Snail Mail Still Exists!

Happy Friday and three-day weekend!

I am curious to know how many out there still send snail mail? I sure do because it is so much more personalized when you actually receive a piece of mail from someone (that is not the constant junk mail and bills we get all the time). The mail would be so much nicer without the bills and junk mail, right?!

Today I introduced my newest gocco greeting card, the "Artsy Alphabet." I personally love this drawing and design I created since I am both a teacher and an artist. If you look really closely, you will notice something new every time! I hope you enjoy this card as much as I did in creating it! Let me know what you think below!

Happy July and Happy Employment!

We have made it to July. In teacher mode, that means I only have one month left of break just about. You know... after spending so much time talking about schools cutting art jobs and myself getting cut from a past position I had for three years, I forgot to announce something big...

I HAVE A TEACHING JOB!

It is at a Catholic school, but only part time, which might be nice for a change. I have a great room and even a SMARTBoard again (I had worked so hard so fundraise for my last SMARTBoard and create my presentations and lessons, I am glad to have one again)!

I think over the last three weeks I have spend about 6 or 7 days j

ust taking everything out of shelves, seeing what is usable, and reorganizing. I had to rush the last day to get things put on shelves at least temporarily because July is cleaning month!

I took some pictures of what my classroom looked like when I first walked in (including everything from the teacher's lounge piled in on the tables). I have a customer and school parent to thank for letting me know about this job when she was chatting with me at the Broad Ripple Art Fair, so THANKS!

Photos are taken from the entryway (looking into the Kiln room across the hall, then panning left to right. There are tons of things that are not mine, but you can see what I first was working with! Where to start....

SUNDAY SALE and Pink Slips

Greeting card by NeatThings $4.50

Happy Sunday!

So I got my official Pink Slip on Friday. My school corporation is eliminating my position as an Art teacher since our corporation is having financial troubles. The slip was not even pink!!! It was white. BOO....

I am hopeful still that it does not pass on the board vote or that one of the art teachers will retire, but in light of recent events, I am having a "I Just Got Pink-Slipped SALE" today.

With ANY purchase of Rainbow Crayons, you may choose 2 Rainbow Crayons of your Choice for FREE to include with your purchase. Jumbo or Mini, any style.

Today till Midnight. Enter code: BLOG with the crayons you would like to take advantage of this sale.

I am hoping that I can be one of the "Quit Your Day Job" success stories. Not necessarily for Etsy's home page, but in general so I am financially ok if this job cut passes. There are so many schools going through this right now, so few positions will come up between now and the start of the year. Is anyone else reading going through this or how is your state doing education wise?

I feel bad for the kids because "they" are saying... "It is best for the students.." What? To not have art, music, or PE? To not have councilors at schools? At least my corporation is not cutting specials across the board, but that does not help my situation...

I am in great spirits despite the news. I am just so darn ready for warm weather in Indiana and for my Spring Break Cruise!

Anyways... check out the newest Rainbow Crayons in my shop (with some new Jumbo Flower ones to pop up today or tomorrow). My favorite for Easter are the Jumbo Bunny Rainbow Crayons!

ETSY ARTIST FEATURE #4: Jenmaestre

In my search for ACEO artists to donate cards to PROJECT ATC, I came across Etsian Jenmaestre, who offered to donate a card! Her card was one of the coolest the students had seen so far because she had used pencil shavings to create it. As I began looking though her shop, I found items that I could never find in any store or Etsy shop! 

Jenmaestre creates her pins, pendants, earrings, and ACEO cards from pieces of colored pencils. She uses all different colors, sizes, angles, and views when created her art and uses an epoxy to give them a finishing coat.  Pieces are made by hand and hand-sanded. No two items in her shop are alike.  

I recently bought the heart pendant that is seen above. I thought that since I was an art teacher and Valentine's Day was coming up, that it would be very appropriate and very cool to own!

I have been showing EVERYONE this shop because these items are truly unique and a MUST HAVE!

Please take the time to visit Jenmaestre's shop! I promise you wont be disappointed and you will fall in love with something immediately! 

LINKS TO JENNIFER:

Her Etsy Shop:

jenmaestre.etsy.com

Her Website:

http://www.jennifermaestre.com/current_upcoming_shows.html

Interviews

http://reubenmiller.typepad.com/my_weblog/2008/01/jennifer-maestr.html