I am teaching a jewelry design elective this year at school. It is both really fun and really stressful. The class is designed as a therapeutic activity group for girls. We have a topic each day, often girl-directed, and my assistant and I teach them how to make earrings, necklaces and bracelets using simple wire and headpin loops and clasp attachments. They get to keep the first of any new project they make.
The day I taught them how to make tiny loops to attach freshwater pearls to hoop earrings there was so much swearing to address that after the class left I just wanted to put my head down on the table and rest. We are asking girls of vastly different fine motor and coordination skills to do a very precise task...with tools.
The girls have learned how to make jewelry. We are selling our jewelry to make money for supplies and to support a good cause, Haven House shelter for victims of domestic violence. The show is next week and I am nervous but excited. Never underestimate the ability of an At-Risk teen when you put good supplies into her hands and tell her that success is the only option.
Cover your ears though because a broken earwire can result in a torrent of obscenities the likes of which you have never heard!
Thanks for visiting hollyhocks.
What an amazing thing to do. I hope the show goes really well and you make lots of money for such a good cause. Hope the swearing keeps to a minimum too! XX
Posted by: pinkgreen | April 18, 2012 at 07:49 AM
That sounds great! And although I know you can't tolerate swearing in class, I can kind of ... identify. Good luck with the show. They should be really proud.
Posted by: barbara | April 18, 2012 at 05:24 PM
Love those shots, where did you find such a nice back drop? Keep up the good work, the girls will be happy they learned something new.
Posted by: josie | April 18, 2012 at 06:38 PM