Happy Halloween

Happy Halloween from my 8th and 9th grade painting class. Hope everyone has an amazingly fun weekend!

Skeleton's Halloween

Happy Halloween from my darling 7th graders who did such an amazing job drawing partying skeletons:

Aven's Purse

Aven's been showing an increasing interest in imitating us lately. While hiking the other day she was carrying the small case we use for our video recorder in the crook of her arm like a purse. While I was out running errands I stopped at the craft store and picked up a few pieces of 9" x 12" felt and made Aven this cute little purse. She would still rather dig through the contents of my purse than play with this, but she'll have to make do.

Patrick Puppy

I was inspired by a friend to make a stuffed animal for Aven. I made her a lamb in July and had so much fun making it that I bought a pattern book. The puppy above is my first attempt from the book. I used dark gray fleece and once again used the exposed seam because I like the look. After stuffing the puppy I realized that I should have placed the eyes, nose, and mouth all higher than I did since it looks like he's about to do a face plant. Overall I am happy with the results and will be making something else from the same pattern book very soon.

Eyes Closed Eyes Open

One of my favorite days of the year with my 7th graders is the day we start learning about contour. We spend the whole period practicing Continuous Line Contour, which is just drawing without lifting your pencil up. It's a totally different drawing experience and can be challenging because there is no erasing or fixing mistakes and everything is connected. I have them start by drawing something with their eyes closed and then have them draw the same thing with their eyes open- all without lifting their pencils off the paper. I always love the results and the kids have a lot fun laughing at their own and each others drawings.