Classroom DIY

DIY May Showcase!

noreply@blogger.com (Charity Preston) — Wed, 01 May 2013 04:00:00 +0000

Do you have an amazing DIY post to share with other readers here at Classroom DIY? We would LOVE to see it!

Each month, Classroom DIY will open a link up event where you can be showcased and mentioned via our blog, RSS feed, Facebook page, and Pinterest to thousands of readers! Yay!

Make sure your post has great directions and fabulous pictures for the most DIY punch! We do ask that you add the following badge of honor to your DIY post or to your blog sidebar so that others who come across your idea can also head on back and see other fabulous DIY ideas too. Sharing = teacher love. :)

We look forward to seeing all the amazing DIY ideas you have to share as well!

Classroom DIY Curator

DIY Decorated File Folders

noreply@blogger.com (Charity Preston) — Mon, 22 Apr 2013 14:52:00 +0000

You can purchase patterned file folders, but they usually work out to be about $1 a piece. That is kind of pricey. The best part of the DIY versions? They are inexpensive and you can completely customize them to match your classroom theme or colors! And they are super fast to create. I created 3 of the 4 folders in about 10 minutes - literally.

Items to Gather:

Plain file folder in any color
Washi tape, patterned duct tape, or patterned packing tape

Instructions:

Step 1: Use the tape(s) to decorate your folders in any way you like!

Optional: The circles on the folder created below were made just by placing strips of tape on a piece of cardstock, then using a craft punch to create the circle. Those were then glued on top of the folder.

Optional: To add a ribbon border or a bow at the top like in the example below, use a standard hole punch to punch near the top edge close together. Thread a piece of ribbon under the cover so the ribbon ends come out of the holes in the front. Tie, and you are all set!

Have fun creating a fun folder to take to and from meetings - or just to proudly display on your desk!

DIY April Showcase!

noreply@blogger.com (Charity Preston) — Mon, 01 Apr 2013 13:53:00 +0000

Do you have an amazing DIY post to share with other readers here at Classroom DIY? We would LOVE to see it!

Each month, Classroom DIY will open a link up event where you can be showcased and mentioned via our blog, RSS feed, Facebook page, and Pinterest to thousands of readers! Yay!

Make sure your post has great directions and fabulous pictures for the most DIY punch! We do ask that you add the following badge of honor to your DIY post or to your blog sidebar so that others who come across your idea can also head on back and see other fabulous DIY ideas too. Sharing = teacher love. :)

We look forward to seeing all the amazing DIY ideas you have to share as well!

Classroom DIY Curator

DIY Easter Egg Crowns

noreply@blogger.com (First Class Teacher) — Mon, 18 Mar 2013 09:00:00 +0000

Celebrate the fun of Spring and Easter eggs with this easy to make Easter Egg Crown!

Items to Gather:

green paper plates
white print out of easter eggs
x-acto knife
glue stick

Instructions:

1. On the back of a green paper plate, graph 6 equal spaces with a pencil.

2. Cut on the lines with an x-acto knife and fold up triangles to make the "crown" shape. Download the Easter egg coloring page HERE.

3. After coloring the eggs, glue them to the crown points with a glue stick. Wear your crown!

Have fun teaching,

DIY March Showcase!

noreply@blogger.com (Charity Preston) — Wed, 06 Mar 2013 23:10:00 +0000

Do you have an amazing DIY post to share with other readers here at Classroom DIY? We would LOVE to see it!

Each month, Classroom DIY will open a link up event where you can be showcased and mentioned via our blog, RSS feed, Facebook page, and Pinterest to thousands of readers! Yay!

Please make sure your link up is applicable to the month at hand. For instance, an idea for an Earth Day project would be applicable to the April link up, but probably not in October. If you have a general DIY idea, feel free to link it up at any time (but please only once and not the same DIY link every month - thanks)!

Make sure your post has great directions and fabulous pictures for the most DIY punch! We do ask that you add the following badge of honor to your DIY post or to your blog sidebar so that others who come across your idea can also head on back and see other fabulous DIY ideas too. Sharing = teacher love. :)

We look forward to seeing all the amazing DIY ideas you have to share as well!

Classroom DIY Curator

DIY Build It-Write It Cards

noreply@blogger.com (Julie) — Tue, 05 Mar 2013 11:00:00 +0000

These Build It-Write It cards are ideal for use in your word work or literacy centers when practicing CVC and CCVC/CVCC words.

Items to Gather:

Vinyl chalkboard paper (you can purchase this online)
Liquid chalk
Fine point black Sharpie marker
24 counting tiles

Instructions:

1. Print the following pdf. When you download this file you'll receive 28 CVC cards and 12 CCVC/CVCC cards.

Click HERE to download this pdf

2. Laminate or cover the cards with clear contact paper. Cut the cards along the dotted lines.

3. I tend to use red colored tiles for vowel and another color for consonants. If you choose to do the same, using your Sharpie marker, write the vowels on the red tiles and the following consonants on the other color(s): 2- b, c, d, f, g, h,j, l, 2-m, n, p, r, s, 2-t, v and w.

4. Now you'll need to cut your vinyl chalkboard paper. Cut 28- 1" x 3" and 12- 1" x 4" rectangles. I am a scrapbooker so I use my scrapbooking cutting tools. You can certainly use scissors.

5. Simply peel the back layer from the chalkboard paper and adhere it to the cards.

Other Tips/Suggestions:

Have your students first build the word with the tiles and then write the word with the liquid chalk! With a little water, the chalk wipes right off so you can use the cards again and again. You will absolutely love the vinyl chalkboard paper. There are so many uses. Try using the extra for labeling containers.

Hope you enjoy this activity!

DIY St. Patrick's Day "Lucky Loot"

noreply@blogger.com (Dana) — Sun, 03 Mar 2013 11:00:00 +0000

Here's an easy and fun way to celebrate St. Patrick's Day!

Items to Gather:

Rolos (or other candies with gold wrapping)
clear gift bags
paper
scissors
stapler
bag tags (click HERE to download)

Instructions:

1. Print the goodie bag tags on white paper (there are two versions depending on who you're giving the bag to).

2. Cut out goodie bag tags..

3. Put candy in bags.

4. Fold top of bag over and staple tag to the front.

5. Give the goodie bag to someone special!

Other Tips/Suggestions:

You could buy St. Patrick's Day pencils and tape the tag to the top of the pencil. :)

Hope you enjoy!

DIY Number Activity

noreply@blogger.com (Charity Preston) — Fri, 01 Mar 2013 17:59:00 +0000

Here is a fun little DIY project for those of you that teach math! I created a "How do you say _____ frame" made out of a cheap dollar store 8"x10" frame.

Items to Gather:

Inexpensive frame
Decorative piece of paper
one transparency sheet
dry or wet erase marker

Instructions:

Step 1: Pulled the glass out of the frame (nothing says danger like the chance of broken glass in the classroom) and replace it with a blank transparency sheet.

Step 2: Make a simple page on a PowerPoint template that says "Ways To Say" and typed a number. You could also use Microsoft Word, Apple Pages, or a Keynote to do the same thing. Print it off on any piece of paper you have (colored paper even works great for this if you have some leftover and aren't sure what to do with it.) If you don't want to have to print a new page each week, you could leave the number portion blank and reuse the same page all year.

Step 3: Put it all together and set somewhere in your classroom, along with either dry or wet erase markers that will wash off the transparency easily at the end of the week!

Other tips/Suggestions:

Use it during centers, or maybe as morning work (stop there before you take your seat). Students will have to think of different ways to describe your chosen number. This activity can be differentiated depending on the grade level expectations of your students. They might use tallies, expanded form, word form, arrays, or an equation. The only "rule" is that their answer must be different from anything else already posted on the page.

At the end of the week, grab the frame and discuss some of the answers. It is low stress for students and the teacher. Little to no prep time. And students will love the novelty of being able to write on a picture frame.

Have fun and enjoy seeing the creative answers your students will share with the class!

DIY St. Patrick's Day Writing Craft

noreply@blogger.com (Dandelions and Dragonflies) — Mon, 25 Feb 2013 11:00:00 +0000

Need a fun St. Patrick's Day writing craft? Give this one a try!

Items to Gather:

empty 7-Up/Sprite bottles
holiday ribbon

scissors

hole punch

writing/tag printables (click here for them)

optional: glitter, four leaf clovers, gold coins, Lucky Charms, etc.

Instructions:

1. Begin by cleaning and emptying the soda bottles (including the labels)

2. Have the students use the printable to write their narrative on how to catch a leprechaun. Their writing should include items they can use in order to catch a leprechaun, these items can be placed inside their bottle. Items can be ones the teacher provides or items the students bring from home, but they must be able to fit inside the bottle.

3. The student will roll up their writing and put it inside the bottle.

4. Use the ribbon and printable tag to decorate the bottle.

Other Tips/Suggestions:

1. Send this home as a family project!
2. Use a small rubber band to keep the rolled paper from unrolling as soon as you drop it in the bottle.

Best of Luck!

Number Combination Clips

noreply@blogger.com (Fredia) — Thu, 21 Feb 2013 11:00:00 +0000

Are you looking for a fun, hands on way to give your students more practice with number combinations? These fun clips are exactly what you are looking for!

Items to Gather:

jumbo craft sticks
wooden clothespins
Ziploc storage bags
Sharpie

Instructions:

1. Write the equation on the craft sticks and the addends on the clothespins. Label the bag.

2. Students clip the numbers to complete the equations. Encourage them to find all the possible number combinations.

Other Tips and Suggestions:

I marked the bag, clips, and craft sticks with small colored stickers. This will prevent the pieces from getting mixed up, and make clean-up a snap.

Have Fun!

DIY Mental Math Game

noreply@blogger.com (Lesson Plan Diva-Teaching Resources) — Tue, 19 Feb 2013 05:00:00 +0000

Need a great mental math game?

Items to Gather:

wooden sticks
Sharpies

Instructions:

Step 1:  First start with your first stick and write start.

Step 2:  Next start writing your clues and the answers on the tip. 

Step 3:  Then write finnish on your last stick.

Other Tips/Suggestions:

You can make all of the facts connect or make them different like I did above. You can make it longer for your high kids and shorter for your lower kids. Give them a timer and have them try to beat 1 minute. You can make any changes you desire! 

Have fun,

DIY Memo Board

noreply@blogger.com (A Modern Teacher) — Sun, 17 Feb 2013 11:30:00 +0000

Looking for a way to display work, reminders, schedule, and so much more?

Here is a How-To for a little memo board.

If you are a reader of mine, you know I have a slight obsession with Memo Boards. I just love displaying all sorts of things. This How-To is super easy so don't blink or you just might miss the directions.

Items to Gather:

frame (I bought mine at IKEA for $2)

scrapbook paper
tape
scissors
twine or some sort of strong string
small mini-clips

Instructions:

1. Cut scrapbook paper correct size (to fit in your frame)
2. Take string and starting at the top wrap it around the glass and scrapbook paper
3. As you wrap, add a piece of tape to secure the string tightly to the paper.
4. Add clips at the top (I used small clips that I painted)

That's it. Super easy...and so many uses in the classroom.

Happy Creating! Please head to A Modern Teacher for more DIY Projects!

~April

DIY Behavior Reward with Pom Poms

noreply@blogger.com (Mrs. Patton) — Fri, 15 Feb 2013 23:07:00 +0000

Do your students need an extra incentive for good behavior? This simple and easy to make container will help them track their progress in earning class rewards.

Items to Gather:

Crystal Light Container or other container of comparable size
Pom poms
Permanent marker

Instructions:

Step 1: Peel the label off of your crystal light container.

Step 2: Using the permanent marker, mark the container at different levels. (You can mark this for minutes or percentage full.)

Step 3: Introduce it to your class so they can start earning pom poms towards a class reward!

Other Tips/Suggestions:

I used this in kindergarten and first grade so my students to earn their Friday free time. However many minutes they earned by Friday afternoon is how many I gave them at the end of the day.

In third grade, I use it as a class reward system. Every time that we get a compliment in the hallway or I notice them doing a great job, they get a pom pom. When it gets filled to the top, we get to have a special reward such as no shoes, extra recess, or a treat.

I hope you and your students will enjoy earning pom poms!

DIY Plant a Kiss

noreply@blogger.com (Charity Preston) — Thu, 14 Feb 2013 15:04:00 +0000

I was so touched by this simple book that I just had to come up with a "plant a kiss" activity. If you complete this activity in the next couple months or so, your students may well have a blooming (or at least growing) delight to share with their families for Easter, Earth Day, or Mother's Day. The project starts with making "kiss packets" (or in other words) a variation on seed tape.

Items to Gather:

Paper towel, toilet paper, or tissue paper
Pink or red tempera paint and a small paint brush
Toilet paper roll (empty)
Corn starch and water
Flower seeds (one package)
White paper cups
Round (colored) price labels

Instructions:

Step 1: Fold the toilet paper rolls in half so that the ends look like big lips.

Step 2: Put tempera paint on a paper plate and use the toilet paper roll to stamp kisses on your toilet paper, thin white paper towels or white tissue paper. Let the printed paper dry.

Step 3: Mix 1 Tbs. water with 1 Tbs. corn starch. It will make a gluey substance.

Step 4: Cut the printed and dried paper towels (or other paper) into 1.5 inch strips.

Step 5: Paint the center of each strip with the corn starch and water mixture. Drop about 3-5 seeds in the wet corn starch mixture. This will help the seeds stick and stay in place.

Step 6: Fold the paper towel over and press down firmly capturing the seeds in the corn starch. Trim the strip to include only the section with the seeds. You now have a neat little "kiss packet" of seeds to plant.

Step 7: Decorate a paper cup with pink or red price dots/labels. Hint # 1: It's not a bad idea to limit the number of dots that each child gets... if you know what I mean.

Step 8: Fill the paper cup with moist potting soil to about the three quarter mark and lay the seed packet on top of the moist soul. Cover the packet with about 3/4 of an inch of additional soil.

Your African Daisies are now ready to be loved, watered and bathed by sunlight for the next 5-10 days. Hint # 2: I ALWAYS plant about 5-7 extra cups that I tend at home. Should a child's seeds not germinate I sneak (yes, I said sneak) into the classroom at about day 11 or 12 and substitute my plants with the ones that have not yet sprouted. It's so disappointing when everyone is taking a plant home and one or two children are taking home only a cup of dirt- OUCH!

Enjoy!!!

Granny

DIY Toilet Paper Roll Owl

noreply@blogger.com (Lorraine Vasquez) — Sat, 09 Feb 2013 05:38:00 +0000

♥ Owl love you forever, Valentine!♥ That's what you can write on the gift tag you attached to this adorable owl as a gift for your students or teammates. You can stuff these cute little owls with candy, erasers, and any other little trinkets. You can have the students make these as decorations for you classroom, a bulletin board, or gifts for their parents.

Items to Gather:

empty toilet paper rolls
scrapbook paper and/or paints
foam and/or felt
scissors
glue
permanent markers

Instructions:

Step 1: Cut the scrapbook paper to fit around the toilet paper roll.

Step 2: Cover the empty roll with glue and glue paper down.

Step 3: Cut out two white circles and color black dots in them for eyes, a beak (triangle shape), and some wings.

Step 4: Glue features (stated above) on to the covered toilet paper roll to create an owl

Other Tips/Suggestions:
If you decide to paint the owl make sure you let the paint dry before drawing the features on with permanent markers.

These owls look adorable created using Christmas papers/materials and hung on the Christmas tree. They also make an awesome 3D bulletin board display with the title: "Owl bet you'll have a wonderful year!"

Have a 'hoppy' day!

DIY Valentines

noreply@blogger.com (Runde's Room) — Fri, 08 Feb 2013 11:30:00 +0000

Can you catch a Valentine's Day "cootie"?

Your students will love these fun Valentine's Day cootie catchers.

Items to Gather:

FREE Valentine's Day Cootie Catchers (click HERE or on the picture below to download your copy).
These are great on their own, but if you are allowed to hand out candy to your class, you can add a lollipop right through the center of the cootie catcher.

Instructions:

1. Print out cootie catchers.
2. Cut out and fold into cootie catcher shapes (if you have forgotten how to make these you can easily search how-to videos on you-tube. I have also included a link to a you-tube video within the download).
3. If you are including a lollipop, simply stick through the center.
4. If you wish, you can attach a little tag through the stick of the lollipop to personalize for students.

Hope you enjoy!

Show Us Your DIY

noreply@blogger.com (Charity Preston) — Wed, 06 Feb 2013 12:59:00 +0000

Want to get all of this?

There are 2 ways to be able to get your hands on almost 325 pages of teaching materials (many of which are normally priced items) from our authors here at Classroom DIY!

#1

You can submit a guest blog post to share your best Classroom DIY tip with the rest of the world! Become a DIY celebrity and see your idea being pinned and repinned on Pinterest, posted on Facebook, tweeted on Twitter, and read by thousands (literally)! Directions for how to submit can be found HERE.

OR

#2

Submit a picture of a project you have created that you saw on Classroom DIY, so we can add it to our photo gallery! Tip: Make sure your photo has good light and clear images. Find out where to send your photos by clicking HERE.

Two super easy ways to get your DIY projects the limelight they deserve! Start snapping those photos and writing up some directions for us! We cannot WAIT to see all your amazing creations!

See you soon!

Classroom DIY Creator

DIY R-Controlled Vowel Sticks

noreply@blogger.com (Julie) — Tue, 05 Feb 2013 11:00:00 +0000

These R-Controlled Vowel Sticks are great for teaching and practicing this phonics skills. The self checking feature makes the activity perfect for use in literacy centers.

Items to Gather:

19 Large Craft Sticks
Black and Blue Sharpie Fine Point Markers
Clothespin
Small Foam Star (optional). I purchased these in the teacher's section at Office Max

Instructions:

1. Print the pdf file with the r-controlled vowel pictures on cardstock. Cut out the discs.

2. Glue the r- controlled vowel disc at the end of each large craft stick.

3. With the black Sharpie marker, write r-controlled vowels on the craft stick. You can differentiate this activity by varying the number of r-controlled vowels you place on the stick. Be sure to write the correct r-controlled vowel for the picture and then the distractor vowels.

4. With the blue Sharpie marker, place a dot on the back side of the craft stick behind the correct r-controlled vowel for the picture.

5. Adhere the star to the end of the clothespin.

Click HERE or on the above picture to download the R-Controlled Vowel Sticks file.

Other Tips/Suggestions:

Your students will name the picture and choose the correct r-controlled vowel by placing the clothespin over the it. They will then flip over the stick and if the clothespin is covering the blue dot, the answer is correct!

Hope you enjoy this activity!

DIY Desk Skirt

noreply@blogger.com (Nicole Heinlein) — Mon, 04 Feb 2013 11:00:00 +0000

Do you have a big mess under your desk that you'd like to cover up?
Make a desk skirt!

Items to Gather:

Fabric (I bought a yard at Walmart)
Measuring tape
Sticky Back Velcro
Stitch Witchery
An iron
Sewing scissors or a rotary mat and blade

Instructions:
1. Measure your desk and buy enough fabric to cover the front.

2. Measure and cut fabric, leaving at least 1 inch all the way around for the hem.

3. Iron the fabric and press the 1 inch hem on all sides. Stick the stitch witchery between the layers of the hem and iron it together.

4. Stick one side of the velcro to the back of the hem. Stick the other side of the velcro to the edge of your desk.

5. Stick the skirt to the desk and admire your handy work!

Other Tips/Suggestions:

I made a matching skirt for my computer table so I can put boxes of holiday themed supplies under it without having to look at them. I love my new skirts and they were so easy to make!

Enjoy!

DIY Valentine's "Love Bugs" Craft

noreply@blogger.com (Dana) — Sun, 03 Feb 2013 11:00:00 +0000

Looking for a creative and inexpensive craft for Valentine's Day?

Items to Gather:

clothespins
card stock (white and/or color)
pipe cleaners
Sharpies
glue stick
hot glue gun/glue sticks
heart paper (the wings - click HERE to download)
scissors

Instructions:

1. Print the heart pattern (wings) in color on white card stock or on colored card stock.

2. Hot glue the pipe cleaner antennae at the top/backside of the clothespin.

3. Cut out the hearts and glue the ends together with regular glue. Then hot glue them to the back of the clothespin.

4. Draw the eyes on the clothespin with a dark-colored Sharpie.

5. Give it to that special someone!

Other Tips/Suggestions:

1. You could clip a special note or goodie bag to the clothespin.
2. You could hot glue a magnet on the back and then stick it on the fridge or your filing cabinet. :)

Hope you enjoy!

DIY Student Work Display

noreply@blogger.com (~Stephanie ) — Sat, 02 Feb 2013 11:00:00 +0000

Create an attractive bulletin board display that can easily be changed on a regular basis in a few simple steps!

Items to Gather:

construction paper 11" x 14"
tissue paper
paintbrush
glue
lamination
two prong fasteners
hole punch

Instructions:

Step 1: After gathering all of the materials, the students will use the tissue paper to create a collage on the construction paper.

Step 2: To create the collage, brush glue on the paper. Then place a piece of construction paper over the glue. Brush glue on to the tissue paper. Then layer another piece of tissue slightly on top of the first piece and brush glue over it. Continue in this manner until the entire paper is covered.

Step 3:Cut off any hanging pieces of tissue paper and laminate.

Step 4: Punch two holes, the size of the prong fasteners, to the top of the laminated project.

Step 5: Punch holes in your paper the same width and, viola, you have a display that can easily be changed out...just by opening up the fasteners!

Other Tips/Suggestions:

I use this on my walls that can not be stapled into. It also is a great way to house on-going writing projects in an attractive display. Here are a few projects that my students did (before we laminated them) so that you can see the variety and creativity they can produce.

DIY Clip and Band Holder

noreply@blogger.com (Charity Preston) — Fri, 01 Feb 2013 12:52:00 +0000

Don't you HATE when you are searching for a rubber band or paper clip and you can't find one to save your life? OR I also am not a huge fan of opening my middle top desk drawer to find a bunch of them scattered all over the tray and loose so that every time I open or shut the drawer I can hear them clanging all around. How about a simple solution that will take you 10 minutes (plus drying time) to make?

Items to Gather:

cardboard toilet paper tube
scrapbook paper of your choice
Modge Podge and foam paint brush
ribbon
scissors and tape

Instructions:

Step 1: First, start with your toilet paper tube.

Step 2: Cut a piece of scrapbook paper a little wider and a little longer (much like if you were going to wrap the tube up as a gift).

Step 3: Then, you are actually going to wrap it up and seal it with Modge Podge. After that, hot glue some ribbon borders on and add your supplies.

other tips/suggestions:

Now you have a handy place to keep your rubber bands and paper clips so they don't get lost. And the container is pretty enough to take with you to another classroom if you have a project to work on that requires paper clips or rubber bands. You could leave it on your desk for easy access if you have room. Or you could tuck it in a desk drawer where the supplies might normally be, but smile every time you open the drawer now because you won't hear any loose rattling going on now. :)

Enjoy and have fun organizing!

DIY Valentine's Day Card Holder

noreply@blogger.com (Dandelions and Dragonflies) — Fri, 25 Jan 2013 11:00:00 +0000

Need a quick and easy Valentine's Day card holder? This is so cute, and super easy!

Items to Gather:

ribbon
large envelopes
holiday scrapbook paper
scissors
glue
holiday di-cuts
hole punch

Instructions:

1. Begin by cutting your holiday scrapbook paper to the size of your large envelope, then glue it down.

2. Have the students cut or use already cut holiday stickers or di-cuts. Glue them to the front of the envelope. I used a cut piece of chalkboard paper that already has adhesive on the back. This way the students could draw and write their names on the chalkboard.

3. Next punch two smaller holes in the top of the envelope (through all layers)

4. Using your ribbon (I like the thicker ribbon for this project), string it going from back to front. At the end of the ribbon tie a knot and trim off the extra. Loop the ribbon around (to make a handle) and once again take the other end and string it going from back to front, and at the end of the ribbon tie a knot and trim off the extra.

5. Finally hang on the back of the student's chair and fill with Valentine's Day card. The great thing about this card holder is that you can just clasp them shut and send them home!

Other Tips/Suggestions:

1. If you are only using paper products (not chalkboard paper) laminate the decorated envelope prior to attaching the ribbon.
2. If you do use the chalkboard paper cut outs then laminate the envelopes after attaching the sized paper and prior to adhering the chalkboard paper.

Best of Luck!

DIY Interactive Wall Map

noreply@blogger.com (Mandy Neal) — Thu, 24 Jan 2013 10:00:00 +0000

Create an interactive wall map that's fun, challenging and interactive all in one

Items to Gather:

Internet access
Printer
Laminator
Paper
Magnets
Scissors
Markers

Instructions:

Step 1: Visit Owl & Mouse, where you can print free maps from all over the world up to six feet wide, and print off a map of your choice.

Step 2: Outline the borders in different colors to differentiate the pieces.

Step 3: Laminate

Step 4: Cut out the map.

Step 5: Place magnets on the back.

Step 5: Have students put the map together!

Other Tips/Suggestions:

Write the name on the states.

Have fun expressing your creativity!

DIY Fabric-Covered Bin

noreply@blogger.com (Erin Wing) — Wed, 23 Jan 2013 09:00:00 +0000

These fabric-covered bins are a pretty place to stash books and supplies. They also make a fun and functional gift for room parents or co-workers.

Items to Gather:

Metal bins or pails (I've used sturdy galvanized tubs like these or inexpensive metal bins like these.) I found most of the bins in these pictures two years ago. (They were about $2 in the clearance section at Fred Meyer.) You can also often find them at craft stores like Michaels.
Sharp scissors
Fabric of your choice
Mod Podge (Matte finish recommended.)
Foam Brush

Instructions:

Step 1: Wrap fabric around bin and trim it so it fits over the outside of the bin. I recommend cutting two sections of fabric. (One for the front of the bin and one for the back.) Smaller sections of fabric are easier to work with.

Step 2: Apply one thick coat of Mod Podge to the front half of the bin.

Step 3: Working quickly, position the fabric over the Mod Podge and smooth out bubbles.

Step 4: Trim the edges if necessary and smooth edges down with a tiny bit of Mod Podge on a brush or your finger.

Step 5: Repeat on the back side of your bin.

Step 6: Trim around handles if you have them, smooth edges down again with Mod Podge, then fold ends of fabric over and glue down to make a clean seam. For my bins, I did this on the sides where it wouldn't show as much.

*I might be obsessed with these. As you can see, I have them in practically every room in my house...

Have fun!