Today was the annual Arts in Careers Day for the third, fourth, & fifth grades at my kids' elementary school. They go to an arts-integrated school (art incorporated into every subject), & this is one of the little touches that I just love about our community. It's the second year that I've participated, & while I do love going in & running a couple of workshops for the older kids, I confess that it also makes me sort of grit my teeth in preparation for next year when I will be living with my very own third grader.
However, even the surliest group of nine year olds cannot resist an opportunity to get their hands on heavy machinery, so my snap press is a huge hit. Last year I also brought along my respirator, which was also very popular until I had to confiscate it due to too many Darth Vader hijinks.
Since I can't actually bring glitter, a screenprinting setup, or resin into the classroom, I sewed up a batch of felt wristbands, made some glitter snaps, & then showed the kids how to put everything together with the snap press. It works well because even the anti-glitteriest boys cannot resist the press.
I also brought in a selection of work for them to check out. One group asked me very detailed questions about resin, the other was very curious about how much money I make when I sell things. They were impressed with some of the prices until I explained retail & wholesale & then made them do math in their heads.
Possibly as revenge for that, they asked me if I use math in my art. While it turns out that I do use math all the time, I am using it particularly much right now because I have finally started working on the quilt I'm donating to the auction this year.
I had just recently finished a series of annoying calculations in order to: reach my desired length; accomodate the different angled edges of the pieced strips; and allow for trimming the blue strips to different widths as I went along.* They may have heard slightly more about this than strictly necessary, but I was excited to be an example of art/math integration in action. (Possibly the only time I have been excited about math, ever.)
I don't really think this justifies having to take high school calculus, but I do sort of feel like I should write my third grade teacher a thank you note.
*Answer: 2 inches.
can you remind me where to buy snaps for that snap press? I own that one, too, but haven't used it for, oh golly, 10 years or so, and for the life of me can't recall where I used to get snaps through. I sure would like to use it again. Contact me at peakmoreacademy AT gmail DOT com. Please. I sure would appreciate it! Thank you-- have a great weekend!
Posted by: Angi | March 05, 2009 at 04:33 AM
you can't bring glitter into an art school? what? is it made from peanuts?
Posted by: Elle | March 05, 2009 at 05:28 AM
I wondered about the not being able to bring in glitter too....
Posted by: Jaclyn Bailey | March 05, 2009 at 07:45 AM
That sounds like way too much fun!
Posted by: Ashley Ann | March 05, 2009 at 08:12 AM
i love that quilt-in-progress!!
Posted by: linda | March 05, 2009 at 09:53 AM
It's a sign! I've been wanting to get a snap press for some time now. Even mentioned it on my blog. Now here I am - this has GOT to be a sign. I really want to play with one too! ;)
Posted by: Sharon | March 07, 2009 at 06:20 PM
Sounds like a great experience (even with all it's pre-teen angst). Quilt looks wonderful so far - yea for math!
Posted by: Kirsten | March 09, 2009 at 11:51 AM
Hi there -- exciting stuff here! I just discovered you (through Jane Brocket's blog, I think?)...
I have taught crafts to elementary school kids for years now, and you are so right about the machinery... once I introduce the sewing machine, kids do NOT want to hand sew anymore!!
And, I sneak in the math, too -- although I eyeball everything that I possibly can, it is impossible to quilt without some measuring and dividing and adding -- I think it's great for young students to witness this so that they see that math IS useful outside of the classroom.
I love the quilt in progress, too!
And trust me, you are GLAD you didn't bring the glitter!
Posted by: Account Deleted | March 10, 2009 at 07:52 AM
I'm new to quilting and I'm loving the math part. I think this qualifies as "exercising the brain" to stay sharp as we age. Keep posting about the quilt...I want to watch your progress. It inspires!
Posted by: Joan V. | March 11, 2009 at 07:44 AM
Just found your site for the first time. Your glitter rings, necklaces and hair clips are great! I hope you are able to get some on etsy or on your web site soon.
Posted by: Laurie | March 11, 2009 at 04:15 PM
Had to come back and look at the quilt. I'm working on one with similar colors and struggling with how to move on.
Think I just have to put it away for awhile.
Posted by: katie pedersen | March 21, 2009 at 04:45 AM
I am reseraching snap presses. Can you advise? Where did you get yours?
Posted by: jess | June 06, 2009 at 07:25 PM
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That sounds like way too much fun!
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Last year I also brought along my respirator, which was also very popular until I had to confiscate it due to too many Darth Vader hijinks.
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Contact me at peakmoreacademy AT gmail DOT com. Please. I sure would appreciate it! Thank you-- have a great weekend!
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