School is in Session

bottle cap magnets

Welcome Back Everybody to the school year. It seems like the summer flew by. I have enjoyed hanging out with family and friends, and besides a few getaways, I have been busy updating my studio, teaching and developing projects for both my fusing classes and my eco- arts classes. 

I haven't blogged in awhile- so please excuse this more lengthy addition. Keep on scrolling down for more news and pictures if you have a moment!

Also, check out my calendar page to get the great list of classes I am offering this fall. Basically there are 3 different locations- 

Coleman Elementary- Mondays(after school) , 

Vallecito Elementary -Tuesdays (after school) 

The Falkirk Cultural Center - Thursdays (after school -teens/tweens), Saturday morning classes for younger children and 2 workshops in December for adults. 

My calendar page has all the dates, times, course descriptions, course numbers and the link to sign up.

new fall colors plate - Nikki Contini

I had an opportunity over the summer to teach several eco- art classes to some wonderful children in their own living community. At times I had up to twenty students per workshop which was a lot of kids to work with but they were very eager and interested in the projects that I brought to them.  The mutual enthusiasm that we all had for the up-cycling projects has propelled me to continue on with teaching Eco- art classes as well as my fusing classes this fall.

I have been collecting 'trash' such as plastics, aluminum,  lids, cardboard, cork, wood scrap- almost anything that I can think that can be turned into an art project and saved from landfill and our oceans all summer.  I continue to do so. My garage is overflowing with with all my collections. It amazes me how much upcycleable 'stuff'  one family can collect in a few months. I am more aware then ever how much trash, especially  plastics, that I use and the legacy of pollution that I am a part of just by living my daily life. I am especially obsessed with plastic lids. There are so many! Thankfully, they lend themselves to numerous projects. I think of an eco- class not only building environmental awareness but also stimulating the creative juices as to how 'trash 'can be re-worked into art and other functional uses. There is lots of room for experimentation. There are also lots of amazing blogs and websites as well as Pintrist that offer great inspiration and ideas. Here are a few sites that I like to check out- www.upcyclethat.com
love2upcycle.blogspot.com   upcycleus.blogspot.com

my sample for students- coiled paper and plastic caps picture

animal banks made from plastic bottles.

Picasso inspired recycled self portrait.

 My fantastic jumbo kiln has also been getting a lot of action lately. So although, I have a new passion for eco-art, my glass fusing is in full swing. It feels good to be busy in the studio- doing my thing. ;)
If you want to book a fusing party, please contact me. Its fun, creative and unique. See my workshops page for more information. Questions? contact me!

checkerboard bowl- Nikki Contini

sample for students- mosaic plastic tops framed mirror