Friday, December 31, 2010

classroom crafting

Last year I made the decision to make all classroom supplies communal. However, passing out pencils and crayons every single morning takes time and a transition that can be hard to handle. My solution: pencil and crayon cases. But these too will be shared and collected each week for sharpening and replenishing. I wanted to keep them very simple, no ties, no zippers, just some wool and thread.

My Pinking rotary cutter is one of my most favorite sewing notions.

For this simple pattern I sewed enclosed tubes of felted wool, then cut them in half on the diagonal. One big benefit is that there is very little wasted fabric.

I knew I would be slicing through the thread so I used a triple-stitch to get the built in back-stitch function.

Voila! Each case will hold about ten or twelve pencils. And it only took me an hour to make 30.

I used the same pattern to make crayon cases, just adding a little strip of elastic to help keep the case closed. I know this case won't work for most Waldorf teachers who prefer to use stick or block crayons, but I have found these little nibs to be quite simple and convenient - a stick and a block all in one. And the children are unable to use a pencil grip with them so there is no worry about developing bad habits there. And no huge crayon case covering half their desk while they work! This case will hold 15-20 nibs easily.

Cute, isn't it?

I particularly like that the case double as a little mat where the children can rest their crayons. No more clinking on the surface of the desks, rolling off desks, or getting caught up in paper. They can have their place.

Working with beeswax

Holding it up to the light...


Eurythmy



Wednesday, December 29, 2010

Evolving Forms


I admit that during this shot I was paying attention to the camera, so I was surprised to see that she was following along with me perfectly! Notice her snowman is about to get his head...

Walking myself through a couple months of clay curriculum, trying to catch all the in between stages so I can fire them and have them in the classroom.

Quite the prolific clay artist. I should have done this with her months ago.


Photos by Annabelle

The best thing about Annabelle taking some pictures with my camera is that I get to see what she wants me to look at. These are her new Critters. The cat family joins her already crowded doll house family. But she plays with them endlessly, stashing a few in her pocket every time we leave the house.

This is Mary, Annabelle's new doll that she got from Santa. Isn't she sweet?

Her room. Annabelle sometimes makes her own bed without being asked. I am always amazed.

Tuesday, December 28, 2010

Today - Santa Cruz


Annabelle and I took a short day trip to the coast. We visited Natural Bridges State Park and toured the butterfly grove to see the Monarchs who made it all the way down here from Oregon.

I realize I am looking quite tired, but having Minnie Mouse peak from behind made this picture worth it.

Walking down into the grove.

It was so bright staring up into the sky as we looked for butterflies. There were unfortunately very few to witness - nothing like the 250,000 they had two years ago!

Oh wait, there's one.

I think a bird landed on the branch and scared these few into flight.

Annabelle asked to take a grumpy picture, "Look serious."

There's another one!

Sunday, December 26, 2010

Christmas

Christmas breakfast. Thankfully Annabelle waited until 6am to get up and was happy to play with the doll that Santa gave her until everyone was dressed and caffeinated. It was a really nice morning.

Little Sophia. The highlight of the weekend in every way.

Dave hosted his second annual beer tasting! I overheard the comment, "Wow, Dave knows a lot about beer." more than once.

The moment she had been waiting for.

Christmas dinner.

Cute.

Papa Frank helps weave on the loom with Minnie Mouse.

Always in motion, these two.

Uncle Nate.

Oma holds Mary so Annabelle can unwrap another gift.

There is no such thing as a still shot

Sometimes the out-takes of an organized picture are better than what I originally had in mind...

This says it all.



Unfortunately the best shot is blurry.


We'll try again this summer.

Thursday, December 23, 2010

Her first ballet

She sat riveted for the entire first hour before intermission. A few times I looked over and her mouth was dropped open in astonishment. After the first fifteen minutes she whispered to me, "I LOVE THIS." During intermission she said, "It's too bad that it's already over." The surprise of another hour was really fun...

Peeking into the orchestra pit during intermission.

It was the perfect thing at the perfect time.


Wednesday, December 22, 2010

Aerial View



"This is the log box, the wand box, the baby carriage box, the lemon juice box, the mint box, the orange box, the grape box, the blueberry box, and the chocolate box.

And a driveway that goes to the garage and the stones go from the garage to the house and a little girl.

And a big puddle by the house and the sun is out.

And the big church.


And a rainbow of course."