-lid-flowers.html">upcycled plastic lid flowers</a> from the tops of yogurt containers and random lids that had lost their mates. It only seemed right to make something festive for fall using our never ending supply of plastic lids.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji-bvCp1UpRW-YB8LmySU5ibyW6yqWhJl2yIll_FwmjbND0ZoAkzHkXoMBsfCfghfuon9NGCAN_JzrzIqDNAy3EVdHe__qfS1nEpIK49f2FVD3yh2TPC_879IYMLocrQbjOsdaM5XTS3E/s1600/IMG_2400.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji-bvCp1UpRW-YB8LmySU5ibyW6yqWhJl2yIll_FwmjbND0ZoAkzHkXoMBsfCfghfuon9NGCAN_JzrzIqDNAy3EVdHe__qfS1nEpIK49f2FVD3yh2TPC_879IYMLocrQbjOsdaM5XTS3E/s320/IMG_2400.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">First, I cut the edges off the containers to make them easier to work with. Next I cut out ghostly shapes. You could have your child cut the ghost, I just went ahead and cut them for this project.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik6QOFEL6CMq2KiiSstip03DeHUyrRJabjFfeftxcPXUrm98h_InoXor1PJA4SmjIGDZctpGarolbsYMW6wylhWieUwOXcH2NLO7OaFzNCZpAt4V37yPvCD6UZISLfYG_pjojD0X8wgw0/s1600/IMG_2395.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik6QOFEL6CMq2KiiSstip03DeHUyrRJabjFfeftxcPXUrm98h_InoXor1PJA4SmjIGDZctpGarolbsYMW6wylhWieUwOXcH2NLO7OaFzNCZpAt4V37yPvCD6UZISLfYG_pjojD0X8wgw0/s320/IMG_2395.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Hollin used Sharpie Paint Markers to add details. I had imagined boring black eyes and a mouth (you can see the very simple one I made in the first photo). I should have known better. These ghosts have hair, dresses and bows.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJa1GbdPOB_EXsb89euhyphenhyphenOYLhGfw6YtP-yzpeg2ZZEBYVLwJsgcLG4_4IIDaa4CfMDSP5taRx7c-tDj45TYEsPbvxEjhui559PUX5TfNEDHkL0pVSyHK5-fWXigzWBbiJRR0XOw2Z9oR4/s1600/IMG_2394.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJa1GbdPOB_EXsb89euhyphenhyphenOYLhGfw6YtP-yzpeg2ZZEBYVLwJsgcLG4_4IIDaa4CfMDSP5taRx7c-tDj45TYEsPbvxEjhui559PUX5TfNEDHkL0pVSyHK5-fWXigzWBbiJRR0XOw2Z9oR4/s320/IMG_2394.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha2vGgr8qRZJx9AECF_4xLKuYhKvW8ssnTJgeeQw_a-Sxs_BQaZnNA8bDAgNlXrrvtUIJ46ahrOsXKM6fzxMuWQmCyNh8MrKCGoUS3BCMkRBVC77kGhHRfI0vHM1kiqpLVEKBWLAlvXnY/s1600/IMG_2396.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha2vGgr8qRZJx9AECF_4xLKuYhKvW8ssnTJgeeQw_a-Sxs_BQaZnNA8bDAgNlXrrvtUIJ46ahrOsXKM6fzxMuWQmCyNh8MrKCGoUS3BCMkRBVC77kGhHRfI0vHM1kiqpLVEKBWLAlvXnY/s320/IMG_2396.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Here they are all together on the porch. We used clear packing tape to attach a wooden skewer to the back. Sticking them in the bucket and arranging them was a project in itself. As you can see there is also a lovely three headed pumpkin man in the pot. That was a pre-fab wooden craft decoration painted first with orange acrylic then decorated with the paint markers. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9mo3kwZWClDSJ3oLIANHxuh5C8kGg5j67vzZ8nnngvEEFZYOm4IJJSoM0_DN2I0IbGauZ8hgrloU2w2Xgr7TCXusdPx_osmWM3m7tLBB6j7W7ADxCBIM3WB3Ec2XP4yHf8Cql5wPqRTk/s1600/IMG_2401.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9mo3kwZWClDSJ3oLIANHxuh5C8kGg5j67vzZ8nnngvEEFZYOm4IJJSoM0_DN2I0IbGauZ8hgrloU2w2Xgr7TCXusdPx_osmWM3m7tLBB6j7W7ADxCBIM3WB3Ec2XP4yHf8Cql5wPqRTk/s320/IMG_2401.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">What do you do with your plastic lids and containers? I would love some new ideas.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Thanks.</div>GailPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00086469962344443021noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3901921338849224732.post-79352415424966563162010-09-29T21:30:00.000-07:002010-09-29T21:30:43.522-07:00Markers + Salad Scraps = Art<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIbbx9xIKJHM12uLmN770uYXpXVljMJJ7Hco0jh9B90TWI3OIKHzAe_HJKKfYZ30wZtjRqi8KNoA5yxGCQ8iUFoQ0fwHg4jp46IThLkGJ8OOIpN0M3olP0nSoddVs_EzOAKhsxht4EaoU/s1600/IMG_2381.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIbbx9xIKJHM12uLmN770uYXpXVljMJJ7Hco0jh9B90TWI3OIKHzAe_HJKKfYZ30wZtjRqi8KNoA5yxGCQ8iUFoQ0fwHg4jp46IThLkGJ8OOIpN0M3olP0nSoddVs_EzOAKhsxht4EaoU/s320/IMG_2381.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I love that fact that my artsy 5-year-old pulled the end of a freshly chopped celery stalk off the counter while I was making dinner to print with. </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoOpsxbwhUAuQZMjO3prxPuN7lh8QcqyXtFWNQGzA-WWKdlidY8JfcwovUU_8wrn_oOrEO8YxQsoFmkn0QPUXZKiV4viF-DhqzNUj9205T-kwKTikaVsZ-tmnndfR29migefwtkJLm8rE/s1600/IMG_2378.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoOpsxbwhUAuQZMjO3prxPuN7lh8QcqyXtFWNQGzA-WWKdlidY8JfcwovUU_8wrn_oOrEO8YxQsoFmkn0QPUXZKiV4viF-DhqzNUj9205T-kwKTikaVsZ-tmnndfR29migefwtkJLm8rE/s320/IMG_2378.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">She used markers, a sheet of paper from our reusable art paper and something I was going to throw in the compost heap. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I love it:)</div>GailPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00086469962344443021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3901921338849224732.post-18931760794796866952010-09-25T21:10:00.000-07:002010-09-25T21:10:40.073-07:00A Changeable Wreath<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" qx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWr1rsZbUSbKUt9z-qKTtSEO2qh1_dWl7-1XCHWC5ATYwN7FHmIcKTpHfJLOC5vd2wNQMCUnkNggMm0yW43ocgWB0W9DHOnjcWnaGM6p9v9mjTCZeeW9f0zsg1j8zg-ZV8DwvKumC_M5k/s320/IMG_2366.JPG" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Hollin decided that we needed a wreath for our front door. She wanted a Halloween theme. This is one of those somewhat homemade, somewhat pre-fab projects. I am the type who always wants to make the wreath and every accessory, but cannot always pull it off. As much as I wanted to collect the twigs and make the wreath and every accessory, it just made more sense to buy some things at the craft store.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We bought the wreath and the little wooden shapes. I also picked up a set of Sharpie Paint Markers. They were really fun and easy for <span style="background-color: white;">a five-year-old</span> to use. She had more control with the markers than she would have with a brush and was able to feel really proud of her work.</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVkQ4Mt3jdpK5PeqMjdx4jLq_Xs3P7Y5H3YW6CiwUHabuE0zN-FG8iia-SqZUgiks7JOhyphenhypheng0doKzEjwB_9yxVknAGSWJPjgIQhyphenhyphenOj-RFVxzbAcEs3G-SCnFYVwmJ37CNwafhyphenhypheniiebT5So/s1600/IMG_2358.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVkQ4Mt3jdpK5PeqMjdx4jLq_Xs3P7Y5H3YW6CiwUHabuE0zN-FG8iia-SqZUgiks7JOhyphenhypheng0doKzEjwB_9yxVknAGSWJPjgIQhyphenhyphenOj-RFVxzbAcEs3G-SCnFYVwmJ37CNwafhyphenhypheniiebT5So/s320/IMG_2358.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1xEhdxDn-rw6OpQaz6pdOqk9AGATl9STgiR5or6SoRLJevuLJ1R4YkmxLRns1-qZhw1ngsTCGcrNvcBiJfK0PRMWZscxGjVDOjRoX2jryr_IGvB7DOSMEZ_IUuA_ANKpSUb42U_pc2qc/s1600/IMG_2371.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1xEhdxDn-rw6OpQaz6pdOqk9AGATl9STgiR5or6SoRLJevuLJ1R4YkmxLRns1-qZhw1ngsTCGcrNvcBiJfK0PRMWZscxGjVDOjRoX2jryr_IGvB7DOSMEZ_IUuA_ANKpSUb42U_pc2qc/s320/IMG_2371.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTrmN2AIPkaDj1n2DOOLoVINuLY32dymHZ-Fblj1oCqNz_mMikduJXPaBoaBv7WQ7QhMU47rQA-oUkqkMKqCT83VxQGniuzyRCoFdNYUy6PBNeI9SbX0S7rwlk3g3qDFUSYHjxpBjDNCQ/s1600/IMG_2370.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTrmN2AIPkaDj1n2DOOLoVINuLY32dymHZ-Fblj1oCqNz_mMikduJXPaBoaBv7WQ7QhMU47rQA-oUkqkMKqCT83VxQGniuzyRCoFdNYUy6PBNeI9SbX0S7rwlk3g3qDFUSYHjxpBjDNCQ/s320/IMG_2370.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">Instead of making a new wreath for every special holiday or season, I decided to make a changeable one by attaching little wire hooks to the wreath.</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs3858JWouqIxvKQaPQOYXMbG9bhp0KEzQtmyiPZrhGLIN2_s0gZKVMSz6CQa32K1ADBerE6xMjhEsh_w7rG7htj-kymehPsyD74Gwb74GjFxx23oQmYjyTjmX3VQJztsXKAl6ZIFYFAU/s1600/IMG_2355.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs3858JWouqIxvKQaPQOYXMbG9bhp0KEzQtmyiPZrhGLIN2_s0gZKVMSz6CQa32K1ADBerE6xMjhEsh_w7rG7htj-kymehPsyD74Gwb74GjFxx23oQmYjyTjmX3VQJztsXKAl6ZIFYFAU/s320/IMG_2355.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj00izuUKVDHhvOzzRK5aTISxJM6ZKqFdw76ngPV-_9ul4ZaBNDm6a0BmYVmzF2-iMCXVamfQktWEDovHi8r_e_wOhst72K1X9EIqi0z1PUxzljY1-kvdk2aQme9UMSf2zkW2TF8PqK9E/s1600/IMG_2359.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj00izuUKVDHhvOzzRK5aTISxJM6ZKqFdw76ngPV-_9ul4ZaBNDm6a0BmYVmzF2-iMCXVamfQktWEDovHi8r_e_wOhst72K1X9EIqi0z1PUxzljY1-kvdk2aQme9UMSf2zkW2TF8PqK9E/s320/IMG_2359.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">I used hot glue to attach little hooks to the back of the wooden shapes (not much planning here, I cut some pipe cleaners up and twisted them into hooks). The "ornaments" can be arranged on the wreath. We can then make turkeys, gingerbread men, hearts, eggs and so on to have a festive wreath all year round.</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div>GailPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00086469962344443021noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3901921338849224732.post-42944215974686777602010-09-17T09:31:00.000-07:002010-09-18T13:19:05.762-07:00Little Blue and Little Yellow<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNadjfu2LLsoSSMbhhk0XI3GMatNxiNr5ZvEwNdw7Nlt0Q6vvG8ErhoUG58p_U2ueL9NM3VL17UFYUQJ7Uk3OKZAfE29WmXsQvU0a6On-a-Pl-5OHmRC7GgSDnWQS_O4-YbdyGHP-WQYU/s1600/IMG_2338.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNadjfu2LLsoSSMbhhk0XI3GMatNxiNr5ZvEwNdw7Nlt0Q6vvG8ErhoUG58p_U2ueL9NM3VL17UFYUQJ7Uk3OKZAfE29WmXsQvU0a6On-a-Pl-5OHmRC7GgSDnWQS_O4-YbdyGHP-WQYU/s320/IMG_2338.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Although I do not often post about books we read, I am one of those parents you do not want to be behind in the library line. We go about every week and fill a really big bag with books. We read a lot. Sometimes we just enjoy the story, sometimes we get inspired. Leo Lionni is one author/ illustrator who almost always inspires me. His books are simple and sweet enough to hold the interest of a toddler, yet intriguing enough for an older child to want to read again and again. His illustrations truly show what an artist he was.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My two and a half-year-old loves the book <em>Little Blue and Little Yellow</em>. It is a very simple and beautiful story about two little friends, who happen to be splashes of color, and what happens to them when they hug. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUg2oRGtrZGeIzHwkFrJEKIxjFsQ3Qn9y97dFyF7Cq-McKg-Rtldhx3ifWDD4Ezz_NEd8z6iHJIdyQBxTihgS1UjSmeMYAjFXYVs_lxdvzxWE0_zQpBz13l6QRCMYLQNO6XW6wVnebrJU/s1600/IMG_2336.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUg2oRGtrZGeIzHwkFrJEKIxjFsQ3Qn9y97dFyF7Cq-McKg-Rtldhx3ifWDD4Ezz_NEd8z6iHJIdyQBxTihgS1UjSmeMYAjFXYVs_lxdvzxWE0_zQpBz13l6QRCMYLQNO6XW6wVnebrJU/s320/IMG_2336.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I will not give it away, as I am pretty sure you now what will happen when they hug. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLFqLfekXXShAmUMj77Rug9zUS04WTmc_YbCYeq4F8sIs9ruqdVzMCwcFvpHPwEBYJsi22dckTOPM9GNpHzL0jXRxgQ5msVmuA-PnAg5Xkw7Fh3ehNgL8YWRjmXMw-t2zspfodrkahTbo/s1600/IMG_2325.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLFqLfekXXShAmUMj77Rug9zUS04WTmc_YbCYeq4F8sIs9ruqdVzMCwcFvpHPwEBYJsi22dckTOPM9GNpHzL0jXRxgQ5msVmuA-PnAg5Xkw7Fh3ehNgL8YWRjmXMw-t2zspfodrkahTbo/s320/IMG_2325.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">What a perfect story to lead into some color mixing fun. Just a squirt of blue and a squirt of yellow. It took about 5 seconds for him to make the colors hug and blend to make green. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXvRyIAIJcu_3-F2MKCzMv0uAUBGZTPwmIi8tq-vnZcRBG5v-ViaSkFcwOUYpDrk16yXZYDHFPX-p2NgcleW072V5LkBlvdFJYU4Q9-8chgfiQFEg9v1x3Rh2exdYRAVqzAyzOwuCEerA/s1600/IMG_2327.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXvRyIAIJcu_3-F2MKCzMv0uAUBGZTPwmIi8tq-vnZcRBG5v-ViaSkFcwOUYpDrk16yXZYDHFPX-p2NgcleW072V5LkBlvdFJYU4Q9-8chgfiQFEg9v1x3Rh2exdYRAVqzAyzOwuCEerA/s320/IMG_2327.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">I love the scratches he made with the back of his paintbrush.</div>GailPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00086469962344443021noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3901921338849224732.post-30777609039873778232010-09-06T22:01:00.000-07:002010-09-06T22:01:52.822-07:00Found Object Art<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My favorite thing about making art with found objects is that there is no limit on the possibilities. You can use anything to make anything. You can save it, leave it alone, knock it down or blow it away. The other thing I love about it is that it can just creep up on you when you least expect to be making art. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">For example, your kids might come across an interesting assortment of bolts, washers and a dead fly or two and get to work making....</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSfbw6TuJocQH2jBf-l0GdL5c7mnrRfrTPzOYXULQ0CCKUl_TtaYK_phz21QRug3DSojYgPpUiHbOXrtmeJEtOBiMJMl4y2n7Vh2hybGBzKc_gbYdtG4aRofEz6Is9eXrbcSg_2cCz8qs/s1600/IMG_2003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSfbw6TuJocQH2jBf-l0GdL5c7mnrRfrTPzOYXULQ0CCKUl_TtaYK_phz21QRug3DSojYgPpUiHbOXrtmeJEtOBiMJMl4y2n7Vh2hybGBzKc_gbYdtG4aRofEz6Is9eXrbcSg_2cCz8qs/s320/IMG_2003.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> a "Tower"...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKD57Xw0vzX5irEQNMceh_jgO1I-1MUS3XIQw4NBucLBz4BFlj07bpRugVnkK18mXf1FCv-OeMMWKGfMAniwxiLasLWfosRaCkSCqX69WVmxeuNRXMRgD1VYiHH24uAs0U1jqWecK18jY/s1600/IMG_2002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKD57Xw0vzX5irEQNMceh_jgO1I-1MUS3XIQw4NBucLBz4BFlj07bpRugVnkK18mXf1FCv-OeMMWKGfMAniwxiLasLWfosRaCkSCqX69WVmxeuNRXMRgD1VYiHH24uAs0U1jqWecK18jY/s320/IMG_2002.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">a "Train"...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYJjOVAV_4sr7Rz2kTVGI916HEVeYENpQ070INqkfPXpcytTvizx3Ij5ziL8NUOVy-hrkZl7MwwbDOM40LSCOLmm597LRhjW0MNGUVOKEr6lIiODtJEoM6dfW7CqapK-wXzMa5N1RaZII/s1600/IMG_2007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYJjOVAV_4sr7Rz2kTVGI916HEVeYENpQ070INqkfPXpcytTvizx3Ij5ziL8NUOVy-hrkZl7MwwbDOM40LSCOLmm597LRhjW0MNGUVOKEr6lIiODtJEoM6dfW7CqapK-wXzMa5N1RaZII/s320/IMG_2007.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">"Butterflies"...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivBrCDMvQSuY-usna-P9xUQnd1C7UVARMS2tN_k4etpIAWkHjYRNDWNrDfi_NSzmU-HM3WQqpsZcSLTwmOQoSoZlK8TzCIY3Kxms-ex1aHjOt7EjmCkqyO3x-pHCWJ1Mng_LRt-tnXW-A/s1600/IMG_2008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivBrCDMvQSuY-usna-P9xUQnd1C7UVARMS2tN_k4etpIAWkHjYRNDWNrDfi_NSzmU-HM3WQqpsZcSLTwmOQoSoZlK8TzCIY3Kxms-ex1aHjOt7EjmCkqyO3x-pHCWJ1Mng_LRt-tnXW-A/s320/IMG_2008.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">and just a cool thing that turns.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQD5SLoJBNyjp7zkLH0M-gcbVUuJvvBMR_hqOgGmeUEhWvGYjidcsfvYkT67NzZDnDNiwKBC2K-cftMfSsyemcyMVktZQJGLUV_meAMc1vLL8bJVKh3p2Ka0tw5MBc2Ue5x_R4xGo0gMo/s1600/IMG_2004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQD5SLoJBNyjp7zkLH0M-gcbVUuJvvBMR_hqOgGmeUEhWvGYjidcsfvYkT67NzZDnDNiwKBC2K-cftMfSsyemcyMVktZQJGLUV_meAMc1vLL8bJVKh3p2Ka0tw5MBc2Ue5x_R4xGo0gMo/s320/IMG_2004.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My kids stumbled upon this stuff at their grandparents house last month and just started to make stuff with it. There was no planning, no set up and hardly any clean-up. They just wanted to show everyone the treasures they made. I am happy had my camera.</div>GailPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00086469962344443021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3901921338849224732.post-61095648195719152222010-08-28T11:23:00.000-07:002010-08-28T11:23:36.250-07:00Sponge Painting with a Twist<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBn-aFu_ifYKcSwNOhS1ihnXtziqCEF_Qs3UYDj8OreaZJrozjqBmA454hvsndY22lJ09NVJKf0OlJBZq9sMQReoFKCihuAC3tCCIHDYMB8lW5lPT4hoBepRpNTNU6yW6QtB3-5ndE7kE/s1600/IMG_1406.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBn-aFu_ifYKcSwNOhS1ihnXtziqCEF_Qs3UYDj8OreaZJrozjqBmA454hvsndY22lJ09NVJKf0OlJBZq9sMQReoFKCihuAC3tCCIHDYMB8lW5lPT4hoBepRpNTNU6yW6QtB3-5ndE7kE/s320/IMG_1406.JPG" /></a></div>Wow. I have been away from my blog for over a month now. Between a very long vacation and the start of school something had to give! But we are now getting into the swing of things and I am back! This very rainy day is also helping to keep me inside. The days have been so lovely that working in front of the computer is nearly impossible. I just hope there is someone out there still interested in what I have to share.<br />
In most instances I would say that sponge painting does not excite me very much. It gets on fingers and the spongy prints make me think of a home decorating attempt gone bad. But I discovered that a sponge as a vehicle for printing can be a pretty cool thing. We used ours as gift wrap.<br />
You need paper, a sponge cut into the shape you want to use, tempera paint, squeeze bottles with a small opening, a printing plate (I used a plastic yogurt lid).<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidajJ8aD2LZfN-C4WnBhdE4inv54E5Y5u6I9ZNahZiJRu7oyMpmbF2cDXjYPYiFk5F_7zLDJQy8WCynJMcEq6p1Je73AcZL0rp0NUuQIgT10kQHo4LfxCsEtlivd07kEjL0kh59IqqVPE/s1600/IMG_1402.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidajJ8aD2LZfN-C4WnBhdE4inv54E5Y5u6I9ZNahZiJRu7oyMpmbF2cDXjYPYiFk5F_7zLDJQy8WCynJMcEq6p1Je73AcZL0rp0NUuQIgT10kQHo4LfxCsEtlivd07kEjL0kh59IqqVPE/s320/IMG_1402.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Squirt the paint on the printing plate. Press sponge onto paint. Print. Repeat.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4U2iTs5D2YQI4ydjzKZW2mD-AXQVs5IM7qTCI2BCzyByk0FukMgThHhPY95WM28ccgA2XFTXn9oyb5nt4WdWLy4Ki7uiNi0fExZfU-cUBrku1gGBqWSxQI6kTVK-AlRupSjPQv6jVD9M/s1600/IMG_1403.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4U2iTs5D2YQI4ydjzKZW2mD-AXQVs5IM7qTCI2BCzyByk0FukMgThHhPY95WM28ccgA2XFTXn9oyb5nt4WdWLy4Ki7uiNi0fExZfU-cUBrku1gGBqWSxQI6kTVK-AlRupSjPQv6jVD9M/s320/IMG_1403.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNy1MYIljVb1AF1A8OJbVVUSv5A7yNFp4_fm-aBu3hWGiGpd3TpIUesH7q34iEoSi89uIP4bKuqpUAHrpo2xgf1YFR5n8DZDopSnbIlpLRd8pbs-53PIUVcz2oHNxxGD4MmnDRHJqelJo/s1600/IMG_1404.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNy1MYIljVb1AF1A8OJbVVUSv5A7yNFp4_fm-aBu3hWGiGpd3TpIUesH7q34iEoSi89uIP4bKuqpUAHrpo2xgf1YFR5n8DZDopSnbIlpLRd8pbs-53PIUVcz2oHNxxGD4MmnDRHJqelJo/s320/IMG_1404.JPG" /></a></div>I wish I had taken a picture of the wrapped present--it was so very pretty! I think this would be great to do with older kids as well--they could make more detailed squirts to print.GailPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00086469962344443021noreply@blogger.com2