Hearts and Jobs

This weekend I spent 90% of my waking time on our screened in porch.  It is by far my most favorite place to be in our home.  Just throw a bed out there and I'd be happy as pie.  I spent the weekend watching movies, drawing and painting.  I added it up and think I spent almost 16 hours out there.  Alone.  It was a tiny bit magical.  The book is coming along perfectly.  It was just the time I needed to get it finished.  I suppose being pushed with a deadline is good for the creative juices.  I only wish I had more time to devote to my art like that.  Long stretches to paint out complete ideas.  Instead of here a painting there a painting.

Billy and I had a "date night" Saturday since Mailey was at a Girl Scout camp out and William was at the Coutny fair.   Honestly I can't remember the last time we did this.  Time alone that is.  We went to our favorite restaurant called Beirut and actually sat outside (So I was literally outside from 7:30 am when I started my run until bedtime Saturday.  Awesome).  They serve yummy authentic Lebanese food.  It is amazing food.  I could live somewhere far off and eat happily.  American food is just not my favorite.  Anyhoo.....during the course of our dinner I expressed some of my anxieties about not getting to be an artist right now.  I told him about a bunch of opportunities I had to sell my work recently but had to turn them all down because I just don't have any extra time to devote to anything.  I love teaching but I'm having serious stress out moments over not getting to make art.  I whined about there not being enough hours in the day.   That weekends the kids are just so needy lately.  Wanting to constantly be entertained.  And that's when he said it.  "Then quit.  Quit talking about it and quit.  Be an artist.  Do it."  I was a tad taken back.   But not really.  He's always been my biggest supporter.  With every crazy idea I've had he's never said NO....or why don't we think about that....or question my ability.  Instead he's always said what needed to be said.  Do it.  He may not say much about much.  But when I need him to tell me the truth, he does it.

Then the rational side of me said to him that financially I have to teach right now for the regular salary.  We moved into the new house and I took the job to keep Mailey in her school.  But in the end, once he quit the legislature my working became a neccessity.   BUT...BUT....if he would help us stay on track with our finances and ifn we were to add more to savings I could do it.  He then threw out the "Don't you make more money as an artist anyways?"  The painful truth is yes.  But there is this huge thing.  I love teaching too.  It brings me crazy joy.  This year has been the absolute best year yet.  It's like 3 years is the magic time to be in a school and get comfy and the kids get comfy and us all become a happy family.  So I am NOT quitting teaching.  But I am thinking and long term planning about my future.  I'm kinda tired of whining about what I'm not getting to do.  Some pretty heavy decisions will need to be made.  But I've got an entire school year to decide.  In the meantime, I'll sneak painting and jewelry making into my weekend routines when I can.  I'll continue to dream about the future.  Because I see really big things there.   As much support and love you guys have shown me over the years here in blogworld I have a feeling if I were to take the leap you'd be right there ready to support my decision. 

Little Birdies By Little Hands

Yep.  I am so smitten with these bird sculptures my after school art students made!!  Here's how we made them in a few easy steps:

1.  wad up a double sheet of newspaper into a birdish shape.  (Each birdie was TOTALLY different in shape.  I love, love, love the fat bird above and really wanted to keep it.  Juju said no, very politely of course....)
2.  wrap the entire paper wad in masking tape. yep. entire thing.  (a note on masking tape:  DO NOT ever ever ever buy dollar store masking tape.  It's stickiness is nonexistent.  Waste o' money.  Buy the good stuff.)
3.  using heavy duty white paper towels and liquid starch wrap the bird shape at least twice in this icky concoction (liquid starch is the bomb for mache with kids.  it's non-toxic and comes right out of clothes.  and cheaper than glue)
4.  let dry....and dry...and dry....it took days for some reason
5.  paint with a beautiful blue paint, add wings, eyes, beak and glue to tiny candlestick stand painted black!

In retrospect I totally wish we'd glittered these up.  It could be easily done with spray glue and dusty glitter.

Each birdie had so much personality.  I am super glad we tried this!  This particular session in afterschool it was all about sculpture.  And although we mostly made clay projects, I found this papier mache to be the most successful and most fun for the kids!  I bet 10% had actually made something with papier mache.  So now it is 100%!  The session we are currently in is all about holiday.  Wait until you see what we made!!  I can't spoil it for parents, so it may be a spell before I can show you!

The Other Jennifer Horne

This is my little sister Molly and her little man Fielding:

She and her husband Mike, my Aunt Becky and Uncle John (Big John), their 3 children who come home sometimes (They are grown now), and my Grandmother Sissy all live in this little town called MONROEVILLE.  In Alabama that is.  It's claim to fame is having raised one Harper Lee (the writer of the infamous To Kill A Mockingbird) and Truman Capote was known to spend many a summer with his Aunt there.  It used to be the home of Vanity Fair (panties and bras girls, yes) until my mother, Nancy's Uncle retired as president (now, there's another family member) So the town has slowed down a bit since the main industry has made its' way to Atlanta (they say the new higher-up wives couldn't handle the lack of shopping...hehehe).  There is no Chick-fil-a, or honestly any restaurant to speak of, not even Dairy Queen.  Unless you count the "Club" as dining.   There is no Target, Belk, Macy's or other big name place to shop.  There is a new fancy super Wal-mart though.  No movie theater, bowling alley or skate rink.  Yep.....little town.  But loaded with old houses to die for, my sister living in one, churches, supper clubs, Junior Women's League and Bunco.  Oh...and a YMCA.

 Somehow though, Christine Nettles found her way to this little town, renovated a sweet spot on the square and opened this little jewel:

The Beehive.  Man this has got to be the sweetest little spot I know.  An amazing collection of books, mostly Alabama writers, hot coffee, and delightful sweets.  Oh, and the company is always friendly.  Southern friendly that is.  So I tell you all this because......

This summer I was in the coffee shop with the kids.  We were exploring the shelves and enjoying frozen coffee (it was Monroeville in the summer...it's very south).  When I came upon a book of poetry called Bottle Tree.  By Jennifer Horne.  WHAT???  Jennifer Horne???  So I go up to Christy and politely say, "I'd like to buy this book by Jennifer Horne.  You know that's my name?"  Christy just knows me at this point as Molly's Sister from Newnan.   "And I want my Daddy to make me a bottle tree like he has in his yard out of old Cyprus....keep hoping for one.  Oh, and I'm an artist too."  Christy immediately opened the idea up for Jennifer Horne and I to one day meet.  And now the time has come!!  I am super excited to be sharing this Saturday at the Beehive with her!!  She'll be doing a poetry workshop in the morning, while I'll be teaching a little bird ornament workshop in the afternoon!  I am embarrassed to say I don't know much about her.  All I know is we share a passion for our art, share our name, and share a love of Alabama.  Yep... 

So if you live anywhere near Monroeville, Alabama, come out and see both of us!!  Take the workshops, sit a spell and visit over coffee, and of course shop.  I'll be selling lots of new goodies, and her books are always available at the store.  If not....wish me luck meeting another me.  Man, that's sounds weird.  Two of us....that could be a little scary.  Nah.....

A Special Team

 As promised, here is a snapshot of my last little exhibit for the fall art on the walls.  My amazingly creative little 2nd graders made these Monster Plants.  I got the idea from an Osbourne book and of course today I can not find the darn thing to share it with you.  But it was called something like Monster things to Make and Do.  I think.  Anyhoo....this project totally rocked.  Mixed media in the coolest of manner.  Sharpie, watercolor, paper, scissors and glue.  What 2nd grader doesn't love those materials?  And the subject matter, right up the 2nd grade boys alley.  Girls were on the fence about it.  And most gave them eyelashes just because. 

Of course I had to go over the top and add an entire wall of giant green prickly vines and yellow grass.  Made for a better effect, right?  Family Fun Night at our school is basically a trick-or-treat evening.  I love the idea because it's safe, warm and seriously fun to see how creative teachers can be!  Each team dresses up together in a theme and hands out candy to dressed up students.  Of course I've no photos of everyone else but we had Angry Birds, Legos, Smurfs, Flinstones, 3 Blind Mice, Indians, 3 Amigos and US:

The "special team" was decked from head to toe as the Mommy Monster plants (note to self take full length photos next time.  We used all my vintage tutus on our bottom halves!! And had hand thingies on.)  Behind us were all our widdle baby plants.  Now yes, we scared many once we opened our mouths.  It was like we were cute, pretty maybe, then WHAM....evil man-eating teeth.  We had tons of kids and teachers not even know who we were!!  It was great fun.  And bonded us a little....I like my special girls.  Coach Robin is in the middle, the rebel in blue (She is the tiniest little fireball I know.  I love her spirit and her ability to teach children how to embrace living an active lifestyle.  At our old school they learned to play dodge ball.....alot).  Mrs. Culbreth is our  music teacher on the left (She totally has given my children the joy of music.  Which makes my heart very warm.)  And then there I am on the right.  (The super cool art teacher of course!!)  We embrace all the children in the school....reaching many that can't seem to navigate their way through the regular academics.  Enduring LONG periods without potty breaks.  And trying very hard to share our love and passion for physical education, music and art with 450 children.  You gotta love what you do to teach a whole school.  You really, really do. 

Little Bird Making at Art and Soul

Hey artsy peeps!  Well, this is a sneak peek into the world of teaching outside my Georgia boundaries.  It was a wonderful experience...I am thinking this could be a regular event for this creative chick!  Friday was the first class I taught, and we were making little birdie friends.  I am no longer going to be making these as a part of my regular studio so I thought it was a fabulous way to end their stay with me.  Sort of a pay it forward.  I had three lovely students; Christine and Becky are Mom and Daughter and then wild card Wanda.  (I am telling you Wanda is ME in 30 years.  Yep.).  Now I must interject I was not in the least bit disappointed in only having 3 students (one of my classes was canceled because she didn't have enough students.  Poopoo).....but I was worried that we'd be done by lunch and be staring at each other the rest of the afternoon!  Yeah, so not the case.  These girls worked through lunch and ended I think later than time allotted.  Not by much, but still!!  Woohooo bird making!!! 

 Below is the goody box filled with sweet treats, vintage finds, glitter pencil, fun eraser and more!  I also had lots of birdie samples and my favorite birdie book.  Each student received 2 patterns to work from.  Most chose the fatter bird.  The other pattern I've made is better on a sewing machine.

 Everyone had the opportunity to make one with long wobbly legs and one in a cage.  We all finished our standing ones, but I think everyone took the cages home a little unfinished.  We ran out of time and embellishments.  You can never bring enough junk to these art workshops.  I had a $50 shipped box full and still wish I'd brought more to share!  I think the best idea they took home was that felt can come from old wool sweaters.  And since they all live where wool is probably easier to find in thrift stores, I think the Goodwill best be ready for some artsy students soon!

I just can not thank these ladies enough for being a part of the day.  It really, really made my heart full.  It's a little hard to describe what teaching others does for my soul.  I know this sounds nuts, but honestly I couldn't create without being willing to share it.  It indeed takes a special person to share skills and knowledge with others willingly.  And you most importantly have to be willing to give up a part of yourself to your students.  And not get upset if one day, they become successful from an idea you sparked inside them.  Because the chances of that are pretty good.  If you teach them good enough.....hehehe....So make lots of birdies my new friends.  And I hope some of their sweet goodness will bring you good fortune in the near future.

 Live in JOY......are you??

Tomorrow....

Tomorrow.....I go back to work full-time.  I've not worked full-time in a classroom since May of 2000.  I know this because that was the year I had my William.  The year I decided to do art teaching part-time.  Which led to opening the Bubble Gum Ice Cream Art Studio, which led to meeting Valerie and opening The Vintage-Flea while running the studio inside that fun store, which led to finding my art voice, which led to trying art shows out, which led to leaving The Vintage-Flea to pursue art making full-time and teaching after school art, which finally lead me to this: 

I am an art teacher....at my kid's school.  Geesh.  I could seriously make this into a fairy tale if I wanted to.  Because, it is.

By the way...the photo above is of me teaching in the Bubble Gum Ice Cream Art Studio above The Vintage-Flea to one of my favorite students ever....Olivia.  Man, life has an amazing way of completing a circle.  Am I right?

See you guys later in the week.  So much to share.....my t-shirts are on the way peeps!  On the way!!!!

Spilling the Beans

Hey guys!!  OK.  It's time to spill the beans about what's been going on behind the scenes here in the studio.  I've been busting at the seams to tell you, and wanted to do a video blog so you could hear the excitement in my voice, but dang if our house hasn't gotten a contract on it and I've literally spent every minute of my week looking at houses and freaking out.  I describe it like my friend Susan did when looking herself....I am Goldilocks walking into a house saying, "this is to big, this is too small, this is too nasty!!"  So I will be sure to show you our choice.  It's kind of exciting!!  We've lived here our entire married life (which is 16 years).  So it's a big deal.  Anyhoo............................

So, the news is I GOT A JOB!!!!  WAHOEY!!!  An art teaching job that is.  Geesh, can't even imagine me somewhere else, right?  And not only that, but it's my kid's SCHOOL!!!  How cool is that?  Can you hear me squealing???

I mentioned last year that I was interviewing for a job at another school.  It was a big private school and the job was way cool.  But honestly I had a pit in my tummy feeling about it.  I didn't get it, and was quite relieved.  When the job at Mailey's school opened up though I literally pounced on it.  And have been grinning the big cheese since.  So yes, God has a mysterious way of laying the path for us.  I can not be more excited about this opportunity!

So I am kind of flying like these love balloons on the bike right now.  I am sure after the first week of school I will be a little frazzled.  But teaching is my love.  It is.  And you know what, I'm good at it.  I know you are all thinking I am insane, that my art career is going along fine.  But we've weighed the pros and cons of me going back to work.  And one sacrifice will be shows.  I will have to choose shows carefully and ones that do not interfere with my teaching schedule.  I have 5 galleries now that are always asking for more work and those of you that do shows know you get stingy with your work during show times.  So I'll be sending more love their way.  It is also making me choose what path of art I want to pursue.  And I've decided that paint and metal are going to be it.  Can't do it all.  So little birdies and other fabric items will always be fun extra, but not part of my regular creative journey. 

Yeah.  I know.  LOTS of big changes around here.  I'll still be right here in my blog though.  Sharing the journey with you.  Probably making you laugh even more as we get ready to move.  Those of you that know my Billy, well you are probably already praying for me.  He is so laid back, where I am in total freak out mode.  In this house search his repeated comment is this, "I just need a roof over my head and we have to live in my district."  Like I said, there will be lots of laughing going on in this house over the next few weeks.  I start school next Thursday.....we close on the house August 26th.  I know.

teaching......yes i do love it.

Last Friday morning I had the most amazing morning.  What did I do you ask?  Well.......I worked with 2 Trinity School in Atlanta kindergarten classes to create the most amazing bike paintings for their silent art auction!  Last year at the Trinity Spotlight on Art show I made a very subtle hint (hehehe) that working with the students on a painting for the auction would be something I'd love to do.  So this summer I got the letter asking me if I wanted to participate.  Well that was any easy answer, yep.  So here's the nitty gritty.  For 30 year's this school has put on the most unbelievable art show (more on this part later).  In recent years they've added to the fun a silent auction of the children's work.  But not just any work, a collaborative piece from each class with a specific artist as the guide.  Some kids have gotten to work with Steve Penley!!  (luv him....look him up and see why).  So honestly I am tickled to be amongst such giants.  And my kiddos did not disappoint at all! 

I prepared the wood with black gesso and chalk outlined the bikes.  The kids came in small groups and painted areas.  They painted like crazy and seemed to be totally pleased with their outcome. 

I know I am.  I had to take the paintings home to dry, clean up the chalk lines and add the words we voted to add.  Of course they'll be placed in my salvage wood frames.  I'll be sure to let you know in January what they sell for.......let's keep our fingers crossed they go for mucho bucks!!

The second class made a more beachy bike.....aren't they cutey patootey kids??