FIBER FUN WITH KIDS - OH WHAT FUN!

If someone had told me 2 years ago that I would be teaching a fiber art class to kids, I would have said "who me",  "no way".  I was always the quiet reserved type who preferred behind the scenes as opposed to front and center, but that all changed when a friend asked me to consider teaching an after school enrichment program last year.   If you're passionate about something why not share it with others. 
It's been almost a year now, and with each class we're still having lots of fun playing and learning with fiber.  We started out making very basic items, and sometimes depending on the grade we're moving into more complex projects.  All driven by what the kids want to learn.

Ultimate goal -learn the art of felting while having fun doing it.

Repeat students are now starting to happen, and this means I'm surely going in the right direction.

Below are some new photos from the winter 2016 session.  We're having a great time in these classes, making felt earrings, key chains, snake and even a bunny rabbit which I worked on with one girl and an assistant due to the felt needle.   I've also introduced the felt flower to some of my older students based on a special request by one of my male students.

In the Spring I plan to offer a class geared towards embellishments with beads, and other found objects!  Stay tuned for more exciting fun with fiber.

FELTING INSPIRATIONS

Last week, after weeks of beautiful weather it finally hit me that we were almost into winter and there was still no signs of real fall weather or snow.  As I sat at my window looking outside at the bare trees and the leftover leaves I decided to create a new scarf.   Instead of using my standard bright colors I pulled out fabric, fiber and embellishments reflective of a fall landscape.

Come and take this journey with me.

the layout

the layout-fringe

the layout-embellishments

finished scarf before pressing (front)

backside of scarf -silk after shrinkage against wool on front side

the finished scarf-silk base with merino wool top + embellishments

embellishments-merino neps, mohair fringe, synthetic ribbon trim

cuttings of silk for embellishment,

closeup -wool yarn, silk cuttings

Last Day - After School Enrichment

Last week was the end of the after school enrichment program for the fall session.   During this session I taught the fiber arts program at 3 different schools,  up from one when I started in the Spring this year.  The students ranged from 1st through 5th, depending on the school. 

During the last day at each school the kids were excited and anxious when I arrived, in anticipation of starting a new project or finishing up one.  This ranged from girls small purses, bracelets and ornaments, etc.   All the kids expressed how sad they were that we were finishing for this session, and in some cases said they would take the class again if I taught next session.  Well I'm on schedule to start with 2 new schools in the district, and repeat with another so hopefully there will be some returning students along with new exciting projects.

For those of you following my blog you have seen some of the projects we did.  If not I will share below a short summary.  Thank you for taking this journey with us and stay turned for the next one.

This was a 2 part class where we made purses, and embellished them with beads.

In this class we had lots of fun making beads, key chains, bracelets, bookmarks, ornaments and even one snowman requested by one student.

This themed class was by far the most popular with pumpkins, pilgrim hats (at the request of students), and ornaments.

 Making jewelry including earrings/bracelets and faces was very popular in this class with students from 3rd to 5th grade.  One student even made a snake with an open mouth. 

KIDS ARE SO TALENTED

Once again I'm working with the kids After School Enrichment Program and this season it's 3 different schools, and grade levels.  Grades range from 1st through 5th grade.  We began with the basic felt ball and later developed different projects depending on the level of the class, and what the students wanted to achieve.   Most of the girls wanted felt bookmarks, key chains, earrings, soap but as they saw the possibilities they asked to make other things not on my original list including a snowman (3 felt balls); felt head or even head with torso.  If one child saw another making a different project it also sparked their interest.  Overall this session has been very exciting, challenging and motivational in terms of new projects.   The older kids are able to get one project complete and sometimes start a second within an hour.   Amazing!

Yesterday we started with a plan to make pumpkins, but by the time the hour was over we had pumpkins, jack-o-lanterns and other objects we had not planned.  Take for example the 2 eyed penguin or the pumpkin with a 3D lower lip.

I also have 2 boys this session, so they started out making the same projects with the felt balls and evolved into making larger balls,  and other felt projects.  My favorite was the colorful felt scorpion or the marbled ball which the boy gave to the school's Principal.  
We're also experimenting with ornaments for different occasions.

I did not take a lot of pictures as I'm working alone and don't have the time.  Let me share what I have.

Above is the jack-o-lantern I made to share with the students,

Mr. Penguin

Happy pumpkin with hair

Felted bookmark with beads

felted key chains, bookmarks, pencils

work-in-progress ornaments/felted soaps

My assistant at one school

Felted pencil with afro

Lincoln Center 2015

Yes, it's been some time since I wrote my last post but if you're on facebook you know what I've been up to.  I did the Lincoln Center event again this year and instead of one weekend I decided to do both (Oct 3/4th, 10/11th).  The first weekend started out with rain and cold weather so the turnout was not as expected , but by Sunday things were a lot better.  The sun came out and the people with it.  By the 2nd weekend, the weather was even better, and there was lots of excitement and fun at my booth.   Again, the popular items ranged from felted soaps, nuno felt scarves, and my new collection of Cloth Art Dolls.   The dolls were a hit and sold out, so I'm planning to come out with the 2nd Edition the first quarter of next year.  Between now and then I also have some orders to do which I previously committed to.

Instead of going into lots of details, let me share a couple of video's from the photos taken by friends and family, and compliments from  T. Sterling Design Group.

Please take a trip with me on a Colourful Journey!  If you have an issue opening here is a link to part 1:
(https://youtu.be/_35xQVrVyWg)

Link for part 2-
Lincoln Center 2015 part2

Thanks again to a fabulous crew of family and friends who make this all possible.  Special thanks to my husband Richard, brother-in-law and siblings who encourage me as I move on this journey.

best Josie