Inspiration At CMOG (Corning Museum of Glass)

Over the spring break we ventured to CMOG (Corning Museum of Glass).  We met friends from Oneonta and had a really wonderful day.  We watched a hot glass show, glass breaking show, and a flame work show.  On our visit we also had the opportunity to create our own design on a glass piece and then sandblast it, which was super fun too!

So, while at CMOG you have the opportunity to draw a design that may be featured during the flame work show.  Adam submitted a flower in a pot and Brandon submitted a cartoon-ish bear.  To our surprise both boys had their work chosen throughout the day. 

It was amazing watching the glass artist make the drawings come to life.  Adam's was first and the artist, Kaitlin, said she had never done a flower in a pot.  She was experimenting as she went along, but the end result was precious.

Then the last show of the day, Brandon's name was called.  He was excited to see his bear made into glass.  Kaitlin even captured the goofy little smile Brandon draws on all his animals.

The next day you are allowed to pick up the items or have them shipped if you are not in the area.  I chose to have them shipped, and they arrived a few days ago.  The museum also sends back the drawings, so it makes a wonderful keepsake.

I suggest to plan a visit to the museum if you are near Corning, NY (kids under 19 are free).  It was a lovely day, filled with fun shows, activities to participate in, exhibits of glass throughout the world and spanning centuries, and even a little café to grab a bite to eat.

Fright Pencils

The faster you roll the pencil back and forth the crazier
the hair will get

I have very fond memories of my church growing up.  My mother was very involved, and I mean VERY involved.   She was Sunday School Superintendent, President of the UMW, and she held a seat on the Administrative Board.  So, by default my brother and I were also very involved in church. 

I worked countless church dinners, from scrubbing celery when I was about four years old to serving and cooking as I became older.   I was also involved in making small things for the church bazaar, and that is what brought back the memory of Fright Pencils!

So what is a Fright Pencil?  It's a pencil with a little personality. It can either be very calm with every "hair" in place, or it can become frightened and its hair goes a little haywire.  I remember buying these when I was younger, taking them school, and showing all my friends. 

While unpacking my craft things, I discovered I had all the materials to make these for my boys.  They would be great for a party favor, or pass them out at school for a party.  With so many food allergies at schools, it can become very difficult to share edible treats.  Little items like Fright Pencils, make a nice alternative.

Here's what you need:

• Pencils
• Faux fur trim (about 1 1/2" to 2" in width)
• yarn or ribbon to decorate
• glue gun
• white glue
• scissors
• wiggly eyes

First gather your supplies and start by cutting the fur trim in to 2 1/4" lengths.  The fur will shed a bit when cutting, so gently remove loose fur.

OK the now look at the fur square, it will look like the fur is growing in one direction.  With the "fur growth" pointing upward, apply a small amount of hot glue on the pencil right below the metal band under the eraser.  Wrap the fur around the pencil and apply another dab of hot glue to secure.  Add a yarn bow with hot glue at the bottom of the fur, to look like a bow tie.

 

 

Smooth the fur in an upward direction.  Now with the white glue apply the wiggly eyes; allow to dry overnight.

 

 



Your Fright Pencils are complete.  To make their hair go crazy simply, roll the pencil quickly back and forth between the palms of your hands.  The fur with stick out, then simply smooth it upward again to return to it's calm state :)

I also thought without the eyes, they look like the trees from the Lorax, especially if you can find different color fur trims.  Enjoy!

I'm Back!

It has been a year since I put My Little Blogspot to bed.  Over the last year so much has happened, and I have missed sharing our crazy lives, recipes, craft projects and tips.  In my last post I had mentioned about using up storage space, so I have spent time freeing up some space (and hopefully found the solution).  I deleted some pictures and posts.  Not to worry, all the recipes are in tact!

So I am going to give it another go.  Here's a brief overview of our last year:

• Moved home
• Went to Disney World (first time for me and the boys)
• Went to Hawaii
• Volunteering at the kids school
• Endless time spent with family
• Saw Billy Joel in concert at Madison Square Garden (bucket list item)
• Rekindled my relationship with exercise

As you can see we have been busy.  Out of all the things on the list, the most treasured is the time spent with family.  I see my mom three to four times a week instead of three to four times a year :)

Stayed tuned for a tutorial on Fright Pencils, a cute craft that will surely be a hit with the kiddos.  In the meantime, I am thinking warm thoughts on this snowy April day!