The Pretty Poems Criteria (PART II)

So, as of now the week will stand as written (But I reserve the right to change my mind):

WEEK 1: Personals (this week I want to focus on our personal strong points and how we can tell our stories and relate it to other girls our age who may possibly be going through hardships as well. This project is about relating, inspiring, and giving hope to the youths of today. I hope this theme caries throughout your writing in general).

WEEK 2: Eating Disorders (Including bulimia, anorexia, body dismorfia etc. Feel free to pull for actual stories, personal encounters and whatever inspires you.)

                                      

WEEK 3: Abuse (emotional, mental and or physical. Feel free to pull from actual stories, personal encounters and whatever inspires you.)

WEEK 4: Bullying/Suicide ( how one can lead to the other, or they can be completely separate. I wanted to put these two together due to them usually being paired with each other. Feel free to pull from actual stories, personal encounters, and whatever inspires you.)

WEEK 5: Bullying/Suicide ( I think it is appropriate to do two weeks on this topic, due to it being so vast.)

WEEK 6: Sexuality (The uncomfortable feel of your own skin, dealing with being homosexual, fear of not being excepted. This theme I know is very important to many of you, and to me as well. So please feel free to dwell here for as long as you need. Pull from actual stories, personal encounters, and what ever inspires you.)

WEEK 7: THE IMPORTANCE OF STRENGTH (This is the big one. the fact that all that life brings from the past weeks, we can either choose to buckle under the pressure, or rise like a phoenix above it. Feel free to play in both extremes. Pull from actual stories, personal encounters, and what ever inspires you.)

ALSO! I forgot to mention, if you are inspired by images, feel free to share them, post them etc.

Writing will start Monday sharp.

I cannot wait to see what we can do together!

Pretty People are made out of ugly experiences.

We are pretty people.

Someday.

Everyday.

Starting today.

Hayley Michelle

The Pretty Poems Criteria (PART I)

So for my writing staff, (I love saying that.) Here is what we'll be looking for in this writing session:

1. POEMS
                  Free verse, Hiku's, anything that suits you and inspires you. WRITE IT. As long as it fits the theme of the week, please do. 
2. 10 MINUTE PLAYS
                  Same criteria as poems, however I will be very serious about the time limits. (With the exception of either and or both Sarina and Bri's plays. We must talk about them in the near future).
3. RESEARCH
                  For either poems and or plays, feel free if your not feeling inspired to share some writers and or works that may influence the rest of the writing team. For instance, if the theme of the week was "SUCICIDE" and you were un-inspired, you could post the poem from Perks of Being a Wall-Flower. Or do research on the rates of teen sucicde and their causes.


I hope you will all take advantage of this to build your portfolio, your writing stamana and TRY TO WRITE EVERY DAY. However, it is not required.

THE WRITING STAFF

Hello Pretty People!

So sorry for the break of time. The research for the Bracelet Project is coming along, and so is the beginning process of our Pretty Poems!

I have a writing staff comprised of dear friends, close colleagues and each one of them incredible writers (if I do say so myself).

SO! to formally announce my writing staff:

Myself

Sarina Faith

Bri Shwartz (The creator of The Bing Love Purge Hate Project. Like on Facebook!)

Amanda Glebus

Jessica Schenck

Jessica Junqua (Jenna)

Nyasia Dyre (Nya Kight)

The next month (and a half or so) shall consist of vigorous writing and we will eventually emerge with work that will hopefully add to the conversation, start new conversations and let others participate in the conversations.

We can change the world!

One post,

one poem,

one word

at a time.

Hayley Michelle

The PRetty Poems Project and The Green-Light-Go Project

Hello Pretty people!

 

So....

 

I know you are anticipating my journey on the quest to make 300 bracelets (Trust me I'm excited too).....

 

But alas...

There are always complications.

 

You see....

 

I don't know the first thing about making jewelry.

 

Apparently there are specific tools, beads and ways on making a bracelet.

 

So the Green-Light-Go Project is in an imaginary hiatus for at least a month.

 

By "imaginary hiatus" I mean, I will not be posting about the project for at least a month, because I am taking classes, reading up and doing a ton of research so I can make the best bracelet I possibly can!

 

So in the meantime, I am going to restart a project me and my fellow colleges discussed quite some time ago, and that is...

 

THE PRETTY POEM PROJECT!

 

Last year I attended college AP classes in Poetry and other Artsy things.

 

I made a ton of friends and contacts, and through that this project I dea was born.

This shall be part of the final project Readings. (that is why I am making the Bracelets in the first place).

 

The Pretty Project overall goal is to have a reading week series of poems, plays and other artful things on Broadway (off-Broadway). I want to establish this as an up and coming Theatre Company.

 

All the proceeds will go to charities that help the victims of self abuse (ED, Suicide, mental diseases etc.) and abuse from others (rape victims in Somalia and America, child abuse victims etc.)

 

The week (ideally) will compose of:

 

MONDAY: A Film and Play about the Pretty Project morals/themes (plus a great opening night party with fancy crackers and cheese).

 

TUESDAY: A live questionnaire with the interviewees of the pretty project. Plus some of their artwork (paintings and such).

 

WEDNESDAY: THE PRETTY POEMS PROJECT (where myself and other poets shall collect and write from and for the victims of what we are fundraising for and perform them).

 

THURSDAY: 10 minute plays by colleges and myself.

 

FRIDAY: The WORLD PREMIRE OF MY ANTHOLOGY: Fat Ass, Skinny bitch: World War Size 2 ( A play i have been working on since I was in 8th grade. It is my manifesto.) (Also followed by a closing amazing party with even fancier crackers and fancier cheese.)

 

SATURDAY AND SUNDAY: Counting the money and giving it to the charities, plus interviewing some of the girls I visit at shelters (and boys too. All People are Pretty People).

 

THEN THE PROCESS STARTS ALL OVER AGAIN!!!!!

 

So Tonight, I am contacting my dear, good colleges. Tomorrow I will post the participants and we shall begin writing!

National Eating Disorder Assosiation

The Green-Light-Go Project: Day 2

Hello Pretty People!

So today I planned on going to AC MOORE to buy braclet making materials, however I am under "Tornado Watch"... because aparently we have tornado's in the middle of New Jersey.
So I cannot travel out today.

So instead I decided that I am going to research ED rehab's/hospital programs in which i can eventualyl donate my money too. Throguhout the corse of tghis rpoject, I intend on contacting them and eventually working along side them.

(I also need to get an umbrella house from Fracture Atlas, but that's a diffrent adventure for a future blog).

http://www.anorexiatreatment.com/anorexiatreatment/index.html
(I am going to ned to research this place more, but is of intrest to me).

http://www.princetonhcs.org/phcs-home/what-we-do/university-medical-center-of-princeton-at-plainsboro/what-we-do/clinical-centers-for-care/center-for-eating-disorders-care.aspx
(this is HIGH on my list. I actually intend on going there to interview a few of the girls in rehabilitation as part of this projectas well. These people help so many, and I really wish to give back to them.)

http://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/about-us/
(This is another HIGH on my list. This is the national Eating Disorder Assosiation. In where they are a non-for profit organization that dedicate their lives to helping others. I find them inspirational, plus they have a great volenteer and intern program in which you can help!I intend of looknig into that furhter as well.)

The Green Light Go Project: Day 1

Before one can make 300 braclets, one msut learn how to make 1 first. Here are a few ways I researched on how to make a braclet!

How to make a beaded bangle bracelet:

 

It is easy and fun to make a beaded bangle bracelet. Play around with different beads before you decide on a final selection, because you might find some interesting designs for your bangle. Try mixing different textures, colors and shapes. You need 15gauge (1,5mm) and 17g (1,2mm) wire for this project. Keep this in mind when you buy your beads, because the holes must allow 1,5mm wire to pass through. Practice with inexpensive wire like copper if this is one of your first wire project. What you need:

• 5 lampwork beads of your choice
• 6 large silver flower spacer beads (with holes big enough for 15g wire)
• silver round spacer beads (30 to 40, depending on your bracelet size)
• 17 or 18 gauge wire (1,2mm or 1,0mm)
• 15 gauge wire (1,5mm)
• headpin (optional, see step 6)
• small crystal bead 4mm (optional, see step 6)
• silver filigree bead (optional, see step 6)
• round nose pliers
• chain or flat nose pliers
• wire or side cutters
• safety glasses (optional)

Step 1:
You are going to work with the 15g wire first, so cut off a piece of wire (wrist size + 2”). You do not have to straighten the wire, because the bent wire is perfect for the bangle you are going to make. (Most techniques require that you have to straighten the wire before working with it). Grip the end of the wire with the middle part of your round nose pliers. You are going to make a loop, and gripping the wire at the end with the middle of your round nose pliers will give you a fairly good sized loop.

Make your loop in the opposite direction of the curve of the wire.

Make a loop by moving your pliers away from you. You will have to adjust your pliers as you go along.

Step 2:
Slide your beads onto the wire in the order you desire. The total length of all the beads must be the size of your wrist. The following formula will give you more or less an estimate length to work on.

Wrist size + 1 ½ inch = this beaded bangle bracelet size. The ½ an inch is added to the formula because you are using lampwork beads, which take up some space. The clasp and loops add the extra inch to the length.

 

Step 3:
When you have the correct length, grip the wire with the middle part of your round nose pliers next to the last bead. Use your free hand to bend the wire around the upper prong of your pliers until you have formed a complete loop. Cut off the excess wire that does not form part of the loop with your wire cutters. Always protect your eyes when cutting wire. Press the loop with your chain or flat nose pliers to make the loop even.


Step 4:
Curve the bangle into a round shape. Leave a space between the two ends, because you are going to attach the clasp to both ends.

 

Step 5:
The next step is to make a clasp for your beaded bangle bracelet. You will need 17g or 18g wire for making the clasp. I've used 17 gauge wire for this project. Follow the detailed explanation on the page how to make an S-clasp. Attach the clasp to your bangle.


Step 6:
Making a dangle for your clasp is optional. Use your headpin, silver bead and crystal bead and follow the steps in the link for making a loop on a headpin. Open the loop of the headpin, and attach it to the small loop of the s-clasp. Close the loop completely.

How To Make A Lampwork Bracelet:

You too can make a beautiful lampwork bracelet like the one in the graphic. But you can also change the look of the bracelet just by using different types, sizes and colors of beads. The possibilities are endless.

What you need:

• 19 strand Beadalon wire
• lampwork beads, or any other beads
• toggle clasp
• 2 jumps rings (5-6mm)
• 2 calottes
• blue swarovski crystal beads (optional)
• bali spacer beads (optional)
• crimp beads
• crimping pliers
• toggle clasp
• chain nose pliers
• wire or side cutters

Step 1:
Cut off a piece of Beadalon wire, 1” longer than the length of your bracelet. String your crimp bead onto the end of the wire. Use your crimping pliers to compress your crimp bead into a ball described on the page how to use crimp beads and crimping pliers. String your calotte onto the wire until the crimp bead is in the middle of the calotte. Cut off the wire next to the crimp so that no parts will stick out.

 Step 2:
Gently close the calotte with your chain or flat nose pliers until it is completely shut.

Step 3:

Open the loop of your calotte with your chain nose pliers and insert the jump ring. Close the loop.

Step 4:
Open the loop of the calotte by using your pliers to attach a jump ring. Open the jump ring described on the page how to open jump rings, and insert the bar of your toggle clasp. Close your jump ring the same way as you opened it.

Step 5:
Bring on the beads! If you're making the lampwork bracelet, then string your beads in the following order: Swarovski bead, lampwork bead, swarovski, bali bead, swarovski, lampwork etc. If you have your own beads, you can arrange them in the desired order.

Step 6:

Use the bracelet size guide to get the right length for your bracelet. Just keep in mind that the rest of the toggle clasp will include a calotte and jump ring at the end of your bracelet. Once you’ve got the right length, insert the calotte as shown in the graphic as well as a crimp bead.

Try to open the calotte slowly, and not too wide. I’ve broken dozens of these fragile little clamshells, and then I had to start all over again. Do not use crimping pliers for this specific crimp bead, they are too wide and will surely break the calotte. Use chain or bent nose pliers instead. Hold the wire with one hand, and with the other hand compress the crimp bead with your chain nose pliers.

Step 7:

Cut the tail of the wire with your wire or side cutters. Use your chain or flat nose pliers and gently close the shells of the calotte.

Step 8:

Open the loop of the calotte and insert the other jump ring. Close the loop. Open the jump ring to insert the ring of your toggle clasp. Close the jump ring to finish your lampwork bracelet.

(ALL INFORMATION ON BRACLET MAKING COMES FROM: )

http://www.how-to-make-beaded-jewelry.com/

Hayley Michelle, 15 years old, Spetmber 13: 2012

The Green-Light-Go Project

Hello Pretty People!

I know I have not posted in a while, however I have some eciting news.

I have taken on a wing to the pretty Project. It is called
THE GREEN LIGHT GO PROJECT!

It is a fundraiser/awarness raiser for ED.
We are trying to raise money for a week long series reading in ART NY.

My goal for this month+ is to make 300 of these braclets for sale.
Hand Crafted.
From the heart.

This is a counter project to THE RED BRACLET PROJECT.

They look like any bracelet you might buy at the mall. You probably wouldn't even notice if your child started wearing one, but these are not just any bracelet.

They are a sign of membership in a disturbing world of underground Web sites, which connect people who share a dangerous passion.

"They are encouraging people to be ill and it's like a secret cult, a secret society. Word spreads around and people have a lingo now," said Lynne Grege of the National Eating Disorders Association .

The lingo includes nicknames like Ana and Mia. The cute names may sound innocent, but they aren't.

Bracelets sell for about $20 on a web site called www.bluedragonfly.org and if you spot your child wearing one, you may have no idea what it means.

Parents and reporters discovered that the inconspicuous bracelets are actually a secret signal for people with eating disorders and other destructive behaviors.

Red bracelets represent anorexia, purple is for bulimia and black and blue is for self injury, such as cutting and self mutilation.

The nickname Ana is for anorexia and Mia is for bulimics.

Eve Rosenblum, 18, owns one of the secret bracelets. The Royal Oak teenager has struggled with anorexia since she was 12 years old. She visits Web sites like Blue Dragon fly almost every day.

"They understand. They don't think it's like horrible and they don't think you should get better," said Rosenblum.

The red "ana" bracelet reportedly signals anorexia. Some say it is a reminder to teens that they shouldn't eat.
The Web sites don't discourage eating disorders. Lila's Good Health reports they encourage the behavior of people who want to keep starving themselves.

The Blue Dragonfly Web site lists the first names and hometowns of girls who have ordered the secret bracelets. There's Kristina from Clarkston, Jessica from Inkster, Rachelle from Canton, and more.

Visitors post messages encouraging each other's weight loss and even offer tips on how to purge quieter.

The Web site features pictures of emaciated women. They call it "Thinspiration." They are pictures designed to inspire girls to lose more weight.

Girls that Local 4 spoke to said the anorexia bracelets are more than a secret sign of membership. They use them to motivate themselves not to eat.

"If you're going to eat something and you see the bracelet on your arm, you'll stop yourself and say I don't want that," said Rosenblum.

(ARTICLE FROM www.infowars.com )

The red braclet stands for fighting, for purging, for starving.

The green braclets stand for Fighting your belifs, for purging unfairnes, and for endulging in life.

The green braclets will not be secret, but a loud scream to the world that we are there for you if you need us. For support, to cry on, to make you laugh.

We will always be there to listen.

To hold your hand.

To help you get through the pain.

Pretty people are made out of ugly experiences.

We are pretty people.

Somdays.

Everyday.

STARTING TODAY!!!!

Hayley Michellem 15 years old: September 13, 2012