Feature of the Month - January
Follow: @menifeehandmade
Q: Tell us a little about yourself! What is the inspiration behind your Instagram page?
Hi! My name is Sheila, I’m a mom to two beautiful kids, married to my best friend. I’m also a crafter and most recently a paraprofessional in a special education class. I’ve always had a passion for crafting and introducing different art into the classroom. I was a volunteer for over 10 years at my kids elementary school where I was able to share my creativity with students K-5th.
MenifeeHandmade came to life during Covid. I needed a creative outlet and found an amazing community on Instagram. I loved that I was able to connect with likeminded people and we could share ideas. Since then I’ve began to share my weekly art projects. My students are so fun and creative I just had to share with everyone!
Q: We have loved seeing your page grow, and all the amazing projects and activities you share, and we learn so much as you incorporate art and learning into your posts! What inspired you to want to be a Brand Ambassador?
When I came across Kwik Stix products I knew that they would be perfect for my students. Being in a special education class, we have several grades and skill levels all in one class. I wanted to share with my followers that these products are perfect for all levels of artists. And they are not only easy to use, they are also easy to clean up if you need to stop midway for a break.
Q: What is your favorite product of ours that you have tried so far? Can you tell us more about why you love this product, and if you have any tips or tricks when using it or favorite techniques? Is there anything in particular that has helped you blend creativity, play, and learning together with your children and any advice you can provide to others?
While I love all the products, if I had to choose one it would be the paint pens. We have several students with sensory issues and hate the feeling of wet paint on their hands. Since the paint pens dry in 90 seconds those students feel comfortable joining in on the fun. They are also extremely easy to hold for those who might have a problem with gripping. And I’m obsessed on the selection of colors. So I was beyond excited to be able to create projects that we could do as an entire class!
My advice to others would be to think outside the box. Don’t be afraid to mix colors and shapes. Let your little artist personality shine through.
Q: We love that you incorporate amazing videos of your activities on your page! What is one of your favorite projects you have created using our products?
We have had a blast using all of the Kwik Stix products! But my favorite is using the paint pens on bubble wrap to create a textured painting. Most recently we did a Christmas tree. My students love the feeling of the bubble wrap and are always amazed at what color they get after they start mixing. I try to teach my students that you can use household items and limited supplies to make art. Kwik Stix paint pens allow you to paint without all the extra supplies that some students don’t have access to at home.
Q: What’s next for you? Do you have any exciting crafts or activities planned for the holiday months ahead?!
I am so excited to be organizing our first ever career week that we have planned for the end of January. Because our students can get overwhelmed at big assemblies I thought it would be fun to bring them right to our class. In the month leading up I am going to focus our crafts/projects on careers and colleges.
Check out these amazing projects by @menifeehandmade
