Highschool flash back

I created this piece for my highschool yearbook in 1996. 30 years and 4 kids later I almost forgot how much art was a huge part of my life.

I also almost forgot that I got my bachelor’s in visual arts communications! I worked in the field as a graphic artist for about 10 years and realized sitting behind a computer for sometimes over 10 hours a day was and is not for me. Art has always been a constant in my life. As a little girl I always had a sketch book a pencil and a box of crayons. I was obsessed with paper and the smell of paint. I loved that newspaper print and tempura paints I used to use in elementary school. I remember once while watching the Italian chanel with my parents there was an opportunity to draw a picture to be aired on the show. I drew a picture for my brother to enter and to my surprise, it got aired. I was very proud even though my brothers name appeared on it and not mine.

I also remember my classmates coming up to me and asking me to draw them dogs and bears to illustrate their stories during writing.

Creating covers for my book reports were always so exciting for me. And sometimes I’d put more work into my covers than the actual reports! I continued loving art all throughout highschool and having my artwork featured in the yearbook really built up my confidence.

With the guidance of my art reacher Mrs. Campbell, I decided to continue my education in art and long story short I majored in visual communication. I had created a sunburst in one of my art classes which was sent to a morning show and was picked to be aired. I never got to see it live but i got a copy of the show and again, felt proud of my achievement.

Looking back, I kinda wish that I had become an art teacher. I’m not sure why I didn’t, however during my years of raising my children there was always an art project or two ready to go almost every day. So, I guess in a way maybe I did get to teach art.

And now here I am. Working in a preschool and loving being a part of cute little art projects and it’s got me thinking that the next half of my life might be lesrning how to teach art to young children.

 

 

Generous Ramadan!!


Ramadan, a holy month of fasting, prayer, and community for Muslims is right around the corner. It’s a time to reflect on faith, spend with family, and give to charity. It’s also a perfect time to get creative with family and friends.

My friend at Lulu+Jasmin has some fun stencils, tattoos, and posters in her shop that you can use to make beautiful greeting cards, and unique crafts, and create endless projects for the upcoming holiday or any future event. 
Here are some Ramadan facts: 
  • Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. 
  • During Ramadan, Muslims don’t eat or drink anything during daylight hours. 
  • The meal Muslims eat before sunrise is called Suhoor. 
  • The meal Muslims eat after sunset to break their fast is called Iftar. 
  • The end of Ramadan is celebrated with Eid ul-Fitr, the Festival of the Breaking of the Fast. 

How can you celebrate Ramadan with kids? 

  • Decorate the house
  • Bake treats
  • Mark the days with a calendar
  • Volunteer or give to charity
  • Be kind to others
  • Make snacks for Iftar
  • Include children’s friends
  • Encourage children to participate in fasting
  • Introduce children to charitable giving
 What are some greetings for Ramadan?
“Ramadan Mubarak” and “Ramadan Kareem” are common greetings during Ramadan, meaning “Have a Blessed or Generous Ramadan”. 

Artist: Lia Weiss

I found these beautiful pieces of artwork in an old sketch book that Lia had a couple of years ago. Maybe she was around 8 or 9 years old. Kids have such an imagination. So raw and natural. No limits. I miss that.

Dreidel dreidel dreidel

We made you out of clay, and when you’re dry and ready we hope that you will spin.

This is our first year making our own dreidels out of clay. The kids are older and can actually do this kind of stuff on their own. I actually sat back and watched this while eating some pumpkin pie. This was dad’s idea, anything that has to do with using your hands to create something is his cup of tea. He’s so good at that.

We used polymer clay. The clay was as hard as a brick when we opened it. I read that baby oil would soften it up, so they went ahead and baby oiled the clay, and continued to knead it until it softened up. It took a few minutes but soon enough they were able to start sculpting their individual dreidels. We popped them in the oven at 275 degrees for about 45 minutes, maybe more and out came these adorable dreidels. Tomorrow we will see whose dreidel does the best job spinning. I bet it will be dad’s.

Hot cocoa bombs

I am so proud of these hot cocoa bombs and I didn’t even make them. My two oldest, Isabel and Melina did! (And actually we could have never gotten through them without lias help in watching little liam) I bought the molds for Christmas but they got here late so the other day Isabel decided it was time to make them. I Was kinda hesitant thinking “oh dear another mess to clean up!” But oh my goodness, these were so easy and fun to make! I watched as they hot bombed away. Its crazy for me to think that my kids are at an age where they are self sufficient for the most part and can create things in the kitchen without my assistance. They do however leave everything for me to clean, but I don’t mind. I’m always right there on top of them making sure things don’t get too messy…I’m pretty annoying like that. Anyhow,  just love the way my kids dive into stuff like this. I was reluctant to make these, worried they would bomb, not in a good way and my daughters proved the only way to make them was to try!!! Love you girls!!! And you too Liam!

What the world needs now is ART sweet Art.

I set up a little art studio in our dining room knowing this would become one of our favorite spots in the house. I have yet to sit and create something but I feel like it’s the best gift I can give to the family right now. It’s been a great outlet for the kids. While Amir works night and day to sustain us, I’m trying to find ways to keep us all mentally healthy and happy.