Art bangles: A class project for Primary Students

Now it may just be me..

but in my experience,

 the male gender aren't crash hot

 when it comes to buying presents for others.

This week I have been talking

 with quite a few mums

 about what goes on in their home for Mother's day.

Overwhelmingly, this is what happens:

It seems we mums buy our own presents,

subtly side passing them to our partners 

who in turn pass them on to the kids.

This has its benefits-we get what we want!

I know, because I'm getting a funky pair of knee high boots  (Oh! what a surprise!)

But really we mums have don't care about the present,

 it is the thought that counts.

 We are SO cliche sometimes!

Now I teach in a boys' college and I feel I am obliged to TRY and educate the young ones to think about others, especially their mums who do so much for them.

I admit,

 I also wanted to teach them about up-cycling,

artworks from a variety or historical and cultural contexts,

moulding materials and presentation.

So, we embarked on 62 bangles!

This how we did it...

•   We began by soaking extra large paddle pop sticks in water for 24 hours.
• Then carefully, we bent the pop sticks into a curve and put them in a small glass to dry for 24 hours. Some broke or splintered, but we had extras.

• Next, the boys looked through old Art books and journals that were destined for the recycle bin. As they looked at the artworks spontaneous conversations, questions and analysis evolved. They chose an artwork that would become the feature of the gift tag and bangle.

• A flat paddle pop stick was used as a template. Placing it onto the chosen artwork, they traced around the shape, cut out the art image and Mod Podged it onto the bangle. They sealed the outside of the bangle with Mod Podge also. 

• To make the gift tag the boys used a circle punch to select a matching image. This was then glued on blue industrial offcuts. 
• They punched white paper for the reverse side, glued it and wrote a sweet message for their mum.
• Then the boys punched a small hole and inserted the string. 

•  Finally the boys wrapped the bangle, inserting the information note below.

I know the boys' mothers will appreciate the care their sons have taken in creating this gift for them and the boys were very proud of what they achieved.

Incidentally, this activity also gave the boys practice with their fine motor skills such as cutting, tracing and accuracy. Never underestimate how many primary students struggle with these simple tasks!

Anyhoot- Happy Mothers Day!

Post Note: my children made me some gorgeous Mother's  Day cards, as did my wonderful husband AND my knee high boots are a perfect fit...who would have thunk it ;)

Also, the original pop bangle idea is not mine it came from the creative  Tara at Craft Affection.

Sharing this Elle and Lou post here:
http://www.kadie-sevenalive.blogspot.com.au/
http://www.iheartnaptime.net/
http://cheapcraftymama.com/pin-it-and-win-it-7/#comment-1199
http://www.releasemecreate.blogspot.com.au/
http://www.happygoluckyblog.com/
http://romantichome.blogspot.com.au/
http://chiconashoestringdecorating.blogspot.com.au/
http://www.craftionary.net/

Ethikl and me: Ethical Consumer Marketplace

Ethikl + Elle and Lou 

 A couple of weeks ago

I let out a big sigh....

and then a "wow!"

I had stumbled upon Ethikl.

Stumbled, head first with a big eco-smile on my face.

Finally something for consumer conscious people!

It is fairly new, so to fill you in-

Ethikl is a fair trade,

 environmentally focussed,

 online marketplace.

It is based in Cabarita QLD, but is truly international!

I am really excited about this concept.

It is a relief to find like minded artisans and and naturally I wanted to be part of it.

Look at these fabulous vintage style bikinis from 

Miss Fancypants

 Lally's upcycled typewriter bracelet

really push my vintage lovin' buttons (ka-ching)

Earthfully is a truly original store.

I mean you can't get an Aboriginal Family at Kmart or Target

(although you should be able to)

and I love their baby charms- cutie pa-tootie!

So, inspired by stores such as these

 I opened an Elle and Lou store

and last weekend I had my first sale.

That IS exciting no?

Something as good as this is hard to keep to yourself,

so check it out and spread the word.

It can only be good for the planet and that means us!

Sharing this post here:

Elections and rummage sales

Sat night night was our big state election. 

Now while I am a little non-plussed
 about the result,
 I am grateful!

How lucky am I to be in a country
 where (as a woman)  I have a vote?

I did not have to travel for days to get to the polling booth,

 and my life was not put in danger.

I am grateful that my government did not rig the election
 as is evidenced by it being well
 and truly thrown out of office.

So while I am concerned at the environmental integrity of the newly elected party

(and I hope with all my heart they look after our wild rivers)
I am grateful to live in a democratic system!


There is another wonderful thing about democratic elections....

Where there is a polling booth there is often a super fantabulous rummage sale!!! 

We stumbled upon a beauty at the local church up the road.

Plastic jewellery isn't for everyone,
 but I've never been that enamoured by diamonds.
 I'm in retro love my new plastic orange bangles

These glossy red numbers will cheer up many an outfit!

But thats not all! No sir-ee!

We came home with 4 bags of cheap old, books
and this is my favourite....

The SUPER DICTIONARY!

for 50 cents!
Thats a lot to be grateful for!

Sharing this Elle and Lou ramble here:
http://debbie-debbiedoos.com/2012/03/vintage-rooster-newbie-party-started.html

The Jetsons: Retro inspired button earrings

Judy Jetson clearly loves these astronomical inspired earrings- they are out of this world!

I simply up-cycled a pair of broken earrings, selected some stray buttons and threaded them through the jewellery string. A blob of glue at the ends stops them unravelling.