Etsy Treasuries

If you have spent very much time on Etsy you will have discovered the treasury link by now. I don't know how many non-sellers actually look at these groups of items but the sellers sure value the treasuries. I think it is a lot about the possibility of your treasury ending up on the front page of Etsy.

So.. I have managed to claim one of these coveted treasuries today. It was fun putting the items together. It reminded me a lot of curating an art exhibit. I did limit my choices to people "I know" either from the SHE (Schooling at Home Etsians) team and some fellow Christian artisans from Ruebees. So you really should go check it out and see what these treasuries are all about.

You can see the one I put together here. I did not have my morning coffee yet when I was deciding what to choose. I really had coffee on the brain and I was very inspired by the coffee bag that is shown. Ginnymae from Handcrafted at Wit's End made this fabulous bag. If any of you feel like buying that bag for me, I would love it! ;) Mothers day is coming!

Thinking again about learning styles...

Today during bible study, we were about 15 or 20 minutes into our time and the leader had us stop and write everything we could remember, that had happened since she had said, "good morning ladies". The lesson was meant to show us about the different accounts of Jesus and how they all match up and how it was not of man but through the Holy Spirit that they are the same. Amazing when you think about it!

I found that I had not heard much of anything for the first few minutes and then they had done a short skit. The skit was all that I could write about. I could picture the whole thing in my mind and I could tell you almost word for word what was said. Still can, even hours later. The lecture... well not so much!

That sums up a lot for me when I think about how I learn. I remember word pictures, descriptions I can see or relate to. Talks and lectures that don't include those are quickly forgotten. There is not even a file for them in my brain.

I listen when I draw. I often tell my friends (who think I am not listening if I am drawing or doodling) that if they see me sitting quietly and watching the speaker, I am probably miles away.

The lesson here is... how do I translate what works and doesn't work for me to what my visual learner needs in order to learn? I have one daughter that is very visual. If she is sitting and listening to me read, I am guessing she is not always there. She could be miles away in her mind and appear to be listening quietly.

If you are reading this and you have a visual learner can I suggest a few ideas?

Let your visual learner draw or doodle while they listen. Don't show them a bunch of documentaries thinking that it is visual, but instead have them illustrate what they hear. Show them pictures. Have them keep a notebook. These are all ways that they will learn.

We primarily use Sonlight curriculum. I love it! It works great for my son and it appears that it is working for my younger daughter. However, as we get farther along I am thinking it will not work for my visual learner. We may be switching things out a little more next year. I am not willing to give up what is working for one (probably two) but at the same time I have to find something that will fit everyone.

What is a succesful artist?

If you were looking for more blogging about learning styles, I will revisit. I just got too busy this week to research.

My idea of success when I was 25 and in the midst of graduate school is SO different than now.

I have often struggled with the gifts I have been given. For many years it was struggling with, "what can I do to make a living and still do what I love?". Then it was the typical questions of, "Am I good enough?" and of course thrown in there were the questions, "Will I ever get out of school?" and "Will I ever do anything with my art?" translated to be, "Will I be successful?". Of course the worlds idea of success and God's idea are two totally different things. My idea of success was to land a good teaching job right out of graduate school and to be showing in galleries and museums. I was headed there, I had the big commission jobs, I had gallery and museum shows, I had even started to get some national exposure. Then I took a side trip. Who would have known that side trip included being married and raising four kids, much less home schooling and NOT having a place to work in clay?

When I was in graduate school my first instructor said some things that really hurt at the time. Luckily he didn't change how I viewed things (unless determination to prove him wrong was a change). He told me, and I quote, " You cannot be a Christian and an artist at the same time, you have to choose." I still cannot believe that I just stared at him and had no answer. I think my only response was to shake my head no, and look at him with utter disbelief and walk away. How do you answer a statement like that? How is a person who already doubts her talents and gifts supposed to deal with the ideology of worldly instructors who are against everything she believes. Yet, those same instructors have such an impact on who we become. They can really make a difference on the opportunities that come our way and the encouragement we so desperately long for.

I guess he would look at my life today and say, "I told you so!". I don't feel like I failed though. I do some form of art every day and I really could care less if it is in a gallery or in my own home. It is more about the NEED to create than who is looking at it. If I can create something for a friend and give them some beauty in their day, that is enough. So... I am successful according to those standards. I have succeeded!!

Learning styles

I have been thinking a lot about learning styles today. I was posting on the Sonlight forums about Katerina's birthday and somehow that got me onto thinking about learning styles and specifically talking about visual learning. I struggled to learn in school and I see the same path for Katerina if I can't help her to learn with her strengths.
















So I took a learning style test today. The results are posted here for you all to see. I didn't see any major surprises here. Unless maybe it was the social part being that high. I thought maybe the physical or kinesthetic would be higher. I do learn really well by doing. So for me, I guess the ideal way to learn is to draw it and make it.

I would love to find a learning style test to give my kids with information on how best to teach for their styles. I have read a good book that I need to revisit. It is called Talkers, Watchers, and Doers by Cheri Fuller. If you are looking for some information that is a good place to start.

Here is some good information for studying if you already know your child's learning style. I am a visual/nonverbal when I look at their options. Sure wish I had this information when I was starting college. Thinking about all those classes that I had to memorize information for.

I will be revisiting this subject for a day or two I am sure. I seem to get started on researching something and then I can't let it go until I have exhausted my resources (or myself, whichever comes first).

Another birthday this week!

My big girl turned 8 this week. She is truly her mother's daughter. She LOVES making things. Doesn't matter what it is, she wants to make it, or draw it, or paint it. Mom just needs to learn how to back off and let her do it all by herself. I am trying!!

She asked for projects for her birthday this year. Not a problem! I was happy to buy her some things to do instead of more toys. She made a potholder today and can't wait to make more. Then it is off to paint a jewelry box and after that...

So we celebrated at a small local zoo. It was a great day filled with fun. Happy Birthday Katerina.

Just post something...

I wanted to get something new up on my blog since the sale is over. The only thing I have to post is a whine about a root canal. Since I know that would chase away any potential viewers I am just going to post a picture instead.

BTW, the sale went great. Thank you to all of my customers and watch for a free shipping weekend again in the future. May even be a monthly thing. Although I hope to not have emergency dental work done the day after. It really throws me off schedule. If you are reading this and ordered something please have some patience with me. I really planned to mail everything out today but I don't think I will be going anywhere (unless it is to the couch for a nap).

SALE! SALE! SALE!

I am offering free shipping all weekend. If you have been eying something from my shop this is your chance to save a little. This applies to all items that are purchased between now and midnight (PST) Sunday. You can wait for me to adjust shipping or I will just refund your shipping whatever is easiest for you.

So what are you waiting for? Click on the banner and go shop already!

A poem in my honor

I can't believe this... a friend from Sonlight posted a poem about my jewelry on her blog. You have to go check it out here. She has a great blog so be sure and look around while you are there. She is a lot of fun and very creative.

I have to get back to work now we have school, park day, soccer practice and family movie night tonight. So much to do, so little time! (My favorite quote from Charlie and The Chocolate Factory, the old version of course!)

I have been tagged!

I think this could be kind of fun. I just saw a blog the other day where someone had been tagged, so at least I had an idea what she was talking about when birthblessed tagged me. Thank you Amy (I think).

The rules are as follows...

1. Link your tagger and list these rules on your blog.
2. Share 7 facts about yourself on your blog, some random, some weird.
3. Tag 7 people at the end of your post by leaving their names as well as links to their blogs.
4. Let them know they are tagged by leaving a comment on their blog.

I have no idea what facts to share. This could take a while...

1. While in graduate school, I had to fulfill some credits (at the graduate level) outside the art department. I took a beginning computer class. I was so glad they offered one for graduate students. Probably the most helpful class I have ever taken.

2. When we first got married I didn't want children. Now I have four beautiful kids and wish for more,except on Mondays (see previous blog post).

3. I love being up late at night by myself. If I could I would stay up even later but lately go to bed around 12:00 or 1:00am.

4. Macaroni and ketchup are a comfort food for me (don't ask!).

5. I have always wanted to work with glass. Making glass beads or even functional items. It seems like it would be similar to working in clay (was a potter for 20 years).

6. Dreamed of opening a coffee shop that was a combination of an art gallery, coffee shop and used bookstore. Even had a name for it and have the layout designed in my head.

7. Another dream was to open my own art center. I would teach pottery classes and have other people come in to teach painting, drawing, dance, music, etc.

OK, now I get to pick seven people to tag. This should be fun. Hope it isn't like a chain letter and I will loose friends over it. I really like all of these blogs and bloggers. Some I actually get to see IRL and others are just imaginary friends that I pop in on once in a while. Please forgive me if you hate this kind of thing. I promise not to pick you if I ever get tagged again. ;)

1. The Joy Box
2. My friend Kendra
3. True Moments of Family
4. My friend Jan
5. Hope Connections
6. Choice Central
7. At Wits End