Introducing Lizzie Edwards

Introduction

My name is Elizabeth Asha Edwards, but I go by Lizzie. I am graduating this spring as an Environmental Studies Major and Geoscience Minor. I am currently a fellow for the new Trinity University Environmental Partnerships for San Antonio under Dr. Hazleton. I was born and raised in San Antonio, so I have a very strong connection to the city and its culture. After graduation I hope to get a job in San Antonio where I am taking initiative in environmental stewardship, wherever that may take me. I aspire to have a job where I can work in the field, whether that is taking samples or evaluating environmental impacts on local ecosystems. 

Interests

Some of my favorite things to do include singing and playing piano because I love being in charge of my own music. When I was young my mom made and sold jewelry and shoes, so I have learned a lot of my bead and wire skills from her. I make a lot of my own jewelry because we have so many materials from years ago. I am also always doing what I call "crafting," which can include creating decor for my apartment, adding my own touches to everyday essentials like a lampshade, or coming up with anything else I could possibly make. I also consider myself an artist because I have a history of painting and drawing. In high school I actually won the 2021 Scholastic Art Competition in Congressional District 20, chosen by Joaquin Castro. I still continue to paint using acrylics for most of my projects, but I took Outdoor Studio last year which reignitied my passion for drawing and other multimedia projects. If there is anything you need to know about my crafting, it is that I am always in the middle of a project. 

Expectations

I am very excited for this class, mostly because I have always loved the idea of woodworking. It is not something I have too much experience in. I am one of those people who really enjoys using power toolsIn the past I have had ideas for some projects using a jigsaw, so I am lucky that I get to learn how to use that and many other more advanced machinery. Most projects of mine are done through physical work, so I am ready to start using the software for the laser cutters and 3D printers. I have no experience with 3D printing, but it has always been something I have wanted to do because I love little trinkets and animal figurines. The little toys we made are the best, so I already had an exciting experience in this class. I am interested to see what little things and practical items I can make using the 3D printers. I am intrigued by the laser cutters because they are such strange machines to me, but I feel like I could make some cool wall decor with them. 

Things I Have Made

Here are a few examples of some jewelry I made recently.

I made this photo op board for the senior sunset at my brother's and my high school.

I am still in the process of this, but I am taking a Monster High Doll and repainting it and rerooting the hair to look like Chappell Roan. 

This cat ghost is one of many felt crafts I have done. To make these I have to sew and stuff the felt.

These are two pieces I did for Outdoor Studio. The giraffe is done in graphite pencils and watercolor and the flower is done in watercolor and prismacolor pencils.

This table used to be my family's coffee table, but I repurposed it for my apartment. I took a long time sanding down the dark finish with an electric sander, and then I stained it with a pink color.

I bedazzled this cowboy hat over the summer. I think it is one of my best crafts.

I am currently making a windchime with old beads and seashells I collected this past fall. The most time consuming part is scraping away at the top of the shell until I have made a hole.

This was another piece I did for Outdoor Studio. It is called ephemeral art because it is made outside, and is therefore temporary in its place. I am very proud of how good this turned out.