Category Archives: Philosophy

Bracelets, classes, Philosophy, Teaching

Teach Me

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Lately, I’ve once again had a chance to teach others. Although I’ve tried several times to veer into other paths, I seem to always come back to education. It doesn’t seem to matter to me “what”  I’m trying to teach. The important element for me is “how to teach” it.  It’s always been both challenging and fun for me to try to figure out how best to help others learn.

Yesterday, while preparing to teach a leather wrap bracelet class, I went back to pedagogy in designing a teaching aid. The bracelets, which I’ve shown before, are below.

wrap

  I had close to the maximum number of people enrolled in the class and wondered how in the world I was going to show everyone how to do the weaving required on this bracelet. For this bracelet, we were using smoke colored Fireline fishing line which it difficult to see and weaving it with beads over and under leather cord. It’s a piece of cake to demonstrate when you can sit right beside someone, but not so easy when the person is across the room from you. Therefore, I went with an enlargement of the technique. I dug in my ribbon stash and found scordome gold cord and some red ribbon. By attaching the cord to my giant clip board, I had my enlarged replica. It looks a bit silly, but it seemed to work and people could see it from across the room. I appreciate the participants who didn’t laugh at my replica.

This happening reminds me of teaching preschool piano classes when I had my father cut large music notes out of wood which we painted black. Then I made a big music staff on heavy white plastic. The children and I sat on the floor to learn concepts. (Those were the days when I could still get up off the floor as quickly as they did!)

One of the best things about teaching is that students inadvertently teach me what works. When I demonstrate something and they don’t get it, I have to figure out what to do next instead of just thinking they were slow to learn. As these difficulties arise, I need to figure out a different way to teach the same thing and make it clearer. Also, when numerous students make the same error, I know it’s because I did something wrong. That’s something I need to fix.

Students also teach me through their questions. A query is often indicative of something I might demonstrate in a better fashion next time. The students teach me through these questions.

I think one of the best parts of teaching is that the process is reciprocal. Both the students and the teacher learn when the environment is risk free.

Philosophy, Teaching

Questioning

If you teach, parent or communicate, you ask a lot of questions (and probably answer a good many as well). Since my grandson now lives close to us and I’m spending more time with his family, I’ve renewed my understanding of the importance of questioning in learning. I’ve always believed that a good question can stretch the learner’s thinking. Unfortunately, my three year old grandson has figured me out and when he doesn’t know the answer to the question or simply doesn’t want to tell me he says “YOU do it, Nanaw, you do it.” In other words, since I know the answer anyway I may as well just tell him. (I’ve got to get sneakier in questioning this little one.)

As an educator I spent considerable time studying the art of questioning. I hesitate to tell you how many books there are on this single topic.  You may have fond, or not so fond, memories of learning Blooms Taxonomy of Cognitive Objectives which forms the basis for some questioning procedures. At the university level, I enjoyed helping new teachers develop their own questioning techniques and researching their progress. I enjoyed using DeBono’s Six Thinking Hats for developing questions. Now, as I teach classes in jewelry making techniques I again find myself knee deep in questioning.

Lately, as I have listened to myself and others teaching, I’m aware of the fact that we occasionally answer the question we thought we heard rather than the one someone actually asked. (It reminds me of the parent who calmly and carefully explains the physical differences in boys and girls when the young child only wanted to know if there’s a difference in boys and girls jeans.) It can be quite perplexing when a teacher misunderstands a student’s question regarding how to do something. In this case the instructor may provide a thorough (and sometimes lengthy) explanation as an answer. The student is then even more perplexed since the explanation doesn’t fit with the problem. Then the teacher is perplexed because the student doesn’t understand the answer. (what a mess!) This really slows the learning process while frustrating everyone involved.

I’m attempting to remind myself to clarify the question before providing an answer. I may begin by saying “are you asking . . . ?” Or I may start my answer with “I think I hear you asking . . . “ Then there’s the useful phrase “do you want to know . . . ?” I hope this will make me a better teacher.

As I again practice my questioning techniques for the jewelry classes, I wonder if my developing skills will help me with a three year old. Some how I have my doubts! I’m beginning to think the real question is “are you smarter than a three-year-old?”

Earrings, Philosophy, Wire Work

For the Birds

 

Working on “bird” earrings, I’ve found myself thinking “it’s for the birds.” Most people know and perhaps use this phrase, but I never thought too much about it. It is an idiom of American origin and means worthless or undesirable. Sometimes the phrase is intensified by adding “strictly” as in something is “strictly for the birds.” It seems that there is more than one reason that the phrase took hold. One is that birds eat bird seed which some think is worthless. Another has to do with the fact that they peck at other animal dropping to get seed from them. This is definitely repulsive and the next time I hear someone use the phrase, I mustn’t assume they are thinking of where the birds hunt those seeds. Yuk!

Below are some of the new bird earrings. They look pretty simple to make and certainly should be; however, my difficulty as it always is with earrings has to do with getting two birds that are the same shape.

              birds       Shake Your Feathers

Bird earringsIn light of the connotation for the title, I think I’ll rename the top two pair of earrings with the phrase “shake your tail feathers”; yet, I guess that, too could have a bad connotation. Perhaps I need to just stop with the phrases while I’m ahead. However . . .

I’ll fly from this birdy post with just one last phrase . . . “Four and twenty blackbirds baked in a pie . . . “ Do you remember that nursery rhyme? Below, is the valentine chocolate pie I baked for my spouse today, but I assure you it isn’t “for the birds” and there are NO birds in it. Happy Valentines Day to You! (This day is NOT for the birds!)

pie

family, Philosophy, Rings, Wire Work

Weave a Web

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It’s no secret that I enjoy weaving with wire, but I’m realizing that I enjoy weaving relationships as well. I often say to someone  “I’ll bet ‘so and so’ could help you with that” or “ ‘so and so’ would really enjoy meeting you and discussing that.” It’s likely that the true name for this is networking, but weaving people together sounds much more creative.

Sometimes weaving the right people together needs to be added to the planning of an event. Have you ever sat by someone at a dinner party with whom you have absolutely nothing in common with? I guess that’s why some people use place cards! Perhaps you have been invited to a jewelry design event where everyone else was working solely with wire and you were the only metal artist. You either have to weave yourself into the group or watch from afar.

We can also consider how friendships are woven together. When these relationships ebb, flow or dissipate, it can be because the interest that bound them together has changed for at least one of the parties. A tightly woven relationship may continue if there is more than one common thread.

Weaving is also important when you are trying to decide what art/craft shows to participate in. The artist needs to be woven into the tapestry of a show where customers will appreciate the work. If customers visit a show because it is known for sparkling, blingy jewelry and your wares are metal and leather, things might not work out well for you. I like to find venues where I fit into the tapestry, but edge to the fringes with something slightly unique for the customers.

Aside from the above ramblings and philosophy, I wanted to share the new rings I’m been weaving this week. I learned how to create them from a youtube video and share the link below with you.

First I made several of the rings out of copper. I tried putting a bead in one, but am not especially pleased with it.

copper rings

Then I made one out of sterling silver wire and must admit it is my favorite.

silver ringThe weaving on these rings is the same technique that I have used on the newer bracelets and some of the necklaces. It works up very quickly. The only difficulty I had was is molding the 14 gauge main wires at the end.  I hope you will try one of these rings as I think you will like the look.

I also urge you to consider how you weave other things together in your family and relationships. Just as with the wires in the rings, individuals can support one another and create a strong whole.

family, Necklaces, Philosophy, Ranching, Wire Work

Winging in the New Year

We are a family that thrives on playing music and singing; so it is certainly fitting that our grandson ushered in 2011 with his drum set and the ABC's song. His new hat only added to the festival of laughing. I’d have to say he definitely “winged” it with the drums.

g drumWe were also blessed with the beautiful sound of our new wind chimes given to us by wonderful friends. These alto chimes resonate (wing) gently through the air with wonderful clear tones. The photo verifies the fact that we finally received some rain here and the outside terrain is looking much better. This was much needed moisture since the last loads of hay that arrived here came all the way from Mississippi.

chimesI winged it by creating some new wire jewelry that looks a bit like some type of flying creature. It’s already time for me to start using Spring colors since this it what my wholesale customers will need next. These are just the beginning.

wings3

wings1

I created this garnet piece at the end of last year, but it got me started on the “winged” pieces above.

garnet necklaceIn between drumming, singing and making winged jewelry, we did find a little time for baking. My grandson was only too happy to help me bake a chocolate pie. Amazingly, the rest of the family was only too happy to eat it!  

baker2Since the New Year has been properly winged in here at Dreamcatcher Ranch, the only thing left to do is say “Happy New Year” to you.

Philosophy, soldering, Wire Work

‘Twas Two Days Before Christmas . . .

. . . and all through the town . . .

Today I happily set out with a small group of errands to run, none of which would be life or season threatening if not accomplished. It’s a very cold day here in Central Texas and I was sure that shoppers would don the Christmas spirit along with their jackets today.

People were actually quite cheery at my first stop; but then I was just finishing up a previously ordered large purchase and they were feeling good about it. The “spirit” of people at my next stop wasn’t quite the same. There were lots of shoppers at Penney’s and they were NOT all smiling. I felt sorry for the little children there who were either being pushed in a store cart or ushered by hand around the building. I was hopeful of finding a smiling child and eventually spotted two. Their dad had them in a double stroller and was tilting it as he tried to convince the little guys that they were flying. I hope the mom, who was shopping nearby, appreciated the delightful squeals of her children.

I also saw a large fellow standing very still as he looked at the women’s slippers hanging on the wall. He just stood there; so I just watched. Finally he removed a carefully folded list from his coat pocket. He put it back and continued to just stand there. Perhaps I should have offered to help, but, knowing that advise sometimes adds more confusion, I just moved on.

Many of the people in the store just looked confused. It’s that time of the season when you can no longer put off choosing what to get for Aunt Margaret or Uncle Harry. I noted that some people look downright angry when they are forced into last minute decisions.

A pair of women, having trouble making a choice, eventually grabbed a garment and determined they could take the one they already purchased back. I think there will be many returns after Christmas and I’m really glad that doesn’t usually happen with the jewelry I sell.

I traveled on to Walmart and kept watching for smiling Christmas shoppers. Several times I observed older couples and thought one or the other of them was smiling. Then I realized that when you’ve lost several teeth, your lips take on a different shape that can look like a smile. (Actually, some looked like frowns.) I hope when my teeth fall out I’m left smiling.

Although I had planned some other stops, I came home right after Walmart. I had collected all the smile data I needed for the day and concluded that the facial expressions I sought just weren’t very abundant. At home, I put the Christmas music on, gave the animals extra treats and put on my own smile. I plan to keep it on my face for many days. This is more important than what I’m giving people. My family may not remember what I gave them for Christmas, but they will probably remember my disposition!

One of the gifts I made best depicts the source of my feelings for the season.

peggy I just need to realize how happiness comes from that which touches my heart and let the cross remind me of the source of the true Christmas spirit. I hope this also puts a smile on your face.

Necklaces, Pendants, Philosophy, Wire Work

‘Tis the Season For . . .

. . . RED! It’s interesting to watch groups of people and note the predominance of things that are red this time of year. Red sweatshirts, red blouses, red skirts and red Santa hats seem to be in vogue. It also seems a good time for red noses as winter ebbs and flows in the center of Texas. Amid the red I keep hearing “cough, cough, s n e e z e!” Yes - ‘tis that time of year too.

Red jewelry also seems to be popular right now. I’ve sold all the coral necklaces I made and have noticed an abundance of red bling on the necks and wrists of shoppers.

I tried to wear red bling. Several weeks ago I made a red garnet pendant and hung it from black seed beads. It just didn’t work. One reason was that it was not the right length. This became apparent when I wore it to a wire workers meetup and people kept saying “pull your necklace up” or “pull your shirt down.” These gals are very helpful and obviously I needed to do something about that red necklace.

Last night I took it apart and reworked the little jewel. This is not my favorite part of designing, but every once in a while you just have to give in and admit you didn’t get it right the first time.

I changed the strands from which the pendant hangs to a type of figure eight double strand. In the dark last night it looked great. In the light this morning IT DIDN’T! Although all the beads are garnet, they didn’t all look the same color. Therefore, midday brought another necklace revision wherein I added some of the strand beads to the pendant. I’m almost afraid to look at it again, but am hoping I have it right this time.

garnet necklaceRight now I’m thinking that it’s too bad you can’t give unmatched beads a dip in something, like you do with metal in liver of sulphur, to make them end up the same color. If there are any chemists out there – go for it! (OK – I’m sure all you gemologists just cringed – sorry.)

When I struggle with a piece like this I try to figure out what, if anything, I learned from the project. This piece taught me to pay more attention to how I finish something, to try on a piece as I work on it, to look at things more often in good light and to accept that good resistance to closure may go on for weeks. “Yet, red necklace, I’m definitely finished with you now.”

Happy Red to all of you!

Creativity, Diversions, family, Metal Work, Philosophy, soldering, Torch Work, Wire Work

Laughter and Productivity

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Most of us know that laughter is an excellent way to prepare for creative thinking. The research certainly backs this up and I can attest to it. When I worked with the Creativity Division of the National Association for Gifted Children, it seemed the other divisions tried to avoid our proximity during our meetings. We were probably the loudest and most fun group in the building. Most years, the division meetings were all held at the same time and in various parts of the same large room. The Creativity Division could clear out the entire room when we met. While many probably thought we were just goof offs, we were one of the most productive divisions in the association. Our spontaneous eruptions usually led to a new idea that proved beneficial.

Lately, I’ve seemed to be in need of some of the Division’s spontaneity. At this point in December, I’m feeling a bit spent and my productivity has waned. It’s obvious to me that creativity and productivity are inextricably linked for me. If I’m not producing, I’m not problem solving and therefore am not being creative.

Yesterday, I got a little help with this problem from a friend . . . my mother. When I arrived at the nursing home to visit her, she informed me that it was about time I got there. She had on one earring and was trying to get the other stud on. I couldn’t help but wonder how long she had been at it. We laughed when she was finally “fixed”.

Then I asked her what she wanted for Christmas. Without missing a beat she said, “my TWO FRONT TEETH” and flashed me a big toothless grin. Indeed, her two front teeth are missing and she does need a couple! Again, we laughed and laughed. I think it was her spontaneity as well as her answer that got me. We went shopping together and then grabbed some lunch, but I just kept thinking about her Christmas wish.

This little episode reminded me of last year when we asked her where she was when she and my father got married. Again, without missing a beat, she said, “Out of My MIND!” The woman, who will be 91 in January, is quite clever.

When I got home yesterday, I continued to chuckle and decided to try a bit or jewelry work. That’s when things began to flow nicely and the ideas became present again. Was it just time to design or did the laughter really help. I vote that it was the latter.

I mainly worked with cabochons yesterday, but was pleased with a couple of the new wrappings and the bezel I created.  The first stone is a boulder opal and all the rest are turquoise (yes, even the brown one). See what you think.

boulder                     brown turq

turqsI’m hoping to hang on to this productive thinking and continue to get some good work completed. I’m a believer that for me, at least, laughter leads to productivity and creative thinking.

I guess that the moral of this entry is . . . find something to laugh about and if you can’t find anything, go visit my mother!

family, Philosophy

I Brake (break) for Learning

This has been a highly productive week if you are NOT talking about jewelry design. I’ve been blessed to have my 2 1/2 year old grandson and family here this week and have gotten to take care of him while his parents searched for a house. I don’t know about him, but I’ve certainly had fun and learned a good deal.

One of our favorite tasks has been gathering acorns outside and then bringing them in to practice our hammering skills. Those acorns really “smush” when you put them on the bench block and whack them with the big hammer. We’ve learned that you shouldn’t swing the hammer back too far because you can whack yourself on the head if you aren’t careful. After a few tears, we are now very careful. This is the only jewelry design tip you’ll find in this blog entry.

 fishing      I’m excited to watch my grandson’s imagination grow as evidenced by his ability to pretend. He has no trouble “goin’ fishing” with the pole we rigged together.fishin

 

 

I could only find one magnet which didn’t function very well for catching fish, but we did manage to catch several healthy paper ones - - over and over and over again. Do you like our red pond?

 

 

Another day, we both got a good splashing while we worked on the concept of sink and float. He got pretty good at hypothesizing whether an object would sink or float, but that piece of orange sponge that floated and then sunk was rather perplexing. Don’t you think it’s good to challenge the child’s thinking?

sink I learned that when you play sink and float with a two year old it’s important to have multiple towels available. We got the wettest when we decided to blow through straws in the water so the floating objects could boat around.

We have had many other adventures, but since we’re off for another one right now, you’ll just have to wonder about them. I can truly say that this little learning break is worth every minute.

Philosophy

Cupcakes and Jewelry . . .

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. . . shouldn’t mix! What follows is another brief tale of my nursing home adventures. If you have been reading this blog very long, you probably know that every few months I do a little jewelry show for residents and workers at the nursing home where my mother has been for 7 1/2 years. It’s always an adventurous day and last week was no exception.

My show corresponded with a fundraiser being held in the same room. For a mere $5, folks could partake of salad and their choice of 10 different delicious soups. It was really hard to decide what to eat and the aroma that filled the room made us all feel hungry. The fact is that we had all the senses covered in that room. The smell of good food was compounded by the eye candy provided by my jewelry, the murmured accolades of the customers and the tactile pleasure of handling the jewelry. The latter is what caused the trouble.

In addition to the food previously mentioned, cupcakes were available (wonderful, gooey cupcakes covered with mounds of sticky icing and various sprinkles). There were chocolate cupcakes with luscious chocolate icing, carrot cupcakes piled high with cream cheese icing and many other choices.

Since I have a family of musicians, I know that after a good meal comes the entertainment. I think that on this day the jewelry and I were supposed to be the entertainment. Things were going well at this little show until I got a good look at the hands of several residents who were carefully fingering the jewelry. The hands held the fingers that had just finished the cupcakes that had covered the fingers with sticky icing (lots of sticky icing!) The closest jewelry to the front of my display table and wheel chair viewing were the small items such as the rings and bracelets. Of course each ring had to be tried on by each looker and the bracelets were carefully fingered while they were examined. Several deep breaths after discovering this phenomenon I decided to just ignore the sticky problem. Those residents were having a wonderful time and I knew that I could clean things later. I had to breath deeply again when people realized they could go back for a second cupcake and then return to the jewelry. Again, I just let it go.

Last night, I got all the remaining jewelry out and cleaned the pieces that were sticky in hopes that the ants wouldn’t find them in my storage trays. You know, this didn’t hurt me a bit, but asking the residents not to touch my pieces would have hurt them. I’m not one to just “let it go”, but it seemed appropriate in this situation.

I guess you just never know when you’re going to learn things from your elders. The lessons I learn from these nursing home visits usually stem from the fact that I really need to think about what’s important before getting my dander up about those that are insignificant.

Speaking of dander . . . thanks to those of you who wrote to me about my cat scratch fever. My hand is much better following antibiotics. Soon I’ll be able to solder again with both hands.