Wednesday Field Trip: Tie Dye Adventures

Today was a fun day in homeschooling!! We took a little field trip over to my long time friend’s stunning little shop Cosmic Ties to help out with a special annual project.

Here’s a little back story to make it easier to explain. Those of us who listen to the Grateful Dead share a sort of bond that transcends many different social barriers and connects us throughout the years on many more levels than just music. One of my fellow Deadheads that lives elsewhere in the US has a passion for helping prisoners, and has dedicated a LOT of time and resources over the years to making sure they aren’t forgotten. She makes a monthly newsletter to send those who are incarcerated, encourages people to write prisoners letters, and during the holidays she puts together gift packages for the families of the prisoners (such as their children). My neighbor and dear friend (who owns Cosmic Ties and is also a Deadhead) asked me about helping out a little with making some tie dyes to send for the gift packages this year, and I was excited to participate!

Being a homeschool mom, this also means I was excited to arrange for my kids to participate and count it under art and community service for school credit. Add in that our beloved Ines is here from Berlin for a visit, and it becomes a perfect opportunity for a group activity full of smiles, participation, and productivity.

The weather was perfect for our excursion to tie-dye. It was misty and rainy, which helped to bring out the colors of the autumn leaves to please the observer. The breeze was non-existent and the temperature was moderate, so outside breaks were comfortable and welcoming.

Of course, you can’t help looking around the store a bit!

Since our mission was one of production (we made around 100 items), Gigi showed everyone the simple spiral tie and set us to creating with rubber bands and clothes pins.

The six of us began the process of spiraling and before we knew it they were all tied and ready for color.

One of our co-conspirators on many different projects arrived with pizza and a seventh set of hands for the adventure. With everything tied, it was time to move into the colorful phase of the process: the dying!

I spent many hours creating tie-dyes when I was a teenager, and I have never tired of seeing all of the different color combinations that happen during the dying phase. Lemon yellow gives way to tangerine. Lavender blends into plum blossom. Fire red or fuschia, sage or forest ~ it’s a rainbow of epic proportions, every time.

I think all of us were surprised at how quickly the day’s tasks were finished! As I sit and type this, the dyes are soaking into fabric overnight and tomorrow will see the final washing and what the finished pieces will look like!

Today’s activities are a perfect example of how I supplement homeschooling for @aurynthenorse and @cassidydawn. The dynamics found woven throughout an activity can be easily recognized with a little analysis. This particular day yielded art, science, following directions, community service, teamwork, creativity, and an example of how humans are capable of focusing their energy on causes greater than themselves. We were helping our friend, to help another friend, to help many others. In the process we were able to share in positive feelings, substantive communications, and reciprocal energies.

Having the flexibility to be able to incorporate a variety of community-based opportunities into my children’s education gives them the ability to be more well-rounded in ways that can never truly be “planned” for in a rigid framework where education is concerned.
Thanks for reading about today's field trip. Remember to seize the moment in the now ~ and share it with others in a good way.