Attempting to improve my Core Issues (for Mixed Media)

Ok, here's the not so great news first.
The Results of the first Mixed Media Homework attempt was not particularly well-received by the teacher. I got a grade a skoch above average. {embarrassed sigh}
My interpretation of this grade is that I failed to use stuff from around my house to actually create the core for the coiled homework project - as the teacher had requested.
The teacher had not previously heard of memory wire - which I had used as my "core". I think my pre-made core and the minimal size of my project was the source of my average grade. {sigh}

Ok - educational opportunity.
I will engage my inner-recycler and will pay more attention to what the teacher says. And I'll ASK if I could/should use stuff from around my craft room.
(Hmmm - now that I'm an "Art Student" do I now refer to that room as my "Studio"? {grin})

The better news/improved core:
For the 2nd coiling adventure, she gave us the core and allowed us to pick a fibre from the School's fiber stash for the next coiling/wrapping project.

I made some good progress:

I got through the first piece of core she gave us and attempted a splice the second piece when I was out-n-about (and without the glue she advised we use to join core pieces). So I tried this:

I thought it turned out too bulky. When I got home, I unwrapped back to this join, un-joined the two pieces, and used re-positionable glue to keep it steady whilst I re-wrapped and secured the new coil to the basket coiled below.

I started out with a more-grand design, but as the homework due-date loomed, I simplified the design (twice).

Although these yarns(?possibly linen?) obviously match, the grey/silver one was not as pleasant to work with because it was a bit slubby and untwisted very quickly.

Minor disappointment - the teacher didn't collect this one for grading. {wry grin} But it goes into my "portfolio" so it might help my end-grade.

The "Large" Coiling project: 
Now I'm working on a larger coiling project - due next week.
I'd hoped to be further along but I paused to change yarns (good change) and to tea-dye the core {Interesting. It didn't get very dark, but it took the edge off the white core}.

I had the core in my stash, inherited from a friend's Mom, and the yarn is an interesting hand dye in rust, brown and grey. (Yes, the teacher is aware that I'm using these materials.) ;-)

We'll see how far I get and how it turns out. I'll likely cover it in the blog a bit later.

I hope your Valentine's day was lovely and that you appreciate your Valentine - AND yourself every day!