Star Earrings Workshop at North Branch, June 28, 2008

With left over extra supplies from my last earrings workshops, I offered another session to North Branch patrons to make the star earrings. About fifteen people came, which was small compare to my previous origami workshops. Some mothers and daughters came half an hour late so they were not in these pictures, since my son Anh-Vu, who took the photos, did not stay for the whole session. The pictures came out pretty good, thanks Anh-Vu!







To some people the star fold seemed complicated at first, but once you get used to which direction the strip goes, it becomes easier.







There were a fewer men and boys compare to the number of women and girls who came to my origami workshops. The man in the picture was bored, sleepy and unresponsive at first, but later got involved and learned to make the earrings for his girls.









He even went to another table and helped others how to make the stars. His accomplishment was also mine. Beautiful!



Folding the star needs individual attention so a small group works best.







That day everybody went home with their little star earrings and a new creative experience. I love teaching and sharing paper folding with everyone who wants to learn. Berkeley Public Libraries have lots of origami books please check them out. It's fun to make things yourself and it's good to keep your mind active and healthy.

Bao Doan's Oakland School of Arts Graduation Night, June 13, 2008

Over three hundred people -teachers, students and their families - came to this eighth grade graduation night to enjoy food and entertainment, to bid farewell to middle school, and to welcome the summer break. Congratulation kids, and have a great summer!











Bao and his friends in the Oakland School of Arts' school ground posed for pictures and just joked around.



The OSA principal and the eighth grader teachers.



Bao's Math and Science teacher, Mr. Oz.



Bao's History teacher, Ms. Shaw.





These teenage singers can sing very well.



And the dancers were really good too.



Bao with his History and English teachers after the ceremony.



Bao loves Burritos - whenever we go out for a Mexican food, his first choice is always a Burrito.


Bao and his older brother, Anh-Vu.



Bao with his cupcake and gifts from the teachers posing for a picture with mom, dad and brother.

Below are some of Bao's artwork that he did at the Oakland School of Arts. His love of animals is apparent through his choice of subject matter.



Bao is fascinated with sharks, he likes to watch documentaries about sharks and read books about them.











Oops! Sorry, I posted this the wrong way. It's supposed to be horizontal.



A butterfly, shading unfinished.







Bao looked at pictures from calendars and books and then drew them. I taught him how to shade to give his drawings a more three dimensional look.



I like Bao's happy skull and his choice of the orange background.