tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22009831129342313732024-03-05T17:55:54.262-08:00Creative ThinkerMrs. Ehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17285074882532115560noreply@blogger.comBlogger33125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2200983112934231373.post-89044693632080869322014-09-26T17:23:00.000-07:002014-09-26T17:31:47.173-07:00Why I Love Plexus...<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Hello!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">So, a LOT has changed in my life in the past 6 months. The best thing to ever happen to me... having our baby girl. Becoming a mom has been the most amazing, challenging, yet rewarding experience of my life and I would not change it for anything. She is the most beautiful little thing I could ever imagine!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Anyway, today I wanted to share with you my personal experience with Plexus. Before you stop reading, let me tell you what Plexus is NOT:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">-A diet</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">-A meal replacement</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">-A fad</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Plexus Slim is an all-natural health drink powder that you mix into water once daily and drink (like Crystal Light). It helps keep
blood sugar, cholesterol, and lipids at healthy
levels, which can result in weight loss. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Now I want to share MY story with Plexus, because hearing all the facts isn't always enough. People want results! Long before I was pregnant, long before I was married, long before I graduated college... all the way back in high school (about 11 years ago), I became highly addicted to sugar. I'm talking, HAD to have a Wild Cherry Pepsi every day. My friends and family can attest to this. It got a little ridiculous. After that addiction subsided (Pepsi overload!), it was Caramel Frappuccinos as often as possible. After that, it was White Chocolate Mochas. After that, Cinnamon Dolce Lattes. I'm not kidding, I would go from one sugary drink to the next, all the while acting like it was no big deal, because I was a teenager who didn't care and had a fast metabolism. Well, as we all know, it catches up sooner or later! In my first year of college, I gained the "freshman 15" that everyone warned me about. I had never had a weight problem, so I didn't expect it. Buying jeans a size bigger was not a good feeling. As time went on, I didn't make many changes in my diet. Between 3 hour labs almost every day, endless projects, staying up until at least 12 every night... my eating habits were far from good. I was always eating at random times of the day, whatever I could quickly grab while heading out the door to class, or worse, whatever was cheapest (like McDonalds or Taco Bell). My sweet drink addiction only got worse while working at a local coffee shop where we invented new sugary concoctions daily. The weight kept adding on. So I would go on little diets here and there, lose the weight, and then it would creep back.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Fast forward several years to last summer when I found out I was pregnant. I was obviously ecstatic! Everyone told me, "Eat whatever you want! It's the only time in your life you'll have a good excuse!" So I did. My sugar addiction was at an all-time high during pregnancy (after the nausea went away). I could not help it. Men, just know that when you hear women talk about the intensity of cravings during pregnancy, it is NO JOKE. But, I will say that my cravings were not that out-of-the-ordinary for me... the same ones, just amplified. So maybe if I'd exercised self-control years prior to becoming pregnant, it wouldn't have gotten so out of hand. Anyway, I gained 45 pounds during pregnancy, and had been told by my doctor that I should only gain between 25 and 35 for my size. Yikes!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Losing the weight was a struggle. The first 25 pounds seemingly fell off. The next 20, not so much. I was stuck at the same weight for about 2 months. I kept reading people's posts on Facebook about something called Plexus. It annoyed me for awhile (probably because I was unhappy with my weight), but finally I asked a friend about it. I started reading and researching the products, and the more I found out, the more intrigued I became. I signed up as an ambassador because I knew it was a legitimate product line, and I wanted to get wholesale prices. I am not one to pass up on a deal!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Sure enough, after the first week, I lost 6 pounds. I had lost several inches as well. My appetite was changing--suddenly, I was getting slightly grossed out by sugar. Every day, the cravings became less and less. Then the weirdest thing happened. I started wanting healthy stuff. When I was thirsty, I went for a water instead of caffeine or sugary drinks. When I wanted a snack, I reached for a banana instead of chips. I also didn't have that crash in the afternoon like I used to. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">It has been almost two months since I've been doing Plexus. I have more energy than I've had in I don't know how long... and I have a 6 month old! I've lost 8 pounds, 13 inches, and only have a little more to go. I plan on sticking with the Slim because once I hit my goal, it will keep my blood sugar at a regular level. I don't EVER want to go back to where I was. It's so, so much more than the weight loss. My skin has been much better (I've had mild acne for years). I used to have oily patches on my scalp that are GONE; this I attribute to the ProBio5 and BioCleanse... which I can talk about in another post. The keratosis polaris on my arms has significantly decreased. I'm not having mood swings like before. The list goes on and on. I only expect to see even more results with time.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I tell you all of this because I want others to experience the feelings of freedom that I've felt. I want you to have the energy that I have. This is not a miracle product (meaning you have to stick with it and still make healthy decisions), but Plexus helps with cravings and can increase will-power over food. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-EAcZi_vyP6kaqKp3ONfvVZ5Fk6ODxhwjRX_N5rkq_cOouVLCX3W1PdAShKvCgT1_qFNX0DUEXhoLdtjz-a7tEpjK89a6uajnEGPNhz2Xd6n_wdhmyemiWBZYaTZeRWd5Zinsm-O10Ivl/s1600/photo92614.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-EAcZi_vyP6kaqKp3ONfvVZ5Fk6ODxhwjRX_N5rkq_cOouVLCX3W1PdAShKvCgT1_qFNX0DUEXhoLdtjz-a7tEpjK89a6uajnEGPNhz2Xd6n_wdhmyemiWBZYaTZeRWd5Zinsm-O10Ivl/s1600/photo92614.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">If you're interested in more information about the products or the company, please let me know. You can visit my site as well: <a href="http://kileyedington.myplexusproducts.com/">kileyedington.myplexusproducts.com</a>. Thanks for stopping by and reading my story!</span></span><style>
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Mrs. Ehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17285074882532115560noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2200983112934231373.post-80689313397749999512014-03-25T08:23:00.000-07:002014-03-25T08:23:20.647-07:00Planning for a Long-Term SubGood morning!<br />
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Today finds me with 4 work days left before maternity leave. Baby girl could come any day now! I am so excited. I thought it would be an appropriate time to show you how I planned for a long-term sub, and hopefully put your mind at ease if you are in panic mode. :)<br />
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Planning for a long-term sub can be a daunting task, so I've included some of the information I gave mine. After scouring a lot of blogs and writing out a lot of lists, I knew I wanted her to have as much information as possible when I left. Maybe I went overboard, but I want her to feel well-equipped for the task at hand!<br />
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Here's my sub binder:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitc6VHcNehpLXOJyp1CUxcU8yzexXz_Fn1shVtNCqxJD5DL1POdd7nsj508CMLJIdHoPkw_pkpwqXwYsLSPZ3GhrkkqU9HnJQjhZxSFaBwT3OzHVaPbc7Md_rZOsHwOlzHaEs46bZQlizi/s1600/image.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitc6VHcNehpLXOJyp1CUxcU8yzexXz_Fn1shVtNCqxJD5DL1POdd7nsj508CMLJIdHoPkw_pkpwqXwYsLSPZ3GhrkkqU9HnJQjhZxSFaBwT3OzHVaPbc7Md_rZOsHwOlzHaEs46bZQlizi/s1600/image.jpeg" height="640" width="480" /> </a></div>
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Inside, I used tabs to separate my schedule, school/classroom procedures, miscellaneous helpful info, student info, and lesson plans. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd8_nQYVw6BR59P68GVPJWUIaxYyIZcLpP6u1eTZRrBIjIVhHpgVumg5KnIF5NpHngK87rWW9e8q9lmcytB4kpG6gOFrslQK8wXBVWRk0ehyEvgxRJqpTKa3r0qpn56kvSVgclADeSVX8u/s1600/image2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd8_nQYVw6BR59P68GVPJWUIaxYyIZcLpP6u1eTZRrBIjIVhHpgVumg5KnIF5NpHngK87rWW9e8q9lmcytB4kpG6gOFrslQK8wXBVWRk0ehyEvgxRJqpTKa3r0qpn56kvSVgclADeSVX8u/s1600/image2.jpeg" height="640" width="480" /> </a></div>
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Here's a look at some of the info in the "Helpful Info" tab. Obviously, this is going to look different for everyone. But these are things I thought of throughout the year that would be helpful for my sub to know-- things that are specific to my job, like carpool, hanging artwork, picking up 5th graders from across the parking lot, etc. Run through each day in your mind, and think about what makes that day different than the others. You'll be surprised at how busy you are, and how many little things there are to tell your sub! Other things in your binder might include: where the printer is located, which keys work for which door, how to log on to your computer, morning meetings, grading, storing assignments, passing back assignments, etc.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwyiQ2jSbooUY8K-bz1N5Ix3zN3GqRCxPeZqQcxGfnhM6k5C56Q7rXc6skghL73Ub4a6Yzpex0AhQbopOk1PH89IY1Qhl_x8eqqkd1D3h2GlnWXg890GPPXvymmEcqj84LaG3h86Jxkkh9/s1600/image6.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwyiQ2jSbooUY8K-bz1N5Ix3zN3GqRCxPeZqQcxGfnhM6k5C56Q7rXc6skghL73Ub4a6Yzpex0AhQbopOk1PH89IY1Qhl_x8eqqkd1D3h2GlnWXg890GPPXvymmEcqj84LaG3h86Jxkkh9/s1600/image6.jpeg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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Being an art teacher, I know my sub might be a little overwhelmed with some of the everyday duties that have become second nature to me. So I included a page on clay and how to use the kiln. If you work in a special subject, you may be the only one who knows this valuable information and need to share it!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYgavXzMXcXUaW_ExbEIbiNKmJlgd_wURafHM6AXcZQ4DBKkl1hwu-8SDdMjtEwBwth8Wtx4Pcpzp9PvP594iyjJ1uJIcE-BGcVhuP_o6IO0jgEHEvjPAkB1G7xnOWRUp-iiAxZzfhIv4j/s1600/image8.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYgavXzMXcXUaW_ExbEIbiNKmJlgd_wURafHM6AXcZQ4DBKkl1hwu-8SDdMjtEwBwth8Wtx4Pcpzp9PvP594iyjJ1uJIcE-BGcVhuP_o6IO0jgEHEvjPAkB1G7xnOWRUp-iiAxZzfhIv4j/s1600/image8.jpeg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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The pink tabs at the top of the binder mark where we are in our lesson plans. I have had these for several weeks, because you never know when a baby is going to come. That way she will know exactly where we are and what we are doing. I've also made tabs on the side to separate each grade level's plans.</div>
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In the front of the binder, I wrote a note with a few last-minute details and end of year duties.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih-XCYBJAZqz3wQygF_Qzjhy_20Mkiikm2Z-oI1EaMJYUpj55vXaWgh-CL9mPWwiWmB2S7ucJ6bCqUTMJdIcRH0Za99QxWicQ2bzuAf_qHOe2A8plcnc_6rwUnR4z09TAr74waPgaK_QsM/s1600/image5.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih-XCYBJAZqz3wQygF_Qzjhy_20Mkiikm2Z-oI1EaMJYUpj55vXaWgh-CL9mPWwiWmB2S7ucJ6bCqUTMJdIcRH0Za99QxWicQ2bzuAf_qHOe2A8plcnc_6rwUnR4z09TAr74waPgaK_QsM/s1600/image5.jpeg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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In the back, I added extra blank lesson plan copies.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheEEFrzth9otayMWksXYvzCef7hxBwb4l6s_RWx1XInDKY8U3mxsCjf4Hs3NUGyNqz9pfN_CrWBamhjUPoYpHoIZcNZnnStGp50wZgxBY5LdkR1gPN9iwP_RriZeqDJFPOCH1W4SzW9n9s/s1600/image4.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheEEFrzth9otayMWksXYvzCef7hxBwb4l6s_RWx1XInDKY8U3mxsCjf4Hs3NUGyNqz9pfN_CrWBamhjUPoYpHoIZcNZnnStGp50wZgxBY5LdkR1gPN9iwP_RriZeqDJFPOCH1W4SzW9n9s/s1600/image4.jpeg" height="640" width="480" /> </a></div>
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A few more things to consider:</div>
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-Be in touch while planning for your leave; chances are your sub needs to know some things before he/she comes. It will give them peace of mind to hear from you.</div>
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-Send them an outline of assignments so they can have a basic idea of what to expect</div>
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-Send them a list of links to assignments if you have found them online, or if it has pictures of examples. As an art teacher, I use Pinterest often. I click on the website connected to the assignment we are doing, and copy the link for my sub. You also might want to bookmark these on your computer.</div>
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-Change your homepage from your school email if that is what it immediately opens to... Mine is automatically signed in, but I don't really want someone else to have access to my email.</div>
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-Label anything and everything. A lot of us label drawers and cabinets for our students, but it's helpful for a sub too. I have a storage closet full of random things that had to be labeled, and it really didn't take much time. They don't have to be fancy.</div>
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-Come up with more emergency sub plans if you don't have many. I made bookmarks on my computer for alternate assignments, in case my sub isn't comfortable doing certain projects, or if one class gets too far ahead. This may be easier in a subject like art, but it could work for your subject as well. </div>
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Hope this information was helpful to you, and please comment if you have any questions or other ideas!</div>
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Mrs. E</div>
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<br />Mrs. Ehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17285074882532115560noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2200983112934231373.post-39036544090879029362014-03-11T12:40:00.000-07:002014-03-11T12:40:27.406-07:00Planbook.com: Your New Best FriendHappy Tuesday! <br />
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I wanted to share some information with you that could change your life. It's called planbook.com. It costs $1/month, and it is the most helpful tool I use on a daily, weekly, and monthly basis as a teacher. This image was taken from the main page and gives you an idea of what to expect:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhdqgGsgcPz6yLelWzml5oLYe6jJGoYGrru3gUAbNCZ7oTe2zI_dSYwwpZTg25StFUIXE-LP0SNLq-eU5x63c075y_oV3vwnUNNmfizMkKV9vtJqklOebwy5Cb5-0rXzgqu9VBsXGZqtMC/s1600/planbook.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhdqgGsgcPz6yLelWzml5oLYe6jJGoYGrru3gUAbNCZ7oTe2zI_dSYwwpZTg25StFUIXE-LP0SNLq-eU5x63c075y_oV3vwnUNNmfizMkKV9vtJqklOebwy5Cb5-0rXzgqu9VBsXGZqtMC/s1600/planbook.png" height="190" width="400" /> </a></div>
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Whether you teach Kindergarten, a special subject, or 12th grade, this is an amazing tool. You create your schedule according to the day/week, and fill in what each class (in my case) is working on at that time.</div>
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The website has tutorials for everything you need to know. You can add events like holidays, snow days, etc., extend lessons, push back or move forward lessons, add attachments, and a lot more. </div>
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I use the website to fill in lessons several weeks in advance and make changes as needed, since each class works at a different pace. Every Monday, I print off my schedule for the week and put it at the front of my binder so I know what's coming. Hope you try out this extremely helpful tool!</div>
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Mrs. E</div>
<br />Mrs. Ehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17285074882532115560noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2200983112934231373.post-84899889636376539702014-02-20T14:03:00.001-08:002014-02-20T14:03:41.426-08:003rd Grade Spotlight: Coil Pots<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Good afternoon! I wanted to share some photos of 3rd grade coil pots and hopefully inspire you to try them with your classes.<br />
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Teaching clay projects can always be a challenge. Here's what I like to do:<br />
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Go over rules of ceramics. I have the students take turns reading them out loud and we discuss each one. Since my K-4th classes are only 25 minutes long, we spend one whole class discussing rules of clay and doing a demonstration. Here's a Clay Rules PDF if you want to use it!<br />
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To start the coil pots, I give each student a small round slab of clay (pre-cut). This will (for the most part) help their pots stay similar sizes. Of course, some of them may flare out and turn into plates, but oh well. I show them how to make a coil, and always score and slip. Here's a handout I made this year that seemed to help! **Note: I decided to let them choose whether or not to smooth out the coils as they go. I found they prefer both ways.<br />
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Here's my example of a basic coil pot (no flaring out or in). This year, I let them play around with the shape by adding coils that go in and outside the existing coils.<br />
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Here's an example of a student who really embraced the project and created his own unique shape... I was so proud of him!<br />
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This student did a good job staying consistent with their coils. </div>
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Coil pots after first firing and about to be glaze-fired... </div>
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Coil pots are easy and fun, especially once the students get the hang of it. Give them a try!<br />
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Mrs. E<br />
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Today I wanted to talk a bit about those children who seem to change overnight in 4th and especially 5th grade. They can be a challenge!<br />
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Last year was my first year of teaching. I had a hard time keeping the older grades focused, and therefore felt disrespected a lot of the time. I tried turning off the lights to get their attention, raising my voice over theirs, standing silently ("I'm waiting..." anyone?), and nothing seemed to work. While some of the techniques I've used this year work great, I can't promise that every single time you will see success. Which brings me to my first point...<br />
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1. Understand that you cannot control their hormones. Puberty is a real thing, people. These kids are experiencing changes that we all went through, and I often have to remind myself of that. Know that it is not always their intention to be disrespectful. Respecting them in this way has helped me to stay sane in moments where I want to pull my hair out.<br />
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2. Expect the best. Walking into the classroom with a tense demeanor, even if you think you can hide it, never helps. Children can pick up on your cues, and they often feed on your negative energy. Many times when I feel like I am being run over by their loudness, interruptions, etc., I look back and realize it all started with my mood when class began.<br />
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3. In light of this fact, begin class with confidence. Err on the side of being strict, because with older children you have to set boundaries and standards from the get-go. Sometimes I'm tempted to be more lax and "fun," but I've realized they need to see me as an authority figure long before we can laugh together. It may sound extreme, but my best classes have been when I remained calm, yet assertive and confident, rather than laid back. (You can still be sweet and respectful, though!)<br />
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4. Show grace. You needed grace when you were in 4th or 5th grade, or any age, for that matter. Give students the benefit of the doubt, because the majority of the time, they mean well. They want to please you. And the more you show them grace and respect, the more they will reflect it back to you.<br />
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5. Repeat yourself. Many times, we teachers think we only need to say something once for it to stick. It is only going to stick in their minds when you repeat it. Sometimes I feel like a broken record with the older kids, especially during clean up time, but the truth is they need those reminders. It all comes back to expecting the best of them, but showing grace when they need it!<br />
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Hope some of these simple tips will help you to stay calm and feel in control in your classroom!<br />
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Mrs. EMrs. Ehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17285074882532115560noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2200983112934231373.post-48981696139545057032014-02-05T16:09:00.002-08:002014-02-05T16:09:17.102-08:00The Power of WordsThis post is going to be a bit more serious... just to warn you. It is written from a teacher's perspective, but I am also a wife and soon-to-be mother who deals with these things in many scenarios. Lately I've been thinking a lot about the way we, as teachers, have so much power in words. I often fall short in my weariness, impatience, etc. (basically, my selfishness), and it comes out on my students. This is not a call out. This is a personal issue that I believe everyone struggles with, but not many people talk about for fear of judgment.<br />
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The truth is our words have <b>incredible</b> weight. Whether it's in the classroom, in the home, or in the grocery store, I believe words can be just as harmful as actions. Whoever said "sticks and stones may break my bones, but words may never harm me" was just plain wrong.<br />
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There are things my teachers said to me as a child that impacted me, for the better and for the worse. Now, as a teacher, I find myself in situations where all that comes out is sarcasm or a feeble way of saying "I don't appreciate what you are doing"... Instead, it may sound like, "STOP! RIGHT NOW!" As the minutes and hours in the day pass by, I look back on that moment and see that student's eyes... nothing but fear or shame is reflected back into my own shameful heart. My reaction to their outburst was equally ridiculous and uncalled for. And my intention should never be to shame anyone or make them afraid of what may happen. My intention should be a gentle nudge to do the right thing and to have integrity. It is in those moments that I am fully aware of my own lack of integrity. I am brought to my knees asking my Savior to give me the right words to speak.<br />
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The tongue is a tool to be used for good, but I believe we are all too messed up to do so on our own. Without Christ, my words are harsh, unkind, or can come across that way even if I wasn't planning on it sounding that way. James tells us that the tongue has to be tamed, that it is like a fire. If we don't try to quench that fire, our words become nothing but empty, hateful, and meaningless.<br />
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I am pleading with all teachers, mothers, and wives here. Please, please, please think before you speak. Think before you use that tone of voice that implies you know more than the person you're speaking with... even if you do. Use wise judgment. Some situations call for a response, and many do not. And the ones that do require a response should be carefully formed, not reactionary. Isn't this what we all struggle with?<br />
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The only answer I have for this tongue-taming process is the Holy Spirit. Each class period, we pray before we start on our project. When I am focused on the prayer and on Jesus, I've noticed a STARK difference in my tone and words. However, the opposite happens when I am focused on myself, on what needs to get done, etc. Friends, God is in control. He does not need you to be a control freak. He wants you to surrender your life -- every part, every moment, every word -- to His will. You will be free, joyful, and grateful when you let the Lord take control.<br />
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Mrs. EMrs. Ehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17285074882532115560noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2200983112934231373.post-2956677479482477282014-02-04T07:58:00.000-08:002014-02-04T07:58:38.571-08:005th Grade Spotlight: Value StudiesGood morning!<br />
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It's a blustery day here with snow falling at a steady pace. I'm enjoying a nice cup of coffee on my hour long (!) break. Would've been perfect for a snow day, but I am wondering if Thursday and Friday might stand a better chance. :)<br />
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Thought I would share what we are doing in 5th grade. I've taught five other classes and always struggled with value. For some reason, a lot of the 5th graders don't understand the concept of tints, shades, and tones... and painting with those three became a challenge for about half of the students. I think the projects I tried were a little too difficult for many of them to grasp.<br />
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So I decided to come from a more basic approach by not using paint on this project, and not using color. I ordered some Prismacolor pencils from <a href="http://www.dickblick.com/products/prismacolor-colored-pencils/">Blick</a> in various shades, and showed students how to layer and blend with them.<br />
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We looked at examples of Renaissance artwork first, and how Raphael in particular used value. <br />
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Next, I explained the concept of chiaroscuro. We looked at this example that I found on Google. I like that it shows a value scale underneath as well. </div>
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When I felt like everyone had the concept of value down, I had students draw practice sketches of still life objects. The next day, we started with the Prismacolors and used <a href="http://www.dickblick.com/products/canson-colorline-art-papers/">graphite-colored paper </a>as a middle value (this confused some). Overall, I think this project was a much simpler but successful project on value! </div>
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Student example:</div>
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What do you think? What are some value lessons you've done that were successful?</div>
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Mrs. E </div>
Mrs. Ehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17285074882532115560noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2200983112934231373.post-81241422609186649882014-02-03T11:33:00.001-08:002014-02-04T06:42:39.872-08:004 Ways to Document Your Child's Artwork... Before You Think About Throwing it Away!Hello!<br />
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Today I heard the words every art teacher hates to hear: "My mom throws away all my artwork." I cringed as the sad little kindergartner revealed the news. It is hurtful that we, as art teachers, spend our days, weeks, months, years teaching these kids how to create beautiful artworks and developing their creative skills... and their parents' response is to throw it away. Even more sad is how hurt it makes the children! I really don't think parents know how damaging it can be to a child's self-esteem when they treat their hard work as literal garbage. I know, I know... you "don't have enough space to store it all." I understand, but I decided to share a few simple ways parents can document their children's artwork before tossing it into the trashcan. I found these ideas on Pinterest... always a great resource!<br />
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1. Hang a curtain rod with clips for artwork. Hang for as long as you like, then discard it (if you must) after it has had its time to shine. You can see more on creating an organized art area for your kids here at <a href="http://www.honeybeevintage.com/search/label/decor">Honeybee Vintage</a>.<br />
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2. Scan all the artwork and then put it in a binder, or shrink the images and do something similar to <a href="http://janeleni.com/collages.html">this</a>. This should give no one an excuse. It barely takes up any space, and you will enjoy it for years to come.<br />
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3. I don't have a photo of this one, ironically, but take photographs of the artwork and place them in a photo album. Simple, cheap, and you still have the hard work preserved in a special way.<br />
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4. Similar to number 3, photograph/scan the artwork and store it on your computer. Have your children pick out one or two favorites that they would like printed and framed to display in their room or another room in the house.<br />
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Hope these simple tips help you to think twice about documenting your child's artwork, rather than tossing it!<br />
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Mrs. E<br />
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<br />Mrs. Ehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17285074882532115560noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2200983112934231373.post-8617459227778842642014-01-23T13:36:00.003-08:002014-02-04T06:39:21.620-08:00Soooo.... it's been awhile. I have trouble keeping up with blogging because, well, I'm a little busy. Update: I'm in the thick of my second year of teaching, am 6 months pregnant, and have more classes than last year so my days are extremely full.<br />
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My heart is full, too, though. I have been reflecting a lot on my last year and a half as a teacher and can't believe the amount of growth that has taken place. I have learned so much from this job, these kiddos, and my co-workers. I have learned to choose joy on difficult days, to be grateful for a job that allows me to pray with my students and at the end of the day, takes everything I have.<br />
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What other job allows you to essentially be a surrogate parent on a daily basis? To impact the lives of children you may not otherwise know? To instill responsibility, work ethic, integrity, among numerous other qualities in young people... no, there aren't many jobs quite like teaching.<br />
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On another note, between pinch pots and cardboard sculptures, the art room is looking a little chaotic these days. We've been using a lot of "junk" that was hiding in my storage closet to create some lovely pieces. I hope to get some photos up when the projects are finished.<br />
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I'm off to work on lesson plans for my sub now, ta ta!Mrs. Ehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17285074882532115560noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2200983112934231373.post-25589377340476742382013-04-16T13:17:00.002-07:002014-02-04T06:42:23.428-08:00How to Make Your Life Easier: PLAN, PLAN, PLAN!Planning has been the single hardest thing for me this year. I came to our school being the 4th art teacher in 4 years... Needless to say, there was no curriculum for me to use. I was excited at the idea of so much freedom with my lesson plans, but scared out of my mind at how much work that would be. Here's a few tips for those of you just getting started, or those who need some inspiration:<br />
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1. <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/">Pinterest</a> is your friend. I have used so, so, so many ideas from the beautiful world of Pinterest. Type in a certain grade level and "art" and you will find so many ideas. Or be more specific in your search (i.e. "4th grade sculpture") for a narrowed search. Follow other art teachers! Follow me (Kiley Edington)!<br />
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2. Use your plan time wisely. "Plan" time doesn't always mean plan time for art teachers. We are not only art teachers, but also janitors and setter-uppers. So use the plan time that you <i>can</i> plan with wisely. I love the site<a href="http://www.planbook.com/"> Planbook</a>. It only costs $1/month, and you can set up all your classes and just fill in what each class is doing every week. Print it out, hole punch it, and you're ready to go.<br />
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3. Find ways to make set up time go quicker. In other words, work smarter, not harder! Set things up the afternoon before a busy day so you won't be stressed in the morning. Have supplies already together (on the counter, in bins, boxes, etc.) for each grade level so you can pull them out quickly.<br />
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4. Make a yearly month-by-month calendar for yourself. I do a vertical column of grade levels on the left side, and months going horizontally. You can either fill in on the computer or by hand after printing. Having a general overview of the year will help you stay on track!<br />
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Hope this helps. Please leave any feedback you may have for staying on top of planning!<br />
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Mrs. EMrs. Ehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17285074882532115560noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2200983112934231373.post-27837702150111361262013-04-15T12:11:00.001-07:002014-02-04T06:40:30.445-08:002nd Grade SpotlightGood afternoon!<br />
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2nd graders have been hard at work. I love working with 2nd grade for a few reasons: their enthusiasm, their skill level (seems like a big jump from 1st grade), and how sweet they are. :) I wanted to share a few projects we've been working on...<br />
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The first is a clay project based on Van Gogh's landscape paintings. I found this on Pinterest, and the original source of inspiration was over at artprojectsforkids.org. These pieces are in progress; we will finish painting next week. I love them already though!<br />
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The next project is one that we finished a few weeks ago, also based on an Impressionist painter, Claude Monet. This idea was also not my own--I found it on Artsonia (Cathedral School). Students started with a watercolor background, then drew a bridge in pencil. We used oil pastel to layer on the bridge, trees, etc. I love to see their imaginations at work.<br />
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That's it for today! Please feel free to comment, follow, and/or pin my pics!<br />
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Mrs. EMrs. Ehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17285074882532115560noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2200983112934231373.post-49457796750525572872013-04-12T10:43:00.001-07:002013-04-12T10:44:52.399-07:00Curriculum Ordering, Giant Chickens, etc.Today was a conference day so I had time to catch up on some things. Woohoo! Finally finished my curriculum order for next year... Um, maybe I'm a nerd but I find it quite enjoyable. Shopping for the art room, who doesn't like that?!<br />
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In other news, this big guy (or girl, I guess) just entered the art room. Drew it for our librarian for a reading competition. If the students read a certain amount, our principal will do the chicken dance. So fun!<br />
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That's all I've got for today. Happy Friday!</div>
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<br />Mrs. Ehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17285074882532115560noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2200983112934231373.post-51804447548674089752013-04-11T13:27:00.000-07:002014-02-04T06:42:09.151-08:00CLAY: OrganizationFriends,<br />
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Let's just talk a bit about clay. Clay and I haven't gotten along in the last few years. Growing up, I loved working with clay and my art projects always turned out great. However, college made me scared of it.<br />
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I took Ceramics I and everything changed. The expectations of a college-level project are much higher than elementary (go figure), and even high school. I'd never used a pottery wheel before, so that was my biggest challenge. I remember coming out of the studio furious and covered in clay from head to toe. People, I had clay in my armpits! Needless to say, I think I made a C in the class but I was happy to have it over with and didn't care. I thought I'd never have to deal with clay again.<br />
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Here we are, 3 years later, and I see clay on an everyday basis. I could probably write a novel about all the things I've learned about how to teach clay, organize clay, cut clay, fire clay, etc.... but today I will focus on the organizational part. I will do a series on the others if anyone is interested!<br />
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Ok, on to some pictures because my rambling is getting old...<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjrtzzIKvCL0wFtwv1IjelSYAX5DVpEj7y-LcMBUusS2kW1YqSLMbcpnoiROIOtRusSPM85QvUJDCX0GT-zVToYcLqpPI3GCVFiEWgKWLjOC0pRT5_BLoXJEcJq85ygL5K9vadEOfsLQoJ/s400/image(3).jpeg" height="300" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Room setup is key!! Having a center table for clay demos and supplies
has really helped. I have students stand around the table (with hands in
pockets or behind backs) to watch demonstrations.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is a closer view of the center table. No, it's not pretty but it does the job. Under the table are tools, place mats, aprons, etc.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAdrsTcZ2XoQwr629INPRKAn1t_C9O_NBRQWasg2S93RNoej7cykL8lLb4dKc9I04-iJJp-ymnqXeKwHEFQwDHSJo8s4TeUBh8vKFVyBIuEqVb9n7D9UYF6U9jmi7QdetF_bdFJJ-hEU15/s400/image(7).jpeg" height="300" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Plastic bags are your friend. Just make sure they don't have holes in them. I only see students once a week, so we have to store them in bags to keep the moisture inside.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmtdF767RDCo8ppSXmXhMgyW1pWjARL6mCmARLmBXWYBt0AWI2Gq_lwpl0BB_ZM_IYJMNf7y9c0hhC_oxAojHVX4XL0SScVvXxEaZRGaJol5vzf7wQ2E-UnGaCAPrktfU3L5DzZxoJnrWW/s400/image(8).jpeg" height="300" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Close-up of aprons. White ones are smaller, black ones are larger. Have them easily accessible!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Clay tools in an old jar. Nothing fancy, but students can easily get to them and see what's available. This class did not do a good cleaning job. :)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg49lQEIumEkhRkjlbuj4RnLPMSmZCiX4_9HL4pzj7tiuLOudDAKJ0AkSUX7nwf2SOb_m8acYo4DnrjcQE8Z3zqjreFqcpQ6gSrczFl1Qu4qf5hLyoiTxhob5-qdbF1-F2pBQk_BbjIV0eO/s1600/image(4).jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg49lQEIumEkhRkjlbuj4RnLPMSmZCiX4_9HL4pzj7tiuLOudDAKJ0AkSUX7nwf2SOb_m8acYo4DnrjcQE8Z3zqjreFqcpQ6gSrczFl1Qu4qf5hLyoiTxhob5-qdbF1-F2pBQk_BbjIV0eO/s400/image(4).jpeg" height="400" style="cursor: move;" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shelves... I am constantly rearranging them but they are so helpful for drying purposes, holding green ware or glazed pieces that are ready for firing, etc.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCpaZCD7o9p5i_lceo4NjgiNEN6RlXIqcjx9TR0wbudvCj9mB2g44SEsixS6eiWqkMo_fnnt3rKD2aNvk74aW_1zw1chHLDgJNF5WoAiVC6oWTKHSz4ul7Orvi5PAqQ_POxYPalq5g_JXZ/s1600/image.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCpaZCD7o9p5i_lceo4NjgiNEN6RlXIqcjx9TR0wbudvCj9mB2g44SEsixS6eiWqkMo_fnnt3rKD2aNvk74aW_1zw1chHLDgJNF5WoAiVC6oWTKHSz4ul7Orvi5PAqQ_POxYPalq5g_JXZ/s400/image.jpeg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cookie sheets! I use them ALL the time. They can hold quite a few pieces, and they are pretty sturdy. Also, the clay won't stick to them as it dries.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqgb0MmbC2beeMb6-7K1hWAqsgimkXOQwMU_36k_jaPCvcMPf5tpcWXD4GYQNe4bL33QWT_RU0iBgCrQPChPcguAm6Zcie-8RFpW1I5uzeR8Hzyg1WAlIGq9xaAt3r-NrT0GICiXUS2FDS/s400/image(1).jpeg" height="300" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I also use a lot of copy paper box lids. You can use them to store glaze, fired pieces, or just for transporting from the kiln room to the classroom. A cart also comes in handy for that!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4m8nmL5nNN9yc6cDfg_fh17DgFxTU9b7NG1fN1hWRhrUvI6ZhymGbz8cwOypMM1vL3153BcYGGUEukbxIdwUSgiYWbmWKHkaQCpLtrkg_yUOa3K5OPgWvasGl7K23NV3IpJYSuFpWEIJK/s400/image(2).jpeg" height="300" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another box lid used to hold kiln props. I usually have them more neatly organized by size, but this week was crazy.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvb2DhNwY3T5ABNIYQvx-JoUmt4zGoP7csPKRpJdt9YopN1z60Oob7NNHHMw6EQqUG4ZSOf0PrgIFuRyPdlkl8Evw70js1go9kj74KkEh511P88wHL9WAod9rWQWF_OHbLNOYBroadyf1K/s1600/photo(6).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvb2DhNwY3T5ABNIYQvx-JoUmt4zGoP7csPKRpJdt9YopN1z60Oob7NNHHMw6EQqUG4ZSOf0PrgIFuRyPdlkl8Evw70js1go9kj74KkEh511P88wHL9WAod9rWQWF_OHbLNOYBroadyf1K/s400/photo(6).JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More kiln prop organization</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA8c4hN1HHfJoVWCxbJas9NEkK0v0U1PPxATHg8RIbAVOebWZfQkQFeDdoXO14lDGagHSbbdYI6gSmUhT0Y3bLe5yxPeBHp7bR9HSEywsffmtnFRcGpd2dRd6MSHV8DrJoT6SLI0_BYKJH/s1600/image(10).jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA8c4hN1HHfJoVWCxbJas9NEkK0v0U1PPxATHg8RIbAVOebWZfQkQFeDdoXO14lDGagHSbbdYI6gSmUhT0Y3bLe5yxPeBHp7bR9HSEywsffmtnFRcGpd2dRd6MSHV8DrJoT6SLI0_BYKJH/s400/image(10).jpeg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Slip bowl covered with foil. I've been using the same slip bowls for 4 months... just add water when you need to!</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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That concludes my clay organization post, but I will be back with more clay entries, because there's a LOT more to talk about!<br />
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By the way, does anyone else have trouble lining up and spacing pictures on this thing? Wow, it's annoying.<br />
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Have a terrific Thursday.:)<br />
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Mrs. E<br />
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<br />Mrs. Ehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17285074882532115560noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2200983112934231373.post-3264083390731085512013-04-10T13:23:00.002-07:002014-02-04T06:41:54.366-08:00Wacky WednesdayAs the day comes to an end, I look back and think, <i>Where was my sanity? I had no patience with these kiddos all day!</i> Wednesdays are hard for me. Although I only have 5 classes, Tuesdays are brutally long and leave me feeling like I have nothing left to give by Wednesday. On top of it being Wednesday, I had my first kiln fail today... half of a 1st grade class's pinch pots exploded. I'm resolving to have a better attitude next Wednesday!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5c5JriM3XYijamHXew1FhZ6WaQjnJu0eDiTmutRp9tDPrHUys9gQ8q63YQpJLLQWI6Y0TITLN2FQ2c06qvnMoP_Ij6IDWd7Q0m_0RlCoOYs7JBNpqb1rktvMv4Xz_nosvvXMJ1AourRUx/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5c5JriM3XYijamHXew1FhZ6WaQjnJu0eDiTmutRp9tDPrHUys9gQ8q63YQpJLLQWI6Y0TITLN2FQ2c06qvnMoP_Ij6IDWd7Q0m_0RlCoOYs7JBNpqb1rktvMv4Xz_nosvvXMJ1AourRUx/s400/photo.JPG" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
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Moving on... I wanted to share a few things I've done around my classroom to help me stay organized and sane, especially on days like today. :)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGND07TYSE0UOTRqfCih39ST9ebv8pXPxqVB2YhZfgmWf4klhkRIJyUN_8OFxZ3auZZqor6jDsc0670-jWrc8f7SGozgl8H6x_FLuhj3CNeotqzaH8Xgt4-QEvlfBAbfcy1uMiINcuStt5/s1600/photo(1).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGND07TYSE0UOTRqfCih39ST9ebv8pXPxqVB2YhZfgmWf4klhkRIJyUN_8OFxZ3auZZqor6jDsc0670-jWrc8f7SGozgl8H6x_FLuhj3CNeotqzaH8Xgt4-QEvlfBAbfcy1uMiINcuStt5/s400/photo(1).JPG" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
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Small chairs on carpet for the little ones. I know this seems like a no-brainer, but when I started out the year I just had students sit on the carpet at the beginning of class. With many sensory issues, this did not work out as planned. Hitting and screaming ensued, so our Pre-K director suggested chairs so that everyone has their own personal space. A life saver!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsANwzcuFN3aGrcdC2dq0wRe8Zf6FlvGyTQ4QzNY3AnpxsegtvcDEfzVYDrEbyLGTm7dczZUicgx6n9IuoXqpTTIKh9lz_aPi00r4soL40m0tOrroWuLUO4AqQqD7Kk7z1HXy49Gu5mIze/s1600/photo(3).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsANwzcuFN3aGrcdC2dq0wRe8Zf6FlvGyTQ4QzNY3AnpxsegtvcDEfzVYDrEbyLGTm7dczZUicgx6n9IuoXqpTTIKh9lz_aPi00r4soL40m0tOrroWuLUO4AqQqD7Kk7z1HXy49Gu5mIze/s400/photo(3).JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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As any art teacher knows, remembering to tell every class everything is a challenge. I made an announcement spot on the board, and told them to check it every day when they enter the classroom. I think it's helping... although not many students have brought back portfolios.<br />
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**Do you use portfolios? I'm thinking about abandoning the idea...**<br />
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A bulletin board dedicated to color... I use this A LOT. Color is such a fundamental part of art, so it always comes up in conversation. Having this board helps so much! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijvdadenHQ93bp3CDSkd9JL_O2UTBUqfiR2yxt-l-5zckPbA44MmvdirrrDwx26gXo-xXOtwUCj1bMaGyFu36-KPhgmt-3dvQWS5RHblD7Xb4sdMJe9OCDbt_F7Eh407sC4N-Y-rXMNfy5/s1600/photo(4).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijvdadenHQ93bp3CDSkd9JL_O2UTBUqfiR2yxt-l-5zckPbA44MmvdirrrDwx26gXo-xXOtwUCj1bMaGyFu36-KPhgmt-3dvQWS5RHblD7Xb4sdMJe9OCDbt_F7Eh407sC4N-Y-rXMNfy5/s400/photo(4).JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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Smartest thing I've done all year. This job chart corresponds to the numbers at each student's place on every table (1,2,3,4). I rotate the numbers every week, so students get really excited when it's their turn to be the Table Wiper!<br />
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Well folks, that's all I have for today. Hope your Wednesday was better than mine!<br />
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Mrs. EMrs. Ehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17285074882532115560noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2200983112934231373.post-45431804642784288522013-04-05T13:21:00.000-07:002014-02-04T11:35:19.695-08:00checking inHello friends!<br />
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It's been a good long while since I've written on this thing... I've noticed that everything in my life happens in spurts. Not something I'm proud of, so I'm trying a new thing called "consistency." It's a brilliant concept.<br />
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The last year of my life has been a series of changes, one after the other. Between switching jobs to buying our first house, I've not had much time to reflect on any of it. I am now officially an art teacher, and the past few months have been so humbling.<br />
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Kids can bring out the best and worst in you. Being around 500 students each week can be quite testing on my patience. It is also the most rewarding gift I could ever ask for. I believe God placed me here, with these children, to share His love. The biggest thing I've learned is that it's not about me. And the moment I begin to make it about me, things start to go haywire. My mind gets fuzzy, I feel stressed and overwhelmed, and nothing seems to go right. When I surrender every moment, every lesson, every word that comes out of my mouth to Him, it all falls into place.<br />
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Well, that's all I have for now. My brain is fried (being the end of the week), my fingers are tired, and my eyes need a break from this computer screen. Hope you all have a blessed weekend!<br />
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Mrs. EMrs. Ehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17285074882532115560noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2200983112934231373.post-51727034933298593932013-04-05T13:12:00.000-07:002014-02-04T06:43:01.394-08:00A year later...I started this blog a year ago with the intentions of filling it with lesson plans, classroom management tips, etc. However, my aspirations for being a teacher who takes the time to blog didn't work out as planned. Now that it's April, I thought I'd look back on the year thus far and share some insight from my first year of teaching.<br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: AmbersHand; font-size: 22.0pt;">What I’ve Learned
in my 1<sup>st</sup> </span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: AmbersHand; font-size: 22.0pt;">Year of Teaching</span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">A little grace goes a long way—for your
student and yourself.</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Don’t sweat the small stuff. Sometimes letting
go of a little control will give you more peace of mind than holding on to
it.</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">No day is perfect, but learn to find the good
in every day.</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Seek out godly wisdom. You don’t have to know
everything.</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Children have a way of exposing your best and
worst moments.</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Children want to be spoken to in a loving
manner. Barking at them does nothing but make them feel insecure and
fearful of you.</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">God places us in challenging situations so
that we may not only grow, but also learn to trust Him more with every
detail of our life.</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Sometimes taking 2 minutes to sit down and say
a prayer is the best</span> <span style="font-family: Calibri;">thing you
can do for yourself. You will immediately see a difference in the way you
present yourself to others.</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The art room will never be as sparkling as the
first day of school.</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Pray about lesson planning. Coming up with new
ideas can be a challenge, but God knows what He wants you to teach, and
loves it when you ask Him.</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">When something doesn’t work the way you
planned, laugh about it and try another method or throw out the idea
altogether.</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Don’t be so hard on yourself. You are not here
for yourself, anyway.</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Give students responsibilities. They love to
help, and they feel awesome about themselves when you give them the chance
to do it.</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Having a quiet time in the morning before
school is quite possibly the most important thing you do all day.
Preparing your heart for what God has in store will help you to see things
through His eyes.</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Coffee is your friend. Caffeine in general is
your friend.</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Say a student’s name when addressing them.
This will not only help you remember it, but will make them feel special
and loved.</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Stay organized as much as possible. Set out
materials at the end of the day and you will thank yourself the next
morning.</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Laugh at yourself when you make a mistake or
forget something. The kids connect with you more when you don’t pretend to
be perfect.</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Recognize the people around you who have more
experience. Watch and listen to the way they interact with kids.</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Just because you’re scared doesn’t mean God
won’t call you to do something. In fact, He probably will.</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Just when you think you can’t make it through
another day, a holiday, snow day, or sick day will happen.</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Speaking of sick days… Clorox, Clorox, Clorox.
When you think you’ve Cloroxed enough, Clorox some more.</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Fake it ‘til you make it! </span></li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal">
What insight do you have to share with other teachers out there? Art teachers, any wisdom you have for transitioning between age groups? Classroom organization?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Have a great weekend!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Mrs. E</div>
Mrs. Ehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17285074882532115560noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2200983112934231373.post-10032284860648897912012-05-15T19:35:00.003-07:002014-02-04T06:43:13.078-08:00Hooray!Hip, hip, hooray!<br />
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I got a job as an elementary art teacher. Not just any job, my dream job at my dream school. I cannot express how excited and overwhelmed with joy I am! What a blessing.<br />
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I hope this blog will aid me in keeping lessons organized, categorized, etc. but also develop a sense of community with other art teachers out there. Many of you have already inspired me over the past few months, and I can't wait to share with you my endeavors in the world of elementary art.<br />
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I have to say, I have not held myself completely accountable to blogs in the past, but maybe I can make this part of my daily (or, at least, weekly) routine. It will be a challenge to juggle everything in my first year of teaching... I know that... but it will be totally worth it.<br />
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Feel free to leave comments, suggestions, questions, etc. as we embark on this adventure together. Thank you for stopping by and for inspiring me!Mrs. Ehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17285074882532115560noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2200983112934231373.post-24568533188253320502012-03-30T08:48:00.001-07:002014-02-04T06:43:35.587-08:00The Cafe Terrace at Night by van Gogh: A Critique<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk08ETThfW_osVZY4uatPIxKotIeEOlWA2dVdZ0JdGIc_Qz1leUOSSXmw2HBMnaISFGM-gAa7VPGYBimsy4L2TiORmSbBV39Ws28nZTEsWf9k-mNJKbvniqTm3P-xiTcVkUHaDcLL4P3Yi/s640/blogger-image--1286836479.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk08ETThfW_osVZY4uatPIxKotIeEOlWA2dVdZ0JdGIc_Qz1leUOSSXmw2HBMnaISFGM-gAa7VPGYBimsy4L2TiORmSbBV39Ws28nZTEsWf9k-mNJKbvniqTm3P-xiTcVkUHaDcLL4P3Yi/s640/blogger-image--1286836479.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
The Cafe Terrace at Night by Vincent van Gogh, September 1888<br />
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<i>***This blog post was created as an assignment for a class I took. It is meant to aid students and parents in the process of critique. Fellow teachers, you may use any of this information in a lesson plan or blog post, just please cite me as the original author! Thanks. :)</i></div>
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Van Gogh is know for his <b>style</b> of painting. An impressionist painter, he is famous for his innovative use of <b>line</b> and <b>texture</b>, as well as vivid <b>colors</b>. Let's go over the <b>elements and principles of art</b>, using The Cafe Terrace at Night as an example. <br />
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Let's take a look at the <b>elements of art</b> in this particular piece. Without these important <b>aesthetic criteria</b>, this painting could not be called a <b>work of art</b>. <br />
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We'll start with <b>color</b>. What colors do you see in this painting? <br />
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**Note: color is the actual pigment that we see, while <b>hue</b> is the color's name (i.e. blue and yellow). <br />
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<b>Intensity</b> describes how bright or dull the hue looks. In this case, the painting has an overall high intensity. <br />
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Next is <b>form</b>. Form means a three-dimensional shape. What forms can you see in this artwork? <br />
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Van Gogh is known for his use of <b>line</b>. What words can you use to describe the lines in this piece? Which lines stand out to you the most?<br />
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<b>Space</b> is another element of art. Space describes how much of the canvas is being used, or filled up. <br />
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**Note: <b>negative space</b> is the absence of form, texture, line, etc. <br />
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<b>Texture</b> is the use of line and pattern to create the illusion of roughness or smoothness on a surface. What textures do you see in this particular painting?<br />
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The last element of art we will talk about today is <b>value</b>. Value is how light or dark the colors are. Find as many values as you can.<br />
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Now let's talk about the <b>principles</b> <b>of art</b>. The principles simply describe how the elements work together in an artwork.<br />
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<b>Balance</b> describes how the painting feels in relation to its <b>symmetry</b>. Does one side seem "heavier" than the other? Symmetrical means that if you were to fold the painting in half, both sides would mirror each other. This creates a <b>formal</b> feeling. <b>Asymmetry</b> is the opposite; both sides would not line up to one another. Asymmetrical pieces feel much more <b>informal</b>. <b>Radial symmetry</b> means the <b>focal point</b> is in the center of the piece and everything else revolves around that point.<br />
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Keeping these terms in mind, what type of balance do you see in van Gogh's The Cafe Terrace at Night?<br />
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Although there is an understood division in the center of the painting, I would describe this piece as asymmetrical. Since the eye is drawn to the left side of the painting, rather than the center, it has more of an informal asymmetrical <b>composition</b>.<br />
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<b>Contrast</b> is the use of light and dark, various colors and textures, as well as different sizes and shapes. Contrast helps each part of a painting stand out on its own. The most obvious contrast in van Gogh's painting is the use of color. By using colors of equal intensity, the blue and yellow make one another stand out even more than they would by themselves. He also used a <b>variety</b> of values and textures to create contrast and visual interest.<br />
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<b>Emphasis</b> refers to the focal point (or <b>focus</b>) of the painting, where your eye is drawn to at first glance. Walk away from the image for a moment, then come back and note where your eye is immediately drawn. That is the emphasis of the painting.<br />
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<b>Movement</b> is how the artist uses the components of the piece to let the viewer's eye move around and back to the focal point. Van Gogh uses movement in this piece through the use of color, line, and texture. In what direction does your eye move when you first look the painting?<br />
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<b>Pattern</b> describes repetition of color, line, etc. in a piece. What patterns can you find in this piece?<br />
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<b>Rhythm</b> is similar to pattern and refers to the repetition of at least one element of art we talked about earlier.<br />
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Lastly, <b>unity</b> describes how all the parts of the artwork work together to create a strong piece. Do you think this particular artwork has unity? If so, what did van Gogh do to make it feel unified?<br />
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Congratulations! You have just critiqued a famous artwork. By analyzing the components of van Gogh's painting, we discovered what a critique looks like. Now you are ready to critique other art, and you have all the tools you need right here. <br />
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Parents, here is a link to a site designed to help you and your child further understand the elements and principles of art: <br />
<a href="http://artsconnected.org/toolkit/index.html">http://artsconnected.org/toolkit/index.html</a><br />
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And a link to an image of the painting:<br />
<a href="http://www.cafeterraceatnight.com/">http://www.cafeterraceatnight.com/</a><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Mrs. E</span><br />
Sources:<br />
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<a href="http://artsconnected.org/toolkit/index.html">http://artsconnected.org/toolkit/index.html</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.cafeterraceatnight.com/">http://www.cafeterraceatnight.com/</a><br />
<br />
University of Phoenix. (n.d.). Elements and principles of art and design. Retrieved from <br />
University of Phoenix, MTE534 - Curriculum Constructs and Assessments: Visual and<br />
Performing Arts website.<br />
<br />Mrs. Ehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17285074882532115560noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2200983112934231373.post-30983719696296404732012-01-09T09:42:00.000-08:002014-02-04T11:31:46.863-08:00snapshotsGreat start to the morning: blueberry coffee and my cozy <a href="http://www.myprivatequarters.com/">Private Quarters</a> robe. I'm not a PQ consultant, but I know a couple of people who are, and I just love their products. :)<br /><br />Thought I'd share some more things I've been working on the past few days. I've delved a little deeper into the world of typography, and have made some with my personal artwork as the background. It's so fun to transform pieces into something else. Anyway, here they are:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzsvbtw26MXQHyXT9H5bFFtANr75Cg1FxcsHoXnJVntfKKxeBaWFrdvGhdMtqqpcVGXiY5gmLVm17U6ZWLrKETKp7cZd2B3j2FR0m9JVzFixD1FW8hEk8ehXEq2clEQEXZxKN8nqiYzy0d/s1600/Matthew+6+21.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" rea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzsvbtw26MXQHyXT9H5bFFtANr75Cg1FxcsHoXnJVntfKKxeBaWFrdvGhdMtqqpcVGXiY5gmLVm17U6ZWLrKETKp7cZd2B3j2FR0m9JVzFixD1FW8hEk8ehXEq2clEQEXZxKN8nqiYzy0d/s640/Matthew+6+21.jpg" width="492" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZDNFcPPZYI7BWo7S62ylTU6LtsYC0ULTAnLczmwuZkLfX8wfq37gg9ZYuZh4J6fEzEY9-vFW1t9t9KMuqpAGwaSi5FiQ41QAC5ktMHP7FV7_5hHrvAmdxdlyueSGZi8K8JwNEUU31x789/s1600/It+is+well.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" rea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZDNFcPPZYI7BWo7S62ylTU6LtsYC0ULTAnLczmwuZkLfX8wfq37gg9ZYuZh4J6fEzEY9-vFW1t9t9KMuqpAGwaSi5FiQ41QAC5ktMHP7FV7_5hHrvAmdxdlyueSGZi8K8JwNEUU31x789/s640/It+is+well.jpg" width="494" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLDxdcF9FsNwKcYTIWnErR1BCV0MyhY8IjyBKcldSw5U-QnVLYI6ov4f6jigkqn5-DcYW-0mQsRx5xl8CSNrXbSr32Xh5MU8Ns_XhmYWlkgSA7MEGBVAN0mIdWBv7UKiNLtFrnpWM_lwws/s1600/Emerson+quote.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" rea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLDxdcF9FsNwKcYTIWnErR1BCV0MyhY8IjyBKcldSw5U-QnVLYI6ov4f6jigkqn5-DcYW-0mQsRx5xl8CSNrXbSr32Xh5MU8Ns_XhmYWlkgSA7MEGBVAN0mIdWBv7UKiNLtFrnpWM_lwws/s640/Emerson+quote.jpg" width="494" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Thoughts? Suggestions? Anyone out there? :)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Furthermore, I stumbled across the website <a href="http://www.imagekind.com/">Imagekind</a>, a website for artists to upload images of their work and sell prints, canvases, etc. The site does all the printing, packaging, and shipping, and the artist gets to decide what percentage or dollar amount you want to make off of each piece. Pretty cool. We'll see how it goes; I've only just started using it. The prints above are on the website and available for purchase as well as these photographs and more:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg40HVB55l5QW3BVB1ImfuG00tYTPEQrYBZtYBn7nBDSvzQlxu94mn8PJMflA1hc4owq3aSVD1sn4bMon11xfzUGcP-CagNkmI79ByVlLKvFs79xEYC4b6hlUAf4_MzYFPTqXWPhXZ0KjKy/s1600/228.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" rea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg40HVB55l5QW3BVB1ImfuG00tYTPEQrYBZtYBn7nBDSvzQlxu94mn8PJMflA1hc4owq3aSVD1sn4bMon11xfzUGcP-CagNkmI79ByVlLKvFs79xEYC4b6hlUAf4_MzYFPTqXWPhXZ0KjKy/s640/228.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhW9Vs8ahUm12x856ud49JxFa6uc0TY4CeyIZGKKthhA24hK4XFBP11moeOcVuOkcZGciVXyF8rzu4yAhXEfHh2yy1VZTM1CIlEeRsKOMFq9VFKCoGxEwSvXdfRiSA8afoYUIe8RnIgXGo/s1600/154.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" rea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhW9Vs8ahUm12x856ud49JxFa6uc0TY4CeyIZGKKthhA24hK4XFBP11moeOcVuOkcZGciVXyF8rzu4yAhXEfHh2yy1VZTM1CIlEeRsKOMFq9VFKCoGxEwSvXdfRiSA8afoYUIe8RnIgXGo/s640/154.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDtww529L_ZQiPLXvLoRz0G57idWu68pyg-sHaS5K_URlmrVmYXNlpGM5Bb-MtC01pVqBiu81uyWtrt2Y806zMx6w3_PT5NDxuqheJ1SWWTXEvJZPMWwhh8I07zIu0tfD5RQJjnrCnTPXU/s1600/121.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" rea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDtww529L_ZQiPLXvLoRz0G57idWu68pyg-sHaS5K_URlmrVmYXNlpGM5Bb-MtC01pVqBiu81uyWtrt2Y806zMx6w3_PT5NDxuqheJ1SWWTXEvJZPMWwhh8I07zIu0tfD5RQJjnrCnTPXU/s640/121.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Not sure why I only posted the black and white ones. There are color photographs as well, I promise!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I'm thinking about changing things up a bit around here... Maybe having each day of the week under a separate category, like DIY Tuesday, Work it Out Wednesday, etc. We'll see!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Have a blessed day.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Kiley</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div>Mrs. Ehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17285074882532115560noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2200983112934231373.post-19767095867351601282012-01-07T08:52:00.000-08:002014-02-04T11:31:46.871-08:00pursuitsI don't want to live a conventional life.<br /><br />I want to rid my life of the things that don't matter, things that are not necessarily beneficial. <br /><br />I want my focus to be Jesus, what He would have me to do, and the person He would have me be.<br /><br />I want to exemplify His love. <br /><br />I hope to lead at least one person to Christ in my lifetime. If this happens, I can say my purpose was fulfilled. One thing I know, however, is that I may not see with my own eyes what happens in a person's heart on this side of eternity. I can only pray that a seed is planted and that God waters it.<br /><br />I want my face to be a reflection of the joy I have found in Christ, not one that looks discontent or worried all the time.<br /><br />I want my words to be an overflow of my heart, and I want my heart to be pure and selfless.<br /><br />I know I'm not perfect, and that has made all the difference in my relationship with the Lord. He doesn't ask or expect me to be perfect, and for this reason, I can fully understand His grace. It covers me, washes me, and makes me new in Him. With every breath, I hope to become more and more like Christ.<br /><br />I want to be His hands and feet... whether that means here, in my town, in my state, or halfway across the world. I want my life to be ever-present, ever-willing, not tossing and turning like the waves. <br /><br />I want to be the woman who reads the Word, soaks it in with all her heart, and determines to follow it as best I know how.<br /><br />I want to be a prayer warrior. I want to pursue a life that serves others in prayer, words of encouragement, and action.<br /><br />I want to chase after the passions God has given me. I want to pour them out until I am dried up and can say I gave it all away.<br /><br />These are my pursuits for the year 2012 and beyond.Mrs. Ehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17285074882532115560noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2200983112934231373.post-85860040108591123962012-01-04T14:00:00.000-08:002014-02-04T11:31:46.879-08:00updateHaven't posted in awhile... a lot of life has happened. On November 7, my husband and I awoke to a phone call that his father had passed away unexpectedly during the night. <br /><br />To say the last two months have been hard is an understatement. None of us have ever experienced anything like this before, so the process of grieving is completely foreign to us. One minute you're fine, the next you feel like a basketcase. The smallest things can make you burst into tears, and your emotions are totally unpredictable.<br /><br />But God has given us an immense amount of peace. It's hard to explain, but we know our peace only comes from Him. We know he is in a better place, and I say that with <u>full</u> faith. We have also seen the body of Christ come alive as never before... phone calls, meals, cards, etc. have flooded our home and we have felt showered with love. Thank you to everyone who has asked how we're doing, to those who have found ways to make us laugh in this time, and to those who have simply let us know you are praying. Your prayers being lifted up have truly been felt.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">________________________________________________________________________________</div><br /><br />On another note, I have been working on a new project. My love of music led to an idea that led to another. Here are the beginnings of something exciting:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQrBrQhdvRiDGOjq0KkxzJzCyVTzEW6sjkCqfxHjrOqZQlHkeDVQdSH9eLHhyphenhyphenN7NsQouA48Tx-Sry6EQ_b7b5ooRhv81j_PoxF_LBD1Ewmi-JGJ3_IsgjndyO25I9rRQH4-Aa6cTDFFQ93/s1600/best+thing.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" rea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQrBrQhdvRiDGOjq0KkxzJzCyVTzEW6sjkCqfxHjrOqZQlHkeDVQdSH9eLHhyphenhyphenN7NsQouA48Tx-Sry6EQ_b7b5ooRhv81j_PoxF_LBD1Ewmi-JGJ3_IsgjndyO25I9rRQH4-Aa6cTDFFQ93/s320/best+thing.png" width="250" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiMvjhP2yq7brdo4NlORjKOMSWyQheiowo0m5Ntm0CByWFvruqMczN09TIHWEHx8gY-QVP71dSy4S1Rc06o3Hdz6e8WSid3AQL-UtZsF0P06ePeKQH4gqlP5PKtYkS6UWkNm8xGOXXHbee/s1600/psalm+13+5.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="247" rea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiMvjhP2yq7brdo4NlORjKOMSWyQheiowo0m5Ntm0CByWFvruqMczN09TIHWEHx8gY-QVP71dSy4S1Rc06o3Hdz6e8WSid3AQL-UtZsF0P06ePeKQH4gqlP5PKtYkS6UWkNm8xGOXXHbee/s320/psalm+13+5.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaaIQa8Z7z1-5QmOOn60ysdvKoHiXDg74BzFtV2syj-utoRME4e4WDMQm0JSuuaviGisV-q-ozSbZPOmIc-EtgRaayOIqZU8DJ8IlPY4afigAokOdFObPgdcoN7n-GS1ABX93t_CMwZ2PO/s1600/dreamer.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" rea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaaIQa8Z7z1-5QmOOn60ysdvKoHiXDg74BzFtV2syj-utoRME4e4WDMQm0JSuuaviGisV-q-ozSbZPOmIc-EtgRaayOIqZU8DJ8IlPY4afigAokOdFObPgdcoN7n-GS1ABX93t_CMwZ2PO/s320/dreamer.png" width="247" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Kiley</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Mrs. Ehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17285074882532115560noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2200983112934231373.post-41033161444773719462011-11-01T16:35:00.000-07:002014-02-04T11:31:46.894-08:00polymer clay charm tutorialPolymer clay is my new friend. So easy to use, takes 15 minutes to bake in MY oven, and looks really cool! Today I will talk about the process of making my first polymer project, an initial charm.<br /><br />What you will need:<br />Polymer clay (I used Sculpey... I've heard good things about the brand and liked that there was a variety pack with lots of fun colors)<br />Clay tools<br />Wax paper or foil<br />Cookie sheet<br />Toothpick<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV3zTonuEjt3jcxl10s9K95k7LCft3HvK2sx3zmT_uMi38R1NXuwxdLTb6HAq8orr3jGelQT2XOJxJCRqPI47an6c7_hNVfGUpYFQ6arkVmIj643wFmLnfoYOEc7Y0AV_f4Zo1fvEnp6Vy/s1600/070.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" ida="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV3zTonuEjt3jcxl10s9K95k7LCft3HvK2sx3zmT_uMi38R1NXuwxdLTb6HAq8orr3jGelQT2XOJxJCRqPI47an6c7_hNVfGUpYFQ6arkVmIj643wFmLnfoYOEc7Y0AV_f4Zo1fvEnp6Vy/s640/070.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">1. Begin by kneading out the clay and getting a feel for its texture. I noticed mine was quite harder than I thought it would be. I pressed it down a few times to flatten it with my hand.</div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtX2ligAOo6fx1nP_mqzGPXrrUu69Izy5rlD4V8UFPlC85dDPx_iKeUw-CxF7ryuPFvDqH3VZFMpqrjkjVCUuGLR52DTZbSgTyLeuGY7HettgP4cMiAQYu2AuAwbYxucUQ5QXS8SHObEkA/s1600/069.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" ida="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtX2ligAOo6fx1nP_mqzGPXrrUu69Izy5rlD4V8UFPlC85dDPx_iKeUw-CxF7ryuPFvDqH3VZFMpqrjkjVCUuGLR52DTZbSgTyLeuGY7HettgP4cMiAQYu2AuAwbYxucUQ5QXS8SHObEkA/s640/069.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">2. Use your clay tools to cut the clay into the desired shape.</div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMpJEbS25iyQAQm_4lysgVVv3wDvyequWSb4amiPf1cjlA-XkLcf_zJAXFz05aUdJtGpSl-DhnWmpkZNlrLEJRvOXXP0dD6gNRKwCUtBZ1wz5gtqb3_mVbRu-77A_K6NLm3Xp6uTACy5Wr/s1600/066.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" ida="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMpJEbS25iyQAQm_4lysgVVv3wDvyequWSb4amiPf1cjlA-XkLcf_zJAXFz05aUdJtGpSl-DhnWmpkZNlrLEJRvOXXP0dD6gNRKwCUtBZ1wz5gtqb3_mVbRu-77A_K6NLm3Xp6uTACy5Wr/s640/066.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">3. Using a toothpick or clay tool, carve out the initial. Then, carve out a hole at the top center of the charm. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">* My hole was a little too far down from the top, and I didn't realize this until trying to fit the jump ring later. It worked alright, but I recommend carefully planning where the hole should go.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">4. Once the letter is carved, you may have some "scragglies" hanging out where they are not wanted. I used the toothpick to get most of them out. I didn't want mine to be perfect by any means, so I left a few of those little guys.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">5. Place wax paper or foil on baking sheet to protect it, then place the charm on top of that. Bake at 275 degrees for 15 minutes (this is for every 1/4"; if yours is thicker or thinner, adjust accordingly).</div><br /><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMpJEbS25iyQAQm_4lysgVVv3wDvyequWSb4amiPf1cjlA-XkLcf_zJAXFz05aUdJtGpSl-DhnWmpkZNlrLEJRvOXXP0dD6gNRKwCUtBZ1wz5gtqb3_mVbRu-77A_K6NLm3Xp6uTACy5Wr/s1600/066.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfDbukAT7Tc9eX5QbrVCqbSewwe0uHuUPa9rNveSoB2Obv4qA_LSDY7Y-KX6l0DZ0d1o6yAGRE1Gqo_3QEVcH5X1xrnzKSVtSFCFK7A64HyO9fhoKkHDJwDcIz0fM6dQha2CNPhIFhMaIM/s1600/068.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" ida="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfDbukAT7Tc9eX5QbrVCqbSewwe0uHuUPa9rNveSoB2Obv4qA_LSDY7Y-KX6l0DZ0d1o6yAGRE1Gqo_3QEVcH5X1xrnzKSVtSFCFK7A64HyO9fhoKkHDJwDcIz0fM6dQha2CNPhIFhMaIM/s640/068.JPG" width="640" /></a> <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Tada! This is my charm. If you want, you can add some acrylic paint or glaze like I did to give the piece a little more depth. Add your jump ring and attach to a chain. This is going to be my best friend's birthday present. Her first baby is due in a few months and his name starts with L. :)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Hope you enjoyed it and give it a try!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Kiley</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div>Mrs. Ehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17285074882532115560noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2200983112934231373.post-15629371270303612932011-10-26T14:59:00.000-07:002014-02-04T11:31:46.903-08:00so much to saySome days I really don't have much to say. Actually, most days. I guess today is different, because I want nothing more than to ramble to my computer screen.<br /><br />There's so mcuh going on in my head that it's hard to articulate. This is partly becuase I am an introvert, which I already knew, but didn't realize that was why I have a hard time articulating until I started reading The Introvert Advantage by Marti Olsen Laney. {I think that was a horrible run-on sentence. Sorry.} I really have learned a lot about myself, my family, and my friends, and I'm only halfway through the book. The book mainly talks about the differences between introverts and extroverts, which outnumber us "innies" three to one. Very intriguing and insightful. Nooooow I know why when I open up an invitation in the mail I want to throw it away... because I am overstimulated in social gatherings and tire out after about five minutes. This also explains why everyone in my family would ask me at the dinner table growing up, "Kiley, are you zoned out again?" "Yes" was my response. Too much talking, too much to process, and I just needed a break. This also explains why in confrontations or serious conversations I tend to get overwhelmed and have absolutely no response at the time. Later, I can come up with all sorts of responses, after I have mulled it over like a true introvert.<br /><br />If you are still reading, I applaud you.<br /><br />On another note, I did some painting today. Tried uploading the images but was having problems with my mobile device (sometimes it's more fun to use unpopular terms, instead of cell phone). Anywho, the paintings and drawings I did were for church--they may or may not end up being used. But they were abstract nativity scenes to possibly be used around Christmas time. Christmastime? I think it's two words.<br /><br />My car made horrible squeaking noises this morning. I called my dad and he said it was probably the fan belt. The way the conversation started was: "You know when you're at a stop light and you hear a car coming from a mile away because it's making that obnoxious squeaking noise?" His response: "Yeah..." "Well, my car is making that noise. Do you know what it is?" I often overreact to things. Dad has numerous times called me a drama queen, and I don't take offense to it. My husband has seen this side of me plenty of times as well. Now I laugh about it and dramatize things all the more. :)<br /><br />Welp, time's up. Not that I don't have more ramblings in my head (did you know that women can have seven thoughts going in their heads at one time?), just that I have things to do, places to go, and people to see. Then I will indulge in some lovely down time later this evening.<br /><br />Hope you enjoyed my ramblings.<br /><br />KileyMrs. Ehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17285074882532115560noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2200983112934231373.post-73634862308140984332011-10-24T08:18:00.000-07:002014-02-04T11:31:46.916-08:00five thingsFive photos from the past few days:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUzPLLsqXAN5Vl0L_LS8wHVx-YdfFnY3_RFO4vJx4fvDzStWf30wddcFlCnZGd6TqzyhfHqpJbOEf70Fyhz_1crebcG8nUYDaj84IZ19Q_EG7q-gETFKRDxN-A6nV3Ist_u_lvaCKh0rqp/s1600/fish.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640px" rda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUzPLLsqXAN5Vl0L_LS8wHVx-YdfFnY3_RFO4vJx4fvDzStWf30wddcFlCnZGd6TqzyhfHqpJbOEf70Fyhz_1crebcG8nUYDaj84IZ19Q_EG7q-gETFKRDxN-A6nV3Ist_u_lvaCKh0rqp/s640/fish.bmp" width="640px" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Look at that bass! He was so proud, and I was proud of him. I caught one about the same size, and what happened, you ask? It broke my line and I have no proof of my trophy. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC4CNduvXkO4Fo8T3XB5SvGN1JgNvX_O95RLeiQJD2uGiEmnej2fxuzVo7pY9Qa1NTaj4iKxI4vvZvrj6NPmH5F3qTyuX0XYAH5Guh4BnahyGqtdjQ7XFl4LJZr5KO-PfWgez3eqb1O6h8/s1600/coffee.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640px" rda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC4CNduvXkO4Fo8T3XB5SvGN1JgNvX_O95RLeiQJD2uGiEmnej2fxuzVo7pY9Qa1NTaj4iKxI4vvZvrj6NPmH5F3qTyuX0XYAH5Guh4BnahyGqtdjQ7XFl4LJZr5KO-PfWgez3eqb1O6h8/s640/coffee.bmp" width="640px" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">How to spice up your coffee: add light whipped cream and a dash of cinammon. Mmmm!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg53Pn1GwyGX24j7gyC5EmDlQltg95Z8paB5H-TCBYTxwmaVq-EYk6g7xz3CNscdjxJIE9zbHOC_TS70rn92l7igvpZp00fJCoNHhiYw3HQI1GW-zOn6kJNZtZlU00MZ1NsMFhKx-gNzjWR/s1600/nails.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640px" rda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg53Pn1GwyGX24j7gyC5EmDlQltg95Z8paB5H-TCBYTxwmaVq-EYk6g7xz3CNscdjxJIE9zbHOC_TS70rn92l7igvpZp00fJCoNHhiYw3HQI1GW-zOn6kJNZtZlU00MZ1NsMFhKx-gNzjWR/s640/nails.bmp" width="640px" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My new fave nail polish: NYC's Park Ave. Kinda taupe/grey... perfect for fall without making my hands look pale. (Anyone else have that problem with dark colors?) Here's a link to all the "In A New York Color Minute" polishes:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.newyorkcolor.com/products/nails/nail-color/new-york-color-minute-quick-dry-nail-polish">pretty polishes</a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDuIwF_zFi0iMDFBQE8IXQTV4tK7A7j_e3s19NNUW37X-tyTgPTBsnGLXauYSG-Xg-evqtFAuIXQNYQQ0slUUsRsLRN5EsF-Afa1QRhNnCFgRdefR0nvvYjyidft4aU5Eo3mw93rudl1Oq/s1600/ou.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640px" rda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDuIwF_zFi0iMDFBQE8IXQTV4tK7A7j_e3s19NNUW37X-tyTgPTBsnGLXauYSG-Xg-evqtFAuIXQNYQQ0slUUsRsLRN5EsF-Afa1QRhNnCFgRdefR0nvvYjyidft4aU5Eo3mw93rudl1Oq/s640/ou.bmp" width="640px" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Farewell, place of work. Your butterflies flitting about the ceiling were fun to look at on a daily basis. I also enjoyed the friendly people and the apple fritters. This is my last full week here. My next job is going to be nannying a newborn, pure bliss.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit_MwBTIb-gGiNAtWoV8YvKNTesZB8AchQ_3608GWPrzHOyiFqEkVNQeQ_w3A0eBgwu5FYnR-8zgQB6d8XeG4KMDJJlczdrKq2uFIvAv6v5dx8ik8bbVQZK8xeSmlasiwCn-vi8T98WJ0H/s1600/boots.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640px" rda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit_MwBTIb-gGiNAtWoV8YvKNTesZB8AchQ_3608GWPrzHOyiFqEkVNQeQ_w3A0eBgwu5FYnR-8zgQB6d8XeG4KMDJJlczdrKq2uFIvAv6v5dx8ik8bbVQZK8xeSmlasiwCn-vi8T98WJ0H/s640/boots.bmp" width="640px" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Please stay tuned for an experiment that is currently being conducted on these ugly guys. Waiting to see results. :)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Hope everyone is having a good Monday!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Kiley</div>Mrs. Ehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17285074882532115560noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2200983112934231373.post-67324054930651163582011-10-20T09:14:00.000-07:002014-02-04T11:31:46.925-08:00painting furniture: an overviewToday I thought I would share some photos of furniture that I have redone. Unfortunately, I don't have any "before" pictures, only afters. But I thought it might inspire you to never be afraid of bold colors. If you ever choose a color and realize after painting that it is too bright, that is what glaze is for. Glaze comes in premixed colors like black, mocha, etc. or in a clear form which allows you to add whatever color you want. If you have trouble mixing paint or just want to try glazing for fun, I recommend starting with premixed. However, if you are doing several projects which require different glazes and intensity levels, then clear would be the best choice.<br /><br />A lot of people have asked me lately how to paint a piece of furniture. I plan on doing a post soon on a step-by-step project. It really is easier than most people think. All it takes is a little patience and elbow grease. :)<br /><br />On to the pictures...<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTTMjDszzUfYeBaMrzGVhD3ReHd47bei9QJiD1_bQHGp76wGQZGLyowyeX6s8Kx5tDzgOz5UmIuPohJGxng9RSN_L3ls-JhQ-USk-Ifj_fVfahivGRBNJHjTaHYr8BB2oHumx9B1NgAAQ8/s1600/buffet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTTMjDszzUfYeBaMrzGVhD3ReHd47bei9QJiD1_bQHGp76wGQZGLyowyeX6s8Kx5tDzgOz5UmIuPohJGxng9RSN_L3ls-JhQ-USk-Ifj_fVfahivGRBNJHjTaHYr8BB2oHumx9B1NgAAQ8/s640/buffet.jpg" width="640px" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This was a commissioned piece. Originally intended as a buffet, a new mother is now using it as a changing table. You can tell it is a very pale pink. I loved the idea of using it in a baby's room and plan to do the same some day.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAVmTeT4MvOsyKFEOeMcRClWI-o7paoVVo5mpbCZvjdPbP6VVR-Szb4x59fHNIFmPMu7FqEUOMNJcDozUAo3vNaldoWHc5cOCUdwq5RF_SJ6qDd6Eo4y15omGfFP_9dUXbAB-SLtpQulaq/s1600/coffeetable.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="456px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAVmTeT4MvOsyKFEOeMcRClWI-o7paoVVo5mpbCZvjdPbP6VVR-Szb4x59fHNIFmPMu7FqEUOMNJcDozUAo3vNaldoWHc5cOCUdwq5RF_SJ6qDd6Eo4y15omGfFP_9dUXbAB-SLtpQulaq/s640/coffeetable.jpg" width="640px" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This coffee table had seen MUCH better days. It had some cup rings on the top, and since it was probably mahogany, which is a very soft wood, the damage was too much to repair. Because of this, I used a mocha glaze over an ivory paint. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">*Tip: If your unpainted table has a cup ring, try rubbing vegetable oil into it with a dry cloth. A lot of times it works!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI2sdh52YSwS1UkroKj_fpn39Rphdx7BjeiDkIkm93yONGOWbVP9oNX9fOi-83W047ewE04DlkuuW90WU6hHE_W-GzgwwDKHmwun_gtc15OFs1P_ksSYeRrKwrX3e8FbYo1aBomIQxmk-4/s1600/dresser.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI2sdh52YSwS1UkroKj_fpn39Rphdx7BjeiDkIkm93yONGOWbVP9oNX9fOi-83W047ewE04DlkuuW90WU6hHE_W-GzgwwDKHmwun_gtc15OFs1P_ksSYeRrKwrX3e8FbYo1aBomIQxmk-4/s640/dresser.jpg" width="640px" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This was one of my favorite pieces. It was a plain Jane oak dresser with ugly brass knobs before. Now, it has a silver wash over the top of it and new antique looking knobs. I plan on trying the silver finish again, it just glammed it up a little. :)</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1amQ9tvr1LwEmRTzo9QLGjFT1x7eQP6vb_v7YmiESItZ1KNh-V1GCgNf3MdrgDfg_CmWhXQOtC61qXlNXc0SNpQyEqwUJYWNH40CCLhVLSysmnH185YdidDDkcFAn527BMzwif7CDaIxL/s1600/dresser2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1amQ9tvr1LwEmRTzo9QLGjFT1x7eQP6vb_v7YmiESItZ1KNh-V1GCgNf3MdrgDfg_CmWhXQOtC61qXlNXc0SNpQyEqwUJYWNH40CCLhVLSysmnH185YdidDDkcFAn527BMzwif7CDaIxL/s640/dresser2.jpg" width="640px" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Uh, sorry for the sock on the floor, the knobs that I forgot to turn down, and the bobby pins. This is my personal dresser. It used to be completely black. This was one project where I painted it and realized the paint was WAY too bright... you have to be careful with turquoise. My college roommates can attest to the fact that I'm slightly obsessed. So I glazed it with a black glaze and loved the result.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIc48k5jfl8ZlMk772Zl2roBxF_eTTINDQE4JUHUXH_e5l0l9Rs815d__06EvfEfOrFQSguYcsvScaCBHM_ciVdbeni1rebT9bR0exN42U-GlOK67v2SmKLrupgVcFIcX-NaIZuz1K4IeZ/s1600/nightstand1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIc48k5jfl8ZlMk772Zl2roBxF_eTTINDQE4JUHUXH_e5l0l9Rs815d__06EvfEfOrFQSguYcsvScaCBHM_ciVdbeni1rebT9bR0exN42U-GlOK67v2SmKLrupgVcFIcX-NaIZuz1K4IeZ/s640/nightstand1.jpg" width="480px" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This was a piece for my best friend. It was originally yellow with pink trim, very outdated, and sad looking. Some red paint with a black/brown glaze was all it needed.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">*Tip: it's totally okay to use a nightstand in a living room. And it's totally okay to mix and match different pieces. For example, the wicker furniture on my front porch is not a set, but painting them all one color and using coordinating colors makes it look like one without being stuffy. Plus, who wants a boring living/dining/bedroom out-of-the-box set anyway?</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO3xQ-ymyrtzXkGpNX9Nm0OX8MkWoh8sW5W0hhcfZq2LU1t9SHAs3XM6kuMnoUpToLCDsWy1EtrK_PzaKZi8hfyPbVow4V-Dv94n6z9Yn-FGYXS9bc5kyv9u2op1bCdTyRvo5I8295SQPq/s1600/tv+stand.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO3xQ-ymyrtzXkGpNX9Nm0OX8MkWoh8sW5W0hhcfZq2LU1t9SHAs3XM6kuMnoUpToLCDsWy1EtrK_PzaKZi8hfyPbVow4V-Dv94n6z9Yn-FGYXS9bc5kyv9u2op1bCdTyRvo5I8295SQPq/s640/tv+stand.jpg" width="640px" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My beloved TV stand. Originally a liquor cabinet with a fold-out top, we use it for DVD and game storage. I absolutely love the color, and now realize how dark our old apartment is from the quality of all these photos, oops. Anyway, the color is <a href="http://www.homedepot.com/Paint-Paint-Samples-Posters-Fan-Decks/Martha-Stewart-Living/h_d1/N-5yc1vZbo8pZ4tg/R-202097958/h_d2/ProductDisplay?langId=-1&storeId=10051&catalogId=10053">Washed Denim</a> by Martha Stewart. I want to cover everything with it.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Hope these pictures inspired you to get out the paintbrush!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Kiley</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Mrs. Ehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17285074882532115560noreply@blogger.com0