What the Art Teacher Wore #126 and Ghosts of Christmas Past

Christmas Tablecloth to Lady Skirt Monday: This bad boy is easily one of my fave vintage Christmas finds. Upon close inspection, I do believe it's prolly from a late 1960's DIY kit. It's all glue, felt, fringe and sequence which is simply my kinda party. sweater: vintage, thrifted; belt: Pin Up Girl Clothing; skirt DIY: deets here, y'all; tights: prolly Target; boots: Lucky Brand score from Marshall's

Well, hello, friends! Are you feeling as frazzled -n- fried as I am?  It's the most Wonderful(ly) Wacky time of the year, amirite?  Thankfully, there's a light at the end of the tunnel (or is that just a Christmas tree I see?) in the form of two weeks off! My apologies to those of you who don't have the luxury of sitting around in your pjs whilst eating ice cream outta the carton and catching back episodes of Project Runway for 14 consecutive dayzzz. Your mama done tole you to become an art teacha, ya shoulda listened. Now if only I can muscle my way through these last 4.25 school days and conquer that mountain known as my To-Do list, I'll be well on my way to sloth-doom. 

Now, I gotta tell ya, I'm like way behind on some blog posts. I've got a lil backlog of art projects, DIYs and Christmas-themed whut-nots to share with y'all. So, for that reason, I have decided to post everyday for the next 10 days on this here blog. That's right, you heard me. AND I plan to have a giveaway EVERY.SINGLE.DAY. Because I'm feeling all Christmas-y and giving-ish. So! Please be sure to report back here tomorrow to find out all the free-goodie goodness that I've got in store for you over the next 10 days.

Until tomorrow, here's a lil peak at some DIY's of Christmas past with linky-loo's and how-to's for your craft-astic pleasure. Hope y'all have a great week and I'll see you tomorrow!

 A coupla years back, I got on this painting-from-vintage-postcards kick. I found this sweet image on pinterest, sketched it out and painted on canvas. Every year I place it on my (rarely used) painting easel along with that house I painted (found the wooden cut out of the house at the thrift store years ago). A sweet parent gifted me the Merry Christmas sign one year and I love how it goes with everything perfectly. Says me. All the Christmas-y details here, friends. 

 Yet Another Tablecloth Gives It's Life for a Tackitastic Cause Tuesday: I shared this debatable beaut with you earlier this week. I still loved it regardless of what the holiday-haters say. By the way, do y'all like my one-legged flamingo pose? What in the world...? top: vintage, thrifted; skirt and headband: made by me, details here; shoes: Converse

 Yet another Christmas painting I copied and painted a coupla years back. I've since added a big red and white stripped bow to the top. Inspo was a vintage ad. All the snore-y details here. 

 My Kind of Christmas Colors Wednesday: I love pink and turquoise. Together. Forever. One day when I retire, I'll live in an Airstream trailer, complete with pink and turq interior and I'll pull it behind my big fat vintage pink caddy. I'm serious, y'all. That'd be livin the dream. sweater and tights: Target; big belt: Amazon; cuckoo clock dress: made by me, details here

When I finished off that cuckoo clock dress, I found I had a ton of tiny and, so I thought, useless scraps laying around. Bein' the hoarder that I am, I couldn't handle throwing 'em out. So I kept 'em thinking I'd come up with something to do with them. Which is where the idea to create ornaments with the remnants came from. 

 Light Up Dress Thursday: Oh, when created this dress a couple Christmases ago, it forever cursed me. Since it's creation, the kids are all, "yeah, your new dress is cool and all BUT DOES IT LIGHT UP?!" sweater: thrifted; belt: Pin Up Girl Clothing (guess who likes belts from Pin Up Girl Clothing...?!); crinoline: Amazon; light up Christmas dress: made be me, go here; Santa shoes: visit here 

A coupla years ago, my school began what has since become our annual Tacky Christmas Sweater Day. I attacked an otherwise innocent thrifted leopard print number with (totes itchy) garland and dominated with my tackiness. View it here, friends. This year, my school is doing something a lil different. Because we are doing a Be Nice campaign at our school, we decided that teachers and students should "pay" to be tacky in the form of pet supplies that will be donated to the local animal shelter. Super nice, right? We thought so. It's this Tuesday, wish me luck!

Big Fat Christmas Skirt Friday: Whoever originally created this tree skirt sure did put in their time. It's totally embroidered and just so vintage-y sweet. Let's hope they never find out what I've done to the poor thing! vintage sweater: thrifted; tree skirt to lady skirt: here

What's a Tacky Sweater Day without being rewarded for your efforts, hmmm? Here are the rewards I created in the past. WHICH were handed out after school hours, just in care you are wondering. I've gotta dream up new ones for this Tuesday. No worries, I'll share 'em with ya. Until then, see ya tomorrow! 

DIY: Christmas Tablecloth to Lady Skirt

Have you ever found yourself, late at night (and by "late" I mean 10:17pm because it's a school night and that qualifies as, like, super late) behind the wheel of a sewing machine attaching the garland you stripped from your Christmas tree to an already tacky skirt and thought to yourself, "Who am I and why am I creating what's sure to be the tackiest ensemble to date?" 

I dare say, I find myself in these types of situations, asking myself these very questions, more often than I'd like to admit. 

Although, honestly,  at the time of the creation of this skirt, I actually thought it was pretty stinking cute. Granted, that was one biggie-sized glass of grape-flavored grown-up drink into my evening so my judgement mightah been a pinch screwed, er, skewed. It wasn't until the following day when I decided my Candy Cane Cons were the perfect addition my ensemble that I was met with some criticism. In the form of a second grader. Which sounded a lil bit like this:

Second Grade Girl: Mrs. Stephens, [smiling sweetly] I really like your skirt and I really like those shoes but I don't know if I really like them together. I don't wanna hurt your feelings but I bet you would look cuter in your heels.

I took that kind commentary much better than the hubs who gave me one up/down look and said, "That is not one of my favorite outfits of yours." Or the co-worker who exclaimed, "Ohhh, that is baaaaad, Cassie." 

Yeah, well, you win some...

And, honestly, since you don't give a rat's pah-tootie what anyone else thinks, you win some more. Whilst looking like Christmas up-chucked on you. Cuz it's what you do.

Wait, whuuut? You too wanna look like some sort of Christmas-obsessed tackless maniac? Well, sister-friend, get in line. And allow me to show you how it's done. 

Start by hitting the thrift stores, ebay and etsy-town to find just the tacky Christmas tree skirt or tablecloth you might need. This shouldn't be hard. Since most people in the universe have good taste, they have a habit of avoiding the ugly. Because I'm a firm believe in Leave No Christmas Crap Behind, I always find a plethora of glittery-gaudy-goodness. Once you've gotten your kitten mittens on a tree skirt/tablecloth, find yourself a circle skirt pattern. I scored mine on etsy a while back. I simply use the waist and waistband pattern for my alterations. You can read more details about that super simple process in last year's post Tree Skirt to Lady Skirt in 60 Minutes or Less. 

And what's a tacky Christmas skirt without some garland gaudiness, hmmm? Not even worth the effort, says me. Garland Stitching Hazard: Your sewing room floor WILL look like you slaughtered Tinker Bell as it will be covered in glittery pixie-dust-esque goodness. Since this isn't my first trip down garland stitching lane, I've learned a thang or two: set your machine on the zigzag stitch (so it catches more of the garland) and avoid pinning as you'll never EVER be able to find those dang sparkly pins in that dang sparkly garland. Which could ultimately result in you sitting down in said skirt and sitting down on said pins. In your garland-y gluteus maximus. You can take a visit to the World's Tackiest Sweater that I garland-ized here, if you think your eyes can handle the glory. 

Dang, you want more tacky skirt sassiness? Well, here's a look-see at last years attempt...

And yet another. Cuz if it's one thing I am, it's consistently tacky. 

And, would you find this incredibly hard to believe...I have yet another tacky Christmas tree skirt to lady skirt in the works. Oh and friends, just you wait. You ain't seen nuthin' yet.

So, I gotta ask, what tackiness are you sporting this holiday season? 

AND is this really as bad as co-worker, kid and hubs say? (if the answer is "no" feel free to not comment). 

In the Art Room: Art Teacher Interview with Eric Gibbons, AKA Box Artist

Hey, y'all! As apart of my lil Art Teacher Interview series (of which you can read more interviews here, here and here), I have the pleasure of introducing you to Eric Gibbons, aka Box Artist! I'm so thrilled that Eric has allowed me to interview him as his work as an artist, gallery owner, educator and author are so inspiring. And I know for certain y'all will love what he has to say about his journey. So without further ado, take it away, Eric! 

Just who are you, anyway? And where do you teach? And how long you been doin' it? 

I have been teaching since 1991. First in Wildwood NJ, then Egypt of all places, and now in central New Jersey. I did some teaching in Japan, but that was teaching English conversation while still in college to help pay bills when I was living there on a student exchange. As you can surmise, I love to travel and have been to Korea, Paris, London, Canada, Mexico, Israel, Greece, Bulgaria, and Turkey.

I have taught all levels from pre-k through the community college level but am currently teaching in a high school, and teach privately at my gallery in the summers. [Eric's gallery called Firehouse Gallery is seen above. More details can be found here.] My 21st art camp will be this summer. I like being my own boss. I hope to retire as early as I can to publish and teach privately through my sunset years.

And you're an artist AND a published author to boot? Okay, tell us your magical ways. Start with your journey as an artist. Go on, we're listening...

So art has always been in my family. As I sit and type I am looking at 2 watercolors by my great grandmother. She painted till she was 102. Her daughter, my grandmother was an accomplished artist as is her sister Anita Gish. Her work is in the National Portrait Gallery. She too is an art teacher. My mother studied art but went on to become a nurse and therapist, but she stays creative. My brother can draw very well and my sister works for a company that produces books for museums and galleries, so she has the art bug too. It was never discouraged so it was a natural transition for me. I can do many things well, and jump from one media to another with ease. Stained glass to oils. Ceramics to watercolors. Origami to pastels. That versatility definitely helps in the classroom for a broad approach.

My own work, closest to my heart are blind drawing like Matisse, and figure painting like Jacque Louis David, or Michelangelo. I am kinda' known for my figures and still lives in boxes, hence my pseudonym on social media.

I am passionate about my approach to art education. I push a multi-disciplinary approach connecting math, history, language, literature, science, and biology to art. Art teachers know, when we grid, measure, and draw—we use geometry. When we make sculptures—we use engineering. When we mix colors—we reveal information about physics. When we create illustrations for stories—we learn about literature. When we review the styles of art from da Vinci to Bansky—we teach history. When we write about art—we strengthen these skills. When we create works of art, we solve complex visual problems in creative ways.

So is your art form of choice illustration? If so, has it always been? 

I don't think of myself as an illustrator, but if the need arises I can be. For the newest project, "If Picasso Had a Christmas Tree," I put on my illustrator hat and created about 12 Christmas trees in the styles of Picasso, Mondrian, Rothko, Haring, etc... Some took a few minutes like the Cy Twombly piece, and others took weeks, like Picasso and Tamara de Lempicka paintings. It's fun to emulate and create. I am not much for copying, but I like emulation.

Can you talk a lil bit about getting published? How does one even set out on that journey?

So publishing is a surprise for me. I was a terrible speller growing up. Ridiculed for it actually. I had great ideas but no one could get past the spelling. Thank god for spell check or I'd be jobless. My spelling is still poor, but I rely on help from technology and friends, particularly English Teachers!

My first book was call "Christian Voodoo." It started at a collection of stories for my own amusement about old superstitions that persist today. Burying a St. Joseph statue up-side-down in the yard to sell a house. Putting a rosary on a bush outside your home to stop the rain for a wedding, and many others. Some friends wanted copies of my little collection, and it grew. I sold copies on Ebay long ago, and thought to approach a publisher. Schiffer Publishing took it on and though it never really sold great it does bring in a few bucks every year and still sells.

After doing a couple more through them and others, I decided to try it myself through Createspace.com, owned by Amazon. Once your book is done and saved as a PDF, you upload it, and it is for sale on Amazon. I made books and collections of my lesson plans, tests, and other professional stuff and they sell well. I did some other art related books and they too did ok. We're not talking enough to quit my job, but all these little projects do add up to about a mortgage payment every month.

 If you told the 12 year old me, nearly failing English, that I would have nearly 100 books to my credit... I'd have called you crazy, but I do, though many are not under my own name, some hardly sell at all, but enough do that it's worth it and fun.

The newest book, "If Picasso Had a Christmas Tree," is really taking off though. It's for sale in museum stores, and next year will be even bigger. (It was late for this year's holiday season.) That is exciting, and scary. With Createspace I don't have to keep any books here, it's all automatic, I just get a royalty. This new book though, because it did so well, I went the traditional route by ordering 3000 copies. Putting out a huge chunk of cash. But we have recouped our investment and are now earning money on the book. Next year, If I had to guess, we'll need to order about 10,000 copies, maybe more.

So you teach, you create, you keep up a super fab blog and your write books. Talk a little bit about what your ideal average day of teaching/creating might look like. 

The blog, www.ArtEdGuru.com is really a place for me to store my ideas, web links, and resources so I can access them from anywhere, especially school. BUT I realized it would be helpful for many others so I added the blog portion and opened it up to others. As something cool comes up, I add it to the appropriate pages, and I hope it helps other teachers. The video links page is AWESOME if class finishes too early and you need something to keep the kids occupied. I have done that a few time already this year.

So as for my day, I am up by 6am, out to school by 7am, teaching from 7:30 am to about3pm. (I work just 7 miles from my home) I use all my prep time and "free" periods to write lesson plans, grade, etc. My daily goal is to take nothing home, because home is more work. I really use every minute of my day. If I know I will be busy, I come early to work.

At home I have to answer email, take and write orders. Wednesdays I teach private classes. My partner ships and organizes the books. I have to find time to write, communicate with the 30 teachers in the book so we are all on the same page. I'm active on the Facebook art teacher's page with advice and opinions, and I only "plug" a book if it truly answers a question posed, but I have tons of free stuff and advice for my fellow teachers, and am happy to share that. It's really NOT about the money for me.

Sometimes I visit the college to talk with wanna-be art teachers, crush their dreams with reality, and those that continue on are either fools like me, or awesome like you!  ;-) I joke of course, but I do enlighten them that teaching art is not for everyone, it's very hard, and schools often do not appreciate what you do. I urge them to advocate for art education, because no one else will. I sincerely believe art is THE most important subject taught in school, and I have evidence to back that up!

For fun, I carve out time to go to 3D movies, visit a museum or gallery, go to a monthly potluck and share my famous cream puffs, or watch Antiques Roadshow.

Many folks give up their personal art when they begin teaching. What have you gained from continuing to pursue your art? Where do you think you'd be without this outlet?

I have come to understand that art is a necessity in my life. When I am not creative I get very depressed. It is my medicine. I am not joking on this point. I get in a very dark place when I am not allowing myself a creative outlet. Some people do it just for fun or to pass the time. That's fine, but I have come to realize I NEED art in my life as much as I need air, water, and cream puffs from time to time.

Creating art and writing books helps me escape my isolation. I could easily become a hermit or hobbit if I let myself. But books and art are ways that I connect with others and share what I have learned. It's my way of giving back to the world, and maintaining my sanity.  

To see my own art, please visit www.firehousegallery.com my books are atwww.firehousepublications.com

What the Art Teacher Wore #125

 Christmas Red Monday: I scored this lovely vintage number during out California Adventure. I was so excited to wear it on Monday to kick off my (self-imposed) 15 Days of Holiday Dress until a group of fourth grade kids told me it was "not as crazy as the usual Mrs. Stephens." Humph. What do they know, anyway? (well, they know me too well is the prob!). vintage dress: Buffalo Exchange; bow belt: Pin Up Girl Clothing; Disneyland pin: um, Disneyland; fishnets and red tights: Target; shoes: thrifted

Okay, lemme tell you about something that happened to me that NEVERRR happens: My week went by so super fast that all day long on Friday, I was convinced it was Thursday. I seriously said, "eh, I'll take care of that ("that" being the mini-mountains of messes I managed to create all week long) tomorrow" only at the end of the day when everyone was wishing each other a happy weekend did I realize that it was Friday. Like, whhhuuuuut?! Needless to say, I left those mini-mountains until Monday at which point I will curse my laziness. But, that's like every Monday, what am I even saying.

I think it was because this week was just so busy. It's that time of year when there are exactly one million things happening and trying to stay on top of it all is Mission Impossibleness. My solution is to live one day at a time and write everything on my hand and up my arm. In Sharpie. Although with all the hand washing I'm doing due to the fact that the kids are in a constant state of coughing/sneezing/upchucking, I might just have to start Sharpin' my notes onto my face. At least when I look in the mirror, I'll be all, "oh, right! I need to knab eht ot og...wait, it's backwards, WHAT AM I SUPPOSED TO DO?!" Hmm, okay, so that won't work. 

In other news, I'm super excited to announce THE WINNER OF THE WHALE RING GIVEAWAY is...cue drum roll...Jaclyn! Congrats, girl! And thank you to all that are now following Mary Beth on instagram and have discovered (and purchased from) her incredible shop. Big thanks to Mary Beth also for being so generous to give away one of her super fab pieces! 

I hope you guys have a wonderful upcoming week! Here's a peak at what the kids have been up to along with what I deemed appropriate to wear for 15 Days of Holiday Dress. What you wearin in your art room this week? I'd love to see, feel free to share your awesome art room attire here. Later, kids! 

 My second grade students created these 6" X 6" metal tooled poinsettia still-lives (still-lifes?) this week. I promise to share the entire process complete with detailed steps and process photos but for now, I'll just give you the short version in case you wanna give it a go. We had a ton of left over yarn scraps from weaving projects. Instead of trashing them, I've been hoarding them waiting for an idea to come to mind. And it finally did. I have the kids 6" X 6" matte board that was pre-sprayed with spray adhesive. Then they used the yarn to "draw" onto their super sticky board. Once complete, they brought the board back to me where I sprayed it again and slapped a piece of thin gauge tin foil on top. They used their fingertips (no nails!) to "massage" the foil and reveal their design. After class, I spray painted them black with that super junky $1 black spray paint from Home Depot (you want the crap stuff, trust me). The following day, the kids used 000 steel wool to burnish off the spray paint. Sharpies were added for color and decoration. Next up: painting the frame. So excited how these are turning out! 

 Oh, That's Better Tuesday: I was informed by said fourth grade kids, that this outfit was back up to my "normal crazy outfits." Good to know, youngins. sweater and dotted blouse: thrifted; bow brooch: gift; skirt: etsy; crinoline: Amazon; tights: Target; shoes: old. Fluevog. So comfy!

 My third graders have been working hard on printing their snowflake designs on fabric (I wish I had a photo...report back next week, por favor). Their job now is to work together and stitch their printed fabric pieces to create their snowflake banner. I was a little concerned about them using the machines but after super clear directions (along with super clear "your sewing days will be over if  DON'T follow my super clear directions"), they were extremely careful with the machines. Not to mention, they loved using them! 

Feeling Dotty Wednesday: Lemme tell you, waking up a lil late and grabbing whatever clothes you lay your hands on often results in the making of an outfit like this. I ain't braggin. Just sayin. sweater: Old Navy, last year; dress: thrifted; boots: DIY-dotted boots here

 Kindergarten finished off these winter collages this week. I don't usually repeat lessons but this kindergarten one I've done for a couple of years now. You can read all about is in this here blog post. 

Looking Like a Christmas Tree Ornament Thursday: You know, cuz, why not? sweater and skirt: thrifted; bow top: J.Crew; belt: Amazon; tights: Target; shoes: Dolls by Nina

 My fourth graders are working hard on these relief designs this week. We chatted a great deal about papel picado and created our own version in the form of a snowflake. Now, if you wanna know how to make a REAL snowflake, get yourself over to Phyl's blog because she's the expert! We created ours out of very thin copy paper and followed the same steps as the second grade did for their yarn creations: attached to a piece of matte board/covered in foil/spray painted black and burnished. Again, I'll share with y'all a full blog post soon but for now, here's you a sneak peak. 

 Candy Cane Shoes Friday!: I know, me in pants, so cray! But I did it for the sake of the shoes. I had to wear 'em...but they just don't look very good with dresses. Mostly because my feet are HUGE and I kinda look like I'm wearing clown shoes. And clown shoes don't look so great with dresses either. sweater: DIY, go here; dotted shirt: DIY, here; dotted pants: Target; candy cane converse: Marshall's years ago

 Friday night ended on a high note (or should I say a rainbow...?) with this sweet Christmas present from my baby bro. What better way to end the week, amirite?!