Happy Easter

Some folks don't appreciate the culinary genius of peeps, but for those of you raised on high-fructose corn syrup (like me), here goes!  First, make homemade marshmallows.  Let the "batter" sit over night and then use bunny and chick cookie cutters to cut out fun shapes.  Finally, dust with sanding sugar and add melted chocolate dot eyes with a toothpick.  I also made no-bake nests using this recipe and added Easter candies for fun baskets.  Having time to be creative is one little thing I am grateful for this Easter morning.

Making Valentines

One of my favorite things to do in February is make valentines.  All the reds, pinks, little hearts and flourishes make me happy.  This year I took an entire Saturday (that I should have spent studying or grading!)  and I carved two lino cut blocks with one of my favorite quotes and another funny idea that I found on Pinterest. I was inspired by my students' lino cuts in art class and by my friend, Woodie Anderson, and her beautiful printmaking. Here are the results of my own attempt.  May the recipients get a good kick out of these and know that I love them.

This one is a quote from Kahlil Gibran: "Beauty is not in the face. Beauty is a light in the heart."   I had to work out some kinks with this one because you have to carve all the words backwards so they will print correctly.

This one is for all my nerd friends:  You're the Obi-Wan for me!

Happy Valentine's Day from me and Lilly-cat too.  

Back in the Saddle!

This weekend has been fabulous!  Friday ended up as a snow-day which prevented me from taking my comps at UNC-P over the MLK Jr. break.  Thank goodness!  Instead of studying I was able to paint.  It's been forever, but once I got into it, everything came flooding back.  This is the beginning of my work based on our trip to France in August.  Here is Monet's Japanese bridge and gardens at Giverny, Katie style!  It's not finished yet, but it's coming right along.

 The under painting

 Adding mid-tones and darks.

Adding lights. Almost there, but is it finished yet?

Whirlwind

This fall has been a whirlwind and today was no exception. Today was my last day at Randleman Elementary School. The students and staff showed me such kindness and such an outpouring of love! The second graders surprised me by bringing me a magnificent umbrella with all their hand prints painted on it.  They were all waiting outside my door to say a big goodbye.  The first graders also surprised me with a big goodbye and the sweetest signs that said "Mrs. Podracky, we will miss you."  Each student created a mini self-portrait on the signs, so I will always be able to remember them. I will miss my sweet little tigers and my wonderful co-workers so much.

 I am moving to a school that is closer to home and getting to work with another great colleague from graduate school. Next week I start work at North West Guilford Middle School. I am sure that I will come to love the students and staff in no time, but today I celebrate my sweet elementary students and experiences at RES. The picture above was drawn to show me getting swept up to my new school by a big tornado! Here are more samples of my elementary student's brilliant work from this fall.

Jacob Lawrence Inspired Action Art- 5th

Jacob Lawrence Inspired Action Art- 5th

Jacob Lawrence Inspired Action Art- 5th

Architecture castle with Rapunzel- 1st grade

An amazing "Henri Rousseau" tiger drawn by an artist in 2nd grade

A portrait of Mrs. Podracky- 1st grade

Why we need art in schools

Please take 4 and a half minutes to see this video.  This is my teaching philosophy in a nutshell.  It's not "just" art at all, but everything.

Source: youtube.com via Ms on Pinterest

Kindergarten Self portraits

I love these.  Look at these smiling little faces. This may be my favorite lesson plan of the year. Six year olds rock!

Suminigashi Prints

I discovered Japanese paper marbling this year and I have been pining to do this project with my classes.  Finally, I got my hands on a kit and we've been going to town in the art trailer.  Here are a few of my favorite Suminigashi prints from 5th grade.  Suminigashi literally means "spilled ink" in Japanese.  Take a look!  The kits cost about 17 bucks online, and here is a link to the lesson plan in case you want to do this too. In my class, we create the Suminigashi monoprints on day one and then over the next several class visits, the students create a drawing that goes with their monoprint.  Lots of students chose to draw Koi fish, the Japanese symbol of love and friendship.