Pop Art

Inspired by the American pop artist, Jim Dine, Daveo made this Valentine artwork using tissue paper, white glue, and oil pastels. 

Jellyfish Art

David finished his weeklong study of jellyfish with this under the sea art project. I used a mask to outline the jellyfish. Then, Dave-o used watercolors to bring it to life. He sprinkled salt on the background paint for the bubbly effect. When it was all dry, he peeled off the mask which revealed the white paper. He's very proud his jelly.

Make a Hat Day

                

This is a day when anyone can express their craziness and creativity through the creation of some unique head wear. Kirsten and Dave-o were on board for the challenge.

Dave-o made a Minions hat (from "Despicable Me" movie. Kirsten talked her dad into donating a few of his neckties for her hat which she coiled around and around using a glue stick. They are both very proud of their creations.

Hooray for the First Day of Spring

Despite continued wintry conditions in much of the United States, California has enjoyed spring-like weather for some time now.  However, today officially marks the beginning of my favorite season.

For me, spring brings the blossoms, poppies, strawberries, the sound of buzzing bees, driving around town with the windows down, sweet smells from my jasmine, and the end of school. 

To celebrate spring, Kirsten made a birdcage out of wire hangers. She wrapped torn fabric strips around the wire and glued spring inspired accessories to it like, birds, butterflies, and flowers.  

Dave-o's Ninja Artwork

Here is Dave-o's artistic rendition of Jay from Ninjago (a Lego Ninja series). Notice he doesn't have a mouth because Ninjas have them covered. A numchuck was added as a final touch. This was the first time I have seen Dave-o draw a person. 

Baby Headbands

 My niece Melissa and I have been having a lot of fun getting together on different weekends to craft. Lately, we've been busy making baby headbands. We are both newbies to this kind of craft and are learning as we go.

Here's a finished product of a successful headband. We used the same technique that was done at Kirsten last birthday party (only on a much smaller scale.)

School News

By Wednesday, James was finally feeling well enough to start his classes at West Valley. Unfortunately, by missing the first day, he lost his spot to get into the math class. However, in October the same class is open (but for less credits).

 

Justin went with James to the college to meet with his counselor about class options. He came home happy and excited to begin his goal towards a career in law enforcement. (Specifically he is interested in becoming a ranger or a police marshall. Justin was able to quickly connect with his counselor, mainly because she reminded him of his Grandmother Zinn. After learning that Justin's dad graduated from BYU, she concluded that Justin was a Mormon. They talked about religion for a lot of the time. She even asked Justin if he was planning on going on a mission. Justin's reply was that he would probably go next year. The meeting ended with the counselor suggesting a bunch of classes for Justin to register for in October.

Kirsten is studying the Universe and Earth for science this year. Her first project is to make a Moon Chart to keep track of the phases of the moon for 29 days. Kirsten will cut out the shape of the moon each night using foil, which she will then glue to the black circle on the chart.

While Kirsten was working on her chart, I gave Dave-o the leftover poster board and his scissors. He ended up making an alligator (I helped with the teeth). I was surprised to see him scoring the poster board; giving the alligator scales. No one has ever shown him that technique. He's such a clever little guy.

Dave-o finished the alligator by punching a hole for an eye and nose. Then I gave him some green artist chalk. What do you know...It came alive.

Sequins Bracelet

Kirsten made this purple/gold sequins bracelet. It's super easy to do. This was originally going to be a craft project for Kirsten's birthday party, but we ran out of time. Click here for the tutorial.

Bunny Pouch

Aren't these bunny bags adorable? They multiplied before my eyes; they were so fun to make. Kirsten made the one on the right with the purple ears. We filled them with candy and gave them to friends. Here's the link to the tutorial.

A Painting that Needs a Name

Take a look at Kirsten's latest art project (inspired by a post on the Light and Spoon blog). The idea behind this piece is to use crayons in your glue gun for the rain affect. However, our glue gun didn't seem to like the crayons. It stopped working after 5 minutes. Kirsten, being the artist that she is, turned to plan B. She used water colors. My favorite part is the silhouette of Kirsten. 

Valentine Craft

 Making roses out of streamers sounded like a fun craft for Kirsten and I to do for Valentine's Day. I learned how to make them from The Idea Room blog. After mastering the technique on the pink rose-ball, I taught Kirsten how.

She and I made a white ball and used three flowers to decorate a framed print "Be Mine" (using my Silhoutte vinyl cutter). Kirsten and I even taught my monthly craft group how to make the rose-balls.

 

I want to experiment making the flowers with fabric next. Wouldn't it look cute on a headband or barrett? So much potential.

Nativity Stocking Holders

 I fell in love with a Christmas stocking holder that I saw here at U Create blog. I bought an 8 foot 2x4 and cut it into 7 four inch blocks. Then I cut a 1x2 into 7 three inch blocks to be used for the base. The kids did most of the sanding and painting. After the paint dried, I sanded it again for a distressed look. Next, I applied the images that my Silhoutte machine cut out on vinyl, glued the block to the base, and screwed the hooks on.

In the past, I've just taped the stockings to the mantel (tacky, huh). I love the idea of having religous themed holders.

The Receiving End of Service

Meet my 80+ year old friend, June. A year of being her visiting teacher has turned into a special relationship. During the summer, June would invite my younger kids over to her house for art projects. With the start of school, she has continued her invitations. Last month Steven, Kirsten, and Dave-o painted rocks. More recently, June had little bird houses for them to paint and embellish. I am grateful for June's willingness to share her talents with our family.

Crochet Hoop Earrings

I turned my old, tarnished hoop earrings into something marvelous.

Using an F crochet hook and teal yarn, I crocheted around the hoop.

 

Here's how I did it:
3 sc, 1 hdc, 1 dc, 1 hdc (repeat 3 times). End with 3 sc.

 

Super easy with a dramatic affect. Next, I think I will use thinner yarn, a smaller hook. Perhaps in white.

Learning to Knit

Did you know that originally knitting was a male-only occupation? When I told David this he responds with :

"Really? Did it involve swords?"

Recently, I have seen many adorable projects that involve knitting. So, I asked my super, young, talented friend (who I visit teach) to show me how. I already knew how to do the knit stitch (from making leprosy bandages), but Brianna taught me the purl stitch. Knowing these two stitches allows you to make lots of different patterns.

My homework was to practice knitting a "ribbing stitch". As you can see from my sample above, I wasn't very consistent with it. I later learned that I was mixing in the "seed stitch".

Did I mention that Kirsten is knitting with me? We are having a blast! Hopefully Brianna and I will be getting together soon to figure out how to use circular needles.

Oh, and I haven't forgotten about my crochet project. I have over half of the granny squares done!

Heart Earings

Kirsten made me these beautiful heart earrings from a bead/jewelry kit she had received as a birthday present. I was impressed that she figured it out on her own. This girl's crafting skills will soon supersede my own!

Crafting at the Ranch

Morning time was spent cleaning up the shrapnel and debris scattered from the firework show as well as taking down all of the decorations.

Then, the girls went to Joann's to purchase yarn to make flowers. It was fun teaching Mary how to crochet. She picked it up quick.

Kirsten modeling one of them.

Irish Art Project

(Kirsten's art project)

"God is found in the smallest of spaces."

Unfinished Business

After Saturday morning chores were complete, I set to work on finishing up a couple of my projects. I sewed the remaining four shopping-tote bags and even made a sorry looking draw-string bag to put all nine of them in. Dave-o loves carrying it around the house while asking me, "Trick-or-treat"? I responded with a no and he asked, "When it gets dark?" He's so cute.

 I was also able to complete this baby afghan for a friend of mine who's newborn was not expected to live. Baby Andrew has beaten the odds and after four weeks of surgeries is still alive. He's not out of the woods yet, but has proven to be a fighter.

In the afternoon, we of course watched the 49er's battle it out with the Saints in the playoffs. In the final 9 seconds of the game, Alex Smith threw to Vernon Davis, who scored the winning touchdown. People are calling this play "The Grab". The final score: 36-32. It was a very emotional game.

Tomorrow is Stake Conference so we get to sleep in a little bit!

We're Forced to be Eco-Friendly

I love Mother Earth just as much as the next person. I've been taught and believe that She has a spirit. Because of this, I do my best in keeping my environment clean ("Leave No Trace Behind"-the Scouts teach). However, I do NOT like to be forced into being environmentally friendly. At the first of this year, a plastic bag ban went into effect in San Jose. Retailers (with the exception of restaurants and nonprofit secondhand stores) will no longer offer plastic bags and are even obligated to charge ten cents per paper bag.

Over the weekend, I bought seven yards of vinyl fabric to make my own bags. I chose this fabric because it is easy to clean and will fold (or wad up) nicely. After all, I will need to bring between eight or ten of them each time I go grocery shopping. Thank you very much city of San Jose (said sarcastically). I wonder who you were in cahoots with? Hmmm...The environmentalists? The grocery stores?