DancingMermaid » mermaid camp day 3

so we are already at day 3 of mermaid camp and it has been going so well. the kids have been working on altered board books/art journals all week.

each day we added one new technique. today was all about notes and envelopes to stick in the books. the kids wrote out wishes, prayers, poetry, and secrets.

paper fasteners were used to attach mermaid paper dolls arms and fins. the mermaids kind of look like they have gold boobs, don’t they? i was surprised no one else picked up on it.

i randomly put out these little tags and the kids wrote the sweetest messages on them. many of them attached them to their envelopes. all i did was put out a few hole punchers.

above reads: sparkle, words that inspire me.

this magical thing happened today. it was silent. completely silent. kids were that into their work. my friend morgan (who is helping me) and i were whispering to each other as not to break the deep creative trance.

even when we brought out the books later to work on, the kids stayed in this trance. at this point they know where to get the paint, tissue papers, mod podge, glitter, letter cut-outs, etc. we just watched. barely any questions were asked as in the previous days-they each just felt comfortable and content doing their own thing.

it was so inspiring to see them thriving in their artwork. i did not realize that at first, altered books are a bit intimating. kids were not used to painting over real books, let alone adding texture, shells, beach glass, sand, ribbon, and beads. one little girl asked me today, “but my envelope is too big for my books!” and before i has a chance to answer she added, “oh yeah, these are books we can do anything with. i forgot.” ah, music to my ears.

it was fun to see the kids gravitate to certain colors and materials. they were not forced to do anything, however, most of them at least experimented once with something new each day.

oh and the books. so layered and detailed and full of feeling and love.

since this is my biggest group, (13 girls) i assumed it may not be as intimate as the smaller groups. but it was. i had a chance to get to know all these girls on such a special level.

who says 6 and 7 year olds can’t do mixed media?

there is a play tomorrow-i split them into groups
and let them go wild with it.
we made mermaid costumes out of purple and turquoise nettings,
hot glue, glitter, and shells.
personal invitations were designed for the parents.

words can’t really describe what a beautiful experience this has been.
i am full.

my cup has runneth over.

25 Comments so far

these memories are going to live in their hearts forever … you are doing something so beautiful and special, you are absolutely wonderful, you know that right xo

i’m so happy and proud of you - for following your heart and being true to yourself.

xoxo

you’ve created such a lovely experience. so beautiful, for you and them. bravo!

If i ever have a daughter of my own I will be sure to send here over to you at least once for a mermaid camp.

This is just so inspiring and moving. You give those girls wings baby, which they will be able to rely on for the rest of their lives.

xox

you are teaching these girls something that will live with them the rest of their lives and they don’t even have a clue yet to how you’ve inspired them…how wonderful is that ?

you are a natural mccabe, and your cup will continue to runneth over!!!
xo
wish hagan and lacie could be there!
k

Absolutely amazing mccabe!!!
Simply amazing.

This is beyond wonderful! Truly, this is something that these little sweethearts with take with them always…

Just looking and reading this is giving me wings.

Much love…
xo

So wonderful. When are you doing it for merboys?

You rock.

they will remember this forever…you are an earth angel

mine cup has runneth over too.
i have a very special group of ladies i will send this to now for inspiration.
you rock mermie ladie

I’m so happy for you! How long have you dreamed of this? This is just the beginning…. you are the mermaid… the sea is your cup! xx

oh mermie..
you dazzle, delight, design, divine what is right and magical for your little artists .. and as you teach, they teach and it’s perfection .. truly you are a blessing to their summer, to their spirit, to their lives. I know you are to mine !!!!!

What a beautiful blog. I am so glad I found you. Your pure inspiration. A muse. Thank you, thank you thank you! Have a wonderful day!

All the best always and a ((HUG)),M

you were born to do THIS.
and neither you nor the girls will ever forget this magical experience.
xoxoxo

Amazing! The depth of creativity and love that you have instilled in these girls will forever remain beautiful for them…and I’m sure for you too. This is really what life is all about.
xo

I want to come to your camp.
and I mean this in all seriousness.
I’ve been thinking of you a great deal lately. and just wanted you to know.
much love.

Here are links to my version of and art camp: http://shakeyourbootynow.blogspot.com/2008/07/my-art-journal.html#links
http://shakeyourbootynow.blogspot.com/2008/06/my-version.html#links
Thanks for the inspiration!
Nikki

Your camp is so inspiring!! Love, magic and understanding- you’ve provided a safe haven for these little girls that they will carry throughout their lives! Thank you for doing this!

i so wish we could come to mermie camp too. my daughters and i would love it!

Ahhhhh…that rapt silence. You brought back a groovy memory for me. Back in another lifetime when I was a school teacher, I had only real books in my classroom, and the kids picked what they wanted to read. There came a time, somewhere fifteen or twenty minutes into the class period, where that silence took materialized, and the hum of the lights overhead prevailed. I loved that sound of minds engaged with story. It still makes me smile to think of it. It’s a sign that there is magic in the area, and you’ve definitely got it goin’ on!

My cup runneth over with ice cold Mojitos. Care to join me? Clothing optional, too. It is WAY to firken hot in my neck of the woods for clothing today. I should have been a naturalist. It would make me less perverted. Maybe. Nah. Just saying.
XO galore.

I fricking ADORE your mermaid camp. ADORE. I cannot say it strongly enough. A.D.O.R.E.

I want to do a mermaid camp. I’d like to attend yours, but I’d also like to do one for my kids and anyone else who’d like to come. They are still too little to do what I know, but I really believe that something similar to your mermaid camp is in my future.

Beeeeyoutifull.

mermie.

i love you.

thanks for giving me a bit of light amidst my dark.

shakti

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mermaid camp day 3

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