This week, I've had the unique experience of helping a great bunch of campers turn a bunch of discarded items into little treasures. They have done an outstanding job of creating in our first Upcycling Camp at Creative Genius. In fact, based on feedback we've received from both children and adults, a few of these projects will be added to our workshop schedule for ADULTS in Fall/Winter 2011-2012...stay tuned for more info soon!
Among the many pieces of junk that have been converted to artistic creations:
Old spools
Keys
Hemp
String
Ribbons
Assorted buttons
old books
bottle caps
water bottles
tape measures
cereal boxes
paper towel rolls
soda tabs
stickers
magazines
newspapers
vintage clippings
old lace
extra sequins
and much much more!
I have to hand it to these kids--they have taken some truly challenging projects and made them their own. Great job, campers!
The hardest decision made in Clay Camp today? Blueberry or Cherry!
Today's clay camp project was a combination of sculptural and slab work along with lots of practice scoring and slipping. The group created individual pieces of pie. With lots of coaching and direction, each camper made their own little piece of pie on a plate. and then got to the fun part--choosing blueberry or cherry! And once they got to work glazing, their creations really took shape. These pieces are greenware and still need to be fired, clear glazed and fired again. But if they look cool right now, they will look even better when they are shiny!
This year's Clay Camp projects have been really fun...from rattles to vases to wheel pieces to wall hangings, we've covered all the methods of creating in clay and learned a lot too. Everyone has been really focused on creating but also on scoring and slipping so their creations actually make it through the kiln firings and make it home safely.
As usual, Clay Camp here at Creative Genius, which is our 8th Clay Camp, has been a blast. The group this year is fantastic. Not only are the kids creative but they are so well-behaved that I can't believe a good majority of them are under the age of 10. They are an amazing group- very focused and really fun to work with. Awesome job, campers! See you tomorrow morning for the finale of Clay Camp 2011!
Just came across an interesting blog post about spoon rings and wanted to share. The artist who posted is someone we work with at Creative Genius. Her name is Jennifer Northup and she makes wonderful silverware jewelry. Actually her jewelry is like no other silverware jewelry I have ever seen (and in my 8 years working in this industry, I have seen quite a bit!). Her necklaces and rings are welcome additions at Creative Genius and our clients really like how unique her take on silverware jewelry is. Her blog post is below...who would have thought that spoon rings were so romantic?
*****************
The many meanings of Spoon Rings...
Spoon rings originated in 17th century England. There are some things that retain their general meaning across centuries and across oceans. Made from spoons that servants had stolen from their masters’ homes, the rings were used as wedding rings by those who could not afford the “real thing”. Spoon rings still represent the meaning of love and commitment that they once did.
The centuries old Welsh custom of giving "love spoons" meant a would-be suitor gave a spoon to a girl he wished to court. A practice that originated in the 15th century, the suitor often carved the spoon himself or commissioned a spoon. Spoons became very ornate with symbols of love and promise.
Give that special someone that you love a Spoon Ring and let the tradition continue.
*******************
Photos shown ©2010 by George Post for Silver Spoon Jewelry
