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<channel><title><![CDATA[Shannon Christensen @ Shannon's Studio&nbsp;The Art of Family - &bull;Contribute Blog]]></title><link><![CDATA[http://www.shannonsstudio.com/bullcontribute-blog.html]]></link><description><![CDATA[&bull;Contribute Blog]]></description><pubDate>Fri, 25 May 2012 16:55:58 -0800</pubDate><generator>Weebly</generator><item><title><![CDATA[Gift • Classroom Emergency Kit]]></title><link><![CDATA[http://www.shannonsstudio.com/7/post/2012/05/gift-classroom-emergency-kit.html]]></link><comments><![CDATA[http://www.shannonsstudio.com/7/post/2012/05/gift-classroom-emergency-kit.html#comments]]></comments><pubDate>Fri, 25 May 2012 11:41:01 -0800</pubDate><category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category><guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.shannonsstudio.com/7/post/2012/05/gift-classroom-emergency-kit.html</guid><description><![CDATA[It was the end of another school year. Except this one was different for me because I've been part-time teaching all year. The woman I worked with has been wonderful in sharing her art room and showing me how things go. I wanted to give her a going away gift and thought about the times that we have had emergency drills. (We live in Tornado Alley) I came up with this bitesized classroom emergency kit. It's not a comprehensive kit, more of a [...] ]]></description><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="paragraph" style='text-align:left;'>It was the end of another school year. Except this one was different for me because I've been part-time teaching all year. The woman I worked with has been wonderful in sharing her art room and showing me how things go. I wanted to give her a going away gift and thought about the times that we have had emergency drills. (<em>We live in Tornado Alley</em>) I came up with this bitesized classroom emergency kit. It's not a comprehensive kit, more of a make the kids feel good while they're in emergency positions kit. So I filled it with a few things, designed and printed an insert label, and tied a bow. <font color="#ff0000">One box, one label, one shopping trip, one gift. Easy peasy</font>. I've included the steps and downloads for you if you'd like to give this gift a go. (<em>It doesn't have to be just for a classroom, you could use it for an office or some other place.</em>)</div>  <div><div class="wsite-image wsite-image-border-none " style="padding-top:10px;padding-bottom:10px;margin-left:0;margin-right:0;text-align:center"> <a href='http://www.shannonsstudio.com/uploads/4/0/0/2/4002641/8330395_orig.jpg?545' rel='lightbox' onclick='if (!lightboxLoaded) return false'> <img src="http://www.shannonsstudio.com/uploads/4/0/0/2/4002641/8330395.jpg?545" alt="Picture" style="width:auto;max-width:100%" /> </a> <div style="display:block;font-size:90%"></div> </div></div>  <div class="paragraph" style='text-align:left;'>Start off with a <strong><font color="#ff0000">clear pencil box</font></strong>, the long ones found in WalMarts &amp; Targets. (<em>It's about 13" long</em>)</div>  <div><div class="wsite-image wsite-image-border-none " style="padding-top:10px;padding-bottom:10px;margin-left:0;margin-right:0;text-align:center"> <a href='http://www.shannonsstudio.com/uploads/4/0/0/2/4002641/2881982_orig.jpg' rel='lightbox' onclick='if (!lightboxLoaded) return false'> <img src="http://www.shannonsstudio.com/uploads/4/0/0/2/4002641/2881982_orig.jpg" alt="Picture" style="width:100%;max-width:1100px" /> </a> <div style="display:block;font-size:90%"></div> </div></div>  <div class="paragraph" style='text-align:left;'>Then download the label and <strong><font color="#ff0000">print on a</font></strong> <strong><font color="#ff0000">legal size paper</font></strong>. (<em>I've left the name off and your content area blank on the templates.</em>)</div>  <div><div class="wsite-image wsite-image-border-none " style="padding-top:10px;padding-bottom:10px;margin-left:0;margin-right:0;text-align:center"> <a href='http://www.shannonsstudio.com/uploads/4/0/0/2/4002641/3198273_orig.jpg' rel='lightbox' onclick='if (!lightboxLoaded) return false'> <img src="http://www.shannonsstudio.com/uploads/4/0/0/2/4002641/3198273_orig.jpg" alt="Picture" style="width:100%;max-width:1066px" /> </a> <div style="display:block;font-size:90%"></div> </div></div>  <div class="paragraph" style='text-align:left;'>I use a paper cutter to <strong><font color="#ff0000">cut the printed label</font></strong>.</div>  <div><div class="wsite-image wsite-image-border-none " style="padding-top:10px;padding-bottom:10px;margin-left:0;margin-right:0;text-align:center"> <a href='http://www.shannonsstudio.com/uploads/4/0/0/2/4002641/8573803_orig.jpg' rel='lightbox' onclick='if (!lightboxLoaded) return false'> <img src="http://www.shannonsstudio.com/uploads/4/0/0/2/4002641/8573803_orig.jpg" alt="Picture" style="width:100%;max-width:933px" /> </a> <div style="display:block;font-size:90%"></div> </div></div>  <div class="paragraph" style='text-align:left;'><font color="#ff0000"><strong>Fill the kit</strong></font>. Here are the contents for this classroom emergency kit. (<em>But add whatever you'd like</em>.)</div>  <div><div class="wsite-image wsite-image-border-none " style="padding-top:10px;padding-bottom:10px;margin-left:0;margin-right:0;text-align:center"> <a href='http://www.shannonsstudio.com/uploads/4/0/0/2/4002641/9335855_orig.jpg?548' rel='lightbox' onclick='if (!lightboxLoaded) return false'> <img src="http://www.shannonsstudio.com/uploads/4/0/0/2/4002641/9335855.jpg?548" alt="Picture" style="width:auto;max-width:100%" /> </a> <div style="display:block;font-size:90%"></div> </div></div>  <div class="paragraph" style='text-align:left;'>30 light stick bracelets &bull; 1 large black trash bag &bull; 2 small trash bags &bull; 2 packages of tissues &bull; 2 sticky note pads &bull; 2 ink pens &bull; 1 paper tablet &bull; 1 small red sharpie &bull; 1 large black sharpie &bull; 1 lighter &bull; 4 bullnose clips &bull; 4 thick rubber bands &bull; 1 bottle hand sanitizer &bull; 1 spray hand sanitizer &bull; 2 hand warmers &bull; 16 wipes &bull; 13 tie wraps &bull; 10 safety pins - <em>You could fill it with anything really</em></div>  <div><div style="margin: 10px 0 0 -10px"> <a href="http://www.shannonsstudio.com/uploads/4/0/0/2/4002641/project_emergency_all_kit.pdf"><img src="http://www.weebly.com/weebly/images/file_icons/pdf.png" width="36" height="36" style="float: right; position: relative; left: 0px; top: 0px; margin: 0 15px 15px 0; border: 0;" /></a><div style="float: right; text-align: right; position: relative;"><table style="font-size: 12px; font-family: tahoma; line-height: .9;"><tr><td colspan="2"><b> Project Emergency Kits &bull; All Templates &bull; Classroom/Car/Office/Home</b></td></tr><tr style="display: none;"><td>File Size:  </td><td>139 kb</td></tr><tr style="display: none;"><td>File Type:  </td><td> pdf</td></tr></table><a href="http://www.shannonsstudio.com/uploads/4/0/0/2/4002641/project_emergency_all_kit.pdf" style="font-weight: bold;">Download File</a></div> </div>  <hr style="clear: both; width: 100%; visibility: hidden"></hr></div>  <div class="paragraph" style='text-align:left;'><font color="#ff0000"><strong>Here are the downloads</strong></font>&nbsp;below, in several versions for legal size paper (8.5" x 11").</div>  <div><div class="wsite-image wsite-image-border-none " style="padding-top:10px;padding-bottom:10px;margin-left:0;margin-right:0;text-align:center"> <a href='http://www.shannonsstudio.com/uploads/4/0/0/2/4002641/9556366_orig.jpg?510' rel='lightbox' onclick='if (!lightboxLoaded) return false'> <img src="http://www.shannonsstudio.com/uploads/4/0/0/2/4002641/9556366.jpg?510" alt="ShannonsStudio.com Emergency Kit Labels" style="width:auto;max-width:100%" /> </a> <div style="display:block;font-size:90%"></div> </div></div>  <div><div class="wsite-multicol"><div class='wsite-multicol-table-wrap' style='margin:0 -15px'> <table class='wsite-multicol-table'> <tbody class='wsite-multicol-tbody'> <tr class='wsite-multicol-tr'> <td class='wsite-multicol-col' style='width:51.883561643836%;padding:0 15px'>  <div><div id="106260594126121573" align="left" style="width: 100%; padding: 5px 0 5px 0; overflow-y: hidden;"><script languagae="javascript" src="http://static.polldaddy.com/p/6261434.js?68346580"></script></div>    </div>  </td> <td class='wsite-multicol-col' style='width:48.116438356164%;padding:0 15px'>  <div><div style="margin: 10px 0 0 -10px"> <a href="http://www.shannonsstudio.com/uploads/4/0/0/2/4002641/project_emergency_classroom.jpg"><img src="http://www.weebly.com/weebly/images/file_icons/image.png" width="36" height="36" style="float: left; position: relative; left: 0px; top: 0px; margin: 0 15px 15px 0; border: 0;" /></a><div style="float: left; text-align: left; position: relative;"><table style="font-size: 12px; font-family: tahoma; line-height: .9;"><tr><td colspan="2"><b> Classroom Emergency Kit Template</b></td></tr><tr style="display: none;"><td>File Size:  </td><td>156 kb</td></tr><tr style="display: none;"><td>File Type:  </td><td> jpg</td></tr></table><a href="http://www.shannonsstudio.com/uploads/4/0/0/2/4002641/project_emergency_classroom.jpg" style="font-weight: bold;">Download File</a></div> </div>  <hr style="clear: both; width: 100%; visibility: hidden"></hr></div>  <div><div style="margin: 10px 0 0 -10px"> <a href="http://www.shannonsstudio.com/uploads/4/0/0/2/4002641/project_emergency_car_kit.jpg"><img src="http://www.weebly.com/weebly/images/file_icons/image.png" width="36" height="36" style="float: left; position: relative; left: 0px; top: 0px; margin: 0 15px 15px 0; border: 0;" /></a><div style="float: left; text-align: left; position: relative;"><table style="font-size: 12px; font-family: tahoma; line-height: .9;"><tr><td colspan="2"><b> Car Emergency Kit Template</b></td></tr><tr style="display: none;"><td>File Size:  </td><td>143 kb</td></tr><tr style="display: none;"><td>File Type:  </td><td> jpg</td></tr></table><a href="http://www.shannonsstudio.com/uploads/4/0/0/2/4002641/project_emergency_car_kit.jpg" style="font-weight: bold;">Download File</a></div> </div>  <hr style="clear: both; width: 100%; visibility: hidden"></hr></div>  <div><div style="margin: 10px 0 0 -10px"> <a href="http://www.shannonsstudio.com/uploads/4/0/0/2/4002641/project_emergency_offiice_template.jpg"><img src="http://www.weebly.com/weebly/images/file_icons/image.png" width="36" height="36" style="float: left; position: relative; left: 0px; top: 0px; margin: 0 15px 15px 0; border: 0;" /></a><div style="float: left; text-align: left; position: relative;"><table style="font-size: 12px; font-family: tahoma; line-height: .9;"><tr><td colspan="2"><b> Office Emergency Kit Template</b></td></tr><tr style="display: none;"><td>File Size:  </td><td>144 kb</td></tr><tr style="display: none;"><td>File Type:  </td><td> jpg</td></tr></table><a href="http://www.shannonsstudio.com/uploads/4/0/0/2/4002641/project_emergency_offiice_template.jpg" style="font-weight: bold;">Download File</a></div> </div>  <hr style="clear: both; width: 100%; visibility: hidden"></hr></div>  <div><div style="margin: 10px 0 0 -10px"> <a href="http://www.shannonsstudio.com/uploads/4/0/0/2/4002641/project_emergency_home_kit_template.jpg"><img src="http://www.weebly.com/weebly/images/file_icons/image.png" width="36" height="36" style="float: left; position: relative; left: 0px; top: 0px; margin: 0 15px 15px 0; border: 0;" /></a><div style="float: left; text-align: left; position: relative;"><table style="font-size: 12px; font-family: tahoma; line-height: .9;"><tr><td colspan="2"><b> Home Emergency Kit Template</b></td></tr><tr style="display: none;"><td>File Size:  </td><td>145 kb</td></tr><tr style="display: none;"><td>File Type:  </td><td> jpg</td></tr></table><a href="http://www.shannonsstudio.com/uploads/4/0/0/2/4002641/project_emergency_home_kit_template.jpg" style="font-weight: bold;">Download File</a></div> </div>  <hr style="clear: both; width: 100%; visibility: hidden"></hr></div>  </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </div></div></div>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[Gifts • Hospital Contraband Kit • You Need to Get Sick!]]></title><link><![CDATA[http://www.shannonsstudio.com/7/post/2012/03/gifts-hospital-contraband-kit-you-need-to-get-sick.html]]></link><comments><![CDATA[http://www.shannonsstudio.com/7/post/2012/03/gifts-hospital-contraband-kit-you-need-to-get-sick.html#comments]]></comments><pubDate>Sun, 04 Mar 2012 16:20:58 -0800</pubDate><category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category><guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.shannonsstudio.com/7/post/2012/03/gifts-hospital-contraband-kit-you-need-to-get-sick.html</guid><description><![CDATA[                      When my daughter Alisha was almost due with her baby, I was invited to the bab [...] ]]></description><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div><div class="wsite-image wsite-image-border-none " style="padding-top:10px;padding-bottom:10px;margin-left:0;margin-right:0;text-align:center"> <a> <img src="http://www.shannonsstudio.com/uploads/4/0/0/2/4002641/3990969_orig.png" alt="hospital contraband kit shannonsstudio.com" style="width:100%;max-width:790px" /> </a> <div style="display:block;font-size:90%"></div> </div></div>  <div class="paragraph" style='text-align:left;'>               When my daughter Alisha was almost due with her baby, I was invited to the baby shower given by her school co-workers. We had planned a family/friend shower and I already had a gift in mind for baby Caeden to give then. So, for this shower I wanted to give a gift that would be fun for her. But, of course I waited until the day of - nothing like a little self-imposed pressure to get the creativity going. <br /><br />    Trying to think of something, I mentally went back to my baby hospital stays and remembered that after deliveries I was always starving. My friends would then smuggle in a burger or pizza &ndash; contraband. Then I thought, &ldquo;What if you planned for the contraband <em style="">before</em> going into the hospital?&rdquo; As a result, I came up with the idea of a Hospital Contraband Kit.<br /><br />    The Hospital Contraband Kit is a clear make-up bag with a printed label inserted inside that is then filled with personally tailored contents. For my daughter, I chose chocolate contraband and she loved it!&nbsp; Shortly after that, another friend&rsquo;s daughter had her baby. It was Christmas Eve afternoon and I didn&rsquo;t want to fight any crowds at the stores. I remembered that I had an extra make-up bag and quickly printed the label then headed out the door. On my way, I stopped at a convenience store (more expensive but worth it to miss the Christmas chaos) to pick up the contraband. It was a pretty effortless gift and she thought it was great. <br /><br />    Here are the fast and easy steps for you to put together your own kit. <strong style=""><font color="#cc0000">Print. Fold. Fill.</font></strong>  </div>  <div class="paragraph" style='text-align:left;'>             <strong style="">&nbsp;<font color="#cc0000">&nbsp; #1</font></strong><font color="#cc0000"> <strong style="">Print</strong></font> the free download &nbsp;<font color="#cc0000">&nbsp;<strong style="">#2</strong> <strong style="">Fold</strong> </font>on the printed lines&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<font color="#cc0000">&nbsp;<strong style="">#3</strong> <strong style="">Fill</strong></font> with 1 of 3 options&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;<br /></div>  <div><div class="wsite-image wsite-image-border-none " style="padding-top:10px;padding-bottom:10px;margin-left:0;margin-right:0;text-align:center"> <a href='http://www.shannonsstudio.com/uploads/4/0/0/2/4002641/9069058_orig.png?548' rel='lightbox' onclick='if (!lightboxLoaded) return false'> <img src="http://www.shannonsstudio.com/uploads/4/0/0/2/4002641/9069058.png?548" alt="hospital contraband kit, shannonsstudio.com, shannon christsensen" style="width:auto;max-width:100%" /> </a> <div style="display:block;font-size:90%"></div> </div></div>  <div class="paragraph" style='text-align:left;'>You don't really need to get sick to have or make one. Here are the different things you can put inside.</div>  <div><div class="wsite-image wsite-image-border-none " style="padding-top:10px;padding-bottom:10px;margin-left:0;margin-right:0;text-align:center"> <a> <img src="http://www.shannonsstudio.com/uploads/4/0/0/2/4002641/7241195.png?548" alt="hospital contraband kit, shannonsstudio.com, shannon christsensen" style="width:auto;max-width:100%" /> </a> <div style="display:block;font-size:90%"></div> </div></div>  <div><div class="wsite-image wsite-image-border-none " style="padding-top:10px;padding-bottom:10px;margin-left:0;margin-right:0;text-align:center"> <a> <img src="http://www.shannonsstudio.com/uploads/4/0/0/2/4002641/5425168.png?546" alt="hospital contraband kit, shannonsstudio.com, shannon christsensen" style="width:auto;max-width:100%" /> </a> <div style="display:block;font-size:90%"></div> </div></div>  <div><div class="wsite-image wsite-image-border-none " style="padding-top:10px;padding-bottom:10px;margin-left:0;margin-right:0;text-align:center"> <a> <img src="http://www.shannonsstudio.com/uploads/4/0/0/2/4002641/4127318.png?542" alt="hospital contraband kit, shannonsstudio.com, shannon christsensen" style="width:auto;max-width:100%" /> </a> <div style="display:block;font-size:90%"></div> </div></div>  <div><div style="height: 0px; overflow: hidden;"></div> <div id='895989686758760634-gallery' class='imageGallery' style='line-height: 0px; padding: 0; margin: 0'> <div id='895989686758760634-imageContainer0' style='float:left;width:33.28%;margin:0;'><div id='895989686758760634-insideImageContainer0' style='position:relative;margin:0px;'><div style='position:relative;width:100%;padding:0 0 75.08%;'><a href='http://www.shannonsstudio.com/uploads/4/0/0/2/4002641/3180686_orig.png' rel='lightbox[gallery895989686758760634]' onclick='if (!window.lightboxLoaded) return false'><img src='http://www.shannonsstudio.com/uploads/4/0/0/2/4002641/3180686.png' class='galleryImage' _width='234' _height='250' style='position:absolute;border:0;width:70.27%;top:0%;left:14.86%' /></a></div></div></div><div id='895989686758760634-imageContainer1' style='float:left;width:33.28%;margin:0;'><div id='895989686758760634-insideImageContainer1' style='position:relative;margin:0px;'><div style='position:relative;width:100%;padding:0 0 75.08%;'><a href='http://www.shannonsstudio.com/uploads/4/0/0/2/4002641/946325_orig.png' rel='lightbox[gallery895989686758760634]' onclick='if (!window.lightboxLoaded) return false'><img src='http://www.shannonsstudio.com/uploads/4/0/0/2/4002641/946325.png' class='galleryImage' _width='233' _height='250' style='position:absolute;border:0;width:69.97%;top:0%;left:15.02%' /></a></div></div></div><div id='895989686758760634-imageContainer2' style='float:left;width:33.28%;margin:0;'><div id='895989686758760634-insideImageContainer2' style='position:relative;margin:0px;'><div style='position:relative;width:100%;padding:0 0 75.08%;'><a href='http://www.shannonsstudio.com/uploads/4/0/0/2/4002641/854256_orig.png' rel='lightbox[gallery895989686758760634]' onclick='if (!window.lightboxLoaded) return false'><img src='http://www.shannonsstudio.com/uploads/4/0/0/2/4002641/854256.png' class='galleryImage' _width='234' _height='250' style='position:absolute;border:0;width:70.27%;top:0%;left:14.86%' /></a></div></div></div><span style='display: block; clear: both; height: 0px; overflow: hidden;'></span> </div>  <div style="height: 0px; overflow: hidden;"></div></div>  <div class="paragraph" style='text-align:left;'>               <strong style="">To Do</strong> -<br />  &bull; Print - PDF Download on 8.5 x 11 white cardstock<br />  &bull; Fold - printout on light grey lines<br />  &bull; Buy - clear make-up bag approx $6 (Modella Brand WalMart)<br />  &bull; Buy - contents, your choice<br />  &bull; Fill - and give&nbsp;<br />  </div>  <div><div style="margin: 10px 0 0 -10px"> <a href="http://www.shannonsstudio.com/uploads/4/0/0/2/4002641/project__hospital_contraband_kit_printout.pdf"><img src="http://www.weebly.com/weebly/images/file_icons/pdf.png" width="36" height="36" style="float: right; position: relative; left: 0px; top: 0px; margin: 0 15px 15px 0; border: 0;" /></a><div style="float: right; text-align: right; position: relative;"><table style="font-size: 12px; font-family: tahoma; line-height: .9;"><tr><td colspan="2"><b> Hospital Contraband Kit &bull; Shannon Christensen.pdf</b></td></tr><tr style="display: none;"><td>File Size:  </td><td>64 kb</td></tr><tr style="display: none;"><td>File Type:  </td><td> pdf</td></tr></table><a href="http://www.shannonsstudio.com/uploads/4/0/0/2/4002641/project__hospital_contraband_kit_printout.pdf" style="font-weight: bold;">Download File</a></div> </div>  <hr style="clear: both; width: 100%; visibility: hidden"></hr></div>  <div class="paragraph" style='text-align:left;'>So, what &nbsp;would you put in a Hospital Contraband Kit?</div>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[TV Time • 6 Ways to Limit Television Viewing]]></title><link><![CDATA[http://www.shannonsstudio.com/7/post/2012/02/tv-time-6-ways-to-limit-television-viewing.html]]></link><comments><![CDATA[http://www.shannonsstudio.com/7/post/2012/02/tv-time-6-ways-to-limit-television-viewing.html#comments]]></comments><pubDate>Thu, 09 Feb 2012 18:28:13 -0800</pubDate><category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category><guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.shannonsstudio.com/7/post/2012/02/tv-time-6-ways-to-limit-television-viewing.html</guid><description><![CDATA[Did a little surfing down memory lane and came across an article that I contributed to a long time ago and forgot about. It was about TV viewing and what can be done to curb the amount of time watching it. (We've never been big television watchers. There's just so many other really fun  [...] ]]></description><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div  class="paragraph editable-text" style=" text-align: left; ">Did a little surfing down memory lane and came across an <a href="http://www.ldschurchnews.com/articles/29606/How-to-curb-the-amount-of-television-time-in-the-home.html#" target="_blank" title="">article</a> that I contributed to a long time ago and forgot about. It was about TV viewing and what can be done to curb the amount of time watching it. <em>(We've never been big television watchers. There's just so many other really fun things to do.) </em>I'm glad to report the things I said yesterday<em> (relatively speaking)</em> are still valid today. You can see if you agree.</div>  <div ><div class="wsite-image wsite-image-border-none " style="padding-top:10px;padding-bottom:10px;margin-left:0;margin-right:0;text-align:center"> <a href='http://www.ldschurchnews.com/articles/29606/How-to-curb-the-amount-of-television-time-in-the-home.html#' target='_blank'> <img src="http://www.shannonsstudio.com/uploads/4/0/0/2/4002641/1269864_orig.png" alt="Picture" style="width:100%;max-width:530px" /> </a> <div style="display:block;font-size:90%"></div> </div></div>  <div  class="paragraph editable-text" style=" text-align: left; "><a href="http://www.ldschurchnews.com/articles/29606/How-to-curb-the-amount-of-television-time-in-the-home.html#" target="_blank">Read the rest here...</a></div>  ]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[Adult Education Article Quote • Going Back to School]]></title><link><![CDATA[http://www.shannonsstudio.com/7/post/2012/01/adult-education-article-quote-going-back-to-school.html]]></link><comments><![CDATA[http://www.shannonsstudio.com/7/post/2012/01/adult-education-article-quote-going-back-to-school.html#comments]]></comments><pubDate>Sat, 14 Jan 2012 05:54:00 -0800</pubDate><category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category><guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.shannonsstudio.com/7/post/2012/01/adult-education-article-quote-going-back-to-school.html</guid><description><![CDATA[If you've got going back to school on your mind, here is an article at OnlineSchools.com that might give you some inspiration. It also happens to quote me and tell a little about my experience going back to school. (I'll share a few more tips another day, after I know which ones aren't going to be used for another a [...] ]]></description><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div  class="paragraph editable-text" style=" text-align: left; ">If you've got going back to school on your mind, here is an article at <a href="http://www.onlineschools.com/in-focus/ways-education-can-enrich-your-life" target="_blank" title="">OnlineSchools.com</a> that might give you some inspiration. It also happens to quote me and tell a little about my experience going back to school. <em>(I'll share a few more tips another day, after I know which ones aren't going to be used for another article.)</em> Going back to school was really hard but very worth it. An investment in me and our family.<br /><br /><em>PS <a href="http://www.shannonsstudio.com/contribute.html" target="_blank">Other articles I've contributed to.</a></em></div>  ]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[2012 My New Year's Resolution • FINISH]]></title><link><![CDATA[http://www.shannonsstudio.com/7/post/2012/01/2012-my-new-years-resolution-finish.html]]></link><comments><![CDATA[http://www.shannonsstudio.com/7/post/2012/01/2012-my-new-years-resolution-finish.html#comments]]></comments><pubDate>Fri, 06 Jan 2012 20:43:33 -0800</pubDate><category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category><guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.shannonsstudio.com/7/post/2012/01/2012-my-new-years-resolution-finish.html</guid><description><![CDATA[Last year I read an article and did a post about my New Year resolutions going in a new way. Here is part of what I said in 2011, "...after reading this article I realized that Christine's idea of picking a word as a guide for the year, something to "become", was a better fit for me now."&nbsp [...] ]]></description><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div  class="paragraph editable-text" style=" text-align: left; ">Last year I read an<a href="http://www.shannonsstudio.com/7/post/2011/02/new-way-for-new-years-resolutions-focused.html" target="_blank" title=""> article and did a post</a> about my New Year resolutions going in a new way. Here is part of what I said in 2011, "<em>...after reading this article I realized that Christine's idea of picking a word as a guide for the year, something to "become", was a better fit for me now.</em>"&nbsp;This year I am looking back on that to see how it went.&nbsp;<br /><br />My guide word last year was "FOCUSED" and I found that is was simple and it became a sort of mantra for me. With whatever I did I went back to "focused" for guidance because that's what I was looking for in my life. It was helpful and the first 8 months went really well. The last few got a little, unfocused. I think the thing I would do differently to avoid that is to put the word up for me to see, somewhere, and so I could remember near the end of the year. Maybe by the 8th month "focused" was just more ingrained and less conscious. Whichever way, I liked it and I'm going to try it again this year. So I have a new word for 2012...</div>  <div ><div class="wsite-image wsite-image-border-none " style="padding-top:10px;padding-bottom:10px;margin-left:0;margin-right:0;text-align:center"> <a> <img src="http://www.shannonsstudio.com/uploads/4/0/0/2/4002641/4530475.jpg?398" alt="shannonsstudio.com new year's eve resolution" style="width:auto;max-width:100%" /> </a> <div style="display:block;font-size:90%"></div> </div></div>  <div  class="paragraph editable-text" style=" text-align: left; ">It's <font size="3">"<strong>finish</strong>"</font>. On New Year's Day I went through many words thinking about what I wanted to have guide me and I am really in a need of finishing things. When I think of this guide word it makes me think about what I am going to take on, because I have to finish it. It makes me think that if &nbsp;it will help me be more thoughtful and balanced. It makes me think of what is on the table now, and finish it.&nbsp;<br /><br />Kind of ironic because this post sat here for several days before I actually finished it, to post it. So, my guide word "finish" is very fitting.</div>  ]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[Opinion • Santa, Symbols, & Schools]]></title><link><![CDATA[http://www.shannonsstudio.com/7/post/2011/12/opinion-santa-symbols-schools.html]]></link><comments><![CDATA[http://www.shannonsstudio.com/7/post/2011/12/opinion-santa-symbols-schools.html#comments]]></comments><pubDate>Sun, 04 Dec 2011 09:45:20 -0800</pubDate><category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category><guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.shannonsstudio.com/7/post/2011/12/opinion-santa-symbols-schools.html</guid><description><![CDATA[Well, yesterday I talked about gift giving. Today I have something else on my mind.&nbsp;This morning I read an article about a NYC public school teacher who told her class of second g [...] ]]></description><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div  class="paragraph editable-text" style=" text-align: left; "><font color="#333333">Well, yesterday I talked about gift giving. Today I have something else on my mind.&nbsp;</font><span style="line-height: normal; "><font color="#333333">This morning I read <a href="http://www.nypost.com/p/news/local/claus_your_mouth_xR6bAGyfXrJQOuuFceLfkN" target="_blank"><font color="#000000">an article</font></a> about a</font><font color="#CC33CC"> NYC public school teacher who told her class of second graders, during a geography lesson, that there was no Santa</font><font color="#333333">. She was discussing the North Pole and the&nbsp; children assured the teacher they knew where the it was because Santa lived there. The teacher decided to clarify that myth and said that there was no Santa. Also, she felt a need to tell them that it was their parents who put presents under the tree for them, not Santa. What exactly that had to do with geography I don't know.</font></span><font color="#333333"> <br /><span></span><br /><span></span> After the article, there ensued a back and forth in the comments section about whether kids should be told the truth, if they should even be told to believe in Santa at all, and every opinion in between. I have issues with Santa myself. I've never told my kids there was and never told them there wasn't. When they asked me I would always respond with, "What do you think?" Sometimes they'd say what they thought and sometimes they didn't. I let them talk. So, the belief in the man Santa has been perpetuated very little, if at all, in our home. But, the spirit of Santa and Christmas has.<br /><span></span><br /><span></span> As an artist I'm very aware of symbols and their use. </font><font color="#CC33CC">We use symbols in society all the time. Santa Claus is a symbol. A collective symbol of the intangible attributes of joy, wonder, mystery and surprise that we have few other means to share and pass on.&nbsp; For most of society we have mutually agreed to do that. Just as we've nationally decided that the American Flag is a symbol of patriotism, wedding rings a symbol of fidelity and love, and yellow ribbons a welcoming back home.</font><font color="#333333"> Whether we choose to embrace these icons and the ideas they represent are personal choices.</font><span></span><br /></div>  <div ><div class="wsite-image wsite-image-border-none " style="padding-top:10px;padding-bottom:10px;margin-left:10px;margin-right:0;text-align:left"> <a> <img src="http://www.shannonsstudio.com/uploads/4/0/0/2/4002641/1323019485.jpg" alt="Picture" style="width:auto;max-width:100%" /> </a> <div style="display:block;font-size:90%">Using a cut open apple as a symbol for getting to the core of the issue. Opening up to see what's really inside.</div> </div></div>  <div  class="paragraph editable-text" style=" text-align: left; ">A lot of times people get so emotional that they miss the mark about what the problem is. <font color="#CC33CC">The real issue with this situation is that this teacher believed, and acted on the idea, that it was her RIGHT to tell these children. She decided that Teacher usurps Parent. Put another way, Teacher displaces, supplants, confiscates, or cuts out Parent. This is a&nbsp; policy that is being perpetuated in some schools - teacher has more right than a parent to decide - on many issues like gender, sex, and religion. </font><font color="#333333">The problem with not seeing the core issue is that Parent then relinquishes, surrenders ands hands over their right to Teacher.</font><br /></div>  <div ><div class="wsite-image wsite-image-border-none " style="padding-top:10px;padding-bottom:10px;margin-left:0;margin-right:0;text-align:left"> <a> <img src="http://www.shannonsstudio.com/uploads/4/0/0/2/4002641/1323019870.jpg" alt="Picture" style="width:auto;max-width:100%" /> </a> <div style="display:block;font-size:90%">Dominoes are used to show the effect one action has on others & why some things are worth taking a stand on.</div> </div></div>  <div  class="paragraph editable-text" style=" text-align: left; "><font color="#333333">This teacher decided in that moment, without care, concern, nor consensus of others, that she would take on the role of Parent. In her "truth-telling" did she really have regard about how the truth was told? How the children might respond to it? That it might shatter their (not her) belief system? Is this truth age appropriate? Did she let parents know that she would be busting this tradition so that they could be prepared for the aftermath? Did she let the parents know after the fact with a note home? Did she teach about symbols in society? Did she teach about the different methods of gift giving? Did she teach about celebrations? Did she teach any historical context? <font color="#CC33CC">These are things a real parent are concerned with. That differentiates Teacher and Parent. This teacher didn't care enough about the children, nor was she willing to take on the real role of parent, to consider the outcome and welfare for those children.&nbsp;</font>I for one want to be a real parent, not some make-believe one that this teacher is trying to be.<br /></font><br /></div>  ]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[Gifts • Create a Kit • A Surprise within a Surprise]]></title><link><![CDATA[http://www.shannonsstudio.com/7/post/2011/12/gifts-create-a-kit-a-surprise-within-a-surprise.html]]></link><comments><![CDATA[http://www.shannonsstudio.com/7/post/2011/12/gifts-create-a-kit-a-surprise-within-a-surprise.html#comments]]></comments><pubDate>Sat, 03 Dec 2011 09:19:42 -0800</pubDate><category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category><guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.shannonsstudio.com/7/post/2011/12/gifts-create-a-kit-a-surprise-within-a-surprise.html</guid><description><![CDATA[I can't believe it's December. DECEMBER. This so snuck up on me this year.&nbsp;As you know, it's the gift giving season! So I'm thinking about gifts, what fun they are and that I need to get busy getting mine together. One of my favorite types of gifts to get/give are kits. (ok, besides the expensive jewelry, clothes, and art categories.) Kits are so delightful. They're a surprise within a surpri [...] ]]></description><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div  class="paragraph editable-text" style=" text-align: left; "><font color="#333333">I can't believe it's December. DECEMBER. This so snuck up on me this year.&nbsp;<br /><br />As you know, it's the gift giving season! So I'm thinking about gifts, what fun they are and that I need to get busy getting mine together. One of my favorite types of gifts to get/give are kits. (ok, besides the expensive jewelry, clothes, and art categories.) Kits are so delightful. They're a surprise within a surprise. I love the feeling of being surprised again and again as I look through what was put into the kit.&nbsp;</font></div>  <div  class="paragraph editable-text" style=" text-align: center; "><font color="#33CCFF">Friendship Bracelet Kit &bull; A To Do Kit &bull; (click image for link)</font></div>  <div ><div class="wsite-image wsite-image-border-none " style="padding-top:10px;padding-bottom:10px;margin-left:0;margin-right:0;text-align:center"> <a href='http://tatertotsandjello.com/2011/08/summer-social-guest-project-make_16.html' target='_blank'> <img src="http://www.shannonsstudio.com/uploads/4/0/0/2/4002641/7190205.jpg?318" alt="Picture" style="width:auto;max-width:100%" /> </a> <div style="display:block;font-size:90%">Image & Idea from Tattertots & Jello</div> </div></div>  <div  class="paragraph editable-text" style=" text-align: left; "><font color="#333333">Kits can be designed around any conceivable topic or theme. Like a Snowman Kit. Who knew I wanted a Snowman Kit. It's about as creative as you want to be.&nbsp;<br /></font><br /></div>  <div  class="paragraph editable-text" style=" text-align: center; "><font color="#CC33CC">Snowman Kit &bull; How totally clever! (click image for link)</font></div>  <div ><div class="wsite-image wsite-image-border-none " style="padding-top:10px;padding-bottom:10px;margin-left:0;margin-right:0;text-align:center"> <a href='http://befickle.blogspot.com/2010/12/just-add-snow-neighbor-gifts.html' target='_blank'> <img src="http://www.shannonsstudio.com/uploads/4/0/0/2/4002641/4669133.jpg?261" alt="Picture" style="width:auto;max-width:100%" /> </a> <div style="display:block;font-size:90%">Image & Idea from the Fickle Pickle</div> </div></div>  <div  class="paragraph editable-text" style=" text-align: left; "><font color="#333333">And kits don't have to be expensive. Which is such a bonus. Some of the items might not be so great on their own (like embroidery thread) but when combined with other inexpensive items and packaged up in a fun way it says I care. Which is what gift giving is all about. &nbsp;<br /><br />They can also be done straight from home. Like from your own kitchen. How convenient!</font><br /><br /></div>  <div  class="paragraph editable-text" style=" text-align: center; "><font color="#CC0000">Goodies Kit &bull; Baked Goods in Cello Bags &bull; click image for link</font></div>  <div ><div class="wsite-image wsite-image-border-none " style="padding-top:10px;padding-bottom:10px;margin-left:0;margin-right:0;text-align:center"> <a href='http://theblissfullycontentlife.blogspot.com/2010/12/last-minute-packaging-idea.html' target='_blank'> <img src="http://www.shannonsstudio.com/uploads/4/0/0/2/4002641/6616658.jpg?260" alt="Picture" style="width:auto;max-width:100%" /> </a> <div style="display:block;font-size:90%">Image & Idea From Blissfully Content</div> </div></div>  <div  class="paragraph editable-text" style=" text-align: left; "><font color="#333333">I've already created one kit for one of my kids on a regular shopping trip. You can create a kit too. You don't even have to think up your own kit contents, there are so many great ones out there already.&nbsp;I have a whole pin board of them, so&nbsp;you can go&nbsp;</font><strong><a href="http://pinterest.com/studiogal/create-kits/" target="_blank" title=""><font color="#333333">here</font></a><font color="#333333">&nbsp;</font></strong><font color="#333333">and just pick an idea out. Remember it's December, the gift giving season.&nbsp;</font><br /></div>  ]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[Art & Books • Lesson Plan • Book - The Dot by Peter H. Reynolds]]></title><link><![CDATA[http://www.shannonsstudio.com/7/post/2011/11/art-books-lesson-plan-book-the-dot-by-peter-h-reynolds.html]]></link><comments><![CDATA[http://www.shannonsstudio.com/7/post/2011/11/art-books-lesson-plan-book-the-dot-by-peter-h-reynolds.html#comments]]></comments><pubDate>Thu, 24 Nov 2011 07:42:36 -0800</pubDate><category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category><guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.shannonsstudio.com/7/post/2011/11/art-books-lesson-plan-book-the-dot-by-peter-h-reynolds.html</guid><description><![CDATA[      [...] ]]></description><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div ><div class="wsite-image wsite-image-border-none " style="padding-top:0;padding-bottom:10px;margin-left:0;margin-right:0;text-align:center"> <a href='http://www.shannonsstudio.com/uploads/4/0/0/2/4002641/9763154_orig.png' rel='lightbox' onclick='if (!lightboxLoaded) return false'> <img src="http://www.shannonsstudio.com/uploads/4/0/0/2/4002641/9763154_orig.png" alt="shannon christensen art & books lesson plan for kindergarteners &bull; the dot book" style="width:100%;max-width:446px" /> </a> <div style="display:block;font-size:90%"></div> </div></div>  <div ><div style="margin: 10px 0 0 -10px"> <a href="http://www.shannonsstudio.com/uploads/4/0/0/2/4002641/art__books__lesson_k_-_the_dot.pdf"><img src="http://www.weebly.com/weebly/images/file_icons/pdf.png" width="36" height="36" style="float: right; position: relative; left: 0px; top: 0px; margin: 0 15px 15px 0; border: 0;" /></a><div style="float: right; text-align: right; position: relative;"><table style="font-size: 12px; font-family: tahoma; line-height: .9;"><tr><td colspan="2"><b> Art & Books &bull; Lesson Plan - Kindergarten &bull; The Dot Book.pdf</b></td></tr><tr style="display: none;"><td>File Size:  </td><td>321 kb</td></tr><tr style="display: none;"><td>File Type:  </td><td> pdf</td></tr></table><a href="http://www.shannonsstudio.com/uploads/4/0/0/2/4002641/art__books__lesson_k_-_the_dot.pdf" style="font-weight: bold;">Download File</a></div> </div>  <hr style="clear: both; width: 100%; visibility: hidden"></hr></div>  <div  class="paragraph editable-text" style=" text-align: left; ">I haven't mentioned it but in August I started &nbsp;teaching 5 classes a week of kindergarten art. Since I haven't taught in the school systems as a teacher I need to get an alternative teaching certificate. Which means more college classes. One of my classes' assignments required a lesson plan with a book and my content area (art). Art &amp; Books are a great combination. I really enjoyed doing this lesson plan and thought I'd share it here. It has Missouri's educational standards but it still might be useful for a class or home activity. Share any feedback you have so that I can improve on it.&nbsp;</div>  ]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[How to Keep a Kid Quiet • Mini Kid Kit • 1 Kit, 3 Keys]]></title><link><![CDATA[http://www.shannonsstudio.com/7/post/2011/10/how-to-keep-a-kid-quiet-mini-kid-kit-1-kit-3-keys.html]]></link><comments><![CDATA[http://www.shannonsstudio.com/7/post/2011/10/how-to-keep-a-kid-quiet-mini-kid-kit-1-kit-3-keys.html#comments]]></comments><pubDate>Mon, 10 Oct 2011 22:39:18 -0800</pubDate><category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category><guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.shannonsstudio.com/7/post/2011/10/how-to-keep-a-kid-quiet-mini-kid-kit-1-kit-3-keys.html</guid><description><![CDATA[I have 8 children and have been in a waiting room (or stuck at some other unforeseen place) a time or two with a toddler. In fact, often with several toddlers at a time. I found that these situations were not just the regular-boring-kind but the outburst-boring-kinds for kids.&nbsp;One of the things that worked for me was the  [...] ]]></description><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div  class="paragraph editable-text" style=" text-align: left; "><span style="font-size: small;">I have 8 children and have been in a waiting room (or stuck at some other unforeseen place) a time or two with a toddler. In fact, often with several toddlers at a time. I found that these situations were not just the regular-boring-kind but the outburst-boring-kinds for kids.&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><br />One of the things that worked for me was the <strong><font color="#8DC919">Mini Kid Kit</font></strong>. It was just a small bag in my purse that had travel size things, (<strong><font color="#8DC919">tiny flashlight, metal play keys, mirror, bracelet, heavy necklace, hair clip, etc</font></strong>), items they never got to play with under normal conditions. Basically, anything that they were curious in and weren't allowed to play with; or small toys that they usually couldn't touch because they were "mine", kept their interest when they were outburst-bored in a public place. It helped to keep them quiet on many occasions.&nbsp;</span><br /><br /></div>  <div  class="paragraph editable-text" style=" text-align: left; "><span style="font-size: small;">This helped me not become the outburst mommy of the outburst toddler. If I felt like there was something in my power to do I became less frustrated and more in control of the situation. Toddlers, especially on the verge of tantrums, definitely need a mom in control of herself and the situation. The Mini Kid Kit was a tool for me to do that.&nbsp;</span><br /><br /></div>  <div  class="paragraph editable-text" style=" text-align: center; "><span style="font-size: small;"><font color="#000000">But there are 3 keys to the Mini Kid Kit &nbsp;</font></span><br /></div>  <div  class="paragraph editable-text" style=" text-align: center; "><strong><font color="#8DC919">1) You don't give the child the whole bag, bring out items one at a time&nbsp;</font></strong><br /></div>  <div  class="paragraph editable-text" style=" text-align: center; "><strong><font color="#8DC919">2) They don't see the bag in its entirety so they don't fuss for the next item before they've explored the first&nbsp;</font></strong><br /></div>  <div  class="paragraph editable-text" style=" text-align: center; "><strong><font color="#8DC919">3) You take away the toy (and give them the next one) </font><em><font color="#8DC919">before</font></em><font color="#8DC919"> they get bored with it</font></strong><br /></div>  <div  class="paragraph editable-text" style=" text-align: center; ">Rotate and re-rotate them around.&nbsp;<br /><br /></div>  <div  class="paragraph editable-text" style=" text-align: left; ">Hopefully, this little tip will help you. Go ahead. Grab a ziplock bag, add a few things in it, and put it in your purse. Done.</div>  ]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[Frame Art • This is What I Learned this Weekend]]></title><link><![CDATA[http://www.shannonsstudio.com/7/post/2011/10/frame-art-this-is-what-i-learned-this-weekend.html]]></link><comments><![CDATA[http://www.shannonsstudio.com/7/post/2011/10/frame-art-this-is-what-i-learned-this-weekend.html#comments]]></comments><pubDate>Sun, 02 Oct 2011 12:45:43 -0800</pubDate><category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category><guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.shannonsstudio.com/7/post/2011/10/frame-art-this-is-what-i-learned-this-weekend.html</guid><description><![CDATA[  Quotes that inspired me this weekend. Designed them so they m [...] ]]></description><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div ><div style="text-align: center;"><a href='http://www.shannonsstudio.com/frame-art.html'><img src="http://www.shannonsstudio.com/uploads/4/0/0/2/4002641/4868074.jpg?575" style="margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px; border-width:0;" alt="Picture" class="galleryImageBorder" /></a><div style="display: block; font-size: 90%; margin-top: -10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"></div></div></div>  <div  class="paragraph editable-text" style=" text-align: center; ">Quotes that inspired me this weekend. Designed them so they might inspire your home space.&nbsp;<br /><a href="http://www.shannonsstudio.com/frame-art.html">Click here to download.</a></div>  ]]></content:encoded></item></channel></rss>

