Frustration

Just when I think a technological breakthrough is about to happen in my classroom, the school board blocks yet another "inappropriate" website. This time the target was Tumblr, which imo was going to be the next breakthrough in classroom blogging. Our photo department was all set to start using it for twice daily reflections and photoblogging. Way to go, Broward County. Keep blocking those sites. Soon every graphic resource on the net will be a no-go. It's very frustrating to be a digital design teacher in this district.

Creativity flowed this weekend...

Ilysa and I got together in CT (boy was it cold!) to film four- that's right- four! new crafting DVDS. We used canvas, resin, acetate, paper, clay, inks, paints, silkscreens, you name it- and created some really cools stuff. We also INVENTED a new product! You heard me. When you allow yourself to play, a lot of discovery happens along the way. I don't allow much time for play in my crafting life, I view it as time and money wasted- part of my "issues" because I feel the grown up need to be totally practical all the time. It was nice to say, let's try this, and when we saw what happened it was amazing. My drawings are now going to be packaged up in several ways to create a miracle product. Here's one of my projects- a metal ATC case, and a card to go inside. It features Magic Transfer Clings- coming soon to an internet near you :)

Jewelry design- it's an art

I enjoy creating leaf beads out of clay. My leaves are cane creations, meaning that the color and form go through the whole piece of clay, creating marvelous color and resistance to the breakdown you get with plating or painted surfaces.

This bracelet features my own leaf beads. When I blended the colors, I wasn't sure where they would lead me. I always lay out a pile of leaves and then I start sifting through my bead collection. I allow the beads to call to me, suggesting their own story and coming together. My favorite concept and Principle of Design is Unity- the perfect blend of harmonious shapes, colors, and sizes of beads.