Tuesday, December 30, 2014

DIY: 14 Faves of 2014

Well, Happy New Year's Eve-eve to all y'all! One of my fave things to do during this time o' year is to look back on the past and reflect on some of my happiest memories. I've been doing this the past coupla years and I really enjoy it (you can visit 2012 and 2013 here if you so desire). I hope you don't find it nearly as torturous as those Facebook "This is my life in a coupla rando posts and pics that some pimply teen working at FB picked for me. Thanks for being apart of it." thingies that keep clogging up your newsfeed. If so, my sincerest-ish apologies. 

For humoring my self-indulgent reflectin', I've got a giveaway for y'all! One of my fave things about 2014 was that I started the Artsy Book Club. We started out with a BANG! reading One Drawing a Day and really having fun with it. The prob? Drawing each and every day is taxing, y'all. However, I did love the bond we created. My next book club read was a double header (Teach Like a Pirate and Printmaking Unleashed) which I think was a big ole mistake. I was overwhelmed trying to read them both. So this time around, I'm throwing a book out there that I've been meaning to read for ages and I think we'll all benefit from and Ima gonna give one of you a copy! So, what's the book, you ask?
A true classic, amirite? AND one that I've never read. Here's how you can enter to win:

1. Leave me a message in the comments about what was your fave memory from 2014. 

2. Don't forget to include your email address! I'll let you know by Sunday, January 4th.

We'll begin officially book clubbing on Monday, January 12th. There are a million inexpensive copies of the book in the used section on Amazon (that'd be where this giveaway copy came from!). I do hope you'll join the Artsy Book Readin fun!

And now, on to 14 Faves of 2014 (in no particular order)...
1. My Artist-Inspired Dresses. The craziness continues. I started this artist/artwork-themed dress thing last year after creating The Great Wave dress. My most recent one was this Lichtenstein number (I've got a couple on my sewing room table right now just waiting to be created). 
This Starry Night Dress was actually started at this time last year over winter break. The light up part is my ab fave. 
Woof, this entirely needle felted The Scream dress had me seriously questioning my life's choices. It took me foreverness. I don't wanna even know how many hours were poured into that dress (although I do know that about 3 seasons of Project Runway were watched whilst needling away). I took a lil hiatus from needle felting after that number. 
But once I learned that there was a Kandinsky exhibit coming to The Frist Center for Visual Arts, I was back at the felting biz-natch. You can see the dress on the left and the one on the right by clickin' the linky-loo, Cindy-Lou Who

 2. Feature in Nashville Arts Magazine. From the interview to the photo session to seeing it all in print, that was easily one of the coolest things of 2014 for me. You can view the entire interview here incase your eyes cannot read flea-sized font. 
 And you can read all about that photo session and interview here
 3. The Artsy Sew Along. Originally just called the Apron Sew Along until we finished the aprons and people kept joining the fun (I love Denise's Frida/El Dia de los Muertos apron, don't you?)! I've got a new sew along project in store for us so if you join here, you'll be able to stay informed. If you are still wanting to get your apron stitching on, go here. There's all the links to the videos and tutorials you'd ever want (well, not really. But it's a start). 
 3. Going to NAEA in San Diego. Twas an absolute blast! It was basically Art Teachers Gone Wild which is always the best kind of party. I'm most def going this March (and leading two sessions, whuuuh?! Y'all best come and hold my hand, ermkay?). I loved meeting some of my fave bloggers and awesome art teachers. From left to right, that's Phyl, Patty, Rina and the lovely Donna. If you click on their names, you will be blown away by their awesomeness. 
And of course, Nic Hahn of Mini-Matisse! Like, seriously the nicest gal everrr.
4. Leading my first professional development at Cheekwood Botanical Gardens. Y'all. I was so super nervous to be leading that workshop! I mean, I'll teach kiddos all day long but other art teachers?! Who am I to tell 'em what to do? My nerves were set at ease by that awesome group of art educators and it was such a fun experience that I can't wait to do it again. 
5. Speaking at Bowling Green State University. That was another spooky/thrilling experience that I absolutely loved! Although, I gotta tell ya, my fave part was meeting Laura Dean of Painted Paper. Her blog is insanely creative and always an inspiration. 
 6. Gallery of Gratitude. As art teachers, we hang artwork in the hall all the time to boost the kid's self esteem and to show off their hard work. However, it's not often that we create art work to booster the esteem of others and congratulate them on their hard work. But that's just what our Gallery of Gratitude did. And the impact it had on my coworkers was very touching. This was easily one of my fave art projects of 2014. 
7. 4th Grade Legacy Mural. This project was one that came to me two weeks before winter break. The idea: have my 4th grade kids create a legacy for the school and present it as a Christmas gift before winter break. Getting this completed caused multiple panic attacks but with the help of my buddies the custodians, the bookkeeper, my librarian buds and all my fab fourth graders, it was finished and revealed to our principals. 
 8. String Art Project. This project was both a student and blog reader favorite. If you've not given this a go, I really recommend you do. Each and every kid loved it and was successful. And now my 3rd graders are begging to create one as well. I've got an alternative in mind for them that I can't wait to start after break. 
9. Circle Loom Weaving with 2nd Grade. This one was another blog reader/kid fave. Do y'all weave in your art rooms? It's one of my favorite things. In fact, I'm declaring January Weaving Month by hosting a weaving lesson each week on this here blog. I'm also presenting all-things-weave-y at the AOE conference at the end of January! I'm so looking forward to that. Are y'all going? 

10. 2nd Place Art Education Blog of the Year. Speaking of the Art of Education, this was a super nice surprise this year (I know it says 2013 but it actually went down in 2014)! I was thrilled just to be nominated. Shoot, I'm just glad that there's five of you out there that read my ridiculousness! 
11. Tennessee Elementary Art Educator of the Year. Well, that was a super nice surprise! Especially the part where I'm surrounded by some outstanding art educating action like these lovely ladies. Guess who didn't get the "Professional Attire Required" memo (as if I have any clothing that falls into that category!). 
12. Hiking Mount Baldy. Like, wow, y'all. That was a tough hike the hubs and I did this summer. But outta all the hiking we've done, this one was one of my faves. The views were amazing. 
Like, right? Once we caught our breath the view was even more breath taking. 
13. Halloween Horror Nights at Hollywood's Universal Studios. The hubs and I have been going to HHN for years. It's like our fave thing in the world. Seriously, the hubs loves it so much, he starts planning our trip in May. I was able to get this frightening clip filmed while standing at the front of the entrance to the park. Just watching it still makes my hands sweat. And to think we pay money to get chased my these maniacs! 
14. A Ladies Trip to Charleston. Me, my moms and my moms-in-law traveled to Charleston this summer and completely did the town. I'd never been before and the whole place was such a fun and unique experience. Fave part: the dolphin sightings right after these photos were taken. So fun! 
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39 comments:

  1. For REAL!! I made your to 10... umm I mean 14?! That is really cool. You make mine but that's just because I was totally star struck! You are growing celeb. Thanks so much for the shout out and Yes... We will meet again in New Orleans! I CAN'T WAIT!!

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  2. I am so ready for the next book club. I'll be checking on Amazon for one of those copies if I'm not lucky enough to win your drawing. Fav event of 2014....well that is a hard one. There were some great events and recognitions on a minor scale but personally, it's been a tough year and I'm ready for a fresh start with 2015. But, if I need a great event I guess I'd have to say the jubilation I felt when I learned I was not being assigned to a new school in JUNE instead of having to dread the assignment letter all summer. It usually arrives August 1.

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  3. Signing up for NAEA 2015 in New Orleans! It's my first time going and my hubs bestie lives there so he's super pumped to go too!

    Claireelb@gmail.com

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  4. My favorite thing that happened in 2014 was being able to attend my first Art of Ed online mini conference over the summer. It was FANTASTIC! In fact, I need to dig my notes and stuff out again...I hope I can do another.
    teachartnerd @ gmail.com. ☺

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  5. Anonymous12/30/2014

    This year I got the art teaching job I had been working towards! Now I can do all the crazy, silly, colorful and artistic things I love and say it's for my JOB! Ha ha ha!
    Crfarmvt@yahoo.com

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  6. My fave thing in2014? Sheesh. Just one? Maybe meeting my cyber-heroes - you, Patty, Amy, Rina, Donna,... Or else maybe it was the Crizmac trip to the International Folk Art Market in Santa Fe? Or maybe it was my very first eagle sighting while kayaking? Or my attempts to get an injured loon rescued? You've inspired me - maybe I'll do my own best of 2014 blog post tomorrow. Then this will all be redundant. Plbrown3 at yahoo dot com.

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  7. It's so great seeing a chunk of your outfits together in one post - you're so talented! I'm not an educator, but I always find your posts a joy to read. Your kids are so lucky!

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    1. Thank you, Nicole!! I love your blog, thank you so much for popping by mine :)

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  8. I think my favorite thing from 2014 was getting so much more involved professionally. The Art Teacher group, Artsy book club, apron sew along, the art of ed ambassador, and my state art ed board. I'm so inspired to be the best teacher I can be!
    I can't wait for the next book selection!
    Leah
    Leeack080969@gmail.com

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  9. Anonymous12/30/2014

    one of the many favorite things of 2014 was when a shy student told me my kids were lucky to have me for a mom because I'm such a fun art teacher. :-) SWEEEET!

    westensmomma@gmail.com

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  10. Getting back in a classroom after a three year hiatus. I have been out since 2011, working on my MFA full time. Being back in the classroom was like coming home. Kellycreatesart at gmail

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  11. My favorite memory of 2014 was seeing my daughter off to the UAE and then spending time with fellow Ringling School of Art buddy at the Atlanta Botanical Gardens to see the work of two different sculptors......and eventually seeing my daughter RETURN from that dangerous part of the world just a few weeks ago! Life is good!

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  12. Anonymous12/30/2014

    Spending the month of August with my fellow teachers putting together desks, tables, classrooms, and commons in our new United Campus getting ready for our first Pre K-12 school year. It has been wonderful having everyone in the same building for the first time ever. sandra_serum@yahoo.com

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  13. One of my fav moments was being part of the Santa Fe Photograpihic Workshops in Santa Fe New Mexico and getting to show my photos. Renasphoto@hotmail.com

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  14. Anonymous12/30/2014

    My favorite part of 2014 is when I finally married my hubby...it only took us ten years! ��
    Shellbellhe@yahoo.com

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  15. Best part of 2014.....I mean everything, but I did finally learn how to sew! I've really been meaning to get my hands on this book, Robert Henri was a Nebraska native (like me!) Studying his work was really influential to me starting in college--I just love his portraits.
    aschukei@cableone.net

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  16. The best part about 2014 was family. Lots of happy times and an engagement. Finally finished crocheting a sweater vest and scarf.

    valerieschluger@gmail.com

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  17. Anonymous12/30/2014

    The best part of 2014 was being able to reconnect with my cousin and create art together for the first time since we were kids..over 30 years ago! And of course finding ways to connect with other art teachers, like you...thank you! Tricia Farr, Email: tbfarr@hotmail.com

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  18. So hard to pick one thing! But I would like to comment on the cover of "The Art Spirit" by Robert Henri. It is the spittin' image of my son Brett at that age.I will enjoy reading and discussing the book.

    One of my faves from 2014 was taking care of grandbaby Kayla in San Diego for about 6 weeks this summer. She loved the San Diego Museum of Art and the Robert Henri exhibit they had this summer.

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  19. A real banner year for you, Miss Cassie - something to be proud of and celebrate! This year, my favorite moments were exploring colleges with my daughter and seeing her be accepted to her top choice for next year. I was assigned this book in college and am ashamed to say I somehow avoided it - I'd like to right this wrong! :)
    Happy New Year to you and yours.

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  20. My favorites of 2014 have been the traveling I've done with my boyfriend. We camped in the Shenandoah National Park in the Blue Ridge mountains and hiked a bunch there. We stayed in Virginia Beach and swam in the Atlantic Ocean, and we went to Arizona and visited the home of Frank Lloyd Wright, Taliesin West in the beautiful desert.
    abbygresham@hotmail.com

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  21. Love that book, he inspired so many famous artists. Mine is all underlined which is my favorite thing about reading, marking it up with stars and arrows. I just recently read that Mt. Baldy outside of Los Angeles, (my daughter in Nashville lived in LA for 5 years), had a huge snow storm that stranded motorist and closed highways. Is that normal for that area? And you were just hiking there a few weeks ago! Can't wait to see what you'll be wearing in 2015!
    Happy New Year.

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  22. My fave thing for 14? EASY - I got to be an ART teacher! After being in the elementary classroom for the past 13 years I was given the opportunity to move in to Art and I love it! I also love getting to know people like you and so many other creative and inspiring teachers who love what they do. I also am heading to NOLA for the NAEA Conference and will surely see you there! lisaredditt@gmail.com

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    1. And I know you are a Super Duper art teacher! I better see you in NOLA let's make it happen, please!

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  23. My fave thing this year was discovering your blog and following your artsy craftiness! I was inspired to pick up a vintage 50s dress pattern and dust off my sewing machine... Thanks for allowing a wanna be art teacher to live vicariously through you. Happy New Year! Cheers

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    1. Oh, I love that you are going to stitch up a 1950s dress, I cannot wait to see it, please email me a pic when you do. Thank you so much for your kind words!

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  24. My fave memory just happened a few days ago...I was reunited with my dear sister and nephew for the first time in 4 years....I missed them SO much and am so grateful to God for hearing and answering our prayers! God bless!

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  25. Hey Cassie. For my own top 10 of 2014 podcast/blog post, making my outfits for your two art 'best dressed' contests was actually my favourite moment! hhyslop@gmail.com

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    1. YES! I loved your outfits, you know you ALWAYS have my vote. Best. Dali and Warhol. EVERRRR.

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  26. Hi Cassie! One of my favorite memories from 2014 was hearing you speak at the Art of Ed. Online Summer Conference. I LOVED everything you said--I think you read my mind! I have followed you ever since and you are a true inspiration to this OLD Art teacher! Thank you!

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    1. Well, I've been told I've got ESPN ;) So glad to find a fellow art teacher on the same wave length. Your kind words mean so much to me!

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  27. I just realized I forgot to add my email address with my memory earlier. It's larkspin@yahoo.com

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  28. Probably one of my most favorite memories from 2014 was being able to travel to Europe together with my husband for the first time ever in my 46 years of life. I got to visit with a beloved friend in Germany and we also traveled to Paris, Murren, Switzerland and Florence, Italy. Thanks for all your inspiration - I am currently finishing my fourth long term substitute art teacher position - still hoping for a classroom of my very own. Maybe it will be my most memorable moment from 2015? : ) Happy New Year!! therbay@msn.com

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    1. It will happen for you, I'm positive! And, ah, Europe. That was my happy memories from last year. So happy you got to explore such a beautiful part of the world. I know 2015 will be a wonderful one for you!

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  29. I'm double dipping here. Meeting you at NAEA and being nominated for the Liebster award was pretty awesome in 2014! I had such a fan girl moment I am still fan-girl(ing?) in my Liebster nomination response! http://theartsyfartsyartroom.blogspot.com/2015/01/liebster-award.html
    :)
    lapink16@gmail.com

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    1. Congrats on your Liebster award! It was a pleasure meeting and chatting with you! Hope we meet again in NOLA :)

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  30. Morgan Garcia1/02/2015

    Becoming an art teacher, finding your blog, and going to DC are my highlights (overachiever!). I can't wait to see what 2015 brings!!!

    morgandgarcia@hotmail.com

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    1. Congrats on becoming an art teacher and welcome to the Awesome Club! I'm so glad you found my blog and thanks for leaving a comment, good luck!

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  31. what a fab year. great meeting you in SD - see you in NOLA. thanks for the shout out!ps just did your kinder line/rainbow unit. they loved it!

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