Apartment Life

 We have an adorable little apartment that we stay in sometimes so that we can be close to work.  This arrangement will last as long as we are looking for jobs that are closer to our dream house.  For now, it works and it certainly makes our life interesting.

I was looking for some relatively cheap, easy ways to transform the renter's white walls and create a more cozy space for us to come home to each day after school.  I wanted to feel a sense of nature and warmth, since that is what our real house is all about.  I'm quite happy with the results.  

I spent $3 on two boxes of clear pushpins and a ball of beautiful brown and tan yarn to create a tree mural. I was inspired by a picture that Kathy Barbro of Art Projects for Kids posted of a similar picture.  This is my favourite part of the room.
















I splurged on a gorgeous piece of fabric to use as a wall hanging.  It was about $40.  I hemmed the edges before I hung it on the wall. Voila!  The renter's white is still there, but it's not the first thing I notice anymore.

Apron Ties

I made this lovely apron at the end of the summer.  It is one of the patterns from the One Yard Wonders book...just slightly larger.  This was my first attempt at a ruffle.  I was happy with the finished product but even happier when I decided to give it to a dear friend.  She'll probably get more use out of it than me.  I might make another for myself, but without the ruffle.  What do you think?

Working Away...

The first month of school has come and gone.  We've been working hard on lots of different projects and I am very proud of the work my kids have accomplished so far this year.

The grade 3's have been learning about early Aboriginal Life.  Last week, we made displays to share some of what we've learned so far.

The grade 2's are learning about traditions.  They interviewed their parents to find out what makes their names special.  Then, we created a display in the hallway for Open House.

They also created self-portraits that used pastel drawing surrounded by descriptive text.  Instead of including the names, guests tried to identify each artist by the art itself.  I love how these turned out!