Crafting DIY Treasures

Story appeared in the 2021 issue of QMS Connections Magazine.

BY SUSAN CRUIKSHANK, Junior School Principal

It was truly a group effort as Grade 5 students, teachers, and several parents rolled up their sleeves to create “DIY Treasures” at the end of the school year. The project began as an Applied Design, Skills, and Technologies (ADST) hands-on assignment, but soon grew to become an outlet for creative and collaborative ideas amongst the students and an opportunity to raise funds for a local, non-profit organization, Humble Hooves.

Grade 5 teachers, Jackie Harrison and Jason Dunbar, put out the call for furniture pieces in need of fixing up. They were thrilled to receive a range of items from children’s chairs to stools, tables, and cabinets. Once student groups had selected a piece to work on, they began to plan colour schemes, desired finishes, and fabric applications. With Roseanne and direction from Roseanne Korteland, owner of Country Chic Paint, students learned the skills to refurbish their furniture pieces. Friday afternoons this past spring were devoted to “learning by doing” as students got down to the basics of furniture repair. They used hand tools such as drills and screwdrivers, and learned techniques to fix loose chair arms and legs by using wood glue and clamps. Students also learned to prepare their pieces prior to finish painting by sanding the wood and applying a primer coat. Some students learned a technique called crackle painting which gives surfaces an aged look while others learned how to create a fun and dramatic finish using a splatter technique. Alongside the Grade 5 teachers, Roseanne Korteland was an invaluable resource person who shared her time and expertise. As well, parents Jag Dusanj and Rachel Beggs, volunteered to help students as they tackled this collaborative project.

When the pieces were finally completed, the students beamed with pride as they were able to show the items they had transformed into beautiful and functional pieces of furniture. The unique creations demonstrated their creativity, willingness to work together, and significant elbow grease all while having fun working together! Their pieces were then sold through an online auction which was generously supported by the QMS community. In the end, Grade 5 students were able to donate $826 to Humble Hooves, supporting their horse rescue and re-home program.

Grade 5 teachers and students agree that this project was a “fun and meaningful way to end the school year!”