Hip Homework

Have you heard of 'Upscaling' or 'Repurposing?' If so, then you are current on the latest trend in home decor! It's basically taking something old and making it new again. It's great for the Earth and the pocket book all at the same time. What's not to love? Well, thanks to McKenna's latest homework assignment, we too, are Upscalers!

McKenna's fourth grade teacher, Mrs. Abbott, is very pro-science. When you walk in her classroom, at first glance you think, "Wow. What a mess!" Every surface is covered with plants and all sorts of growing vegetation... and I am so grateful that my daughter gets to be part of all of the hands-on fun! The latest science experiment, however, brought the mess home. McKenna was assigned to create ART out of recyclable GARBAGE. At first, I wasn't too excited about the mountain of trash growing in my pantry, but every now and then, I must admit that I felt a thrill went I recognized trash with promise! The night before the due date, we spread our cherished garbage all over the kitchen, and then let the artistic juices flow!

Of course, McKenna wanted to do the most complex idea she could muster, but her determination is inspiring. With lots of hot glue and and tape, we created an American Monument. Ladies and Gentlemen, I give you:

The Statue of Liberty

(Because Recycling Is SO Liberating!)

A crisco can for the head, a sliced-in-half can of chow mein noodles for the neck, a Sun Chips bag for the flame, diaper and wipes boxes for the body... Come on! Homework doesn't get funner than this! As we layered and styled the dress, I felt like a star straight from Project Runway!
I had to put Lady Liberty up on the counter to keep her safe from Ashton's grasp... and boy, I got quite a scare the next morning when I came walking into the kitchen. In the dark, all of those flowing garbage bags look just like ghost... Trust me! I may have to put this little lady out on the porch next Halloween... because she sure scared me!