Saturday, September 24, 2016

DIY Reindeer Decoration on the cheap

After having sold the farm & rabbitry due to my health, I was moping around the house, complaining about boredom and my sweet, amazing hubby surprised me with a Cricut Explore Air.  He's so amazing!  I've always been into crafting and art and, after all, doesn't all of that go along with being a homeschooling mama?  Or just a mama in general?  My girls and I love to craft together and go "junkin'" and upcycle things so the Cricut has been right up our alley. 

Can I tell you that I am addicted!  The girls love it too but I am totally Cricut crazy!  Dear husband actually came home from work the first day and asked me if I had monogrammed the kids!  I've been creating like a mad woman and very pleased it's motivated me to get back into my sewing, painting, sign-making, and other hobbies I'd been too busy for before.  The girls and I are sharing some great bonding time and the house is going to look fabulous for every holiday - my husband is concerned I may go overboard!

Of course, one of the first things we've been doing is looking around the house for little gems to upcycle and reuse.  I came across a stack of old pictures and frames from my mother-in-law's home and knew they didn't need to sit in a closet going to waste.  Time to reuse them- even the old, cheap-o plastic ones!  I found this little 5" x 7" plastic frame in the pile and figured I'd give it a try. 

First, to get rid of the ugly, clearly this is a plastic $1 store frame, color.  I had Chuck pick me up some Valspar Chalky Finish spray paint.  I wasn't certain how it would hold up on plastic, but so far, so good.  It's been sitting, getting pushed and banged around by homeschool books and papers and other craft materials (and kids) for about 2 weeks now and not a scratch on it!  

Voila!  Vintage, distressed looking little frame for free!

Next, I dug through my stash of scrapbook papers and card stock.  I knew all of my paper hoarding obsession would come in handy!  I found this page and it just screamed to be used for this little reindeer!  Simple cut with my Fiskars and it's ready.  
Now to Cricut- this is where I get lost in idea land!  I take ENTIRELY too long to find the image or font or image and fonts that I like the most, I insert and delete forever.  It's really not THAT big of a decision... or is it?  It must be important because I lose my attention in the midst of so much crafty yumminess at my fingertips.  I found a couple I loved but I didn't want to use the print and cut feature because... well- I homeschool- I'm perpetually almost out of ink- so cut only today.  I finally settled on this guy. 

The rest is simple- I sized him in Cricut Design Space to about 6.5" x 4.5" and began the process of selecting my colors and cutting him.  I loved this paper I found at Joann's by heidi grace designs so I used it to contrast my deer and complemented my background choice.  Next, just layer the pieces to create him, gluing them one by one and then add his details and glue him to your chosen background.


I'm pretty excited about the bright colors and how they turned out AND that it cost me less than $5 to create.  Even if I had purchased the frame, I'm easily under $10.  The most expensive part is the Chalky paint and I have plenty of that left for more projects.  

My daughter decided after seeing him that we need to create something for all of the holidays and exchange them out so I'm off to look for some Autumn ideas.  She's already found an owl
she wants to use for her bedroom in Christmas papers so she's off to hunt up some frames to paint.  I love when they get into it and paper crafting is some of my favorite...especially using the Cricut!  I'll post the Fall ideas after we finish them!.  

Thanks for stopping by. 









Wednesday, February 17, 2016

Composer of the term-Giuseppe Verdi

Week 1
Week 2
Week 3
Week 4
Week 5
Week 6
Week 7
Week 8- Read biography information and add to your notebook page.
  -listen to Hear the Music
  -View past shows
  -http://www.classicsforkids.com/composers/bio.asp?id=78

Week 9-Read more about Verdi here.
-http://www.biography.com/people/giuseppe-verdi-9517249#final-works

Week 10
-continue adding to your notebook page.
-https://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=giuseppe+verdi+operas&qpvt=giuseppe+verdi+operas&view=detail&mid=DD69B8A062146244CCC3DD69B8A062146244CCC3&FORM=VRDGAR

Week 11-Read this biography and watch the videos. Add any new information to your notebook page.
-  http://kidsmusiccorner.co.uk/composers/classical/verdi/
Week 12-

Crimean War- History Week 21

Day 1- Read SOTW4 Ch2.1
  -Complete outline
  -Complete map work
  - Rd KHE pg 252

Day 2- Read SOTW4 Ch 2.2
  -Complete outline
  -Complete map work
  -Rd KHE pgs 250-251

Day 3- Research more about the Crimean War and Florence Nightingale
  http://study.com/academy/lesson/the-crimean-war-summary-causes-effects.html
  -Watch the video (above)
  -take the quiz
Watch this video explaining how it all led up to WWI.

https://www.khanacademy.org/humanities/history/euro-hist/world-war-I-tutorial/v/alliances-leading-to-world-war-i


Friday, December 11, 2015

Art Practice~ Acrylic Painting

Acrylic Painting~

Week 1: Acrylic Painting for the absolute beginner & read acrylic painting for beginners.

Week 2:  Practice mixing colors, choose your animal and complete this sunset painting. This will take both days because you will need to wait for the sunset to dry before adding the animal.  Draw your own animal.

Week 3:

Week 4: Watch this video then practice some of the techniques she shows you on how to use your brushes and tools to create trees, clouds, and other outdoor items.

Choose one of her painting tutorials and watch them in order, one lesson at a time to complete an acrylic painting.  This will take the remainder of this week and next depending on which you choose.

Week 5: Continue using the lessons in order to complete your painting from last week.  

Week 6:  Use this tutorial to paint a chickadee.

Monday, December 7, 2015

Art & Artist Study- Term 2- John James Audubon

Term 2- New Artist John James Audubon

Week 1:  Read some basic biographical information on John James Audubon, there is also some basic information here along with Free Notebooking pages at the bottom of the post.
Explore the PBS channel's American Masters series on Audubon here. View all of the, "Explore more from this episode tabs on the far right hand side." 
Scroll through some plates from "Birds of America" by John James Audubon.  Select your favorite print to study this week.  Read the information provided about the bird you choose. Take time to study and review it.  Get a feel for his work and style.  Each week give mom your chosen title so we can print a large copy for you to study.
Begin a Notebooking page about Audubon that includes the title of your first print choice.  Use this worksheet as an example if needed.
Add his birthdate to your timeline & find his birthplace on the map.

Free Notebooking pages:
 jimmiescollage.com/downloads/art/Audubon-notebooking-pages.pdf

Week 2: Watch, "American Masters" video about Audubon.
Choose your second print to study this week from, "Birds of America" by John James Audubon.
Read the information provided about the bird you chose.
Continue to add to your notebooking page, add the title of your second print. 
Study your second print.
We will study some birds for our Nature Study this week.  Add at least one carefully sketched bird to your nature journal along with some basic information. 
Some simple help with bird drawing.

Week 3: Choose your third print to study this week from, "Birds of America" by John James Audubon.
Read the information provided about the bird you chose.
Look for some primary source material from the library this week as well as some biographical books about the artist.  His, "Birds of America" can also be seen here.
Continue to add to your notebooking pages and add the title of your chosen print. 
You will be recreating your favorite so study the prints carefully.  Do you like Audubon's style?  Why or why not? 
Include another bird in this week's nature study & journal it.
These ideas may help with your bird sketch/painting.

Week 4: Choose your fourth print to study this week from, "Birds of America" by John James Audubon.
Read the information provided about the bird you chose.
Take some extra Nature study time this week to sit outside and observe and sketch the local birds.
Read about and learn to sketch birds in nature here and here.  Practice makes perfect! 
Continue to read about Audubon and his work with animals and conservation as well as his art. Read about the Audubon Society and learn how they protect and care for our environment.  How do their activities affect conservation? (AHG pg. 239, # 20). Continue to add your titles each week as well as new information to your nature journal page.

Week 5: Choose a print this week of a mammal print of Audubon's.  I found just a few here, here, and here
The artist took a final trip with his son to attempt to draw all of the mammals in North America. Due to his failing health, his sons had to complete the book.  One of his son's complete much of the artwork.  The book, "The Viviparous Quadrupeds of North America" can be seen here.
Choose one animal to read about and sketch this week.
Continue to add your titles each week as well as new information to your nature journal page

Week 6:  Audubon also drew portraits, look at a few portraits he created. His Self Portrait is here. Choose one to study this week. 
Read this short, informational story about Audubon, "How Audubon Came to Know About Birds."
Create a birdhouse or bird feeder (AHG badge requirement) and hang in the yard to help feed the birds during the winter. 
Spend your Nature Study hour watching your feeder and sketch what you observe.  Try to identify the different birds that visit and label them in your journal.

Week 7: Choose your print this week from any of Audubon's works you have not already studied.
Read, "Audubon in the Wild Woods"
During your Nature Study hour, locate a bird, sketch it.  Identify and read about this bird. 

Week 8: Choose a local bird this week from, "Birds of America" to study.
Read the information provided about this bird.
Read, "Hunting a Panther."
Spend your nature study hour this week birdwatching.  Sketch & create a journal page.  Did you see your chosen local bird?

Week 9: Choose a print for this week from the link below, study it, and record it's title with your notebooking pages.
"Birds of America" is the most expensive printed book ever sold.  Read here.  How does this compare to his wealth when he was alive?  Why do you think this is?

Week 10: Review all of the prints you have studied during this term. 
Read and edit your notebooking information.  Use this sheet as an example of the information you should have by now.
Choose your favorite print from this artist and begin to sketch it out on large paper for your term project.

Week 11:  Continue to work on your final Audubon project.  Use scientific information, nature study, and art combined to create your print in his style.  Complete the project by the end of week 12.
Nature Study- Study the birds' movements, colors, and shapes to make your final project come alive.

Week 12:  Finish your Audubon print project this week. 

Friday, November 6, 2015

Briana - Week 3

Monday
History
- Add Thomas Jefferson to timeline
-Read SOTW3 Ch 25.1, complete discussion questions worksheet & turn in to mom
-KHE pg 318

Bible Study
-BG Journal pg 32, #1

Tuesday
Bible Study
-BG Journal pg 32, #2

History
-Read, "Marie Antoinette" pp 21-41

Science
-Correct Tests

Wednesday
Bible Study
-BG Read Ch 7

History
- Read SOTW3 Ch 25.2
-Narration Worksheet
- Read, "Guide to France" & complete Map
-Read, "Marie Antoinette" pp 42-62

Science
-Read pp 59-64
-Exp 3.1- write up lab report in NB pp 278-279
-NBK pp 61-64
- Read pp 64-66 in textbook
-Exp 3.2 & write up lab report in NB pp 280-281

English
- Final copy of your newspaper article (using edits from B)

Thursday
Bible Study
-BG pp 34-35 Discussion Questions

History
-KHE p 319, add important dates to your timeline
-Read, "Marie Antionette" pp 63-84

Science
-Read pp 64-66 in textbook
-NB pp 64-65
-Exp 3.3 & 3.4 & write up lab report NB pp 282-285

English
-AHG journal entry

Music
- Chopin- Week 2 (book not top section) Read Ch 1 & 2 & listen to CD where it directs you to.

Spanish
-1.4 Speaking, 1.3 Speaking, Workbook 1.4.3

Friday
Bible Study
-BG pg 35, BA&A #1

Math
-Review homework with B
-Lsn 33 with Mom & B
-Review Quiz with Mom
-Speed Test 13
-Correct Test (1/2 credit back on anything corrected properly)

History
Read, "Look It Up Book of Presidents" pp 17-19 & add to timeline
Read, "Marie Antoinette" pp 84-104
-Create a NB (biography) page on Marie A.

Science
Read pp 70-74
NBk pp 66-68

English
AHG Journal entry
-AHG pg 265, #11- Make a book mark or flyer for Hollis
-Read, "Tuck Everlasting" Ch 7-8
-Go over discussion questions with Mom & B

Spanish
-1.4 Review, Workbook 1.4.4

Music
-Finish reading Ch 1-2 & listening to CD tracks as written in book

Art Study
- Study Week 7 Painting
- Catch up Reading on Usb Intro to Art - you should be on pg 13

Art- Drawing
Be sure you are caught up through Week 3

Rabbits
-finish trays
-groom & meds for show

PE
-Work on mile

Alyssa- Finish Week 9

Monday
History
- Add Thomas Jefferson to timeline
-Read SOTW3 Ch 25.1, complete discussion questions worksheet & turn in to mom
-KHE pg 318

English
-Recite poem to Mom

Bible Study
-BG Journal pg 32, #1

Tuesday
Bible Study
-BG Journal pg 32, #2

History
-Read, "Marie Antoinette" pp 21-41

Science
-Correct Tests

Spanish
-1.1 Speaking, 1.2 Review, Worksheet 1.2.4

Wednesday
Bible Study
-BG Read Ch 7

History
- Read SOTW3 Ch 25.2
-Narration Worksheet
- Read, "Guide to France" & complete Map
-Read, "Marie Antoinette" pp 42-62

Science
-Read pp 59-64
-Exp 3.1- write up lab report in NB pp 278-279
-NBK pp 61-64
- Read pp 64-66 in textbook
-Exp 3.2 & write up lab report in NB pp 280-281

English
-AHG Journal entry
-Read, "Tuck Everlasting" Ch 4-6
- Final copy of your newspaper article (using edits from B)

Spanish
1.2 Quiz

Thursday
Bible Study
-BG pp 34-35 Discussion Questions

History
-KHE p 319, add important dates to your timeline
-Read, "Marie Antionette" pp 63-84

Science
-Read pp 64-66 in textbook
-NB pp 64-65
-Exp 3.3 & 3.4 & write up lab report NB pp 282-285

English
-AHG journal entry

Music
- Chopin- Week 2 (book not top section) Read Ch 1 & 2 & listen to CD where it directs you to.

Friday
Bible Study
-BG pg 35, BA&A #1

Math
-Review homework with B
-Lsn 33 with Mom & B
-Review Quiz with Mom
-Speed Test 13
-Correct Test (1/2 credit back on anything corrected properly)

History
Read, "Look It Up Book of Presidents" pp 17-19 & add to timeline
Read, "Marie Antoinette" pp 84-104
-Create a NB (biography) page on Marie A.

Science
Read pp 70-74
NBk pp 66-68

English
AHG Journal entry
-AHG pg 265, #11- Make a book mark or flyer for Hollis
-Read, "Tuck Everlasting" Ch 7-8
-Go over discussion questions with Mom & B

Spanish
-Worksheet 1.3.1

Music
-Finish reading Ch 1-2 & listening to CD tracks as written in book

Art Study
- Study Week 7 Painting
- Catch up Reading on Usb Intro to Art - you should be on pg 13

Art- Drawing
Be sure you are caught up through Week 3

Rabbits
-finish trays
-groom & meds for show