The Summer of Color Wrap-Up

Here it is…the final week of The Summer of Color challenge that is being hosted by Kristen at Twinkle Like a Star. This has been such a wonderful project, and helped motivate me to:

– do some projects that I’ve wanted to do for a long time,
– create new window star patterns,
– try existing window star patterns in different colors, and
– make a quilt.

Projects I’ve Wanted to Do

I did several embroidery projects during the weeks when the featured color was pink and green.

Pink hand-embroidered greeting cards.

Green hand-embroidered Dala horse and tree.

They can be used as ornaments or tags.

For the Blue Week, I did some sewing projects – a bunting and tablecloth.

Blue bunting.

Tablecloth that I made by tracing puzzle pieces

onto pieces of fabric. Each are hand-cut and then ironed onto

the white fabric using an iron-on adhesive.

Create New Window Star Patterns as well as Use Existing Patterns to Make Window Stars in New Colors

For many of the weeks, I enjoyed making window stars in a variety of colors. It was fun to create new patterns and see what the new window star would turn out like.

Trio of purple window stars.

The pattern on the bottom is one I created.

Equally exciting for me was to see what window stars look like in different colors using patterns that I normally use.

Trio of brown window stars.

Two orange window stars.

I’ve made these patterns before, but never in orange.

The pattern on the left is one I’ve used before, and

the pattern on the right is a new one I created.

Two yellow window stars. The pattern on the left is one I created

and the one on the right is one I’ve made in different colors

but never in yellow until The Summer of Color challenge.

Creating a Quilt

My on-going project during the summer was a quilt. Each week, after the color was assigned, I created two quilt blocks that were about 11 1/2″ square. Each square included seven different patterns of fabric – to represent the seven days of the week.

My goal was to use only fabric, thread, and batting that I had on hand.  This wasn’t a challenge when I was doing the squares – it seemed like I had plenty of fabric to choose from.

Five weeks’ worth of quilt squares.

However, once I got to the backing and batting, it became a bit more difficult. I didn’t have either the fabric or batting in the size I needed for the quilt. So, I had to piece both elements together to create the quilt.

The batting needed to be hand-sewn in order to attach each piece to one another (there were three pieces of batting used). For the quilt back, I used one of Sophia’s floral-print sheets and cut about a six-inch section off the end.

By cutting that in length-wise and sewing the pieces together, I was able to create enough fabric to sew to the other piece…thereby creating a quilt backing.

Quilt squares bordered by 3″ white fabric strips.

The white fabric strips are from

bed linens that were discarded from a hotel.

I washed the sheets and was able

to use the fabric to make the quilt.

What I like about the quilt is that it is made entirely from fabric, thread, and batting that I had on hand. I didn’t have to purchase anything to make it!

The Summer of Color quilt that I made

during June-August 2011.

Lots of color will be welcome during the middle of winter

when the landscape is all white and

the temperature is well below zero.

Sophia, Olivia, and I will use this

soft, colorful quilt when

we homeschool and read together.

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J is for Joy – ABCs of Homeschooling

On 5 Kids and a Dog, there’s a series called the ABCs of Homeschooling.  This week’s letter is “J.” 

 ….is for Joy

It is the supreme art of the teacher to awaken joy

in creative expression and knowledge.

~~ Albert Einstein ~~

As I look at pictures of homeschooling, joy is a word that comes to mind. It is most often expressed when we’re doing hands-on activities and bringing to life what we learn through reading about different subjects. 

Sometimes, joy comes from the girls making connections on their own.  For example, Sophia was having fun building a snowman and making a pinecone heart near it one day during the winter.  She was so happy with how both turned out. 

She put birdseed in the snowman’s hat so the birds had another feeder to visit. She left carrots on the ground for the rabbits or deer.

Sophia with the snowman and pinecone heart she made

inspired by the book Stranger in the Woods.

She told me after she made the snowman that she was thinking about the book, Stranger in the Woods as she was making the snowman. It’s interesting to see how Sophia and Olivia both are inspired by books that I read to them as part of homeschooling, and how that translates into their play and learning.

I also see joy in the girls’ faces when they are doing something they love to do and at which they feel skilled.  Olivia has always enjoyed coloring and could spend the majority of her days coloring (that…or coloring and doing puzzles). 

Olivia showing jewelry she colored
and was wearing as part of the Egyptian unit study.

In the photo above, Olivia is holding a paper pyramid that has facts about pyramids on each side. She also is wearing paper jewelry she colored.  These weren’t projects that were displayed in the house or worn after multiple times.  Rather, she put them on and wanted to show what she did – and she radiated joy. 

After she was done, she took off the jewelry and carefully put it in her Egypt 3-ring binder in a protective sheet holder.  In that way, every time she looks at it, it can remind her of how much she enjoyed coloring at that point in her life.

Another time that the girls are joyful is when we spend time cooking and baking together…and then sampling what we made. 

Having a tea party with food made

as part of the geography unit study about Hungary.

The girls and I have made foods that we enjoyed (like cookies and coffeecake as shown in the picture above).  Likewise, we’ve also made some food that none of us would like to eat again (Ukrainian sauerkraut and Welsh Oatcakes).  

Whether or not we enjoyed the food, the experience of cooking together brought us all a lot of joy and happpiness.  We were sharing time and creating special memories that we all can enjoy looking back upon.

Having opportunities to play and creatively express oneself are important parts of homeschooling as well.  Playing, pretending, and dramatic expression all foster creativity and being able to think independently…rather than having someone tell you what to do and when to do it. 

Sophia was pretending to be a beekeeper after

learning about bees, beekeeping, and honey

during a home economics lesson.

Being able to exercise together and be outdoors always makes us happy.  Joy is often shown with huge smiles and laughter, especially when we’re riding bikes; playing badminton or croquet in the backyard; or walking the dogs or horses.

Olivia riding her bike on a beautiful spring day.
Her bike is actually attached to mine (a tag-a-long bike),
thus the odd angle of this photo.

Living in the country on a small hobby farm means the wheelbarrow is used at least once each week…if not more often.  Many times, Sophia gives Olivia rides in the wheelbarrow.  No matter where you are here, you can hear Olivia laughing as she’s bumped and jostled on the rides.

In addition to having fun, the wheelbarrow rides are good for their bodies.  Both girls have sensory integration dysfunction (aka sensory processing disorder), so pushing a heavy load (for Sophia) and getting input from the ride (for Olivia) help address some of the needs that their bodies have because of SID.

The girls having fun in the backyard.

Since the girls were infants, they have enjoyed swinging.  When they were under a year old, they would be pushed and would fall asleep while the wind blew, birds sang, and sun gently warmed them.  They were so content and at peace while swinging…a more quiet form of joy.

Olivia in a moment of pure joy

while swinging!

Swinging each day when it’s not raining or well below zero with bone-chilling winds, is both relaxing and exhilarating for the girls…often at the same time.  When they have too much energy and can’t focus on learning, taking some time to go on the swings helps get some of the energy out.  In the process, they are laughing and joking, and having a wonderful time.  They come in awhile later ready to begin homeschooling again.

Homeschooling is about joy.  And when I think about joy — about happiness — I think of spending time together; creating memories; and learning about new things and gaining new skills. 

Joy is present each day we homeschool.  I know that because I hear it through laughter; and see it through smiles and love shown to one another.
 

Sophia wearing a beaded necklace she made
during a unit study about the Nez Perce during the 1700s.
Hearing joy expressed through laughter
is what homeschooling represents.

Your success and happiness lies in you.

Resolve to keep happy; and

your joy and you shall form an invincible host against difficulties.

~~ Helen Keller ~~

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{this moment…}

{this moment} – A Friday ritual (inspired by soulemama). A single photo – no words – capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor, and remember. If you’re inspired to do the same, leave a link to your ‘moment’ in the comments.

Wishing everyone a lovely weekend!

*** *** ***

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Countdown to Christmas – Day 2

Dining Room Window
Originally uploaded by Pictures by Ann

Today we made paper snowflakes. Some we hung up as plain white snowflakes. For other ones, we put translucent paper behind them (the same kind of paper that I use to make my window stars).

This white snowflakes in this picture have different designs at the end of the snowflakes – roses, giraffes, trees, birds, and more. The green and red stars are made from a translucent paper.

The girls tried to make some of the more complicated snowflakes, but it was difficult to cut through so many layers of paper.  So, instead, they made circular snowflakes by tracing around a bowl and then folding the paper.  Here is the window with some of the snowflakes they made:

In addition to making the window stars, we also went to Minnesota Orchestra’s performance of “Sleigh Rides.”  It was a wonderful concert!

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Day 14 – Cross-Stitched Sheep and Red Stars

Two Cross-Stitched Sheep
Originally uploaded by Pictures by Ann

For “Art Every Day Month,” I finished a little cross-stitched pattern of two sheep and flowers. It’s small – only about 5 1/2″ x 1 1/2″. Now I need to figure out what I’m going to put it on. Have a variety of these small designs that I’ve wanted to do for some time now.

This one reminds me of sheep I use to have. It was so nice to see them grazing in the pasture – especially in the spring when the grass was so green and some of the wildflowers were in bloom.

I also made two miniature red window stars today. A customer asked me if I could make the window stars smaller. I said, “Yes, it shouldn’t be a problem.”

She picked two 16-point stars with a moderate amount of folding. After I did some math to reduce the patterns by one-third, the paper size for each point was the smallest I’ve ever worked with. Needless say, it was a challenge (a good one, though).

I glued the points together, and the results are here:

As a side note, if you look in the background of the picture, you’ll see that it is still snowing. It has been snowing almost non-stop since Friday night. Friday night-Saturday, it was the wet-heavy kind of snow. Sunday, it is has been the lighter, big-flake type of snow.

By 4:30 p.m. on Sunday, the snow has stopped. Now it’s time to dig out from over a foot of snow!

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Day 6 – Revisiting Cross-Stitching

Little Cross-Stitch Design
Originally uploaded by Pictures by Ann

As part of Art Every Day Month (during November), I made a 2″x2″ cross-stitched design. It’s one I’ve wanted to try for some time. Didn’t know what it would look like since the design was in black and white.

I’m not sure how I’m going to use this yet…maybe use it to embellish a gift bag or fabric book cover?

I have a tote bag filled with baggies. In each baggie is a pattern, the embroidery floss needed to make the design, and Aida cloth (already cut into the proper size). I figure if I start with the small designs, like this one, I can make some significant progress during November in finishing projects that I haven’t had the time for…until now. This month I’m MAKING the time.

It’s nice to re-visit an old hobby I use to enjoy doing. Perhaps that’s one of the side benefits of participating in Art Every Day Month.

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Day 5 – Working with Wool

Yesterday, I finished all the window stars that I was making for customers and shifted focus this morning to wool.  If you’ve been following along, I’m doing the “Art Every Day Month” challege during November.  The goal is to do something creative each day – whether it be a new, smaller piece or working on a larger piece. 

This morning I spent the time needlefelting six wool felt balls.  Made them in the following colors:  red (2), orange, yellow, blue, and purple.  As the day moved along so quickly, I wanted to make sure I got them in the mail to the customer and forgot to take a picture.  However, here’s one that is representative of the colors I used:

In picking out the colors of wool to use, I ended up organizing the wool bin.  Lots of beautiful, hand-dyed wool to work with…and to think of more things I can make with it.  Already have a few ideas for what to make to put in my shop as well as to keep and decorate the home. 

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Day 4 – Construction and Creativity

Today marked a day filled with de-construction, construction, and creativity.  The first two were done by two local men who gutted the mudroom and re-constructed it…only a lot better than what was there before and more beautiful, safe, and with a greater eye to detail. 

Acoustic tiles, insulation, and light fixture removed from ceiling. 

Awaiting new insulation and wood ceiling to better match the walls.

Their work on the mudroom is to fix the mudroom as a result of storm damage to the home back in August.  I’m so happy with what they’ve done so far, and am excited to see what tomorrow brings when the new wood ceiling, walls, and trim around the windows are stained and sealed.

The creativity part – mentioned above – is what I’ve done for the Art Every Day Month challenge.  This marks Day 4 of what seems to be limited to only window star making.  As much as I enjoy making the window stars, it will be nice to shift my skills to other things I am looking forward to creating.

In addition to the orders for customers that I completed today (8 window stars), I created a new window star using one of my favorite patterns:

     
This time, rather than making it in a single color or combination of two colors, I did a rainbow. Normally, my rainbow stars have only one point per color. With this star, there are 16 points, so each color has two points. I’ll be listing this one in my shop soon…plus making another one to keep and use at home.

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Day 2 – Art Every Day Month

I made two more window stars today as part of “Art Every Day Month.”  These stars are going to customers.  The stars are made from a translucent paper that allows the sun’s rays to shine through and reveal the pattern. 

What I enjoyed about creating the stars today is that it started me thinking about preparing for Thanksgiving.  After I make and send the window stars, it will be time to start creating some window stars for my home for the holidays.  Stars in orange, brown, and gold (like the one below) are the colors I’ll decorate in for Thanksgiving.

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Day 1 – Art Every Day Month

I joined “Art Every Day Month” that runs from November 1-30, 2010. My goal is to either create something from start-to-finish or work on a larger, creative project. 

Today, I created a window star for a customer.   This is the pattern she purchased, except in purple.  I will upload a picture of the purple window star by the weekend.

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