Hi All! If you've made it to this page, I'm guessing you've checked out my wordpress blog, Party Craft StL. Perhaps you'd like to know a little bit about the person you're considering inviting into your home? I'm an experienced art educator with a passion for both the "fine" and the "craft" aspects of art. I got my Art Ed degree from Southern Illinois University, Edwardsville but I was born and raised in Kirkwood, Missouri. While art teachers have had their fair share of challenges in the recent years, I've managed to keep myself happily engaged in the arts and teaching year round for some time. Party Craft was inspired by the summer camp classes I've been teaching for the last 5 years. From the middle of June to the end of July every summer I hang out with about 20 kids (grades 4-6) in a truly wonderful art studio. We are either creating jewelry or building something from clay at any given point in the day. I LOVE this job. It's not even a job it's the chance for me to teach art the way I love it best- with total freedom. I introduce a new skill or two everyday and then my kids create whatever they can dream up for the next hour and a half. There's something for everyone and we learn about art and eachother everyday. Last year, as I watched my campers create, discover, and have fun, I started to think about how much I would have loved a camp like this or even an hour or two of free creativity in my own home with materials I couldn't just find around the house. Thus Party Craft was born! And a year later I put it together :). I think marriage and a new baby is a good reason to put a few things on the back burner. If you're considering me but you still have some reservations, I encourage you to explore my blog at wordpress or email me directly. I love to work with kids of all ages and skill levels. I have plenty of experience in the regular classroom and I know that no two kids learn the same way. I am ready to take on the needs of your children whatever they may be. Art is for everyone so let's have a party!