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 Happy almost December! This month, instead of regular blog posts leading up to Christmas, I'm going to try to get a video up each day, featuring Christmas music played on the harp...they will almost definitely be imperfect. :) My version of vlogmas (except prerecorded, scheduled, & not vlogs). :) There are also a few other blog posts scheduled for December. I'm planning to post them to the blog, but be sure to subscribe to my YouTube channel (& the bell notifications)! Also don't forget to follow along on Facebook, Instagram, & Twitter. While you're waiting, check out my Christmas playlist! Have you seen the vid using the fidget spinner on "We 3 Kings"? What are your Christmas plans? -Barbara
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Do you make Christmas gifts for your students? Here's an easy (and pretty fun) idea for gifts this year. Or you can have your students make them for gifts (or why make them and fill shoeboxes next year?) at a studio activity day. I included some of mine in Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes.
Follow the written directions below and/or watch the video (have you subscribed to my YouTube channel?) to see how to make one (or many)!
SUPPLIES:
wooden curtain rings acrylic paint paint brush(es) tissue paper embossing ink embossing powder embossing gun glue (I used glitter glue) decorations (yarn, wire, twine, ribbon, etc.) glue to attach decorations (such as Weldbond or Alene's) (Let me know if you'd like a more specific supplies list.)
Paint the curtain ring with green paint. I used 2 coats on each side.
Stamp and emboss your design on tissue paper. Once it's cooled off, cut the designs out.
After the paint has dried, glue the cut out designs onto the wreath. Cover the entire wreath with glitter glue, or whatever you choose to use to seal it (the glitter glue can peel off, so you might want to try something different). You might need to do one side at a time.
Add your decorations however you wish! You can loop a string of some sort through the metal part to make it into an ornament, or just knot a ribbon in it. The slideshow below has some examples.
Are you planning to make some of these? Be sure to show me pictures in the comments or on Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook. Don't forget to use #Fischarper!
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 Is your cat looking to expand his/her musical experience? Has (s)he already mastered the harp? It's time to get your "Kitten On The Keys"! Follow these steps to make your own piano scratching pad for your favorite musical feline! Supplies: board white paint old towel foam strips black yarn glue (hot glue gun & craft glue) Optional: catnip black paint  Paint your board white. It doesn't have to be perfect; this is just to help the wood that peeks through blend in.  Cut your old towel(s) into strips and braid or make rope.  Use a hot glue gun to glue your "rope" into the board, snaking it back & forth in a tight zigzag pattern,  Cut the foam strips to a size that fits well as the black keys of the piano. I didn't paint this foam black, but I'd recommend painting it first or using black foam.
Now it's time to wrap the black keys! First wrap the black yarn around the foam length-wise, then wrap width-wise. You can coat the foam in craft glue before wrapping, or glue as you go using craft glue or hot glue.  Glue your black keys onto your rope-covered board, imitating the pattern of a piano keyboard. Once it's dry, sprinkle some catnip on the keys, & watch your cat enjoy this new toy! Feel free to use this as inspiration for your own version. How do you think you'll make it? Be sure to show me on social media by tagging me &/or using #Fischarper! -Barbara
 The Fischarper Fall Activity packet has arrived! It has 11 printable music activity sheets: 1. Fall Music Cryptogram 2. Autumn Leaf Practice Chart 3. Autumn Leaf Note Matching (treble clef) 4. Autumn Leaf Note Matching (bass clef) 5. Hidden Accidentals Pilgrim Picture 6. Place the Pumpkins on the Spaces (Treble Clef) 7. Place the Pumpkins on the Lines (Treble Clef) 8. Place the Pumpkins on the Spaces (Bass Clef) 9. Place the Pumpkins on the Lines (Bass Clef) 10. Fall Leaf Music Composition Activity 11. Fall Staff Paper Keep reading below for some ideas on how to use this resource in your lessons! By the way, I finally figured out how to blend mockups with images in Photoshop (thanks to this video)! It's easier than trying to erase parts of it!  Try using the scarecrow staff paper with an easy activity like this. You could use Fall-themed erasers or some small autumn leaf cutouts. Or you could have your student color the picture of the scarecrow & write a (very short) composition about it. How about some "Tape the Leaf on the Staff"? Make it similar to pin the tail on the donkey, but the student tapes a leaf to the staff (blindfolded) and then names that note. You could even do this sitting at the instrument, a table, or on the floor to make sure no one run into the wall. :)  Instead of having the student cut out the leaves on the leaf composition activity, use real fallen leaves! This could be a fun activity to get your student out in the fresh air with a parent. How do you think you'll use these worksheets? Be sure to snap a picture and share your ideas with #Fischarper on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, or in the comments! -Barbara
From the archives...
Do you have any of those little ready-to-decorate papier mache boxes laying around? Well, let's get to decorating one! I just used things that were on-hand. Just use the directions below as ideas, and see what you come up with! SUPPLIES: papier mache box acrylic paint (lime green, black) paint brush glue music washi tape (or try making your own!) [let me know in the comments if you'd like more specifics on the products]  The first main step will probably take a small few steps. Paint your box and lid your desired colors. (I have white on the outside and lime green on the inside [added later].) Make sure to let dry thoroughly.  Next, Add your music washi tape & trim it to size. Leave enough room at the top for the lid to comfortable fit. You might need to add glue to hold the tape down.  Seal the tape on my brushing glue over the box and lid. Allow to dry separately.  And here it is with the inside painted! What color would you paint the inside? Be sure to show me your version on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, or in the comments section below! -Barbara
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Welcome to the blog! I'm Barbara, and I work as a freelance harpist and private music educator. You can read my bio here. On the blog, you can find posts about various aspects of this career path, especially teaching and crafty stuff. Thank you for stopping by! I'd love to hear from you in the comments or on social media. And don't forget to subscribe to the email list for updates! (sidebar may contain affiliate links)
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