By Special Request : Strings of Light DIY

"This dance of light,
this sacred blessing.." - Rumi

Yesterday, when I posted a pic of the new string lights that I made for the studio, I received several private messages asking me for a tutorial.  It never occurred to me to write a tutorial for this project so I did not photograph the steps, but it's simple enough to explain.  SO here it goes...

A couple of years ago, I saw this photo in a German mag "Living at Home".

I saved the photo and immediately went on the qui vive for tiny lamp shades.

This was no small feat since there is only one thrift store where I now reside.  Nevertheless, I found a few here and there and tucked them away in the "to-do" basket in my studio.

Two days ago I realized that I finally had the ten tiny shades to make the strand and here's what happened...

First:

• I covered 1 shade with an old map of NY.
• I covered one shade with vintage wallpaper.
• I painted 5 of the shades.
• I left 2 shades as is.
• I added fringe to all shades with a hot glue gun.
  
  Here's how to cover a shade! 

Next:

• I used these string lights because it's what I had on hand and didn't want to buy a new strand.
  It's a standard strand of 10 bulbs, but there is a round plastic globe that slides over the light bulb, giving it the look of those large glass bulb strands.  When I originally bought them I tucked them into my to-do basket and knew they would be perfect for the studio - because the globes have a sprinkle of glitter melted into the plastic - and kids love glitter.  It's subtle, yet funky.  
 

• I popped the little globe off and slid the lamp shade on, tucking the wire in between the opening in the brass clip on part.  Take a look at one, you'll see what I'm talking about.  If it's the brass ring type, you can always snip an opening in the ring with wire cutters to slide the wire in.

• Then I just popped the little globe back over the bulb so that it sits inside the brass clip-on part like an actual light bulb would sit.
  
  It really IS that easy!!!
  
  Made so & rooted by love,
  Wendy
  
  PS- The Summer Session of Mighty Girl Art starts Monday...stay tuned for our letters from camp!
  
  

Four, Three, Two...ONE!!!!

“Respond to every call
that excites your spirit.”  - Rumi

Dear Mighty Girls,

Early Monday morning, while the grass is still wet with dew, we will prepare for your arrival at the meadow.  When you arrive, you will see the trail artfully marked.  You will be greeted by the smiling faces of your guides who are here to assist you on your creative journey.  There in the meadow, surrounded by a circle of tall trees and bramble berries, you will see our tipi.  Introduce yourself to your art tribe and make yourself at home.  We are going to have a GREAT time!

~ * ~

For those who asked what it looks like behind the scenes,
well here's a glimpse...

During the week before our start date, the studio floor is lined with round woven bins full of art supplies for the summer session.  Each bin is tagged and contains what is needed for the date on the tag.  There are 5 huge handled baskets to cart supplies to and fro our location.  We call these "grab & goes" because we grab it and it goes to and fro our location.  

As the session progresses, supplies get shifted from the round bins to the grab & goes.  It's like watching the tide ebb until, at the end of the week, the bins are empty and we can once again see the studio floor. 

The curriculum (which takes the entire year between sessions to plan, organize and prepare for) is printed in the form of an outline for the week.  A roster / sign-out sheet is printed and attached to a clipboard.

The wagon is loaded and ready to roll - with tipi, wash bins, and drop cloths.

Basket Basics

The Big'un:  (left) This basket is huge and sturdy.  To give you a sense of it's size...it makes that half gallon jug of gesso inside it look tiny!   This basket is used to hold all the supplies for our first day.   The handle is not only convenient for carrying, but we use the handle to hang our rollers a/o brayers with a large binder ring.  The handle is perfect to hang dry rollers after washing.

The Silverware Basket: (front) This basket contains tools, brushes and markers that we will be using throughout the week. 

The Fruit Basket: (right) This basket holds the morning gifts from our generous sponsors. 

~ * ~

On the outside, it looks like a lively dance, but that's because our dance moves have been practiced until we know it by heart.   And we put our hearts into everything that we do!

Made so & rooted by love,

Wendy

A Mighty Creative Adventure was had by All

But, keep me here in this wild present tense…
Dawning adventures sparkle get some rest!  – Nahko Bear

Mighty Creative Adventure™ is grateful to the mothers and daughters who joined our adventure this summer.   We had a fabulous time!  Check out MCA e-postcards at Hello Mother, Hello Daughter.