Literary Magazines Hidden Talents was created to expose the unexpected expertise that PRHS students, faculty and staff possess!
Do you have a Hidden Talent to share? Submit your Hidden Talent today!
Do you have a Hidden Talent to share? Submit your Hidden Talent today!
* Drawing by Xavier Hahn
Aisha Burnham: Jewelry Designer
I love creating artful things that serve a purpose. I’m also incredibly ditzy and lose things all the time. Put the two together and you can figure out why I might have gotten into beading earrings. I had been into beading for a while and had done it on and off for a few years before I decided to get serious about beading and sell my work on Etsy. I decided to bead earrings instead of necklaces since I’m always losing my earrings and figured why not just make my own instead of having to buy them? All you need to know is how to connect some wires together and attach clasps and you’re ready to bead. I watched maybe 3 minutes worth of YouTube videos to get me started. I dedicate a few hours every weekend to making collections. My hands are usually callused from using the tools for so long, but it’s worth it. My favorite part about beading is when I get complimented on my jewelry and I get to respond with “thanks, I actually made these.”
*You can check out Aisha's online shop, Smile for Beads at www.smilesforbeads.etsy.com
I love creating artful things that serve a purpose. I’m also incredibly ditzy and lose things all the time. Put the two together and you can figure out why I might have gotten into beading earrings. I had been into beading for a while and had done it on and off for a few years before I decided to get serious about beading and sell my work on Etsy. I decided to bead earrings instead of necklaces since I’m always losing my earrings and figured why not just make my own instead of having to buy them? All you need to know is how to connect some wires together and attach clasps and you’re ready to bead. I watched maybe 3 minutes worth of YouTube videos to get me started. I dedicate a few hours every weekend to making collections. My hands are usually callused from using the tools for so long, but it’s worth it. My favorite part about beading is when I get complimented on my jewelry and I get to respond with “thanks, I actually made these.”
*You can check out Aisha's online shop, Smile for Beads at www.smilesforbeads.etsy.com
Brenda Blake: Cold Processed Soap Maker
I have always been interested in crafting! Making homemade soap is something that I had always wanted to experiment with and I love it that you can make a product that is so good for your skin . Last winter I started reading everything I could get my hands on in regards to soap making. I began by making melt and pour soap but I soon realized that I really wanted to make my soap from scratch. Within a few weeks I had collected all of the equipment that I needed to begin and after creating my first few successful batches I decided to sell my soap so that I could continue the hobby I have grown to love!
I usually enjoy working on making my soaps in the evenings and on weekends. To begin making soap you must first put on goggles, a mask, an apron and rubber gloves. When you are protected you must prepare your sodium hydroxide with liquid and set it aside (this will be very hot)! Measure and pour your oils and melted fats into a large soap pot and wait for both mixtures to drop to the recommended temperature. Once your desired temperatures are met, slowly pour the sodium hydroxide into the oils and mix or stick blend until the mixture starts to sponify. This stage is called trace. After trace add all other ingredients including, fragrance, colors or botanical's. The final step is to pour the soap into a mold, let it sit until it hardens and then cut into bars and place them on a curing rack for 4-6 weeks before use.
My favorite part of the process is cutting it into bars after it has hardened. I never know what the finished product will look like even when using the same recipe. Ever bar is handmade and unique!
*You can check out Brenda's online shop, Maple Bee Products at www.maplebeeproducts.etsy.com
I have always been interested in crafting! Making homemade soap is something that I had always wanted to experiment with and I love it that you can make a product that is so good for your skin . Last winter I started reading everything I could get my hands on in regards to soap making. I began by making melt and pour soap but I soon realized that I really wanted to make my soap from scratch. Within a few weeks I had collected all of the equipment that I needed to begin and after creating my first few successful batches I decided to sell my soap so that I could continue the hobby I have grown to love!
I usually enjoy working on making my soaps in the evenings and on weekends. To begin making soap you must first put on goggles, a mask, an apron and rubber gloves. When you are protected you must prepare your sodium hydroxide with liquid and set it aside (this will be very hot)! Measure and pour your oils and melted fats into a large soap pot and wait for both mixtures to drop to the recommended temperature. Once your desired temperatures are met, slowly pour the sodium hydroxide into the oils and mix or stick blend until the mixture starts to sponify. This stage is called trace. After trace add all other ingredients including, fragrance, colors or botanical's. The final step is to pour the soap into a mold, let it sit until it hardens and then cut into bars and place them on a curing rack for 4-6 weeks before use.
My favorite part of the process is cutting it into bars after it has hardened. I never know what the finished product will look like even when using the same recipe. Ever bar is handmade and unique!
*You can check out Brenda's online shop, Maple Bee Products at www.maplebeeproducts.etsy.com
Quinn Weldon: Graphic Designer
I usually research to gather ideas before I create a basic trace of shapes to get a general feel for the piece. If I like my design I will continue to add detail and (or) texture depending on what the piece is for. For work like posters and advertisements I get inspiration from related themes and sometimes the work of other artists. For more artistic pieces I mainly receive inspiration from music. I mainly work on my art when I have free time in school but I have also worked worked on a few pieces outside of school to try out new ideas. I originally learned how to create my designs from Mrs. MacLean's introduction course and my love for the medium spread from there. One of my favorite aspects of the of the creative process is having to think critically to decide upon a design that communicates the meaning of the poster well.
I usually research to gather ideas before I create a basic trace of shapes to get a general feel for the piece. If I like my design I will continue to add detail and (or) texture depending on what the piece is for. For work like posters and advertisements I get inspiration from related themes and sometimes the work of other artists. For more artistic pieces I mainly receive inspiration from music. I mainly work on my art when I have free time in school but I have also worked worked on a few pieces outside of school to try out new ideas. I originally learned how to create my designs from Mrs. MacLean's introduction course and my love for the medium spread from there. One of my favorite aspects of the of the creative process is having to think critically to decide upon a design that communicates the meaning of the poster well.
Edward Ash: Professional Turkey Caller and Hunter
My hidden talent is turkey calling for competition and turkey hunting. Turkey calling is making the sound of many different types of calls a turkey will make.
There are many different calls a hen will make such as the yelp, cutt, cluck and purr, adult hen assembly call, putt, tree call, and the fly down cackle. When you practice turkey calling, you have to use different instrument calls such as the mouth call, box call, and friction call. My favorite call is the yelp because it is the simple most easiest call to make on any instrument. My favorite instrument call is a friction call because you hold it firmly in your hand while using a striker (a striker is a pencil like, rod shaped instrument to use on a friction).
I learned to turkey call from my father when I was becoming a teenager. It started when I was fourteen in October 2009 when my Dad and I went turkey hunting in the fall. When we had no luck catching anything, I asked him how do you know how to use turkey calls.
After showing me many different turkey calls, I became intrigued and started learning how to use them. My first turkey calling contest started in 2010 when I competed in the Bart Jacobs Memorial calling contest in Essex Junction, Vermont. I competed in the Jake's Division that was for kids 15 and younger. I competed against 3 other kids and won first overall.
When I practice, I am either in my bedroom, living room, or outside. I usually practice from a half an hour to two hours, because there are many calls to practice and use in competition and hunting.
My favorite part about turkey calling is calling gobblers in during the spring so I can kill them. Not only does it mean I am a good turkey hunter, but it also makes me feel more independent. Another favorite part of turkey calling is winning in calling contests, I have won many different trophies and prizes in almost every contest I participate in. I would say the best contest I have ever won was at the Bart Jacobs Memorial calling contest in 2014, I won first place in the Hunter Division, and second place in the Friction Division. Another favorite part about turkey calling is passing it down to little kids and everyone else, helping to spread the word about conservation and the future of turkey hunting.
My hidden talent is turkey calling for competition and turkey hunting. Turkey calling is making the sound of many different types of calls a turkey will make.
There are many different calls a hen will make such as the yelp, cutt, cluck and purr, adult hen assembly call, putt, tree call, and the fly down cackle. When you practice turkey calling, you have to use different instrument calls such as the mouth call, box call, and friction call. My favorite call is the yelp because it is the simple most easiest call to make on any instrument. My favorite instrument call is a friction call because you hold it firmly in your hand while using a striker (a striker is a pencil like, rod shaped instrument to use on a friction).
I learned to turkey call from my father when I was becoming a teenager. It started when I was fourteen in October 2009 when my Dad and I went turkey hunting in the fall. When we had no luck catching anything, I asked him how do you know how to use turkey calls.
After showing me many different turkey calls, I became intrigued and started learning how to use them. My first turkey calling contest started in 2010 when I competed in the Bart Jacobs Memorial calling contest in Essex Junction, Vermont. I competed in the Jake's Division that was for kids 15 and younger. I competed against 3 other kids and won first overall.
When I practice, I am either in my bedroom, living room, or outside. I usually practice from a half an hour to two hours, because there are many calls to practice and use in competition and hunting.
My favorite part about turkey calling is calling gobblers in during the spring so I can kill them. Not only does it mean I am a good turkey hunter, but it also makes me feel more independent. Another favorite part of turkey calling is winning in calling contests, I have won many different trophies and prizes in almost every contest I participate in. I would say the best contest I have ever won was at the Bart Jacobs Memorial calling contest in 2014, I won first place in the Hunter Division, and second place in the Friction Division. Another favorite part about turkey calling is passing it down to little kids and everyone else, helping to spread the word about conservation and the future of turkey hunting.
Janice Prescott: Seamstress, quilter, knitter, singer, cake decorator.
I am a singer and used to be the lead vocals in a band. I also make and decorate cakes for weddings, baby showers and birthdays. My mother has been my biggest influence and inspiration. At a very young age she taught me to sew and sing and as an adult taught me how to be a cake decorator. I work on my crafts whenever I have a free moment. My favorite part of the creative process is envisioning the quilt or cake that I want to make!
I am a singer and used to be the lead vocals in a band. I also make and decorate cakes for weddings, baby showers and birthdays. My mother has been my biggest influence and inspiration. At a very young age she taught me to sew and sing and as an adult taught me how to be a cake decorator. I work on my crafts whenever I have a free moment. My favorite part of the creative process is envisioning the quilt or cake that I want to make!
Annie Schwartz: Knitter
I knit scarves, headbands and blankets out of yarn and was taught how to knit by Sophie Adams. I buy bundles of yarn from just about anywhere and knit scarves for myself and others. It takes me about 7 or 8 hours to make a scarf and around 2 hours to create a headband. My favorite part about knitting is seeing other people wear my scarves as people are now starting to pay me to knit scarves for them. It's a really convenient way to make a profit as I'm preparing to go to college.
I knit scarves, headbands and blankets out of yarn and was taught how to knit by Sophie Adams. I buy bundles of yarn from just about anywhere and knit scarves for myself and others. It takes me about 7 or 8 hours to make a scarf and around 2 hours to create a headband. My favorite part about knitting is seeing other people wear my scarves as people are now starting to pay me to knit scarves for them. It's a really convenient way to make a profit as I'm preparing to go to college.
Mr. Mike Burtt: Beekeeper
I have been a beekeeper for the last six years, raising and caring for my honeybees and harvesting their wax and honey. My inspiration came from the actual words “Honey Bees”. I had a Sears Catalog with the bee equipment in it and never forgot how interesting it was. I always wanted to try beekeeping but did not begin until later in my life. Although I am a self-taught beekeeper, shortly after I began I realized that I needed help. I sought out friends who were already knowledgeable about beekeeping and then joined a bee club and enrolled in classes.
Beekeeping is a year-around process. During the Winter I start preparing the equipment, cleaning tools and repairing hives. In the Spring I build up the bee population and install fencing to keep the predators out. During the Summer I prepare for the harvest, extracting and bottling the honey. The Fall is the time period for feeding the bees and closing the hives for the long Winter ahead.
I love knowing that I am working with nature to preserve the art of beekeeping!
I have been a beekeeper for the last six years, raising and caring for my honeybees and harvesting their wax and honey. My inspiration came from the actual words “Honey Bees”. I had a Sears Catalog with the bee equipment in it and never forgot how interesting it was. I always wanted to try beekeeping but did not begin until later in my life. Although I am a self-taught beekeeper, shortly after I began I realized that I needed help. I sought out friends who were already knowledgeable about beekeeping and then joined a bee club and enrolled in classes.
Beekeeping is a year-around process. During the Winter I start preparing the equipment, cleaning tools and repairing hives. In the Spring I build up the bee population and install fencing to keep the predators out. During the Summer I prepare for the harvest, extracting and bottling the honey. The Fall is the time period for feeding the bees and closing the hives for the long Winter ahead.
I love knowing that I am working with nature to preserve the art of beekeeping!
Ian Soderberg: Composer/Producer
I compose, record, and produce my own music. Generally I have an idea in my head, like a melody or beat; when I sit down at my piano I try to replicate it. After I’ve developed it into a complete idea, I record my music digitally. Depending on the piece, I may add additional instruments and/or vocals. After everything has been recorded I master the tracks so that they play in the highest quality possible. Inspiration often arises simply from things I see or people I know.
I really enjoy writing songs for people and trying to capture their personalities through my music. It is hard to find time during the school week to compose but I manage to put in a handful of hours into my music during the weekends and most week nights.
I’ve taken piano lessons since I was five years old but the composition, recording, and production skills are self-taught. I like looking back at a finished product’s various versions. It’s really neat to see the progression of a piece from conception to completion. I also really enjoy collaborating with other artists and musicians.
* You can listen to samples of Ian’s music and purchase CD’s at his website www.iansoderberg.bandcamp.com
I compose, record, and produce my own music. Generally I have an idea in my head, like a melody or beat; when I sit down at my piano I try to replicate it. After I’ve developed it into a complete idea, I record my music digitally. Depending on the piece, I may add additional instruments and/or vocals. After everything has been recorded I master the tracks so that they play in the highest quality possible. Inspiration often arises simply from things I see or people I know.
I really enjoy writing songs for people and trying to capture their personalities through my music. It is hard to find time during the school week to compose but I manage to put in a handful of hours into my music during the weekends and most week nights.
I’ve taken piano lessons since I was five years old but the composition, recording, and production skills are self-taught. I like looking back at a finished product’s various versions. It’s really neat to see the progression of a piece from conception to completion. I also really enjoy collaborating with other artists and musicians.
* You can listen to samples of Ian’s music and purchase CD’s at his website www.iansoderberg.bandcamp.com
The inspiration for this album came from a school project, a graphic novel created and illustrated by fellow student Noah Mauchly. In the winter of our Sophomore year in high school, myself and a group of very creative and talented friends sought to animate this graphic novel, Snowprints. As the artist, graphic designers, and programmers began their endeavor, I conceptualized a soundtrack that would accompany the animation. After a few months of sporadic work, we realized that such a project required far more time than our busy schedules allowed. The group reluctantly abandoned the project, but I decided to keep working on the music, mostly for my own enjoyment. Approximately one year later, I am able to present to you this experimental little soundtrack. It is my hope that one day Snowprints will indeed become animated or at least published in book form
Patricia Rella: Baker
I love providing healthy, wholesome food for my family without preservatives, GMO's or high fructose corn syrup. When I bake, I feel at peace and get to enjoy the finished product with others as the result of the process! When things are going well, about once every two weeks (generally on a Sunday) I bake with my family. Half the day is usually spent baking! I learned how to bake from lots of reading and experimenting. I apprenticed with a baker last summer who taught me the skills and tricks that I had not acquired on my own. My favorite part of the baking process is feeling the dough in my hands as well as the smell, bread smells so incredible when it is baking in the oven! I also love the texture and treasure the quiet time in the kitchen, creating something useful with my hands.
I love providing healthy, wholesome food for my family without preservatives, GMO's or high fructose corn syrup. When I bake, I feel at peace and get to enjoy the finished product with others as the result of the process! When things are going well, about once every two weeks (generally on a Sunday) I bake with my family. Half the day is usually spent baking! I learned how to bake from lots of reading and experimenting. I apprenticed with a baker last summer who taught me the skills and tricks that I had not acquired on my own. My favorite part of the baking process is feeling the dough in my hands as well as the smell, bread smells so incredible when it is baking in the oven! I also love the texture and treasure the quiet time in the kitchen, creating something useful with my hands.