Back to School, Current Projects

The Back to School Life is here and in FULL SWING. I am teaching alone in my classroom, since the kids are staying home for virtual learning. Of course I have a much better camera/microphone/technology at home, and I'm attempting to stream live to a dozen people on a Chromebook. It is...going. At least the kids are patient when everything isn't going well. But it's weird sitting alone every day in a classroom. Online meeting is fine, but it does get lonely.

I work in a smaller building too, so if just one staff member gets COVID, we'll all be getting it. I'm a bit concerned that some of the protocols they've put in place do not stop transmission of the virus; their definition of "contact" if someone gets it is not scientifically based either. I'm really hoping the decisions of my school district doesn't kill me or one of my coworkers as it has these educators and others in different professions. That's why I am BEYOND angry with anti-mask, anti-science people. Those people are stupid.

In other life news, I'll be teaching a punch paper class at Costume On this weekend, as well as a class on how to do online research. If you're interested, I still have spots available in my workshop. It's looking like we'll have a good turnout. Also, I made this cool badge that is definitely not functional, but at the very least I used punch paper for the lettering. I feel a win here somewhere!

I also have a few projects "marinading" right now. They're kind of started, mostly planned, with all of my materials splayed out on my desk. It's a messy time of year and I haven't even started on Christmas presents. Wasn't I supposed to use this quarantine time to get organized? Or did you say start a new project? I'll definitely do that. Yeah.

Here's a sneak peek from a project I have in the works right now. Does anyone recognize where this came from? It is totally necessary for what I'm doing right now. Also the little thing is slippery and blows away if you breathe too hard. It is tucked away for now...

Have a fun, safe week!

~Kristen

Costume On: Classes and More!

Next weekend I will be teaching two classes at Costume On. There are a variety of classes representing different time periods and aspects of costuming; there's a lot historical yummy in there, so take a look! Here's a peek at what I'm teaching. I have spots available, so if you're interested, sign up!

Punch Paper Workshop: Pipe-Light Stand in the Shape of a Quiver

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Most people think of antique punch paper as hanging on a wall or tucked away as a bookmark, the tiny paper bearing a message of hope or faith. The art form was well-established in the mid to late 19th century, but the possibilities are endless for interpretation today!

The creators of such art were not always young ladies practicing their needlework for their patient parents. Instead, there are examples of punch paper being used for practical purposes, such as with boxes, wall hangings, and even with sandpaper! Paper is a blank slate that allows creative license, no matter the century. Men and women alike used punch paper in a variety of ways, from using them as gifts to adorning the house. They are an inexpensive but accurate addition to many historic impressions.

In this class, Kristen will provide close up photographs of different antique punch paper items, as well as her thoughts about the construction or reproductions she has completed. Different techniques when working with punch paper will be discussed as well, along with some patterns included to help inspire future projects. Students will have an opportunity to learn how to cut and construct a pipe-light stand from Godey’s Lady’s Book, 1867. Kits will not be provided for this class, but a supply list will be made available for participants.

Online Research: An Organized Frontier

In the past twenty years, many museums and organizations have put their original collections online. There are numerous sources available to research, with each having a different set of directions. It can be overwhelming to understand each when trying to build research for an impression or project. Yet it is these primary sources that create the most authentic experience for any history lover!
In this class, we will explore different online archives that are free and accessible. We will discover how to save items and create our own research index. Discover new online research possibilities, the language of looking, as well as learn how to navigate their formatting.

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Students will receive a handout that includes a list of resources for further study, as well as a plan for how to organize their online searches in a way that serves their own impression.

~Kristen