CUSTOMIZED TEACHERS GIFTS

Just added these great caricatures of teachers. There are 15 different types, from kindergarten to professor. Teachers can never have too many magnets for their white/black boards, doors, and file cabinets. This blondie is for my daughter, Victoria, who is in her first year of teaching English at Grayslake Central High School. We are so very proud of her!

The "teacher" stands 6" high and is made from Loralie Designs "Roll Call". She is stiffened with timtex interfacing. Her back is covered with white felt and a magnet. I have edged her with bright cording finished with an overcast stitch. The vibrant colors and cute caricature make this a very fun gift to give to your favorite teacher. This one would be great for a kindergarten or art teacher.

They can also be fashioned an ornament with a vintage ribbon added. By by painting the hair, I can change blond or red into brown, or darken up lighter hair. It is really fun to add her name, the student's name, and year for a great remembrance. I also have some great quotes to put on the back; for example: As long as there are tests in school, there will be prayer.

To see all the "teachers" for choices, please check this site: http://www.loraliedesigns.com/FabricShow/Product/CoolSchool.html

BOOTS and STARS... PLAY to LEARN QUILT, the game that grows with your child

Here are the extra pictures of my Boots and Stars...Play to Learn Quilted Playmat listed on quiltingcafe.etsy.com.

As you can imagine, these were so much fun to do, not only picking out the fabric, but fussy cutting the lizard, cowboy,etc. on the boots. The stars are really fun for little fingers to play with because they are three dimensional.

Purchasing Toys for Autistic Children

Yesterday, I asked several special ed educators at an at risk preschool to critique my Play to Learn quilted playmat: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=16191248

They were very positive with the following observation. This would be for a learning disabled child that could differentiate between the advanced patterns. These patterns could be overwhelming to some children not yet able to discern the differences between the small patterned circles. But as the child progresses, he or she would be able to play cohesively with the matching game.

As with any child, purchasing a toy must be appropriate to their abilities. Many times, we think that we should challenge them which will make them "smarter". However, frustration leads to abandonment of the game and a sense of failure. Simple, repetitive games give a child a sense of accomplishment with readiness to move on to the next level. This is especially true with the autistic child.

I have been working in the classroom with autistic children for 13 years. These experiences have be the most fruitful of my professional life.

QUILTING: The Queen of Green

Quilting is really the ultimate in green. After all, I don’t throw away a scrap. As you can see, my quilting studio is a testament to that. Not only do I save the tiniest of scraps, I also reuse vintage materials, repurpose my daughter’s jeans , cut off buttons and zippers from worn out clothing, and recycle where I can.

Though the Alchemy site on Etsy.com, I read that a Louisville MOMs Group is having a Recycle, Repurpose, and Reuse theme at their next meeting. I knew my shop would fit the bill. The Louisville Brightside organizer coming to speak to the group on ways to help in Louisville. Someone in the group always prepares a packet to give to each mom.

Since they might be interested in my products with Christmas coming up, and going green being such a hot topic, I am sending them my business cards with vintage ribbon from my Aunt Ruth's stash attached. In order to induce members to come, I donated the following folk art postcard and magnets. I hope they have a great meeting. I look forward to hearing from the members.

HUGS and KISSES... PLAY to LEARN QUILT, the game that grows with your child

I work with developmentally challenged preschoolers everyday. Learning I be broken down into the simplest steps. Steps we take for granted. Repetitive actions and reinforcements help all children. I decided to combine my quilting into a travel game that is appropriate for all ages.

This 13″ X 13″ visually stimulating quilt excites newborns with its bright colored shapes and bold lines. Playing with the ten 4″ X 4″ mini quilts aids in small motor movement and dexterity. No attachments that an infant could swallow. As the child grows, a matching game with the mini-quilts using the colored designs sharpens recognition and memory skills.

With tic-tac-toe, older children can learn cooperation through taking turns, use planning and logic through strategy, and develop early math skills through problem solving. The Xs and Os are paper pieced so they will stay intact with the other side being the bright fabrics.

The mat and playing pieces fold up into a 5-inch square and closed with an attached fabric covered elastic band.It can be tossed in a bag and played in restaurants, waiting rooms, car rides, etc. and also can be used as a placemat or security blanket.

It will last through many children as well as generations. It is truly an heirloom to be cherished for many years. Since all the pieces are cotton, they can be hand-washed and dried flat giving it a puckered look.
If you would like it made up in other colors or themes, please e-mail me at quilt.cafe@yahoo.com