Middle Eastern Inspired Art

I had the opportunity to teach middle school students this spring a handful of middle eastern inspired art projects.  After they learned about radial design, I taught them how to make mandalas.  They were asked to trust their creativity and just create.  All of the students were successful and most were surprised at what wonderful mandalas they created.

Once they completed their mandalas, the students glued them onto a recycled notebook that they each made.

    The second project the students completed was an Islamic inspired name tile. 

Finally, the students used old CD's to create mandala spinning tops.

Art Pillows

I had the students in my class at the Columbia Art Center make pillows from fabric they decorated themselves.

Using toilet paper tubes, the students decorated t-shirt fabric with acrylic paint.

They also used Sharpies to decorate fabric with a ZenTangle design.

Finally, they used fabric markers to fill in printed designs on IKEA fabric.

The finished projects!

Lampshade Makeover

I have been having fun adding a little pop of color and pattern to my rooms by making-over the lamps.  I am using some of my favorite fabrics and with a little spray paint, the lamp stands have endless possibilities.

Fixing up the House

  The house we bought about a year ago was a bit dated, so we have been slowly, but surely making some updates.  I have been painting (spray painting mostly),  trying to make improvements with as little cost as possible.  I love thrift shopping so many of my improvements have included thrift store purchases too.  Many of the ideas for my improvements came from Pinterest!

Dining Room Hanging Light

First, we repainted the light fixture above the dining room table.  It used to be gold with an ugly chain hanging down.  A little spray paint a fabric cover for the chain helped with the update.

Bathroom update

The biggest challenge in our house is the cedar paneling EVERYWHERE!  Unfortunately, that will have to wait for another day.  Instead I focused on the bathroom cabinets.  A little paint and new hardware can make such a difference.

Before

After

dark grey cabinets

 Exterior Door Makeover

Here is a before picture to show the color scheme of the original door color.  Although my after picture does not show the same door, it does show the new colors we used.  

Before

green accent color on the door and brass light fixture

After

ladybug red door

black light fixture

Many more projects are in the works.  Stay tuned for more updates as the summer progresses.

A Chair Affair

I was asked to enter a chair for A Chair Affair, a fundraiser at Westside Elementary to support the Arts in Education program.  I searched the Gorge for a chair that I could make-over for the event and here is what I came up with.  A Duct Tape Chair!!!

The chair is finished!

before

almost done

done

Confluence Project

At the end of last school year, I taught a 4 week after school project in Cascade Locks and Parkdale as part of a grant from the Confluence Project.  The students learned about Celilo Falls which used to be be located on the Columbia River and is now underwater after the Bonneville Dam was constructed in the 1960's.  The students learned about the importance of fishing to people living in the area and how the flooding of Celilo Falls changed the lives of many people who had fishing as a huge part of their lives.  My students used recycled sweaters to make fish.   

An example of the art projects that were made by area children are currently on display at the Columbia Art Center in an exhibit called Gifts From our Ancestors.

November Challenge- Used Volleyballs

I had a friend ask if I would like old volleyballs that could no longer be used by her high school volleyball team.  Of course I said yes to the challenge of using them for the November Repurposing Challenge.

Volleyball planter

Volleyball wallet front

Volleyball wallet back

Volleyball snowman ornament

 My favorite volleyball project was made by my husband.  A volleyball hat... with mullet and sideburns.

Volleyball hat, front

V

Volleyball hat, side (notice the sideburns and mullet)