We’re halfway through the calendar year, and before you know it, the stores will be decorating for the Holiday Season.
As I cleaned my house today, I pulled down my vase from the top of the bookcase – and I wanted to grab a picture of it to share – perhaps you’re curious why I photographed a vase… there is a great reason behind it!
This vase is just one of 4 unique pieces of pottery I was able to gift to women in my family a few years ago – of course I kept this particular one as my gift, but the others were each unique. You would probably never be able to guess where I picked them up – but hopefully it opens up some opportunities for you to think outside the box this year.
Before I stayed home to be with my children, I worked in Army Recruiting – I spent a great deal of time in the high schools with high-school age students giving them the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) to help them determine a career focus for them after high school.
In doing this daily over an 8-year span, I met so many talented students –many of which were taking part in extra elective classes for Woodworking, Art, Pottery & more. Their instructors were extremely excited to share the work their students were doing – I’ll give a few examples:
Ironwood High School in Peoria had a fabulous Art program – the students were amazing at making beautiful pieces of Pottery (like mine above)
Mountain View High School in Mesa has an incredible Woodworking Class – they make everything from Magazine Racks to Bread Boxes for your Kitchen (which they do sell!)
Catalina Magnet High School in Tucson (Construction) – I can’t say enough about these students, but they made the most incredible Play Houses (for outdoor spaces!) – if you have children ages 3-8 that love outdoor play, it’s a great way to support your local high school students and also score a great quality piece to give your children.
As the school year starts in just a few weeks, keep these sources in mind – seek out your local High School, and find out if they have elective courses similar to those above where they can use their skills.
The Vases I picked up took the students one week.. I paid just over $10 for each Vase and was absolutely thrilled when I saw them – as were my recipients!
It’s a great way to support your local schools and give the students a chance to perfect their skills- while allowing you the opportunity to gift a unique item.
That is an amazing idea – thank you Sheryl!
Sheryl-there is a nationwide event called “Empty Bowls” which many of the local Ceramics High School classes have their student’s work for sale at (in 2013 the largest one was on October 12). Proceeds help feed those in need. Also this year the Dysart School District had their end-of-year art show which I was able to arrange for the purchase of the two Sea Shell Jewelry Boxes attached