Yesterday our Five In A Row homeschool group had a Winter Art and Music Festival where the children could play an instrument, perform in some way, or display art they’d done through the year.
I was so proud of Michaela for working on this hot air balloon, inspired by The Pumpkin Runner. The idea was totally hers. She took a balloon, blew it up, and then used a recipe for paper mache to make the paste and then put layer after layer of newspaper strips on the balloon. Once it had enough layers to hold its form and was completely dry, she painted it. Then we coated it with a satin glaze to seal it.
We found that some science came into play as we looked for a way to suspend the balloon over its basket. We used an empty coffee can (heavy paper, not metal) and bamboo skewers. We cut the bottom of the can for the basket, then another “ring” from the can to slip inside the basket so that we could stand the skewers between the layers and have them supported, and then the top ring of the can was hot-glued onto the skewers to make a “stand” on which to sit the balloon. It looks so delicate, but the 5 skewers are spaced to give equal support.
Michaela also took this very fun abstract piece that we all love! You could look for hours and keep finding things hidden in this picture: sea creatures, faces, birds…
One of Michaela’s favorite parts of our fieldtrips and co-ops and get-togethers is being with the other children. She really loves seeing the little ones. I am just so thankful for this amazing group of moms and their children. It’s really a privilege.
Of course today is a work day for me, but I’m armed with my Guayaki Mate Chocolatte, a warm shawl, and soothing music — very low so as not to distract. Then tonight is karate night. Fridays are busy days ’round here!
Happy Friday!
for you to leave a comment, but you can also e-mail me at lynn AT thehealthyhomeschool.com
Dear Lynn,
Wow, I’m impressed, Michaela! Tell her we love it! I would never have guessed you used bamboo skewers~ from here it looks like wires. And the abstract art looks very professional, too!
I hope all goes well with Karate, and you keep awake with your mate (Hmm, karate and mate, you could make a rhyme somewhere there!).
Happy Friday to all,
Love,
Marqueta
great job, michaela!!!!
Love that balloon! I can see that Michaela is a very talented and creative young lady, just like her mama. Thank you for sharing her work, Lynn.
Have a blessed day in the Lord, and may His peace reign in your heart.