Not Compulsory

Art Project 5 - How to Make a Valentine Card

2012-02-05T04:42:00.000-08:00

Note: Artwork made by children

A few simple ideas of how to make a greetings card for Valentine's Day using paper on card, and card on card, cut and stick techniques.

Figure 1

Figure 2

Take a piece of rectangular card any colour (dark blue used in sample) approx 7.5 inches (19cm) Long x 4.5 inches (11.5cm) Wide and fold in half to make a card that opens. On the front face devise a design using tissue paper (pink and/or red) with precut shapes of hearts and squares (see figure 1) alternatively strip and tear tissue paper and make a border place heart shape in the centre (see figure 2). Stick down using a small amount of glue.

Figure 3

Figure 3 shows a valentine card made from building texture on heart shaped card using tissue paper and string saturated in pva glue which has been allowed to dry hard, and then has been painted. Firstly, take some pink card that measures approx 11.5 inches (29cm) Long and 8.5 inches (21cm) Wide and fold in half like a greetings card. Draw a heart shape size that will fit on the front side of your greetings card (landscape orientation) from a separate piece of card, preferably from the thick,corrugated kind. Cover the front face only of the heart with tissue paper that is completely wet with PVA glue (tissue paper can be any colour because it will be painted over eventually), also, while everything is wet and sticky, take a piece of string approx 19 inches (48cm) Long and, following the outline of the heart, lay down a glue trail approx 1cm in from the outer edge. In this glue trail feed and fix the string. When you 'meet in the middle' snip off any remaining string. At this extremely fiddly and sticky stage use small lengths of string to make up the message I (Heart) U as in figure 3. Next, time for you to clean up, and to allow the whole decorated heart to dry completely before painting. Once dry, apply pink coloured poster. powder or acrylic paint to the heart. Once this paint layer is dry, use a thin paintbrush and red paint to paint over the raised areas and lettering made from string, Leave to dry. Mount the heart on to the front of the greetings card prepared earlier. Lastly, insert a little piece of ribbon tied in a bow along the opening edge.

Figure 4

Figure 5

The cards shown in Figures 4, 5 and 6 are simple, but effective, ways of using 'card on card ' to create designs on the given theme.

Figure 6

It's Called Progress

2012-01-10T07:39:00.000-08:00

The spark to write this poem came as acknowledgement of the decline, in recent years, of the potteries of North Staffordshire, in particular those fine ceramics produced in Stoke on Trent.

It's Called Progress

Progress

Fire up the enthusiasm

Mould the mind as it is not a blank one

Progress with work as you shape the cool clay.

Infuse effort and delicacy with high expectation

Glaze over the self-doubt.

To progress, aim high, I heard her say.

Be botanically bold and gorgeously original

Take a leaf from the Portmeiron book

And hope the soul is abstract –

Layers promote; exhibit

Progress.

Divide the surface pattern

And into schism throw, first, the tea-cup;

Progress further with the sugar bowl,

Come tile, earthenware, and other ceramic pieces

Credit has crunched in Staffordshire

It’s called Progress.

By Debra Hall

Animal Crayons

2011-12-16T04:12:00.000-08:00


Animal Crayons

Visit my product review blog at http://tssreviews.com/2011/12/09/460/ for details.

Kellogg's Rice Krispies Snowmen Tried and Tested

2011-12-06T09:15:00.000-08:00

Kelloggs have recently launched a Christmas baking campaign. Celebrity cook, Jo Wheatley has created three exclusive Christmas recipes on behalf of the breakfast cereal giant. This recipe for the Rice Krispies Snowmen is one of them and my teenage son and I thought we would trial it.

We followed the recipe relatively closely, swapping a couple of decorative items with alternatives that I had in the cupboard. We had a good laugh making them together, but we found the process quite messy and fiddly, mainly because we made up our own fondant icing. I would therefore suggest, unless you are a sugar paste expert, that you buy in ready to roll icing in two colours to make the hats and scarves, and, more importantly, that you ensure you butter up your hands when rolling the body and head shapes as the recipe tells you, or else you will end up with just a sticky mess.You've been warned!

Rice Krispies Snowmen

200g Rice Krispies

400g white Marshmallows

50g butter

6 melted marshmallows

A handful of currants

Strips of jelly sweets (as many as you like)

300g fondant (either 2 different colours 200g for the hats & scarves 100g for scarves and noses or white and 2 gel colours)

Sprinkles for buttons

Melt the butter and marshmallows in a heat proof bowl in the microwave for about 60-90 seconds. Alternatively you can melt the butter in a pan, add the marshmallows and stir until melted.

Pour mixture into a large bowl and add Rice Krispies. Mix all together until all the Rice Krispies are coated in marshmallow.

Use an Ice-cream scoop to get the snowmen’s body shapes, mould with buttered hands, compact together and then set the bodies to a side.

To make the heads, roll smaller amounts of mixture and mould with buttered hands, set aside to firm.

To make fondant hats, roll out coloured fondant, about half a centimetre thick, cut 8 circles using a small round cutter (about 4cm), then shape a little top of the hat and glue together with a little water.

Make 16 sausages of fondant then twist together to make the scarves.

Shape 8 carrot noses.

'Glue' the snowman’s head and body together using the melted marshmallow, then cut 8 currants in half for his coal eyes. These should stick easily in to place, and then add three sprinkle buttons along his body. Finally add his hat, scarf and carrot nose

Note from Debra. Please follow this blog. I need more followers! Hit follow at the very top (next to blogger search and Share, etc) Many thanks. Happy holidays and Merry Christmas to all. X

Art Project 4 - How to make a Christmas Mobile Decoration

2011-11-26T16:59:00.000-08:00

a snowman mobile

You will Need:
1 x polystyrene large pizza base with a circular middle cut away, or a piece of really thick and heavy cardboard cut into a round (adult to cut using heavy duty scissors of craft knife), again cut out a circular middle. Minimum measurement from edge to edge approx 12" (33cm) across

Green or silver poster paint (optional)

A selection of green coloured scrap paper and bits of material, plus a few bits of red coloured papers and/or textile scraps such as felt, also a small piece of shiny paper/card, holographic for example, for the Snowman's hat.

Silver thread or curling ribbon

Sheet of white card

Also PVA glue, glue stick, selection of felt tipped pens (including orange),scissors, single hole punch, stapler, pencil and compass (see below Figure 1)

Figure 1

There is a lot of cutting and sticking and some painting involved in this activity and

it cannot be finished in a hurry, as there may be two sides of the wreath to decorate, as well as two snowmen to make, using the white card, that will be stuck back to back to make one single snowman. Remember too, that this is a mobile and so should be hung when finished so that it can be viewed from all angles. Of course it is perfectly alright to hang and display the finished wreath against a wall, where one side will always be unseen, nevertheless, the idea is, that there is no back and front so to speak. It would, therefore, be best hanging in a window, or down from the ceiling where it will twist and turn, and the snowman too will slowly move and spin independently from the wreath itself. Therefore, everything you make will require a nicely decorated front and a nicely decorated back, a complete finish - so attention to detail is important. If young children are making, as was the case with the samples shown, I would recommend that the activity is best executed in stages, over a couple of days or so, to keep it fun.

If using a piece of circular cardboard NB the cardboard must be very thick, as flimsy, thinner card will curl and bend up when hanging in warm rooms, especially over radiators, first apply paint on one side and leave to dry, and then paint the other side and leave to dry. You can stick down leaves on both sides or opt to leave one side painted and plain. Alternatively, if you are using the polystyrene, then either leave the whole thing unpainted or paint the textured side only. Stick leaf shapes down on the smooth side (as I said do not paint this side).

Cut out lots of leaf shapes from the variety of green materials collected. Material used on the samples were mainly shades of different green coloured papers some shiny, some dark, some lime green, mostly taken from old scraps of craft papers and gift wrapping paper and old holographic gift bags, plus bits of bottle green felt and thin green card. The leaves do not have to be serrated like a real holly leaf, it works perfectly well to leave edges smooth.

Take the wreath shaped piece, polystyrene or card, painted or unpainted and begin to stick leaves on. Try not to leave many gaps and overlap as shown. Use PVA on polystyrene,or use either PVA or the glue stick if making from card.

Add red berries cut from the red coloured scraps.

Once one side has been completed, repeat the same on the reverse or leave painted or unpainted as instructed.

The next step is to make the snowman. First make a snowman's body. Draw a circle that will measure, at least, a 3" (8cm) across, on white card and cut out. Then make two heads, by drawing two further circles that measures approx 2" (5.5cm) across and cut out. Place one smaller circle to form the head on one side of the body, and then line up the other circle by matching up on the reverse. Fix in one go, either with a staple all the way through, or by applying glue both sides and holding fast for a short time until the 'heads' are secure.

Make the snowman's 'hats' out of shiny paper, any colour, not necessarily green or red. NB the sample at the top of this blog post shows a snowman's hat made from blue holographic card. Remember to make two identical shaped hats, in a bowler hat shaped style, use the snowman's head to measure and gauge good sizing. Stick one hat on with glue to front side as shown, then line up the second hat on to the reverse head, and, again with main colour facing forward, secure, with glue. Hold in place for a few moments as the 'hats' have a tendency to slip and slide, especially if using the PVA. Once dry, use the felt tipped pens to give the snowman facial features and buttons. Repeat all of the same design on the reverse side so you have a double-sided snowman. The sample shows three black buttons, a mouth made from black dots in a smile, two round eyes and an orange nose.

Lastly punch a single hole in the centre of the snowman's hat and string up him up using a length of silver embroidery thread (or similar). Ensure the thread you cut is a piece long enough to hang the snowman as well as incorporate a hanging loop for the whole mobile. To do this hold the snowman in a central position within the wreath, attach the thread with a staple along the top end of the wreath so the snowman can swing freely (figure 2). You should be left with two lengths of thread at the top end that are long enough to tie together to make a loop. Use to hang the mobile. This loop can fit on a ceiling hook, window fitment or similar. Allow the mobile to turn and spin freely. Alternatively attach a piece of curling ribbon to hang.

figure 2

The instructions can be used but a different Christmastime theme could replace the Snowman i.e. a hanging Christmas tree, a Father Christmas, or perhaps a cute Penguin.

A friendly note from Debra 'Have you bookmarked my blog and are a regular visitor to it? if so please Follow. Do you seek out the blog on occasion by actioning a Google search? Will you Follow me? Or, maybe you have simply stumbled across Not Compulsory and have found this particular post interesting and useful, maybe even made your own Snowman Mobile?...and so, perhaps, you may consider Following me - I need more Followers please. Follow is at the very top of the page alongside Blogger search, Share, etc. Happy Christmas!'

My Wednesday

2011-11-03T15:38:00.000-07:00

I do not think governments have any idea what it is like for people living in rural locations. I am fully aware that I need to lower my carbon footprint. But without compromising the life we've built for ourselves since moving from Norfolk in 2003 I cannot see the answer. We could move to a Midlands city - but which one? My husband works in Birmingham central and my daughter in central Derby. My son will finish his studying in a home based capacity next summer, and then attend sixth form in our nearest town of Ashby, along with his friends, and so to be fair to him a move is not on the cards just yet. When he gains a place at university perhaps? But that's over two or three years away. As for me, I work from home for the best part, but my work in community arts can take me as far North as the Peak District and as far south as Birmingham and Coventry.

As well, we regularly drive to Ashby, Burton, or Tamworth to shop for things we can not buy locally. And my two teenage children, who are unable to drive at present, are always requiring lifts: to the train station and back, to their jobs; to meet with friends and to access leisure facilities. Building up their social life is becoming more and more important to them, which is natural. Bus timetabling and making connections have never worked out for us generally anyway, and I've never liked the idea of K getting taxis alone late at night. And if any of us happen to be looking for 'a piece of the action' it is certainly not happening in our village so we tend to go to wherever the 'action' happens to be. This applies to us all.

Our village is extremely commutable which is one of the reasons we moved here. House prices are good value too (another reason). It is not the prettiest of areas, up and coming I'd say; situated in the National Forest (so a nicer place is in the making). It is on the border of NW Leicestershire and South Derbyshire. The week before last, Leicestershire schools had their autumn half term break. My son, J took a break from his studying and husband, J was working. Focusing on the Wednesday of that week I give below examples of when I went to and fro from my house. This mirrors a typical day for me doing various runs. I suppose as my children grow up my carbon footprint will shrink, while theirs will probably grow. It is a dilemma for people who have a conscience about green issues, I feel that all governments have been hypocritical over the matter, as they prefer a flourishing economy where people are out there working, paying their taxes and out and about too spending their hard earned money, but if you live in the countryside everything amounts to a car journey for the majority.

Art Project 3 - How to make a Halloween Stained Glass Window

2011-10-14T06:54:00.000-07:00

Halloween Stained Glass Window Design by Debra Hall

To make a design for a Halloween Stained Glass Window you will need:

A sheet of black card (size A1, A2, A3 or A4) depending on window size

Orange, white and black tissue paper torn into strips

Sticky tape

A Pencil

What to do:

Draw a spooky scene onto the sheet of black card. For example: a haunted castle on a hill, or a scary looking jack- o-lantern. Make sure that you fill all of the space with your drawing – however, make sure that you leave a border – so that it looks as if your picture is within a frame. It is also important to make bits of your design attach to the edges of the border (for example: connect the tip of your castle, or connect the stalk of your jack-o-’lantern and other pieces as well, because if not, when it comes to the cutting out bit, there is a danger that the whole design will fall away from the outer frame).

Next carefully cutaway and ‘snip out’ bits of your drawings, (like the windows and doors of the castle, or the eyes, nose and mouth of the jack-o-lantern for example).

NB. Leave as much of the black card in your design as possible as this will provide a dramatic effect.

Tape strips of tissue paper to the back filling all of the gaps; ensure that no tape is visible on the front side of the design, and that there is no gap left unfilled. Vary the placing of the coloured tissue strips too; this will give the illusion of depth to the finished piece.

It is now ready to attach to a window pane with sticky tape or tac.

School Projects

2011-10-10T17:26:00.000-07:00

I have recently been engaging in the Twitter sphere (@NorrysGirl) and two projects involving school children have come to my attention. Both projects are calling on school-aged children to respond directly in regard to specific issues. The first is called The Bloomtrigger Project. It is about protecting rainforests; an issue of global importance. Therefore, it stands out as a project with big aims and ideas. The second is a writing project run by Baillie Gifford and the Financial Mail. The aim with this is to highlight that young people need to understand finance options open to them and be encouraged to demonstrate how they can manage their own finances appropriately and effectively as they move toward independent living i.e. undertaking a student loan or first time employment matters . The former intends to make simple the tackling of a complex issue, while the latter is more of a thought experiment for the individual.

The Bloomtrigger project is the massively moral and well principled idea of introducing a new model to primary schools where pupils can help protect rainforests from deforestation in a way that is not only simplistic, but affordable and creative too. A pilot project that involves five UK schools is currently running. These schools are looking at raising £5000 to protect an area of the Peruvian Amazon and to prove a new concept for rainforest conservation works in the future. The project is co-ordinated by its founder James Sutton and the website is www.bloomtrigger.com

As the project develops James is looking to work more and more with teachers who are willing to pioneer and grow the project. How it Works: Schools need to sign up to the website where they are then able to use money from their school budget perhaps, to invest in blooms (50p each) and use them as rewards for their pupils. Pupils are able to plant their bloom(s) on the online map using their own artwork as a profile image. The website is fun and friendly.

This project will enable teachers and leaders to work at educating children about economic driven working practices in rainforest areas that are harming the environment, and helping pupils to understand that this is an ongoing problem of which there is no quick fix. The principle is that local communities here at home will be empowered in helping foresting communities on the ground.

The Bloomtrigger project will meet areas of the curriculum of Geography, and Art/Design (to some degree). This project will prove to be as popular with pupils as those schemes already supported and encouraged in some schools, sharing similar ethics to more established schemes such as the adopting of endangered animals via WWF, or the kind of charity type events that call for sponsorship. As I have said already the project would serve as a popular reward scheme for schools to mark pupil achievements, academic or otherwise, alternatively blooms could be awarded as prizes in school led competitions.

************************************************************************************

The young people’s writing project I introduced in the first paragraph is, in fact, a competition run by the two financial bodies previously mentioned. School children and sixth form students are invited to write and submit an essay in response to this question ‘Who should be responsible for teaching you about personal finance?’

There are two age groups – 13 to 15 and 16 to 18 – This project is giving young writers an opportunity to research the subject and to structure a 1000 word essay that explores that which is a highly topical question for many students who are currently moving up the educational ladder.

The top essay in each of the two age groups will earn its writer an Apple iPad 2 16GB, worth £350. As well as these individual prizes the top students will earn £1000 for their school. For further prize information, deadline date etc. and to submit your entry visit http://www.bgtrustonline.com//sponsorship/news-and-promotions/young-writers-competition.aspx

At a time when young people are having to take on heavy debts for the receiving of their university education there have been concerns highlighted in regard to the financial implications for young people. Campaigners against the rise in student fees in particular, feel that young people are not sufficiently informed. Hopefully, those who decide to participate in this project, will find the exercise of having to really think who would be best to teach them about personal finance, will move their thought processes into areas of exploration that will help with their understanding and their decision making about important money related issues.

Some Random Illustrations

2011-09-27T08:48:00.000-07:00

A GUIDING HAND

STORYBOOK SUBMISSION - A MEDLEY OF COLOUR AND COLLAGE


PUSS IN BOOTS - POSTER - A MEDLEY OF COLOUR AND COLLAGE

People in pink (I know you like these)

Stockmar Wax Blocks

2011-09-19T07:55:00.000-07:00

16 block of Stockmar Wax Crayons

I have used these wax crayons many times. A great little art resource. I have just reviewed these online and thought I would publish the review here at Not Compulsory too.

Stockmar is the German manufacturer of these wax block crayons which contain beeswax. I came to learn about the joys of using these wax blocks for arts and crafts when my children were attending a Steiner school. Stockmar designed these crayons to appeal to a child’s senses and to help with the engagement of specific educational principles and particular artistic ideas. These blocks have many uses and have much sensory and aesthetic appeal to people of all ages. Strangely as it seems the availability in the UK has not that wide ranging but available at Amazon, also visit www.salago.co.uk to order online.

These wax blocks are flat shaped cuboids. The performance of these blocks is far superior to the standard wax crayon. They appeal not only to a child’s liking of touching, feeling, and grasping, but toddlers like to use the tactile qualities of the crayons to collect up and to build with.

I have used these wax blocks in many community art projects that I have led; in particular I’ve encouraged their use with vibrant water colour inks, participants have played around with different wax resist techniques and achieved some surprising results.

The idea is to create a drawing by pressing and rubbing the flat faces of the wax blocks across the paper and to develop the finer details using the corners, and, after blending different colours, the results can be very rewarding. I’ve seen some wonderful geographical features drawn, and the sun depicted in yellow and orange tones oversized on a page, as well as some wonderful purple/grey night skies. For a an idea of what I am explaining visit http://212.79.59.2/download/anwafa_en.pdf

I have also used the blocks in family sessions where designs such as portrait painting; mask making, illustrating and simple storybook have been all the more enhanced by using these superb little art materials. Parents, please know your children will love these.16 blocks in hinged tins they are attractively packaged and make a really nice gift, not just for children but for anyone.

You know when you have found a really special product, one that you use lots and lots for different reasons, but yet you come to the conclusion on your way that not many people seem to know about it. This is one of those products.

Painting by Miranda Reuter

Educational Jargon Explained and Rated - Part II

2011-09-11T10:53:00.000-07:00

Private/Independent/Non-State Schools are also known as a Public Schools – Mainstream State Schools are Public Sector Schools – Free Schools

Free Schools, like Private/Independent/Non-State/Public Schools are NOT under Local Education Authority (LEA) control, as is the case with Mainstream State Schools (of the Public Sector), but are directly funded by the Department of Education in Whitehall, so in other words are state funded. Free Schools sit apart from any County Hall based LEA department across the land, unlike schools that fall under the state sector, yet, in contrast to Private/Independent/Non-State/Public schools are free to those whose children are registered in them.

Schools in the private sector are funded, in the main, by tuition fee paying parents or trust funds set up by pupil’s relatives/benefactors, or by scholarships awarded, whereas schools in the state sector are funded by the compulsory taxation of Britain’s workforce, or, again, by scholarships awards. Pupils however, who are awarded a scholarship when attending a state funded institution usually spend their money on such things as books and computer equipment to aid their educational progress as the cost of their registration is already funded by tax payers as I have already said.

NB. Scholarships (bursaries) are financial aids for persons to use to further their education. They can be awarded to persons attending either the private or the public sector. They are awarded by many different organizations, charities, individuals, and foundations that have been set up specifically to give money in the form of grants. Also, teachers and well established schools and universities award scholarships.

Types of Mainstream State Schools

Community Schools, Foundation and Trust Schools, Community and Foundation Schools, Voluntary Aided-Schools, Specialist Schools, Academies, Faith Schools, Grammar Schools, Maintained Boarding Schools, Comprehensives,

Types of Private/Independent/Non-State/Public Schools

Kindergarten, PrePreparatory Schools, Preparatory Schools, Elementary, Boarding Schools, Senior School, Sixth Form, Coeducational and Girls/Boys Schools, Special Schools

Free Schools

Alternative Schools and HomeEducation

Waldorf education (also known as Steiner or Steiner-Waldorf education), Montessori Education, Home Education (School is Not Compulsory in England and Wales – Education is, of course

Blogger awards the complexity of school systems and their confusing set-ups with NIL points! Note: Opinion only! See you next time.

Livin' it up in Llanelli

2011-07-11T08:32:00.000-07:00

We are back from a short break in Carmarthenshire, South West Wales. This is how it went:

Wednesday 6th July

K in Waterproof

Carmarthen Castle Gate

Shortly after our arrival the clouds darkened and it began to rain intermittently. We put on our waterproofs and set out in a quest to find somewhere to dine. Thinking about when and what to eat is a constant preoccupation of mine. We decided to drive in to Carmarthen itself. We walked around a bit, went up to the castle gate (which was locked), lingered around the statues and the quirky street signs, as one does.

Our surname is Hall

We considered having pizza (as we often do), thought about having a pub meal but a group vote went against that idea (well in the town location anyway).
We weren't quick enough, on our to return to the car, to avoid heavy rain and several inches of water falling in just a few minutes. A deluge of rain fell upon us as we ran through the puddle strewn car park of John Street.


Runnin' in the Rain by Deb Hall

This rather unfortunate happening left us sitting in cold, damp trousers, with soaking wet faces and dripping hair... but we laughed anyway :)
We set off in the direction of the complex in which we were staying, peering through the misty windscreen and avoiding the spray of speeding vehicles as best we could, looking for, as I have done many times before when driving in Wales, that quintessential Welsh public house, stone built and family friendly, with a roaring fire (even in early July) with great food, in fab surroundings. And once again this dreamed up scenario eluded me. We trundled along, up and down the winding bends and steep inclines in the rain, driving through small, grey hamlets and tiny, grey villages searching for something that was never going to transpire in such an area. We drove into Llanelli where there was more choice of places to eat, but, frustratingly, for one reason and another we couldn't ditch the car. So we ended up driving into the car park of a Whitbread Restaurant seen in many a city and town across the lands the: http://www.brewersfayre.co.uk/

Our order being delayed by almost an hour. :(
But we received complimentary drinks and cheap desserts to make up for it :)

Custard slices

Thursday 7th After a breakfast that consisted of two custard slices (compliments of the owner of the Penthouse in which we were staying), and toast, J and J took themselves outside to walk an area of the Millennium Coastal Path. The work that has been carried out there is attractive; purpose built to regenerate the area. This goes someway to promote tourism in an area that was once regarded as the industrial south of the country.

Our Penthouse overlooked the path and so I was able to look down at the two walking from the balcony window.


J and J - a sketch

I decided to take a photograph - I think John's hoping I'm using the zoom...and I was.

We were extremely lucky in respect of the weather for the rest of the day. We visited the 'National Wetlands Centre Wales'. It is the main attraction on this area of coastline. Here you will find many different species of water birds...

After a full day we returned to our Penthouse to watch yet more reporting on the phone hacking scandal on the large, flat screen telly until it was time to eat again. And where did we go to eat this time? You've guessed it, the

Friday 8th

We made the decision to do a 100 mile round trip to Cardiff quayside. We had information, back at our accommodation, of a Doctor Who exhibition at The Red Dragon Centre, Atlantic Quay. It was a bit of a risk to think it had a permanent place there, but I was heartened to see, when scouting around the outside of the centre, the yellow traffic signs advertising Doctor Who and directing traffic to the centre's main car park. The advertising inside however, said the exhibition was CLOSED.
Luckily there was an big event being held in the vicinity, so we went to investigate. It was the

http://www.cardiff-festival.com/ifd_e.htm

So we ate more food!

Here I am Monday morning, back home in Derbyshire and I'm sure I'm 3 or 4 lbs heavier than this time last week. Ho Hum.

And I ask myself too, was our decision to take a break with our teenage children the right one? Well I find, metaphorically speaking, that I

when I should

or vice-versa. And I don't seem to get it right these days :(

I'm now on an extended break from the usual routines, but I thank you for visiting today's blog and I hope you've enjoyed reading about my recent stay near Llanelli. I wish you all the best with your summer plans. See you in September.

Debra x

Debbie's Gimmicky Giveaway

2011-06-30T15:08:00.000-07:00

I have three sets of mini art canvases to giveaway. I call the sets Text Talk Canvas Art. These are original, acrylic on canvas, wall hanging pieces. A little bit of market research this weekend told me that they appeal, in the main, to teenagers from 12 - 15 years, but my pricing a little expensive for a pocket money purchase, so I've decided to give them away.If you like the quirkiness of these sets or know of someone who will, and you would like to be included in a draw for a chance to win please follow the instructions below. My reason for doing this is to improve my online presence. I have been posting on this blog spot for over a year now. I have a steady number of visits per day, but this is an exercise to gauge feedback in relation to my efforts to inform and entertain online.

Draw 1 A set of three chunky canvases that spell, when displayed together LOL

can be wall mounted or free standing. Each individual canvas measures 5" x 5" (1.1/2" thick)

Draw 2 A set of small canvases that spell, when displayed together OMG

wall hanging canvases 4" x 4" (1/2" thick)

Draw 3 A set of small canvases that spell, when displayed together CUl8r

wall hanging canvases 4" x 4" (1/2" thick)

How to enter:

Maximize your chance to win by having up to three entries in all three draws.

For 1 entry: Please take the time to look back at my archive posts and leave a comment on a blog entry that you like and tell me why you like it.

For2 entries: Followers of my blog (new or old) will acquire a second entry into the draw. Please leave a second comment on this blog post below, telling me what you like about my blog as a whole - whether it is the articles, the 'how to do' things, the art and illustrations, the opinion pieces, the comedy, the poetry pieces, the personal writing, the educational themes etc. You can follow if you have a Google account using the "Follow" button above top left.NB leave your email address in your comment if you do not have an email address on your blogger profile so that I can contact you if you are a winner.

For 3 entries: If you are a blogger and you blog this giveaway, leave a third comment that you've done so and include a link. This gives you a third entry to win the mini canvases.

Draw will take place on the evening of Sunday 3rd July and the canvases will be posted to the three winners first thing on Monday morning. Good Luck.

Additional note added Sunday 3rd 9pm:..this was an interesting exercise. I may do the same again sometime soon. I didn't need a random draw generator just eleven entries drawn from a hat. Winners names came out in the following order John, Lory and Jennifer.
Best wishes, Debra

The Beauty of English Language Undone

2011-06-27T11:52:00.000-07:00

I received this via an email. The author is unknown to me - yet being a bit of a wordsmith myself, I really like it, very clever. Content fits my blog theme too so am posting for others to enjoy. Have fun with this!!!

THE BEAUTY OF ENGLISH LANGUAGE UNDONE

We'll begin with a box, and the plural is boxes,
But the plural of ox becomes oxen, not oxes.
One fowl is a goose, but two are called geese,
Yet the plural of moose should never be meese.
You may find a lone mouse or a nest full of mice,
Yet the plural of house is houses, not hice.

If the plural of man is always called men,
Then shouldn't the plural of pan be called pen?
If I speak of my foot and show you my feet,
And I give you a boot, would a pair be called beet?
If one is a tooth and a whole set are teeth,
Why shouldn't the plural of booth be called beeth?

Then one may be that, and three would be those,
Yet hat in the plural would never be hose,
And the plural of cat is cats, not cose.
We speak of a brother and also of brethren,
But though we say mother, we never say methren.
Then the masculine pronouns are he, his and him,
But imagine the feminine: she, shis and shim!

Let's face it - English is a crazy language.
There is no egg in eggplant nor ham in hamburger; neither apple nor pine in pineapple.
English muffins weren't invented in England ..We take English for granted, but if we explore its paradoxes, we find that quicksand can work slowly, boxing rings are square, and a
guinea pig is neither from Guinea nor is it a pig.

And why is it that writers write but fingers don't fing,grocers don't groce and hammers don't ham? Doesn't it seem crazy that you can make amends but not one amend. If you have a bunch of odds and ends and get rid of all but one of them, what do you call it?

If teachers taught, why didn't preachers praught? If a vegetarian eats vegetables, what does a humanitarian eat? Sometimes I think all the folks who grew up speaking English could be running the danger of being called verbally insane.

In what other language do people recite at a play and play at a recital?
We ship by truck but send cargo by ship.
We have noses that run and feet that smell.
We park in a driveway and drive in a parkway.
And how can a slim chance and a fat chance be the same, while a wise man and a wise guy are opposites?

You have to marvel at the unique lunacy of a language in which your house can burn up as it burns down, in which you fill in a form by filling it out, and in which an alarm goes off by going on.

And, in closing, if Father is Pop, how come Mother's not Mop?

I WOULD LIKE TO ADD THAT IF PEOPLE FROM POLAND ARE CALLED POLES THEN
PEOPLE FROM HOLLAND SHOULD BE HOLES AND THE GERMANS GERMS!!!

Summer Art Project 2 Weather - Wind Themes

2011-06-20T16:02:00.000-07:00

Weather Project - Topic is Wind.

Ideas: Discuss how wind power was, and still is, used for milling to make flour and for producing electricity. Talk about the importance of determining wind direction in meteorology, and also about the effect of dangerous, disruptive winds. Introduce the Beaufort scale.

How to make a windmill

You will need:

A4 Thin Card

Insulating Tape

Thin acetate or clear plastic sheets or heavy cellophane (clear)

Coated wire approx 8" L (20cm L)

Felt Tipped Pens

Sticky Tape

Pencils

Stapler

Scissors

5 beads (for mechanism)

hole punch (single punch)

Blue tac

Figure 1

What to do:

Roll up tightly the A4 card longways, and secure with sticky tape. Wrap around the insulating tape in spiral. You've made a tube that will be the handle or wand on to which the windmill will fixed (Figure 1)

Cut out a square that measures approx 8" (20cm) from the acetate/plastic

Make a hole in the centre of the acetate square. It will need the kind of circumference as that of a pencil. NB It will not be possible to do this with the hole punch, so try using a piece of blue tac placed at the back of where you wish to make a hole and pierce through with something pointy and sharp, use a craft knife of the very end of a pair of craft scissors to shape and enlarge. Ensure that the size of the beads you are using are larger still or they will fall through the hole and the mechanics will fail.

Figure 2

From each corner of the acetate square make a diagonal cut toward the centre hole approx 4" (10cm) long. Perhaps use a ruler to mark out a line for accuracy. On the right corner side only of each of the four flaps that now exists, punch a hole. Fold and bend/crease down those corners with a hole so that the four holes align with the hole in the centre of the square, so that you arrive at the windmill shape as in (figure 2)

Optional : Decorate the acetate square with patterns using the felt tipped pens.


Figure 3

To Assemble

Take the coated wire/garden wire or similar, and the beads. Figure 3
Bend the wire in half as shown - thread two beads along one length so they sit at the bend
Feed both wires at the open end through the central hole of the windmill and refold down one corner flap and feed the wires through this too, this is tricky - this may require an extra pair of hands (remember to leave three corners loose at this stage)
Now thread another bead along the outside of the two wires and push forward. Hold everything in place firmly
Incorporate another corner behind the third bead by bending it down and threading two wires through its hole as you did before
Repeat the last two instructions
Thread on the fifth bead
Keep everything tightly pressed in place along the wire, now separate and stretch the wires wide and wrap around the tube/wand approx 1/2" Down (2cm) down from the top. Twist the wires together tightly five or six times together, at the back, to fix the windmill onto the tube securely
You may need to fiddle and adjust the tension of the fittings and ensure that the windmill sits proud of the tube in order to achieve a good spin

How to Make a Character Wind Sock

You Will Need:

A4 Construction/Modelling Paper various colours

Artist's Tissue Paper or Crepe Paper of two or more colours cut into long strips 20" Long (50cm), also strands of the same paper measuring approx 13" Long (32cm) -Orange and Yellow used in the sample below.

Length of Wool approx 28" Long (65cm) L

Glue Stick

Scissors

Sticky tape

Stapler

Curling ribbon

What to do:

Figure 4

Construct your character's face in the centre of an A4 sheet of paper, using shapes cut from different coloured paper. Stick down using the glue stick. The sample shown is a lion. Figure 4

Roll up loosely into a cylinder shape and fasten with sticky tape at the back, ensuring the facial features are a the front. Take strips of the longer length tissue paper and attach inside and all around the bottom of the cylinder tube with little squares of sticky tape and staple or two, so there is a long fringed 'skirt' hanging down

Take the shorter strands place like hair (in this case a mane) around the sides and back of the cylinder, again using small pieces of sticky tape inside the tube to secure, or staples, or a mix of both, leaving the face open. Curl up some curling ribbon with the edge of a pair of scissors and attach as you did the tissue strands. The samples aside and below shows the addition of white curls

Lastly make two small holes on both sides of the' head'. Take one end of the length of wool thread it through one hole across the inside of the tube and out through the hole opposite. Pull the wool up and through, loop it and tie/knot it together to make a long handle

Letter to Dad

2011-06-18T10:11:00.000-07:00

To My Dear Dad,

It is almost fourteen years, come this Father’s Day, since you died.

When delivering your funeral service the vicar said that you hadn’t made a big splash in life, although he did go on to say that people like you: steadfast, hardworking, and honest individuals were the very bedrock of what makes a good society.

This summing up of the sixty-six years of your life has stuck with me, because, while I understand the sentiments the vicar expressed, it makes me sad to think that perhaps we’d not identified characteristics that defined you when we spoke to him of you. Since then, I’ve asked myself over and over again, who and what is regarded as making a big splash in life anyway?

I like this photo, and I think of you as a little boy (one of seven kids), starting out on your life’s journey with high hopes and dreams to fulfill....before your schooling was over, before mum, before me and my brothers, before your allocation of social housing; before working in the car industry for low wages; before money worries; before ill-health.

It was hard for you, as it is for most, to hit the floor running and to take that plunge, but I wish you to know, Dad that your ‘ripple’ reached, spread and washed over me.

I miss you

Your darling daughter

Norris Tatt 1931-1997

Art Project 1 - How to make a Summer Themed Wall Display

2011-06-13T01:44:00.000-07:00

Juicy Fruits - a lesson idea

This encourages the participant to be observant and give attention to detail when drawing or painting. This activity tests the power of observation.

You will need:

A whole fruit

A3 Paper or Card

Sketch pencils

Wax crayons and/or pencil crayons (various colours)

Optional: Green felt tipped pens (various shades)

Optional: Grass, picked as a handful

Optional for extended activity: Acrylic paint (selected colours)

One singular fruit is set upon a flat surface (preferably on a table that sits in natural light). If the fruit is a citrus fruit cut in half or cut off one end to reveal the flesh inside. Using a sketch pencil the participant will produce a line drawing of the fruit, adding shade and tone, identifying marks and pitting and taking note as to where the light is touching and where the shadows fall.

Adding colour: Before the participant adds colour to their still life drawing, first explain how texture already identified in the pencil sketches, can be represented by adding different tones of just one colour. For example: lead a discussion about how children generally set about drawing or painting grass. Young children often represent grass by drawing a strip/band of green along the bottom of the paper. Explain that grass is not just one shade of green and that it is actually a mix of greens along with different shades of yellow and brown (perhaps have a few blades at hand to demonstrate). In this session it can be shown that using a green felt tip pen to make a band/strip of colour gives a flat, two dimensional effect– demonstrate that there is no depth to the colour even if one or two different shades of green felt tipped pens are used. Show then that wax crayons or pencil crayons are more effective, as different shades of one colour can be blended, and then by using varying pressure on the crayon, texture and colour depth can be achieved. Grass can be better presented using these techniques.

Encourage the participant to identify all the shades of colours they see before them. Show the participant how to blend one or two different shades of a one colour and allow the pencilled sketched to lead the process of applying. Colour in the pale creams of the fruit’s pith, segment division and centre first. When adding the fruit’s main colour blend the areas where lighter and darker shades converge and also where the small areas of white light hits and the dark shadow sits underside.

Extended activity: A further idea is to use the tips given for adding colour, but this time mix up different colours and shades of acrylic paint. Both the the lemon and the lime shown above, were drawn, sketched and painted by young children using acrylic paints. The result is a high gloss, visually stunning wall display, and a wonderful exhibit when displayed on a wall alongside the contributions of a whole class, especially if there is a mix of different fruits.

Apple by Debra Hall - Watercolour

Maths Sphere

2011-06-10T12:11:00.000-07:00

A little bit of fun...here is a poem about the Whys and Wherefores and The Dos and Do-Nots of young life. Can you spot familiar language of the mathematical world? :)

Title: Maths Sphere

You may not know it

that in the simplest form

the best advice as a guide

Number Balloons by J. Hall Age 5

is to stick to the norm.

Estimate the time it takes.

Ensure that it is worthwhile.

See how much Ben gets

then do the the same with Kyle.

Tilt your head at a cute angle.

Put on those plastic smiles.

The probability that the sun will rise tomorrow

beats a foretold forecast by miles.

Parallel lines to London Waterloo.

The distance from house to station.

Define the relationship between

endless love, and its warm sensation.

Give reasons for your answer.

Expand and simplify.

Explain why your success depends...

on that which a listening ear lends.

By Debra x

this is my chicken by K. Hall Age 9

The Man

2011-05-13T11:20:00.001-07:00

This letter is addressed to everyone in the UK and beyond. This letter is about someone we all know...

Dear All,
You know The Man! The Man – he’s everywhere! He’s with you sometimes and he is often with me. Perhaps you’ll join me in congratulating The Man for his tremendous work. The Man comes in many guises and he wears many hats. He pops up when you least expect. He’s the one who says your grades are rubbish and the same one who loses you that ideal position. He squeezes your last drop of self confidence. It is he who decides the kind of future ahead.

The Man knocks your creativity. He bangs the door shut on opportunity. He stamps on you for not making enough profit. He sells off your assets. The Man tells us all to get stuffed actually! Good! You recognise him now. Then let’s raise our glasses to The Man and the great job he does!

We find The Man, day in and day out, getting his hands dirty with his sleeves rolled up – he is sorting out the mess. Maybe it was a mess he got us into in the first place, but never mind. He’s out there and busy, whether it’s stealing away a loved one or keeping you in that dead end job. He meddles with your health and happiness and plays risk with your hopes and dreams. Only this last year he’s played his part in ridding the local authorities of 100,000 council workers! And you have to admit that is some achievement! Of course, the council services are now less effective, less reliable and less safe; nevertheless it’s not The Man’s problem, he’s done his bit.

You know what I think? I think The Man is definitely a sports fan, as cutting back on the Arts big style means more money for the Olympics. Hurray! The Man must have saved sheds load of money there. And raising VAT and tripling student fees means the middle, spread as it may be, is even more squeezed. Bravo!

The Man is not afraid to tell people ‘No, thank you’. Someone has to do it. The only writing of mine he’ll publish is that which is on the wall. The only painting he’ll buy from me does not exist in a Portfolio. The only flowery gesture he’ll give me is in his language, and his only backing is what I see when he walks away. I’ll never be The Man’s apprentice. I’ll never fit his organisation. Obviously the last thing The Man wants to do is pay fair money for a fair days work. We can rely on The Man to keep his costs down to the minimum. And so thank goodness The Man’s okay! His profit is soaring. His bonus is earmarked. His society is BIG.

Yours truly,

I was inspired to write this after I came across a fictitious letter to the London Regional Transport about cuts they were making many moons ago - written by Terry Jones for the Guardian. I could not resist having a go at conveying my own thoughts in this blog entry using the same darkly, humorous approach as he. Thanks for reading.

Street Art at the Street Party

2011-05-02T07:50:00.000-07:00

Street Party Brendon Way, Ashby de la Zouch

'Sun is shining in the sky, there's not a cloud in sight...' and Mr Blue Sky was a welcome guest at the wedding of our future king and his bride in the country's capital, as well as at each and every street party held the length and breadth of this fair land last Friday 29th.

Alex and Joe

I would like to thank my friend, Sue, as well as the residents and near neighbours of Brendon Way, Ashby de la Zouch, situated in leafy NW Leicestershire, for inviting me and my family along to, what turned out to be, a happy, memorable occasion.

Princess Katie

Prince Nick

After formal toasting the entertainment included sporting activities, quizzes, a raffle, and a cake baking competition. And music, food and drink in the sunshine.

Debra Hall Face Painting at the Street Party

Girls making their mark!

I was there in my community artist role and acknowledge that the addition of the street art which included face painting, flag making, and the painting of a large, commemorative mural was, in the words of the two ladies who organised - 'the icing on the cake! Well done to all involved.

Deb and Katie Hall 29th April 2011

Mural painted by those who attended Street Party on Brendon Way, in Ashby de la Zouch April 2011

Art For Sale

2011-04-07T07:23:00.000-07:00

Acrylic on Canvas 12" x 12" x 1.1/2"

Acrylic on Canvas 12" x 12" x 1.1/2"

Framed Original Mixed Media 'Life of Pi' 13" Square

Why not commission a similar piece?


Decorative Textile Art

I hope you like my art. I am presently producing pieces that have popular, commercial appeal. Commissions welcome.

Jamie's Dream School Success or Failure?

2011-03-21T16:43:00.000-07:00

From what I've seen to date I don't think the Dream School is working. We are now three shows in. It has not penetrated my psyche that much. Jamie Oliver says, in the show's intro, that the aim is to engage the kids. The principle is that the pupils will learn and behave differently when working under the giddy influence of celebrity and of fandom and the such.

The attention being lavished on this group of young people, not just by the media, is alien to them. Surely the view that a few lessons delivered by high profiled academics and a handful of celebrities will not go any way to compensate for twelve years of poor schooling.

The idea of a dream school should be a place where education is happening, but the pupils are not necessarily aware that lessons are taking place. Oliver has gained a good reputation for his philanthropic work, but seems to have misjudged things this time. Like Oliver, my interest is how creativity can channel education and I'm sure he set out with this principle in mind when the idea first came about, but unfortunately he has failed to grasp that someone who is an expert, or has gained fame in a particular field of work, is not necessarily a good teacher.

The environment of Jamie's Dream School has a controlling element that dominates. Oliver dips and ducks in when sessions are running and sits quietly and obediently at the back of the class. The more formal subjects are pre-planned and leader led. There is no scope that allows for self discovery or for the receiving of unopinionated explanations from the so called 'teachers', some who at times court their over-inflated egos behind fake smiles.The atmosphere is tense. The kids are lectured about such things as self discipline and the negativity of those who live their lives without purpose - heavy stuff. The settings are clinical, uninspiring classrooms mostly. The biosphere being one exception, but the novelty of being inside one of these quickly waned; as the pupils were simply hell bent on getting out and having a smoke. The young girl who lasted the duration was exploited I felt, because she was overly-awarded and was used to prove a point to the others - very naughty.

Then there's the vexed question as to why the programme's researchers/makers think that equipping the young people with computers and that the use of visual aids and multimedia in the lessons as if this is something the pupils may not be used to. I'm sure they are actually. And are the makers aware that artists are often employed to go in to schools across the UK to run drama, dance, poetry, creative writing, sculpture, or visual art sessions that help with conceptual and practical responses to curriculum and extra-curriculum subjects? And that teachers are often out of school with pupils visiting places of interest, where there is chance for them to see and handle historical artefacts. The researchers should know too that such items are often loaned to schools free of charge.

As a home educator, a community project worker, reviewer and writer of this educational focused blog, I do much observing. I'm someone who will scream from the rafters about the need for schools to change because teaching methods aren't all that different from when Oliver went to school in the 80s, and from when I went to school in the 70s, probing back even further some methods aren't much different from Victorian Britain and before. Nevertheless, I am sure, that little vignettes of the 21st century must have reached most schools, even the schools that have been run down in areas that are strapped for cash, and also the failing schools. The education of children in mainstream has been enhanced, be it in varying degrees, by these kinds of progressive approaches to teaching. The use of visual and aural aids and kinetic activities in stimulating settings has been a fashion that has perpetrated in recent years. We need more of it, of course! And how things are looking with council cuts we'll probably get less. Nevertheless the programme's makers and Oliver too, are wrong to think they are offering something new and imaginative, although I, for one, wished they/he were. The best and most inspirational part of this Channel 4 programme was the piece of animate work on the programme's advertisement.

I realise now what a pioneer my primary school teacher, Mr Theodore was when he urged us, in class, to listen to Fleetwood Mac's Albatross and allow the wave like crashes of the music to wash over us, while sitting with our heads on the desk tops and our eyes closed. Eat your heart out Jack Black! And on the subject of the film School of Rock...well that is the idea of a dream school in a kid's mind. Shame this kind of notion cannot translate into reality.

The kids in Dream School were not particularly captured by the vibe during the poetry/music lesson with Tinchy Stryder and Andrew Motion; after the rap music was played, emotions had not been stirred, so they were explained and weakly bebated instead. It was excruciating to watch. Saying that, it is my view that those who work in the creative industries are experiencing the better successes there, apart from Robert Winston who I think is just great, I'm using the level of positive responses and engagement of the participants to measure this.

I hope we see evidence of Oliver taking his concept forward and him not being afraid to experiment further with this project. Lastly, I really hope the ending I see on the cards for this, is not one that I am presently predicting, and will save me from sneering at Oliver's involvement in such a poor show - give him his dues he is usually bright as a button, extremely motivating and persuasive, and it will be disappointing for him if this time his well intentioned efforts prove to be in vain.

The Week That Was

2011-02-28T09:28:00.000-08:00

Last week was half term and I have been doing odd jobs,  spring cleaning and sorting things along with my family, also I've been painting up some new designs for wall art. This is how the week went...

Saturday 

Got cracking with painting canvases to introduce my new range of Text Talk Wall Art

Text Talk Canvas Art by Debra Hall

Sunday

I asked Katie, 'What are we doing today?'

She said 'I'm staying in my pyjamas'

I replied, contently, 'Me too!'

Pyjama Day - by Debra Hall

Monday

Bagging up by Debra Hall

To make up for our lazy Sunday, Katie and I sorted and tidied out cupboards and bagged up stuff. We had a some things for online auctioning, and loads of rubbish for recycling and to dispose of.

Tuesday

While John was making good work of some new and snazzy kitchen lighting.Katie and I spent the day off loading our hoards down the local charity shop and the rest of the time listing things to sell at auction online

Wednesday

I managed to pin my son, Joe down to action the spring cleaning of his bedroom. Long Overdue. Wish I'd had a magic wand! More bin bags! But I must admit the draw to keep checking online listings to see if I had any watches/bids was too much.

Thursday

Spring cleaning Joe's bedroom led to the largely, unprepared decision to paint it out. All members of my household have strong personalities, so, as there were too many chiefs working on the job, we didn't get very far with the decorating.

Too many chiefs - by Debra Hall
Friday

As much as I hate shopping for shoes, it turned out to be a welcome break from the work at home.

That was the week that was

Straight From The Horse's Mouth

2011-02-07T08:32:00.001-08:00

I wish to outline my own experience of the affect the cuts are having on me and on the industry I work in. Speaking as someone who wishes to continue to do good work in the community but cannot see how to move forward, I feel my voice should be heard.
I am a community artist. I work as a freelancer. I am not directly employed by any charity, arts organisation or council, although I have worked with such groups/organisers and council employees to deliver community arts projects in the past.

My Background: I started my business in 2003. My focus is on creativity and how it channels education. For the first couple of years or so I spent time developing the kind of creative business that would engage children and their families; ‘community involvement’ one could say. My sessions have enabled participants to develop and share skills often in settings that have allowed social interaction across the generations. These sessions brought about opportunity for participants to benefit in a wider sense. I have based all my projects on these principles. I identified a working ethos for myself, one I felt comfortable working to, and, more importantly, and without trying to sound pretentious; one that had not dulled my creativity along the way.

The Cuts: Everyone knew that the direct withdrawal of funding for the Arts would hit hard, but I wonder if people are aware of the knock on effect the loss of jobs in various departments within each local authority across the country is having and will have. It is true that the cuts will damage the work of the volunteering armies in our communities. The input from individuals, like me, cannot be expected to be delivered for free. If the intention is to set up projects or programmes of quality, where participants are safe and where the legal responsibilities are taken on by the organiser(s) – well, that has to come at a price. There is a real danger of going back to a time where people, well-intentioned as they may be, will run sessions on a shoe string, in village and church halls, community centres, resulting in our most vulnerable members of society being at risk. Long running community projects and schemes will, undoubtedly, fall to the wayside. Having less grant money available will slow the regeneration of disadvantaged communities and the continued improvement of services. Have we not learnt anything?

The Arts: Those working in the creative industry realised long ago that they were never going to be rich in this line of work. It has been rare that a project has paid me fully for the time and effort put in and I think anyone working in the same line will agree there is always a large amount of goodwill involved. It is true to say that in recent years, those who work in the Arts, myself included, have been highly dependent on public sector investment.

What I think the government is saying: it is hoping a new contract culture will emerge from this situation. It is counting on leaders and organisations, in their efforts to diversify and broaden their funding bases, to deliver contracted services in order to continue with their work. I believe there will be many external factors that will result in there being an increasing call on strong and high profiled companies in the UK to draw up social responsibility policies or to provide financial support for health and wellbeing related projects and for education too.

My Work and my experience of the downward trend to date: ‘We’ will have to resort to begging letters to large companies for funding to continue with our work. It is very demoralising for 'us'. This was the situation before the lottery funding, and it has come full circle. Yet companies in the UK have to remain profitable during this difficult time, and so raising their profiles by investing in the community arts, be it performance, music, combined arts, or whatever - may not be something many could consider even if they wanted to. Already many large companies offer sponsorship, run competitions and are involved in charity work.

I have managed to keep my working diary busy for the past few years. My work has never been all about the money. I simply made the best of networking opportunities and funding channels that have resulted in a few success stories, small admittedly, but significant nonetheless.

Time I've had for creative pursuits has been squeezed of late. I've been a slave to the administrative duties; having to work much harder to land those bookings. The last six months have involved checking emails for up and coming arts jobs/funding opportunities on an hourly basis, spending lengthy periods of time making applications, compiling statements… pursuing…chasing…all of the time. I’d always had to do this kind of thing of course, but I found I was having less and less time available to me to write, sketch, or devise new arts projects.

And now I am not getting the project work anymore, whereas I was ticking along nicely. Two local authority workers have played safe and decided not to offer up work that was lined up. Direct communications from people have dried up. I still get information relating to funding channels and project work as I’ve signed up to receive such notifications, but I realise there is too much competition from the voluntary sector for any one job, likewise, I have found already that companies are not responding to my begging letters! It is my fear that the community arts strand of my business may not survive.

Note: I was prompted to write this frank account of my business today by the following article online
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-12378974

Greetings Cards

2011-01-27T05:29:00.000-08:00

Greetings cards are getting so-o-o expensive and so have decided to design a few handmade cards using eyelets to decorate.

Handmade cards are little works of art. I'm not so keen on the card making kits and expensive embellishments that you can buy, I prefer to use scrap, reused, recycled bits and pieces and torn paper layers - as I don't like straight and neat!

Since the children have grown-up I've got lazy at making cards, so I'm using my new eyelet tool to make cards for family/friends, or to sell online or at the next charity fair.