Worth Remembering-A Peek-a-Boo Project

 

As I get ready for my 36th year as an educator, I've been reflecting on some interesting things I found in my collection of vintage Jack and Jill magazines and children's activities from the 1950s. I stumbled upon a charming vintage graphic of 1950s children that got me thinking about how styles change but some things should always stay important.

 One article that really caught my eye was about school manners. It made me realize how much has changed over the years, with a shift towards a "win at all costs" mentality and a lack of focus on proper decorum. As I gear up to start the new school year on my 61st birthday and teach a group of 8th graders from a different generation, I can't help but feel that some things remain universally true. 

I've always believed that new students can feel lost and lonely, and it's important for me to share with my students that I'm introverted and thrive in quiet spaces. Additionally, I'm looking forward to reconnecting with some students I taught as 6th graders and embracing the opportunity for growth and change together. 

Another article, "Getting Along with Others in School," offered some insightful advice about the importance of treating everyone with respect, even when we may not see eye to eye. It's a wonderful reminder that striving for understanding and cooperation can truly benefit the entire class.

There was asong to sing on their way to school.Now on the bus there may be students with earbuds in but I doubt they are singing a song about school. Music csn have a calming effect on the classroom and I have played intrumental music to help some students focus.

Students were taught how to cook and make their own lunches. Now many students lunches are full of sugary snacks and junkfood.

There was a whole article about what schools were like in the Ancient Greece and Rome. Students of today think that when I talk like school was like in the 1960's and 1970's seem just as far fetched.

If you are not sure what to do with you summer students before they return to the classroom, you can alway plan a Play School Party. There is a saying that goes "When the student is ready, the teacher will appear." I wish this were true. I am ready to teach but so few are ready to learn. I am hoping that teaching STEM will be more engaging for my 8th Graders and I can ignite a love of learning once again for our classroom.

Iconic Imaginings- A Peek-a-Boo Project

I’m honored to be posting on this Christmas Day. I was raised in a strict Baptist home and have had a long and winding road to my current beliefs.  This is not meant as a religious post but rather a reverence remembrance of a promise kept, and a longing fulfilled. I’ve always loved the majestic masterpieces manifested during this holiday season. They are inspiration behind this project. Many of the images are copies of those gifted to me from a fellow designer.  

Supplies: Gypsy Soul Laser Cuts Arch Top House Silhouettes [D10L] (2 Sets), Gypsy Soul Laser Cuts Wrought Iron Miniatures [C32A], Gypsy Soul Laser Cuts Altoids Tin Topper 2 [C23E],Gypsy Soul Laser Cuts Petal Corners [C33F],Gypsy Soul Laser Cuts Printers Ornament Corners [D30J], Ink Jet Copies of Iconic Artwork, Spray Bottles of Rubbing Alcohol and Water, Acrylic Paints in Prussian Blue Hue, Quinacridone Nickel Gold Azure, Vintage Gold, Cerulean Blue Deep, Fluorescent Blue, Matte Varnish Medium, WOW Embossing Pad, Embossing Powders in Gold Tones I used Metallic Bronze, Tarnished Bronze, and Gold, Heating Tool, Weldbond, Pressing Tool of Your Choosing, Rub ‘N Buff is Silver Leaf and Gold Leaf, Script Stamp, Red Embossing Powder, Q-Tips, Paint Brushes      

1.  Using all six Gypsy Soul Laser Cuts Arch Top House Silhouettes [D10L] Dry Brush a base coat by alternating between Prussian Blue Hue, Quinacridone Nickel Gold Azure, and Vintage Gold Acrylic Paints

 2.  To add further highlight and depth gently dry bush on Cerulean Blue Deep and Fluorescent Blue Acrylic Paints. I also like using a spread and press technique on glossy magazine pages.

 3.  Make Ink Jet Copies of Iconic Artwork of Your Choosing, many of these were shared with me from a fellow designer.

4.  Add patina to the copies by spaying with rubbing alcohol and water curing with a heating tool. This does not work with laser printed copies.

 

5.  Fussy Cut out Portions of Artwork You Find Most Pleasing.

6.  Adhere Selected Images to Gypsy Soul Laser Cuts Arch Top House Silhouettes with a Matte Varnish Medium.

7.  While they are drying Completely Flat by Using Clamps or Some Other Method Prepare the Other GSLC Products Listed.

8.  I Used my WOW Embossing Pad and Embossing Powders in Gold Tones I used Metallic Bronze, Tarnished Bronze, and Gold.

9.  Cure with a Heating Tool Adding Layers Until You are Pleased with Their Patina.

10.                Carefully Select and Cut the Pieces You Would Like to Add to Your Artwork

11.                Glue first to the Front and Dry Completely Flat and Pressed Before Adding Additional Pieces to the Backs

12.                Edge Each Gypsy Soul Laser Cuts Arch Top House Silhouettes with Silver Leaf Rub ‘N Buff for Added Interest and Patina

13.                Still Feeling Like They Needed More Depth I Took a Script Stamp and Added Red Embossing Powders to the Pieces

14.                Once Cured with a Heating Tool I Went Back and Touched up the Gold Embellishments Using a Q-Tip and Gold Leaf Rub ‘N Buff

 15.                I Have Left Them as Is as I May be Adding Them to Books or Boxes, but They Could Easily Be Turned into Ornaments by Drilling A Hole at the Top and Adding a Decorative Ribbon.

Some final thoughts. I Hope You Will, Take Time This Holiday Season to Relax and Reflect on the Wonderful Masterpieces You Are. Take a Moment to Wonder.

One of My Favorite Holiday Songs is by Another Amazing Artist, Tori Amos titled “Star of Wonder”

We three kings are coming again
Bearing gifts from the East
From the East

Some say a star will rise again
In the hearts of humankind
Some say we have been in exile
What we need is solar fire

Star of wonder, star of night
Star of royal beauty
Westward leading, still proceeding
A star
A star of wonder

We bring gold and myrrh for him
From the East, frankincense
From the East

Some say a star will rise again
In the hearts of humankind
Some say we have been in exile
What we need is solar fire

Star of wonder, star of night
Star of royal beauty
Westward leading, still proceeding
A star

Star of wonder, star of night
Star of royal beauty
Westward leading, still proceeding
A star
A star of wonder
Of wonder.