that real link

I have been visiting my family in Massachusetts for the past few weeks, sorting thru old things and making new ones.

been thinking about the importance of keeping an active map of our stuff--- what we need, what we use what we're really done using.... what we're done with that someone else might really need.

here are some things I am collecting to create that real link between the community resources and the community need...

1. kids jackets, sweaters, outerwear --- no need for anyone to be cold!

2. hats--- knit or otherwise! (part of the happy new year hat project!)

3. kids books, puzzles and games.

4. kids clothing in good condition-- especially stuff for cold weather and SHOES!

5. washable paint

6. magic markers

7. sewing needles, quilt batting, pins and thread

I remember seeing a Brecht play a while back and the chorus said, give that which is good to that which is good for it.

Let me know if you have anything you are looking to passs along! In Massachusetts until January 1st! (lets meet up or you can mail things to The West Broad Street YMCA 1110 May Street Savannah GA 31415)

MAKE IT YOURSELF: halloween edition

today we had our 2nd annual home made halloween costume party! about 70 kids and 15 parents came out and made some really sweet little outfits!

munching on some cookies from Miss Janie at Brighter Day.... yum yum!

+++ thanks to Miss Paige and Mr.Cooper, your helping hands and spreading the word made today what it was!

I love you like 1 million old crayons, all chopped up and melted into stars

So a few weeks back I got on this crayon rampage. SO BIG crayons are expensive. Regular crayons break really easily. I did a lot of research about making your own crayons from little bits.....I tried silicone popsicle molds-- too hard to pop out, regular popsicle molds-- easy to pop out, but annoying to prep the wax on the stove top, doggy bone shaped candy molds - the back side was too sharp and FINALLY settled on silicone star shaped candy molds----- easy and amazingly satisfying to hold. ***

The kids and I spent an afternoon peeling the paper off old, broken crayons... about 50 years worth, it seems

and sorting by color

Then I spend a while chopping.... and filling up the tray:

Bake for about 20 minutes at 250 degrees, or until everything is nicely melted...

PUMPKINSSSSSSSSSSS

Today we were lucky enough to get a whole score of Jack-O-Lanterns from a recent Industrial Design pumpkin carving contest!

we got them all set up at the front desk and had the kids come check them out....
well, it all began with Miss Enoch:



and then our very own little jack-o-lanterns came out to inspect....

Oh lookie.... this is unusual....

little dudes Thanks Giselle and Megan for sending these our way! And to all the designers who made these-- I know our kids will remember getting to see these all lined up! check this video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bkYnm_e_vac

love of mine

well, I am dreadfully behind in documantation of the past few weeks. There is so much to tell about OH SAY CAN YOU SEA SAVANNAH!

But for now, all I can do is show you this:



and this



and this



and this



and if that doesn't make your heart feel good, you'd better come in and visit us in real life!! 1110 MAY STREET, SAVANNAH GA 31401

OH SAY CAY YOU SEA SAVANNAH!

Our show opens TONIGHT!

5-8pm Tybee Post Theter!
Also open tomorrow 9-5, sunday 1-5 with a performance by the Savannah Children's Choir 5-6pm!

here are directions, see you there!! (we also have a bus leaving the WBS YMCA @
6PM feel free to get on board!--- thank you SCAD!)

DIRECTIONS FROM DOWNTOWN to THE TYBEE POST THEATER:
1. Take Victory Drive all the way out to Tybee Island (about 16 miles)

2. Drive through the Jones Street Traffic Light.

3. Turn LEFT on 1st Street just after the Sugar Shack Restaurant.

4. Drive a block until you reach a stone gated street.

5. Enter the gates and follow along until you see the TYBEE POST THEATER on your LEFT—Brick building with lots of signs!

People will be there to help you figure out where to park!
CALL MOLLY WITH QUESTIONS—912-660-2812

i'll be the little bit of quiet in your head...

yesterday was quite a long busy day, it began with part I of the three and four year olds paper fish project....

I made 33 of these fish (ouch ouch, a lot of stapling)



and then we colored and painted and had the nicest time on this cool cool (fall??) morning.






it was wonderful.

After running some errands I returned to the Y just in time to get ready for our afternoon class. I was feeling rather overwhelmed one way and another and just when I started getting materials out of the closet and feeling organized James came in to tell me all sorts of things.

James is 7 and was in my very first art class, and right now is the only member of that original class who is around. I've been calling him my old timer.

He asked if he could help and I told him I thought I just needed a minute by myself and a little quiet in my head to make sure I got everything together.

He looked my dead in the eye--- in that way that only your old timer can-- and said, "I'll be the little bit of quiet in your head and then you won't have to get ready for us by yourself either..."

oh James. oh my heart. so we got ready and had an afternoon of art outside.

This is James with Mickael who is the son of one of our librarians and a REALLY kind person and incredible artist....

it's fall and i love you i love you i love you

here we are, doing art! Today was the wonderfully awaited first day of LOOP IT UP, Fall 2011... Diving into YEAR NUMBER FOUR!!! YAY!



We're getting ready for a very special ocean art show at the Tybee Post Theater... everyone is involved and making stuff! even these toddlers and twos!!




this neck-a-lace is like a snake... it move, like a snake.



Bre-Bre is beginning a very big, very awesome -- all good materials on deck-- type of project! It's a good day when we are all here and we are all making exactly what we want to make... it's a good day in savannah ga.

oh say can you see savannah?

a few possible logos for the loop it up savannah/ savannah ocean exchange children's ocean exhibit at the tybee post theater! ! !