Down by the sea

 After School Art Enrichment Program

For my first art project of the new Art Enrichment Program at a local Montessori school I had students work with clay to create a collection of handmade pottery fish.    During lesson one the children hand cut their fish shapes from a slab of clay.  They added eyes, fins, scales and an array of fishy details.  I took the clay fish home and kiln fired them to a bisque state.  During lesson two, the children painted their artwork with non-toxic glazes.  The fish were kiln fired once more and a saw tooth hanger was added to the back. 

Preschool Fish

Elementary School Fish

A school of children and fish ready for another exciting year of sharing, creating and learning.

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In the Studio

Working with Clay

After cleaning up and putting away paint supplies from my Monday morning art class, I had the afternoon free to work on a new art project.  As a result of having a studio in the middle of my house, where a very curious kitty loves to "help" and nap on my art table, it's been a while since I've worked with clay.  Lately my hands have been itching to work with this medium again, so it was time to get dirty!

Handmade Pottery Surfboards

With another surfing art camp starting next week I needed a bisque project for the students to glaze.  Therefore, my first task was to create surfboard shapes for the artists.  

 After rolling out a slab of clay, the board shapes were cut out with enough for the class and a few extras for me!! The clay surfboards have been set aside to dry and should be ready for a bisque firing in my kiln in a day or so. 

 In addition, I also created a few smaller surfboards and had fun making little surfer boys and girls. I'm really excited about these cute shapes!  I think they'll look really cool hanging on a necklace, or maybe hanging on a Christmas tree.  If you have any other ideas they would certainly be welcomed!

Sneak Peak ~ Day Two

In between teaching summer art camps and days filled with activities related to good ole summertime, I've been trying to crank out some new art work.  Here's another sneak peak into what's been happening in my studio.

 Roxy, in the middle of my art work - right where she loves to be. 

TROPICAL COLORED 

BEACH THEMED

PAINTINGS AND PICTURE FRAMES 

Original surfing and beach themed small acrylic paintings on canvas, matted and framed.

Each one of my original paintings have been adhered to a 5 x 7 inch plain white mat board and placed into a hand painted, tropical colored frame.  For a bit more beach flare, I added a hand painted pottery surfboard, palm tree or starfish.  Then wired the backs so the paintings are ready to hang.  These happy little pieces of art will be available here in a few more days.  So please be sure to check back!

Tableware for Summer Parties

Surfers Beach Plate Collection

BRAND NEW FOR SUMMER TABLE DECOR, BEACH PARTIES, AND BEACH WEDDINGS

  Surfers Beach Dinner and Salad Plates

A collection of hand drawn and painted surfers road trip dinner and salad plates that I designed for lovers of summer, surfing, and the beach life. Painted in non-toxic, lead-free tropical colors of ocean blue, lime green, lemon yellow and tangerine orange; these whimsical plates will add coastal color and fun to your party or table.

Dinner Plates

These pottery plates measures 10.5 inches round and are hand drawn and hand painted with tropical colors and simple wording.  Click on the images for more information.

  Ocean Blue Dinner Plate

 Lime green Surf Dinner Plate

Tangerine Orange Beach Dinner Plate

 Lemon Yellow Swim Dinner Plate

Salad/Dessert/Appetizer Plates

 Surf Camper Salad Plate shown with Ocean Blue Dinner Plate

 Surf Bus Salad Plate shown with Lime Green Surf Dinner Plate

 Surf Woodie Salad Plate shown with Lemon Yellow Swim Dinner Plate

 Surf Jeep Salad Plate shown with Tangerine Orange Beach Dinner Plate

SURF PARTY IDEAS

Ideas for creating your own surf and beach themed parties can be found by clicking on the following two images.

Surf bus table decor from Hostess with the Mostess

 Jello Shooters in Orange Slices recipe found here

Happy Summer - Party and Enjoy!