Valerie O.
Fashion, Sewing, & Crochet
New York City
- My first sewing project was tailoring pants
- I learned how to crochet at 6 years old
- Fashion history is one of my favorite things to talk about
Hi! My name is Valerie and I am an arts & design educator with life-long experience with textile art & polymer clay. I specialize in experiential learning, informed by my education in critical literacy, childhood education, and art history at Pace University. My teaching philosophy the belief that the key to learning is creating environments that embrace curiosity and adaptability. I wish to encourage each student to embrace self expression and self relfections as they nabigate their journeys through K-12 education. community. When I'm not teaching I work as a Volunteer Coordinator at a textile recycling non-profit, giving me a unique perspective in textile art, sustainability, and community engagement. Off the clock, you'll find me sculpting keychains for my small business or sewing a new piece for the wardrobe of my dreams!
Courses Taught
Fashion Forward!
Explore the history and culture of fashion from the 80s to today.
Find Your Voice: Speech and Debate
Practice critical thinking, overcome fear, and learn to listen!
Yoga Explorers: Mindful Movement
The practice of yoga in a playful and engaging way!
Weaving Exploration
Learn patterns, textures, and beading while creating your own woven art!
Graphic Novel Studio
Write, design, and illustrate your own graphic novel inspired by comics and manga.
Sustainable Stuffed Animals
Sew, design, and upcycle- create unique stuffed animals from old fabrics!
Mythology Club
Let’s dive into ancient myths and discover our shared humanity!
Origami
Fold animals, flowers, and shapes while building focus and creativity.
Karate Kids
Our Karate program focuses on Mind, Body, and Spirit development
Art and Activism
Create bold visual art inspired by stories of activists and social justice.
Kids can Knit
Learn the basics of knitting while creating fun projects to take home and enjoy.
Modern Crochet Creations
Create scarves, accessories, and plushies while learning modern crochet.
Loomalicious: Knitting without Needles
Moving knitting from needles to the loom. A fun easy way to knit.
Exploring the NYC Art World
Discover NYC’s art scene through museum visits, gallery tours, and hands-on projects.
Textile and Jewelry
Create handmade jewelry and textiles while exploring color, texture, and design!
Beginner Chess
Learn chess basics, strategies, and problem-solving in a fun, supportive class.
Bullet Journaling
Reduce stress, achieve goals, and track your progress and growth!
Fashion Embroidery
Upcycle clothing with hand-embroidery, beads, and sequins to create wearable art.
Up-Cycle and Create
Transform everyday materials into creative art through upcycling projects!
Paper Collage
Create layered works of art while learning color, perspective, and storytelling.
Making Jewelry, So Much More than Bling!
Making jewelry is about so much more than bling!
Zine Creation & Storytelling
Find your storytelling voice with comic- and zine-making!
Togetherhood connects schools with world-class enrichment
We match schools with vetted instructors who bring real skills and genuine passion to every class. One partner, one invoice, zero vendor headache.
