Scanning textiles or materials - a fantastic tool!

Wow a direct scan of a baby jumper from the printer! This is fantastic as it even shows the creases - such is the state of my domestic capabilities!!

Click on the picture to get the full screen and up by the neckline I have added text and a scribble in the paint program. The downloaded help sheet was very useful for describing each symbol and its uses. I believe this program would be a better introduction to photo shop for beginners like me!!

The text box was a mystery and only crops-up when you right click the mouse in the text mode, then click text box...

How to record the links to your favourite blog sites

Sometimes it is good to have a live reference to a hyperlink (this one is for yet another crafty site) rather than a screen shot or a page of characters that you have to click on to open a port - as per my earlier fashion drawing example!!

This term is called a hyperlink and is the icon that looks like bull's horns - country people will know what I mean. You need to be in the editing view of your blog. In a post write a comment or word and highlight the word hyperlink.

Go to the live page of your link and hi-light the web address and right click to copy, then click on the tool bar (bull's horns), a window will pop open - delete anything in the URL box e.g. http:// and paste in the link.

How to save a screen image and send to a blog

HOW TO SAVE AN IMAGE ON YOUR COMPUTER

• On my laptop push control and button beside it together with screen save button

• Open paint (accessories, then paint on main computer)

• Paste (on main computer this step is edit, not paste)

• Paste again

• Save Jpeg

http://craft-victoria.blogspot.com/

favourite blogger sites for free craft ideas...

This is currently one of my favourite blogger sites. The book of the same title has lots drafted patterns contained in an envelope inside the front cover. Our University Book Shop can order copies - $44.99.

The author Pip Lincolne is happy to share her ideas as long as she is acknowledged!

I love the different ideas - even a video on how to back stitch...

This scanned picture says it all!

This photo is special for lots of reasons:

• Nikki was a Year Nine student when I first started teaching at Taieri College.

• I taught Nikki Textiles for five years in a row! - well, I tried to teach her!!

• Nikki decided to be a Textiles' Teacher in Year 13.

• Nikki is now studying Fashion at the Southern Institute of Technology.

• Nikki has the same crazy sense of humour as me!

• Nikki and I share a common interest in all things RED!

I am very proud of this young lady - another reason why teaching is so worthwhile...

Scanning a document

The stages of how to sew pyjamas is one of the old-time favourites for textiles' teachers. I can use this document in a Power Point presentation - even better edit the document to suit the students' needs and abilities.

Fantastic!!

Example of how to photo scan

I have always wanted to scan from our printer at home. Once installed this program is easy to operate.

Click on the screen and follow three easy steps. I can see all sorts of possibilities of scanning and altering text, pictures of fabric and pictures of students' work. It's fantastic.

Wearable Art script - 50's style

Having time-out from the classroom has its compensations! Using the Open Office program I configured the first draft of a script to use in Taieri College's Wearable Art Radio Picture show.

http://www.mediabistro.com/fishbowlLA/original/019_1374~Marilyn-Monroe-Posters.jpg

The theme is based around live radio shows in the early 1950's. School halls were often the focal point in small towns. Entertainment was provided for the audience in the form of It's in the Bag. The host was often male and all the assistants female. During the 1950's era it was OK to have sexist jokes and still promote the image of a dedicated wife at home!

Some of our senior teaching colleagues will certainly be used as new look movie stars from this era!!!

Teresa the terrific textiles teacher

Wow what an amazing lady! A former student teacher and now an inspirational textiles teacher.

It was great to share resources and teaching ideas with Teresa last Friday. Also, taking time-out to attend a book promotion and share a few laughs is what life is all about.

From Ninja Turtles to a Law Degree!!

Do you remember Ninja Turtles? Some of my friends thought that they were far too evil for little children to watch. So, whilst Op-shopping recently I spied 2 metres of this retro-fabric. I couldn't resist the opportunity to make Julia a pair of pyjama pants and a mask to bring back memories of her hero Leonardo and the gang!

I can't believe that our little girl Julia has graduated again, this time with an LLB. We had a fabulous day, meeting up with a former student of mine as well as a nanny of ours; whose son was also graduating. How age catches up with us all! Later on the family celebrated with restaurant meal and a few wines. Charging glasses was an experience I shall not forget in a hurry!

Emily, all going well, is in the final year of her B.Sc. Both our girls attended their neighbourhood high school Taieri College. We are grateful to the many caring teachers and wonderful friendships that this great school has offered our girls... Yeah Taieri!

Practising Powerpoint

For the last week I have been practising the art of Power point. First I created a 4 picture story about making marmalade and then progressed to 16 stages of how to make pyjamas or boxers: I am yet to find out if there is a way of transporting my Power point to a Blog - so here's a photo of step 16:

The rationale behind this is activity stemmed from the lack of suitable New Zealand resources. American examples use inches and some of the YouTube clips were badly formatted and some techniques were questionable to say the least.

This is what makes teaching worthwhile!

Olivia was an outstanding student of mine (at a former school) in year 10. I still have a photo of the cushion she designed with a medieval theme.

Olivia is now in her third year of study at the Otago Polytechnic. I think she would be a wonderful designer for Peter Jackson-type movies.

It is amazing how some students can make you feel that teaching is worthwhile. I must remember this thought on the not so good days of teaching, Year 10 especially!!

The ODT on-line - a great teaching resource

While searching for news about cancelled flights on the Otago Daily Times website I found the Lifestyle section - there is some interesting information on fashion and related fashion events:

http://www.odt.co.nz/lifestyle/fashion-beauty/103430/fashionistas-wrap-winter

Yesterday I attended a fashion drawing workshop at the Otago Polytechnic with Otago HETTANZ members. I was impressed with the process of drawing figures without the aid of a template. However, templates are useful for junior students and the following website has a number of different styles for male and female:

http://www.google.co.nz/imgres?imgurl=http://www.fashion-era.com/images/FashionModelsElegant/shy950new.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.fashion-era.com/elegant_fashion_templates.htm&usg=__0CGEKHFCjS8hBZvETQU_rG-H2vQ=&h=950&w=617&sz=34&hl=en&start=1&um=1&itbs=1&tbnid=TdC5v7Noc3Y1cM:&tbnh=148&tbnw=96&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dfree%2Bfashion%2Bdrawing%2Btemplates%26um%3D1%26hl%3Den%26sa%3DX%26tbs%3Disch:1

I would like acknowledge a former student Nikki ( now studying for a fashion Degree). This is part of her research whilst @ Taieri College when she found a variety of templates such as the one above.

Home Economics: (s)kills for a life time:

I discovered an easy recipe for quince marmalade in one of the magazines I got for Mother's Day. Thanks family and Uncle Visa!

On my daily walk to the mail box I spotted several windfall quinces on our driveway. No, Tuesday craft chums, the quinces were NOT uplifted from the gardens!!

Anyway, quinces are not my favourite fruit... I have disturbing memories of a maiden aunt giving us generous helpings of stewed quinces. Furthermore, we could not leave the table until all was consumed!! Kids of today have it far too easy... Moving on a few years (well decades to be precise), this ugly fruit has become very trendy... Just like Baby Boomers!

So as a homage to my past I decided to use my home economics skills (they have been hiding in a closet for some time) and make some quince marmalade:

• Wash 8 quinces and remove the core and any decayed parts - leave the skin on.
• Put chopped quinces in a large pot, cover with water and simmer for about 50 minutes until tender.

• Pass the fruit through a sieve to remove any rough pieces of skin and any stray pips.

• Mix the pulp and remaining water together and place in a measuring jug (mine made just over 2 cups of pulp). Add the same volume of sugar to the pulp mixture. Return this mixture to the stove.

• Dissolve the sugar by stirring over a medium heat. Simmer (stirring on occasion to prevent the quinces burning) until setting point is reached.

• Pour into hot, sterile jars and seal. Keep in the fridge once opened.

View the next Blog to see the final outcome... but of course in Technology the final outcome does not matter - it is the process you went through that counts, yeah right.

Anyway, I have learnt in the Blog process that if you delete a picture and import it back, the picture will go to the start of the post (after you have published and then edit) - which is not a good look with before and after stories.

Talking of processes - how do I get rid of the underscore above, without deleting the text, when publishing a Blog?

Quince Marmalade a la Brenda

The finished product:

This is the actual picture of my quince marmalade, with the aid of the oven light to give the Photoshop finish, just like Hollywood movies... The marmalade does taste OK, which is a double surprise for me!

The Mist on the Maungatuas 12 May 2010

http://www.odt.co.nz/search/apachesolr_search/Fog+disrupts+Dunedin+flights

It is the way of the world when one event can upset the plans of so many yet be a joy to others, as per the photo below:

What a scene to wake up to - especially when you do not have to head out to work in the cold!

One day, when the fences (and the hens!) are removed the view should be even more spectacular!!!

My first video from our digital camera - Go hens!!

Here is my first unplanned video of our hens in situ. Click the arrow at the bottom left of the screen. Once editing is completed it is hoped that Brad Peck-Pitt will star in this movie!!

The video below was taken when we visited London at Easter. Pete wanted to capture the huge tunnel which took about six minutes to walk from terminal 4 to the Heathrow Hilton hotel. Airport hotels are very handy, especially if you have an early international flight the next day...

The newest follower of this blog!

Well done Cate (and Bryn!) little Audrey Eileen looks very cute and content. A new chum for the family. Aunty Di will be as clucky as our hens in the previous video....

Video instructions for linking YouTube videos

Here's a video link to tell you how to embed a YouTube video:

I down-loaded the You Tube clip myself!!!

By following the directions from About.com I was able to transport this video myself:

http://google.about.com/od/youtube/ss/embed-share-YouTube-videos.htm

Wicked: The Musical

Fantastic news! I was able to successfully book on-line two tickets to Wicked.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wicked_(musical)

This image was taken from: http://clipart.peirceinternet.com/png/hat-witches.png

The booking experience was rather interesting with a timer attached to each page. I do recommend having your credit card details handy!!! In fact, arranging all the travel and accommodation via the internet is a great way to practise computer skills...

Queen's birthday weekend will be rather special with a quick trip to Sydney with our daughter Julia who graduates this weekend with her BA and LLB. Six years of study is a long time.

Trade Me triumph

I love to buy and sell on Trade Me but Pete has always managed uploading the photography part. Today I was able to upload the photos myself and complete the selling transaction details. It's so easy, I do not know why I hesitated before!!

One tip for uploading 2 or more photographs when creating before and after shots on a Blog: If you add another photo make sure it gets posted in the correct sequence ie the last photo posted will be the first photo you see when you open a Blog posting.

YAHOO 10 days later, this handbasin sold for $60, plus a bidet for $35 and some fittings for $5. Cash for trash is fantastic!!!

How to make all your bling sing

This is the BEFORE photo. It's an old oak mirror that has been sitting in our barn waiting for a good home, then the glass got smashed - hopefully not 7 year's bad luck as well!

The mirror glass has been removed and the outer oak frame has been repaired. I then covered a precut pinex oval shape with stretch velvet using a staple gun to hold the velvet in place on the back of the pinex.

The wrong side of the pinex was nailed to the back of the oak frame to secure in place. Picture screws were inserted with wire so that the bling frame can be hung up for display.

Completed frame - rather off centre in the photo. However, this is a wonderful way to display all that jewellery that gets tangled at the bottom of your drawers! I now have orders from my daughters and their flatmates to make them a similar project.

Also a fantastic project for my year 10 students when they study interior design during term 4.

Skills that I have learnt so far:

A quilt idea perhaps???

I started my sabbatical with learning how to do spreadsheets via a Unit Standard. I found the exercises totally boring; depositing numbers in little cells so that they all line up like tin soldiers. Apologies to my accounting friends and colleagues who derive great pleasure from various forms of punishment with number crunching. I am still yet to finish my spreadsheet activities! However, the interest surrounding the blog activities has created new teaching possibilities with practical applications.

http://www.starstore.com/acatalog/kimberlin-dog-collage-l.jpg

I now believe that in order to teach an old dog new tricks, as above, one has to be inspired to learn and it must be relevant and applicable to the student's interests. For a secondary teacher, I am now convinced that any new ICT process that requires detailed instruction needs to directly applicable to the subject area he or she teaches in....

A tribute to my grandmother - waste not want not

This is what junk collecting is all about!

I remember my dear grandmother- had one of these wrought iron shelves proudly displaying ceramic flying ducks and other such items that are now very trendy to have!!

Here's a selection of my before photos.. The chair ($5) and blue wall display ($2) were both purchased from the Mosgiel Salvation Army shop on Gordon Road. I was fortunate enough to have a former student transport these items to my car. I'm sure he is still wondering why I can't buy these items brand new!

Here's my answer:

Over the next few weeks I will be transforming the ugly duckling you see before you (and the op-shop items!) into 2 beautiful swans. Watch this space...

From the fashion pages of MINDFOOD

I am a self-confessed magazine "junkie" who enjoys reading about the latest food trends, recipe ideas, travel tips, snippets of news from around the globe and of course fashion for this season's wardrobe.

I just love MINDFOOD for all the above reasons! The on-line blogs are informative and inspirational:

http://www.mindfood.com/ac-fashion-style-designers-catwalk-latest-collection.seo

Here's a good site for sewing invisible zips

So easy to sew invisible zips

Try this URL when you have time. Please note you do not have to tack the zip first, just sew in the middle of the zip tape first then pull back the zip teeth to sew underneath. A normal zip foot will do the trick if you carefully fold back the zip coil just before you sew each section.

Always sew the seam that will be attached to the base of the zip after you have sewn the zip as instructed.

Zip link

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RneYzsqOyD0&feature=related

Wordle is my cool new toy

This is a great teaching/title gimmick for a poster or flier.

http://www.wordle.net/

Some tips - use CAPITALS when you want to have a word stand out and repeat this word several times in the column of words you list in the first box.

You can change the font and colour/background of your wordle or have your wordle fonts in black or white - with the opposite background. Try loved by the king font, for a funky effect.

Enjoy changing the layout of the text option by clicking the randomize button, and/or the layout option - especially if you want the words to be viewed either in the horizontal or the vertical mode.

Educational tour of Pilsen brewery

Beer is cheaper than lemonade in Prague, so why not drink the whole keg?