Sunday, June 29, 2014

What the Art Teacher Wore #104 and Let's Book Club, Ya'll!

I'm-a-Total-Fake Monday: Ya'll, don't let this photo fool you. I didn't wear this on Monday as I was in my pajamas feverishly stitching up my Frida Frock. I just so happened to have worn this a coupla weeks ago and never shared it with ya'll. Cuz I just don't think we're at that point in our relationship for you to see me in my Walmart-wear (aka, my jammie-jams). dress: vintage; belts and sandals: Anthropologie
 Hey, friends! Thank you for all the love on the Rambo Meets Frida Frock. It was a whole lotta fun to make even if it did challenge my weak sewing abilities. When that bad boy was complete, I spent the rest of my week catching up with my roomies from the NAEA convention in San Diego, playing tourist-in-my-own-town with my art teacher buds and teaching a Felted Pet Portrait class at The Skillery! It was another packed summer week and, although I'm pretty pooped, I wouldn't have it any other way.

Speaking of packed, let's just throw one more thing into the mix, shall we? A while back, many of ya'll joined the Artsy Book Club. If ya'll aren't familiar, I suggested some titles, took a poll and we settled on the artsy read One Drawing a Day. I really enjoyed the book (and I know many of ya'll did as well based on all the drawings you posted on the Facebook page) but in the end, I just couldn't keep up. Instead of simply sketching the "assignments", I would spend an hour plus each evening. I enjoyed it a whole heck of a lot and was beyond inspired by what ya'll shared...but in the end, I just couldn't give up that much of my sewing/crafting/felting/watching-survival-shows-with-the-hubs time. So, sadly, I let the whole thing go. And I feel pretty bad about that because we had such a fun little family of support and creativity going on! So, if ya'll are in, I propose we give it another go!

I've slapped together some books that I'd love to read from all walks of literary life: a coupla how-to's, an inspirational teaching book, an uber-famous art book and one from Disney. I've created a poll (look right, ya'll) so if you're interested, you can cast your vote for the one that piques your interest. I'll keep voting open for a coupla days and I'll announce our book club winner later this week. 

Until then, check out these titles and have a super fab week, kids!
The Imagineering Workout by Disney Imagineers, 2005 Here's a summary from amazon: You've been told how to think "out of the box," and even been told to throw the box away, but really, isn't it time someone taught you how to create your own box in the first place? The Imagineering Workout: Exercises to Shape your Creative Muscles, will do just that, with interactive, ingenious, and practical exercises that will stimulate your imagination, tone your creative muscles, strengthen ideas, and, most importantly, inspire new approaches. The Imagineering Workout is for anyone who wants to learn new ways to problem-solve challenges, whether they're creative, logic-oriented, everyday, or event-inspired. The ingredients Imagineers use are simple and contain a large measurement of fun, which contributes to shapelier thinking and stronger solutions.
No Excuses Tuesday: Errand-running demanded I actually look human and leave the house.  I was all, "whuh? what's with all the sunlight and people?!". After having spent all Monday at home, I felt a lil vampire-esque finally leaving the house. I'm a homebody so I was glad when the running-around was over and I could return to my sewing lair. dress: vintage; sweater: thrifted; shoes: Anthro; bow and belt: dunno
Printmaking Unleashed, Traci Bautista, 2014 Not gonna lie, this one totally has me interested. Here's the down low: Unleash your inner artist and join Traci Bautista as she shares inventive ideas for making marks with handmade tools, nontraditional materials and simple DIY printmaking techniques. Pulsing with exploration and whimsy, Printmaking Unleashed features 60+ step-by-step demonstrations and countless possibilities for creating original prints, fabrics, art journal pages, mixed-media collage, and so much more.
Wednesday Wannabe: I'm such a sewing wannabe. Did ya'll check out those other sewing blogs in the Frida post? I wish those chics were my neighbors, as I'd be at their house getting help all the time! 
Paint Mojo, Tracy Verdugo, 2014 Deets: Break free of your comfort zone, sharpen your senses to perceive the world around you and find happiness in play. On this painterly journey, Tracy Verdugo leads you from self-doubt to self-appreciation by helping you find your voice through a myriad of vibrantly-hued mark making, painting and self-reflection techniques. There are no mistakes here, only opportunities to learn and grow.
"I LIKE YOUR DRESS!" Thursday: I was on my way to meet up with some buddies when my wee your-a##-is-outta-gas light popped on. As I was filling up my tank, the gas station attendant lady got on the intercom and shouted, "I like your dress!". Being embarrassingly flattered as I was, all I was able to do was shout back a weak, "thanks!" and a wave. It truly made my day. dress: vintage; shoes: old, Target; belt: Pin Up Girl Clothing
Teach like a Pirate, Dave Burgess, 2012 I actually have started this book but since hubs has hijacked my kindle, I've yet to finish. It's a great read, super inspiring. Here's what amazon says: Based on Dave Burgess's popular "Outrageous Teaching" and "Teach Like a PIRATE" seminars, this book offers inspiration, practical techniques, and innovative ideas that will help you to increase student engagement, boost your creativity, and transform your life as an educator. You'll learn how to: • Tap into and dramatically increase your passion as a teacher • Develop outrageously engaging lessons that draw students in like a magnet • Establish rapport and a sense of camaraderie in your classroom • Transform your class into a life-changing experience for your students.
Nashville Tourist Friday: I don't "do" N'ville enough. It's so much fun with friends. In case you find yourself in my neck of the woods (gimme a shout, ya'll!), here's what we did that was totes 'tactical: Eighth and Roast (you could cut the hipster air with a chainsaw but the service was super and the coffee, dreamy); The Fabric Studio (gah, the most gorgeous prints ever and the owner was super sweet); The Haus of Yarn (offers an amazing selection of yarn and a decent amount of wool roving); The Hip Zipper (vintage clothing on a budget); Fannie's House of Music (don't let the name fool you, the have a good selection of vintage clothing too!); I Dream of Weenie was our lunch spot and they offered veggie dogs! Don't make that face, they were delish!; Jeni's Splendid Ice Cream...so amazing, gah; Tatyana's Vintage-Inspired Clothing (my buddies and I have been dying to go there...and, while the clothing was amazing, the customer service was unbearably rude. We left empty-handed, sigh.) Can you believe we did all that in one day?! When it comes to shopping and eating, we totally got this. dress: vintage
The Art Spirit, Robert Henri I talked about Henri and this book here.  I've never read it but it's like a staple in the art book world. Details: The Art Spirit represents the best of the collected words, teachings, and letters of inspired artist and teacher Robert Henri. Filled with valuable technical advice as well as wisdom about the place of art and the artist in American society, this classic work continues t be a must-read for all aspiring artists and lovers of art. --Publisher's description.










21 comments:

  1. I vote for the Printmaking Unleashed book because I already preordered it and it's being shipped to me now!

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    1. Haha! Well, I wanna read it regardless so I'll read it with ya!

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  2. The Imagineering Workout by Disney Imagineers! Disney just knows how to do it and they do it right! Cheers to my vote! ;)

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  3. I posted this once… well ok I tried… so now let me type it all over again… if I can remember what I said…. Uh…. Ummm… ggrrrr… oh yes, I am game for any of the books except that last one… not gonna lie, it sounds like it could be a dozer… the other ones sound more engaging… just sayin! Here is one you may want to check out as well, I got it from another art teacher blog… no Cassie, I am not cheating on your blog!!! �� The Learner-Directed Classroom -Developing Creative Thinking Skills Through Art. My Principal got it for me at my request. I have not read it yet, but we are headed to the U.P. tomorrow and I think the 8 hour drive may just be enough to "Get er Done".
    Let me know which one is the winner so I can get started on it… thanks Cassie

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    1. Haha, you are so funny! "Cheating on me", you better not be, girl! I really hope we can connect sometime in the future, maybe NAEA this year, it's in New Orleans! You should totes go! Anyway, I'll have to check out that book you mentioned...lemme know how it goes on that car ride! I'll need a book report when you return ;)

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  4. I can't believe I'll type these words, but the Disney book actually sounds interesting. But really, I'll tag along regardless.

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    1. I know, doesn't it?! I wanna read it! Glad you're joining the fun!

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  5. Anonymous6/29/2014

    Hi, my name is Samantha, I've been following your blog for a little while and have wanted to join in on the book club so I'd like to weigh in on the next read. My vote is for The Art Spirit. Mostly because my fiance's granny gave it to me last year and I have yet to read it. The printmaking book sounds incredible also though. So those are my first and second choices.

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    1. Hi Samantha! Thanks for reading...and commenting! I'll let you know what book we decide upon. Thanks for joining in!

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  6. The printmaking book looks great!

    I have had over a thirty year love affair with the work of Robert Henri and the cover of the Art Spirit looks like my son at that age.

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    1. I know, I really wanna get my kitten mittens on that printmaking book! And I've meant to read that Henri book since college...I'm glad you guys are voting, I can't make up my mind!

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  7. I've been following your blog for a little while now (and super enjoying it!) Anyway, I would like to join the club and I'd like to eventually read them all, but I vote for the Disney one cuz I'm a sucker for Disney.

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    1. Thanks for reading and commenting :) I'll be sure to keep you posted on which book we read. I'm also a sucker for all things Disney!

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  8. That's funny, I stopped halfway through a Drawing a Day and have been meaning to pick it up and finish...summer has been busy with trips, homeschool evaluations, summer camp and gardening! I would love to join in with a new book. The Disney one looks interesting, but I love printmaking too!

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    1. They all sound good, don't they?! Yeah, I couldn't deal with the One Drawing a Day...sometimes the topics just couldn't be done..."draw outside" when it was the dead of winter..."visit a botanical garden" when, well, I didn't wanna! Hopefully I'll have better stick-with-it-ness this time :)

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  9. I like "paint mojo" but I'm cool with whatever the group decides.

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    1. Awesome, thanks for joinin the fun! I'll keep ya posted!

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  10. Teach like a pirate or paint mojo. Thanks so much for organizing Cassie - I really enjoyed drawing along with our first book club selection.

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    1. It was fun, I always LOVED seeing your work! Thanks for joining this next go-round :)

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  11. I'm in and ordering my books as we speak! Loved watching you get yours! You are a regular riot! We would totally get along IRL!!! I've been teaching 16+ years too and need some new ideas to jazz up the printmaking scene in my room! Thanks!

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Thank you so much for your comments. I appreciate each and every one :)

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