Collaborative Work: Felt Pond Rug

This year for our school's annual PTA Auction, my 4th grade students made their very own Felted Pond Rug to donate.  It is a tradition for each class to create a piece of art to contribute for bidding every winter. 

In the process, we all learned all about wool fibers, various methods of felting, and working together. Mrs. Herrera also earned credits towards her advanced degree in Patience. 

The result is a 3' X 4' rug.  We love it and hope it earns a bazillion dollars for our school.

Here are some close-ups and a slide show of the various stages that I managed to capture during our artsy rumpus.  You are lucky there are this many pictures.  4th grade artists really know how to romp and I didn't have much of a chance to stand back and observe.

Sadly, the very best pictures feature my students and cannot be included here.  You can imagine, though!

last day at the davis art center

Helpful (and very tired) husband hiding in the back

pretty as a picture

I can't get over these little soaps that are lining every flat surface in the studio right now. 

best. gift. ever.

If you teach elementary school, you are used to kid-gifts.  You know, apple earrings, #1 Teacher mugs, etc. 

There is nothing like the moment when they present you with their gift, that look in their faces saying, "Do you like it?  Do you like me?"

The answer is always an overblown and over-dramatic "Yes!"  I have been know to tear up.

So, imagine my glee when presented last Friday with this, out of the blue, during the last minutes of class. Best. Gift. Ever.

Necklace made entirely of former students.  That I ate.

 Honestly, I don't think I will ever get over it.  I didn't overthink it, wonder why.   I immediately donned it, wore it on the drive home, and then for the rest of the weekend.  It made me feel like Kali.

Just switch out that head for a glass of wine and you get the picture.

 And, frankly, I also felt  a little bit like this.   Wouldn't you?  I think it was because I was on my way out the door for Thanksgiving vacation.

Mrs. Herrera's Felted Soap Kit

OK, I am really excited about this!  

There was enough clamoring about the felted soaps that I decided it was high time that I made a kit, so that everyone who wants to have a felting experience can give it a go.

I put my teacher hat on and created a kit that I dare say anyone, child (with minimal supervision) to adult (you know you want to) can use.  Here it is!

Lookin' for adventure.

Inside you will find everything you need to create felted soaps that you can enjoy, or can be given as gifts.  Here is a peek inside the box:

$25 each

• two 4-oz. pieces of eco-friendly soap

• wool roving

• mini blue-bubble washboard

• full color written instructions*

• secret links to my very own video tutorials

In case you decide to go wild and create your own gifts this year for a lot of folks, I also have extra wool that I will be selling in bags, too.  I think you (or someone you know) will have a great experience with these supplies.

$10 for enough wool to keep on going and going...

When you are done, you will have made your own unique gifts that look like this:

In case you just want the end result!

They will be available at both the Davis Art Center next weekend and at the MME PTA Gift Mart on the 10th of December (see details at left).  You may pre-order and pick them up there, if you wish, and have the option of having your very own scents/colors hand-selected.  Every cent of profit goes towards supporting the art center, the PTA and our adoption fund.

And it will be fun.  Promise. I can't wait to see your creations and share the joy of making these little gifty guys.  Hooray! 

*Those are my husbands forearms in the photos.  I do NOT have such hairy wrists. Come on!

whirlwind

Thank you everyone for coming out to the open studio!  It was overwhelming to have so many well-wishers and shoppers in the backyard. The day was spent visiting and, in the end, Brad and I were left exhausted and deeply grateful.

I was reminded of how the little things we do in the world with our money and our time collectively add up.  What a wonderful community we have.

Our little tree changed the night before and decided to really show off just for the guests.  The sky was clear all day.

Showoff

 The wind and rain kicked up after it was all over and the night left the street littered with leaves.  Next stop, Davis Art Center Holiday Sale in December!

80 year-old trees don't mess around, either.

 

 

 

 

holiday huipiles

I couldn't help myself and made (a few) repurposed huipil cushions.  To me, they look like they fit right in with the holiday season and work as throw pillows or floor cushions to accommodate all of the extra folks who come over during this time of year. 

These cushions also have great backsides!

 A huipil is a Guatemalan tunic.  Every Mayan village has its own weaving and embroidery tradition.  You can often tell someones origins by their clothes if you go to the Guatemalan countryside.

  Although women in particular enjoy trading and wearing patterns from neighboring villages, the origin of the designs are distinct.  

An intact huipil.

 A couple of years ago, I took a boat across the Lake Atitlan and visited several villages, soaking in the colors and rhythm of the different patterns.  I was able to ask all of my questions as I collected samples.  

Backstrap loom work

 A typical huipil takes months to complete.  One woman explained that her village had both weavers and embroiderers.  The piece of cloth is first woven from fibers.  Then, the embroiderer steps in.  The additional embroidery can take months.  Everything by hand.  It is incredible.

$100 each, 10% off on the 19th!

  The value of a huipil does not necessarily decrease with time.  Patterns evolve over and vintage huipiles displaying long-forgotten patterns are highly prized. 

Because they are made by hand,  huipiles have all kinds of character right from the start.  When they have too many holes, they are cut into smaller pieces and repurposed into all kinds of patchy things.  Loved until the bitter end.

These huipil cushions are 25" X25", have invisible zippers, are fully lined, and have a dusky character that you just can't buy new at the mall.  I can tell you each one's history!  I only made seven this year and they will be made available at the open studio on November 19th.