Since the closing of U3A groups due to the Coronavirus, I have been running something called SMoodles online to keep the Oodles of Doodles class members connected and also to continue the doodling! It has become quite popular with over 45 members (Oodlers and their friends) receiving a complete lesson each week via email comprising of a couple of art projects with step by step instructions and photographic examples, plus a few mind-calming doodling activities to relieve anxiety, rest the mind, and get creative.

Whether I send out one or a hundred lessons each week the prep is the same so it was suggested that I contact you to offer the lessons to anyone in U3A who might fancy an arty dabble. It is my intention to continue throughout the summer, and I have attached below the current lesson for week 7 (lessons go out on Monday evenings), in order that you can have a look and see what you think with regard to throwing it open.

I am aware that many people may only have a pencil, paper and biro; this is taken into account when planning the lessons.

If you feel it is something you could use, I am happy for my email address to be used as a direct contact:  s.moore606@btinternet.com

Best wishes

Sue Moore

Welcome to WEEK 7 LESSON 7.

Materials

• Paper
• HB pencil for drawing and a softer pencil for shading eg 2B
• Paper stump or tortillon
• Fineliner or biro
• Compasses or something circular to draw around.
• Eraser
• Ruler
• Coloured pencils or brush pens or felt tips or whatever you have. (optional)

Project 1

The Confused Chameleon

Chameleons are believed to have been on our planet in one form or another for over 100 million years. Some can change colour as a form of signalling. Changing the space between special crystals beneath the skin, allow for changes in the wavelength of light reflected off these crystals which change in skin colour.

As of June 2015, 202 species of chameleons have been identified on our planet….until today! It gives me great pleasure therefore, to introduce to you a new species discovered in my deepest darkest sketch book commonly known as The Confused Chameleon – confused due to the fact that he cannot decide on the colour he ought to be!

Dark dull colours tend to indicate submission in Chameleons, and bright bold colours are a sign of facing up to the enemy.  I thought we could “cock a snook” to the coronavirus by giving our Chameleon a coat of flowing patterns and/or bright, bold colours.

 

 

DIY Fabric Mask

Materials

• cotton fabric, tightly woven
• 1/8″ elastic, or fabric ties

Tools

• sewing machine and thread / but can hand sew
• scissors
• ruler
• sewing pins or clips

Instructions

1. Cut the fabric.For an adult size mask, cut 1 fabric rectangle 16″ long and 8.5″ wide. Cut 2 pieces of elastic, each 7″ long. Or, cut 4 fabric ties 18″ long.
   For a child-size mask, cut 1 fabric rectangle 14″ long and 6.5″ wide. Then, cut 2 pieces of elastic, each 6″ long.
2. Sew the top side, with pocket opening. Fold the fabric in half, with the right sides facing.
   Sew along the 8.5″ width edge, using a 5/8″ seam allowance. Leave a 3” opening in the center of this seam to create an opening for the filter pocket, and to allow the mask to be turned right side out after sewing.
   Press the seam open. Topstitch/zig-zag stitch along both sides of the seam for a neater edge.
3. Pin Elastic or Fabric Ties. Pin one piece of elastic to each side of the mask, one end to the top corner and one end to the bottom corner. If using fabric ties, pin one tie to each corner, with the rest of the tie sandwiched inside the two layers of fabric.
4. Sew the Sides. Sew the sides of the facemask. Backstitch over the elastic or fabric ties to secure them.
   Clip the corners, turn the mask right side out, and press with an iron.
5. Sew the Pleats
   Create three evenly spaced 1/2” pleats. Pin the folds in place, making sure all pleats are facing the same direction. Sew down each side to secure the pleats.
   Note: When the mask is worn, the pleats should open downwards to prevent any particles from collecting in the fold pockets.