Thumbs Up...

for this cool project idea from Art Sherwyn! Thumbs down for the crack,..dislike. Anyway, this hand was made in the same way that masks are made. Plaster strips were cut and then placed on my hand. The original idea was that my hand was in the shape of a spider, but the end result is far from the starting idea as you can see. This hand was made in a summer class taught by Art, and there was a really cool extension activity that took place. After each person completed their hand it was put on a table and the only rule was that it had to touch another hand on the table. At the end, there was a huge group sculpture filled with symbolism. Another idea...put the hand on its side and use it as a business card holder! Or use it to give high fives or hand shakes! OR...make a peace sign!

A, E, I, O, U, and sometimes WHY?

Yes, it has come to this...a post about education. I apologize ahead of time, but it had to happen and since school is back in session this seemed to be the perfect time. :) Anyway, according to research, there are reading wars going on between whole language learning versus phonics driven instruction. “Drill and kill” has been known to drive scores, however it can be less than exciting, BUT!!! emergent readers have no fear because the most awesome flashcards are here!!! That’s right....Go Birdie Paper Goods has created the cutest set of alphabet flashcards that you can’t be without. So, to answer the WHY?...flashcards are a great way to help students with automaticity (this makes the phonics driven fans happy), extension activities can be incorporated (this makes the whole language fans happy), and the best part....there are PICTURES (this makes the learner happy)! And we all know that engaging the learner is key! So, WHY not go and grab a set right now? :) These make perfect baby shower gifts by the way!

Inside Out Joke!

Awhile back the most creative graphic designer I know was discussing flocking with me. It can be a pain, but it can also be “flocking awesome!” She and I have been giggling over this saying for some time now and with the holidays approaching, I found it fitting to share and get it "out" in the world. Thanks for supporting Saint Olive and Go Birdie Greetings! You are all “flocking awesome!!!”

Please contact us if you need anything special for the holidays. Saint Olive will be participating in the annual Hannah Rose Hart and Company artisian show once again this November. We will have lots of handmade art as well as some baked from scratch goodies. Details coming soon!

Tick Tock!

Ugh! There is never enough time to get everything accomplished! I think our new favorite mantra is going to be “one day at a time.” If we just work on a little bit each day then big things can be accomplished, and I think this ceramic clock just might have to be the symbol to go along with the new motto. This was one of my first ceramics studio pieces and we were given the task to create different textured tiles. After I had my tiles, I wanted to showcase them all together and I thought a clock would be fitting (all the small tiles created one bigger and better final project). It’s a little awkward because I cemented each tile to a painted canvas, but I don’t think I’m going to change a thing. I’ve thought about reworking the piece and putting grout in between the tiles like what normally would happen, but I think for now I’ll go with the saying, “That’ll do, Pig.”