Mud Pie Studio

Teacher Appreciation Week

2013-05-10T09:05:00.001-07:00

This week I did my PTA thing and organized some fun activities for the teachers and staff at my kids’ school to celebrate Teacher Appreciation Week.

Monday – The week started with a Strawberry Shortcake Buffet for the whole staff. We set up in the lounge and served teachers/staff during their lunch break.

Nine loaves of pound cake, ten pounds of strawberries, and 3 cans of whip cream later … I’d say it was a successful day and the teachers loved the treat!

Tuesday –For Superhero Day, we asked the kids to wear their superhero tshirts to honor their teachers. (If they didn’t have a superhero tshirt, we told ‘em to be their teacher’s sidekick and wear their teacher’s favorite color instead.)

All heroes have special tools, so we also told the kids to bring their teachers a special “tool” (school supply) to stash their toolkits.

I created this big comic-book inspired bulletin board that reads “Teachers! Able to Leap into our Hearts in a Single Bound”. (The black and yellow is butcher paper, and I painted random white windows with acrylic paint. Easy!)

I made each teacher a custom Superman logo (with their initial) on their door with their awesome superpowers. Here’s a second grade teacher with her sign that reads “Shaping young minds one lesson plan at a time” and “Teacher by day, superhero by night”:

I covered the hall ways with lots of fun superpowers we know our teachers could have:

(Click any picture to see it enlarged.)

Here’s some closeups:

And I posted one of these for every grade level:

This one says “Can pat head and rub tummy at same time” and these fun teachers proved they’ve all got the talent:

I made a set of easy superhero logo posters, too (Everything I Need to Know I Learned From My Heroes):

Finally, we gave each teacher a lighthearted reminder of our sincere thanks for being crazy good at what they do:

and the view from the back with a cape and “Thank you for being our SOUPER hero” sticker:

Wednesday – On this day we gave the teachers a catered lunch from one of their favorite restaurants. They received a box lunch with a sampler of eight different salads. Yum!

Dessert was mini cupcakes and brownie bites. Cupcake stand was recycled boxes we wrapped with wrapping paper.

The placemats were recycled book covers from first grade math workbooks!

Thursday – We hand delivered muffins and water to the teachers on Thursday. We offered blueberry, banana nut or chocolate chip.

Everyone also got a bottled water that read “It’s not a fancy schmancy Starbucks drink, but we still thank you.”

The teachers were so excited to get their special breakfast!

Friday – This is the day we designated for all the kids in the school to bring a snack or dessert to share with the staff.

We covered the counters in the teachers lounge with lots and lots of goodies for them to enjoy all day!

The lounge was filled to the rim with cookies, brownies, cakes, bars, pudding, snacks, etc.

What a fun week it has been! Enjoy, teachers!
You are very much appreciated!

Teacher Appreciation – Starbucks Gift Card

2013-05-09T18:40:00.001-07:00

Thank you Chickabug for this awesome idea! Teachers love gift cards the most, so I created one specifically for a Starbucks card.

The teacher listed Starbucks on her “favorite things” list. She was surprised – and she loved it!

Have you thanked a teacher this week?
Teacher Appreciation Week May 6-10!

DIY Mirror Makeover for Little Girls Room

2013-03-19T14:26:00.001-07:00

So last week was spring break and I worked on a few DIY projects around the house. Remember this mirror from last year? It was the first of two. Well, I finally got around to painting the second one. I’m fast like that.

Here’s how it started. Bare wood frame constructed by my dad which fits around a store-bought (cheap) full length mirror.

With the help of my little one, we unscrewed the back piece from the frame then lifted out the mirror:

The next picture shows how it looks after we lifted out the mirror and the back piece. The arrows point to where the wood was routed so that the mirror would sit flush in the frame.

Next I moved the frame outside and painted white on the top portion (where I wanted the quote to go). I used my Cricut to make the letters and put them in place.

I use repositionable contact paper for these types of projects instead of vinyl since I’m only using the letters as a stencil.

Next I gave the entire frame a coat of pink paint. I used Rustloleum spray paint. Windy day – extra cans of paint were just holding down my drop cloth.

Here is a closeup of the letters with the spray paint applied directly on top.

By far my favorite part of the project is peeling off the letters!

My little one is happy to have her mirror finally finished…

And another DIY project is checked off the list…

Thanks for visiting. What DIY projects did you get done over Spring Break?! I’d love to know!

Here Comes Peter Cottontail, and then some

2013-03-05T20:11:00.001-08:00

Here’s a little something I worked on this week. These are wooden blocks that I painted, distressed and finished off with a label holder. Very versatile and kinda fun!

Blocks are 3.5 x 4.5 x 1.5 and available in my Etsy shop.

Thanks for visiting!

Valentines Day and Teacher Appreciation

2013-02-14T15:05:00.001-08:00

Just wanted to share the Valentines bulletin board I created for our teachers at school this week.

Each little owl says how much we love our teachers:

I painted the owls on white paper and then laminated them, so that part can be used again. Teacher friends, if you’re reading this, pretend you never saw the owls before when TA Week comes around in May. =D

In addition to the bulletin board which was hung outside the teacher’s workroom area, each teacher and staff member got a bookmark in their mailbox.

I printed the text on clear labels and used a small heart shaped punch and white tulle.

Happy Valentines Day!

Super Fun One Of A Kind Dr. Seuss Valentine

2013-01-31T14:37:00.001-08:00

If you checked out my 101 Valentines Ideas for Under $5, you get the idea how easy it can be to turn just about anything into a fun Valentine with a little creativity. Like these erasers I found in the $1 aisle of Target last spring:

Which were packaged six for a $1:

I didn’t immediately think “Valentines” when I came across these (after all, they aren’t a Valentine item). But I knew they would make some sort of fun, inexpensive and useful prize/favor for a whole class so I couldn’t pass it up.

I decided to make some tags and put the erasers and tags in a little craft bag. I made the tags on the computer then printed and cut them out. They say: “From there to here, from here to there, I’ll be your Valentine anywhere!” It was a tie between that and “In the east or in the west, ‘make no mistake’ Valentine, I like you best!” But to be honest I’m tired of the puns right now.

These little craft bags are available (250/$4.99) at Hobby Lobby (don’t forget your coupon) and they keep everything together nicely:

The tag, bag, plus eraser makes these Valentines about 20 cents each:

How fun is that?! A Valentines with zero calories. =D

Hope you’re inspired to make some one of a kind Valentines, too!

Thanks for visiting!

Dr. Seuss Valentine Bulletin Board

2013-01-15T09:49:00.001-08:00

Just a quick note to show you the bulletin board I made for my daughter’s first grade teacher.

I painted and then laminated Cat in the Hat for this Dr. Seuss bulletin board. After Valentines Day, all the hearts will be removed I can change the text to say "Hats Off to Reading" or "Hats Off to Dr. Seuss" for Reading Across America/Dr. Seuss birthday in March. The students' school and art work goes in the middle of the board.

Have you thanked a teacher today?!

Thanks for visiting.

101 Valentines Ideas Under $5

2012-12-31T18:02:00.001-08:00

Once again, here’s a collection of fun Valentine ideas! Many are from Pinterest, some are ones my kids and I made up!

1. Pop Rocks = Valentine, You “Rock”. Or, Valentine, you’re a POP star.
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2. Koolaid = Valentine, you sure are “Kool”!
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3. Tic Tacs = Tic Tac Toe game
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4. Matchbox Cars = Valentine, I “Wheelie” like you.
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5. Snickers = Valentine, you make me “Snicker”.
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6. Pencils = Valentine, you’re just “Write” for me!
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7. Peeps = Happy Valentines Day to all my Peeps!
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8. Tootsie Rolls = Lollipop Butterfly with card that reads “Happy Valentines Day, Toots!”
Source and template here

9. Rolos = Valentine, I like the way you roll!
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10. Popcorn & More = Valentine you’re a “POPstar”! (Popcorn, Pop Tarts, Pop Rocks, etc.)
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11. Lucky Charms = I’m lucky to have you as a Valentine!
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12. Chewy things = Valentine, I “chews” you. (Gum, Charleston Chew candy bar, Chewy Quaker Oats bar, Jolly Rancher chews candy, taffy, Laffy Taffy, licorice sticks, etc.)
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13. Orbit Gum = “Valentine, You’re outta this world.”
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14. Crazy Straws = Valentine, I’m “crazy” for you.
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15. Apple Jacks = Valentine, You’re the “apple” of my eye.
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16. Apple Juice = Valentine, You’re the “apple” of your eye.
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17. Apples = Valentine, You’re the “apple” of my eye.
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18. mr. Goodbar = Valentine, you’re so “good” to me!
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19. Symphony bars = Valentine, you’re “music” to my ears! Or, You’re the “song” in my heart!
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20. Krackel Bars = Valentine, you “crack” me up!
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21. Chips Ahoy Cookies = Ahoy, Matey! Be my Valentine!
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22. Funyuns = Valentine, You’re so much “fun”!
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23. Cracker Jack = Valentine, You “crack” me up.
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24. Crayons = Valentine, you “color” my word with happiness.
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25. Crush Soda = I’ve got a “Crush” on you.
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26. Flower Seed Packet = Valentine, let’s watch our friendship “grow”.
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27. Peanuts = I’m “nuts” about you.
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28. Circus peanuts = Or if #27 causes allergies. How ‘bout these ‘peanuts’?
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29. Bananas = I go “bananas"' over you!
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30. Tootsie Rolls = “Happy Valentines, Toots!” Or, “You are sweet and fun, all ‘rolled’ into one, Valentine!”
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31. Cheese Nips = It might sound “cheesy”, but I like you, Valentine!
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32. Oreos = It’s as plain as “black and white”, I’d love to be your Valentine!
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33. Extra Gum = Valentine, you’re EXTRA special to me!
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34. Teddy Grahams = Valentine, I like you “beary” much! Or, "Bear hugs” for you, my Valentine!
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35. Strawberries = Valentine, I like you “berry” much!
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36. Kit Kat = Valentine, you’re the “Kats” meow!
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37. Marshmallows – Valentine, you are “sticky” sweet!
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38. Kid scissors = Valentine, you’re a “cut” above the rest!
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39. S’mores package = I need “S’more” valentines like you! Or, I couldn’t ask for anything “S’more” than to have you for a Valentine.
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40. Paintbrushes = Valentine, you “color” my world with happiness.
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41. Watercolors = Valentine, you “color” my world!
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42. Elmers Glue = Valentine, let’s “stick” together!
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43. Highlighter = Valentine, you’re the Highlight of the class (of my day, of my world, etc.)!
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44. Ruler = Valentine, you really measure up!
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45. Glitter = Valentine you really sparkle!
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46. Googly Eyes = Valentine, I’ve got my “eyes” on you!
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47. Word Search Books = You won’t have to search anymore, I’ll be your Valentine!
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48. Reese’s Pieces = I go to “pieces” for you, Valentine!
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49. Pixie Sticks – Valentine, you are sweet!
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50. Sticky Note Clipboards = Valentine, I’m “stuck” on you!
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51. M&Ms = Have a Marvelous and Magnificent Day!
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52. Goldfish crackers = Will you o”fish”ally be my Valentine?
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Or, You’re a great “catch”!
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53. Two of anything = Valentine, we’re two of a kind!
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54. Shovel = Valentine, I “dig” you!
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55. Rainbow Pops = I’m over the Rainbow for you!
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56. Cookie Cutter = Valentine, you’re my favorite “cookie”. Or, You’re a “cut” above the rest.
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57. Notepad and/or Crayons = Valentine, you’re “write” on!
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58. Mints = Valentine, we were “mint” to be. (Andes mints, peppermints, etc.)
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59. Silly Bands = Nothing “silly” about me wanting to be your Valentine!
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60. Bag with owl topper and red candy = Valentine, “owl” always be yours.
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61. Playing Cards = Anyway you cut the cards, I’ll be your Valentine! Or It’s no “game”, I wanna be your Valentine!
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62.Chapstick = Read my lips, Valentine: I’m yours!
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63. Owl gift tag = Look “hoo’s” sending you a Valentine. (Pixie stix, pencil, pen, etc.)
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64. Sidewalk Chalk = Anyway you “chalk it up”, I’ll be your Valentine!
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65. Bubbles = Valentine, you “blow” me away!
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66. Candy Corn = Nothing “corny” about me wanting to be your Valentine!
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67. Loose change = Will you be my Valentine? It makes “cents” to me!
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68. Playing Cards = You’re My Ace. I’m Betting You’ll Be My Valentine. You Suit Me. We’re Two of a Kind.
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69. Paint Swatches = Valentine, you “paint” my world with fun!
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70. Decorated matchbox with candy = Valentine, we’re a good “match”!
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71. Thumbprint = “thumb” body loves you!
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72. Fortune Cookie = I’m “fortune”ate to call you my Valentine!
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73. Gum = I “chews” _____ as my Valentine. (Personalize)
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74. Plastic animals = You are heads above the rest (giraffe). Etc.
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75. Capri Sun (fruit punch flavor) = I’d be pleased as “punch” if you’d be my Valentine!
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76. Decorated Sucker or Tootsie Pop = Have a SUPER Valentine’s Day!
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77. Animal crackers = Valentine, it’d be a “circus” without you around!
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78. Candy Sticks = “Stick” with me, Valentine!
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79. Bookmark (paint swatches or scrapbook paper) = Mark my words, Valentine, you’re mine!
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80. Lemonade packet = Nothing “sour” about wanting you for my Valentine!
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81.Bag of pennies (or other change) = Don’t ever "CHANGE”, Valentine.
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82. Robot Card with Hershey Candy
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83. Decorated clothespins
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84. Yo Yo or Ball = Have a “ball” this Valentines!
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85. Glow sticks = Valentine, you make my heart GLOW.
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86. Magnifying glass = I’ve got my eye on you, Valentine!
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87. Photo card
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88. Photo card with sucker attached
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89. Decoupage the first letter of their name with Valentine scrapbooking paper
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90. Paint swatches = make a heart shaped valentine.
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91. Applique initial onto t-shirt
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92. Oreos = dunk half of oreo in white cholocate and cover with colored sugar sprinkles.
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93. Pretzels = same method as #92.
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94. Hersheys Kisses = put 1 inch paper or notes on the bottom.
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95. Paint heart shaped wooden shape a pastel color and then customize for your family or Valentine.
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96. Make heart shaped cinnamon rolls.
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97. DIY crayons
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98. Rolos = You’re the “bomb”.
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99. Use a deck of cards to write “52 Things I love about You”.
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100. Decorate a dollar store candle.
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101. Decorate a notepad using scrapbook paper. Personalize for your Valentine.
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Whew! Hope you can find something here that inspires you to create for your Valentine!

Thanks for visiting!

Please note: I originally posted this list in Dec. 2011. I have done my best to correctly identify each original source of these wonderful ideas! Please email me if I've incorrectly linked your photo, or if the link is now broken. Thank you!

December Bulletin Board Ideas

2012-12-30T08:43:00.001-08:00

Before December is completely behind us, I thought I’d show a couple other ideas for bulletin boards.

This one was made to go outside the teacher’s lounge (as a joke, of course). =D But the VP said he thought it worked better outside his door! It’s actually a Grinch “ghost” I created for the school’s Fall Festival, but all it needed was a Santa hat and some text taped on and it became holiday-worthy fun:

I created this one for the nurse. She’s all about fixing boo-boos, so this “Oh, Snap!” poster of a broken gingerbread was a hit:

These last two were created for the music teacher. They also advertised the school’s holiday program.

For this one, I painted the reindeer and background, the “songbook” is wrapping paper and printed text. And the bow is a silver piece of ribbon.

The Elf poster is still a favorite. See more about the Elf bulletin board on my original post here.

Don’t forget to appreciate the teachers!

Thanks for visiting.

Merry Christmas

2012-12-25T07:26:00.001-08:00

And Happy Birthday, Jesus!

12 Days of Teacher Appreciation Gifts

2012-12-19T08:49:00.001-08:00

This year I decided to give both of my kids’ teachers a small item everyday for twelve days leading up to Christmas break.

So here’s a few of the ideas I came up with. Nothing too fancy, but a little extra fun they can look forward to each day!

Each gift was packaged in a white lunch sack using these labels :

For the gifts, I created some tags on my laptop and used some clear craft bags. Here’s an easy one: Reindeer Noses. Really, just an excuse for me to buy cherry sours and Whoppers. Nom nom nom.

I started saving my Crystal Light canisters awhile ago. They come in handy and make great gift containers! These are filled with jolly ranchers and (I used this tag for this one.)

Another tag I created and tucked into a clear craft bag with a tube of Chapstick for a fun – and useful – wintry gift.

I made these ornaments using some extra Scrabble pieces I had in my craft stash. I just glued the letters of the teachers’ last names onto a paint stir stick then strung with a red and white pipe cleaner.

These hand sanitizers were such a hit at Halloween I decided to do a Christmas version for my 12 Days of Teacher Gifts.

I created this tag/bag idea using a few packs of gum and a special note for “extra'” special blessings.

On Polar Express Day, I made sure this chevron scarf was the gift of the day. I made the scarves using fleece fabric from Hobby Lobby.

For this one, I printed the Grinch and put it in a two-sided necklace I purchased in the jewelry section of Hobby Lobby. It opens and closes so you can change the images for different occasions. This gift coincided with “Grinch Day”.

Each teacher also got one of these spoon ornaments that I painted. I included a glittered clothespin to easily clip it to a tree:

And finally, who couldn’t use a little merry and Sprite? I took apart the six pack and gave a few extras to the office staff as well.

Also this week, each staff member/teacher received a roll of wrapping paper with a festive tag as their December Teacher Appreciation Gift from PTA…

Lots of positive feedback from the staff!

Hope you’re inspired to thank a teacher this week. They are our kids heroes.

Merry Christmas.

Easy Grinch Candy and Tag – and Free Printable!

2012-12-14T11:22:00.001-08:00

I saw a Grinch poem on Pinterest and thought it was fun. Then soon after got word of a Grinch Day coming up in my first grader’s class. You know what that means…

I created this business-card size tag on my computer, and went shopping for green candy canes. I left room on the left of the tag for the candy.

I settled on miniature canes that had a green stripe running through it. I never found a box of JUST green ones. I found these miniature canes at Dollar Tree (30/$1). I just taped them to the tag, and we think they turned out super festive!

Merry Christmas!

Pete The Cat Christmas Bulletin Board

2012-12-07T16:45:00.001-08:00

Do you know Pete the Cat storybooks? I made this bulletin board this week for my daughter’s 1st grade teacher. See this fun 1 minute clip of the story, pictures and song here.

The licenses (too small, I know) say "1st Grade is Groovy" and "Small is Cool". The teacher will put kids work/artwork in the bus windows and on bottom portion of bus.

I hand painted Pete and the presents. Everything else is butcher paper. I used cotton balls on the Santa hat and the green garland. The presents have real bows on them.

Merry Christmas!

Handmade Christmas Ornaments

2012-11-24T10:03:00.001-08:00

Today I’m sharing a couple of ornaments I made last week. Enjoy!

Black and cream houndstooth pattern has a hint of sparkle and shimmer.

Polka dot pattern is red and cream with some subtle sparkle, too!

These ornaments are currently available on my Etsy.

The Best Way to Spread Holiday Cheer

2012-11-15T12:10:00.001-08:00

Today I’m sharing a bulletin board I painted for my kids’ music teachers that advertises the school-wide holiday program in December.

Bottom left corner reads: “PTA Appreciates our Music Teachers!”

Inspired from an Elf poster I saw on Pinterest:

Stay tuned…there’s more coming!

Christmas Advent Calendar

2012-11-14T12:59:00.001-08:00

Today I’m sharing an advent calendar I made using garden peat pots.

Tip: Peat pots are about $3 for a package of 12 and found in the gardening section of home improvement stores.

I started by painting Winter White acrylic paint with a foam brush onto each pot. I didn’t cover completely – I wanted some of the original pot color to show through for a more rustic look.

I printed numbers on scrapbook paper and used my one-inch hole punch to cut them out.

I glued the scrapbook paper to office tags that already had a silver trim and ring. I found the circular tags at an office supply store.

I wrapped each pot with some jute string, using hot glue to hold in place.

Then I attached each tag with red and white baker’s twine.

Christmas is coming!

Thanks for visiting!

Halloween Treat Bags Kids Will Love

2012-10-27T09:11:00.001-07:00

What a fun and easy way to dress up snacks for Halloween parties and festivals!

I started with these 3x4 craft bags with a ziploc closure from Hobby Lobby. Unexpected bonus they were on clearance when I went to get them! But even regular price $4.49 for 250 is a great deal.

Next I made labels to fit the bags. Fit as many as you can on a page. Here’s what my original looks like:

TIP: Solid black images work the best when making Xerox copies on colored paper. Find a simple image that is black and white. Silhouettes or coloring book pages work well.

Next we gathered the goodies. For this project, we collected candy corn, chocolate chips, Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal and marshmallows.

Then we stapled the tags to the bags. Up to this point, everything can be done ahead of time so less time is spent on party day assembling the treats.

Next stuff the bags with your treats!

Witches Warts = Chocolate Chips
Marshmallows = Ghost Poop
Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal = Monster Scabs
Jack O Lantern Teeth = Candy Corn

All together, they make a great display for Halloween parties, favors, festivals, etc.

Happy Halloween Treat Bags!

Thanks for visiting!
Have a Spooktacular Halloween!

Pumpkin Burlap Door Decor

2012-10-20T19:02:00.001-07:00

Last week I got to try a project I’ve been wanting to try to awhile – painting on burlap.

It turned out better than I’d imagined, and I’d definitely paint on burlap again.

Have you painted on burlap before? I’d love to hear about it!

This piece and more available in my Etsy shop.

Thanks for visiting!

Halloween Teacher Appreciation Gift

2012-10-11T18:30:00.001-07:00

Today I’m sharing a small Teacher Appreciation gift item we gave the staff at my kids’ elementary school.

We used travel-sized anti-bacterial gel from the dollar store, and I made the labels on my computer (inspired from The Diary of Daves Wife).

We attached the tag right over the original label using clear packing tape.

We used clear, green and purple tinted gels for Halloween.

They fit easily in the staff’s mailboxes as a little surprise gift for fall.

A quick, easy and very inexpensive gift idea for a large group!

Here’s a close-up of the tag we used on each bottle:

What do you think? Do you have any Teacher Appreciation gift ideas? I’d love to hear about them!

Halloween Jokes for Your Kid’s Lunch Box (FREE Printables)

2012-10-09T14:10:00.001-07:00

Today I’m sharing some Halloween lunch box notes I created for my kids.

My kids like to read notes in their lunch, and I thought these would be fun for October.

Enjoy!

Thanks for visiting!

It’s Fall, Y’all

2012-10-01T13:59:00.001-07:00

Ten Frightfully Fun & Frugal Halloween Projects

2012-09-26T08:03:00.001-07:00

This week I’m taking a look back at some Halloween projects I’ve done in the past. Hope it inspires you to create a little spooky somethin’ today!

1. First up… I altered these soap bottles into a fun Halloween gift for some elementary school teachers. See how I made these here.

2. How cute are these little apothecary bottles dressed up for a Halloween display? See my tutorial here!

3. This Pumpkin Bowling game I created using two-liter bottles worked great for a fall festival. Here is the original post with tutorial link.

4. These Halloween wands are so easy to make with a dowel and paper mache ornament. You can read more about them here.

5. Another gift for a fun teacher whose favorite color is pink and loves all things sparkly and glittered.

6. Here’s my version of some Witches Whittled Wands as seen here. So easy and inexpensive too!

7. This Googly Eye frame is a super easy project! Can be done as a class project, or just for fun at home. Check my original post to see how to make it.

8. My magnetic Halloween calendar was featured in the 2011 Somerset Holidays & Celebrations magazine. You can find my tutorial here.

9. Here’s an extra punch of color in the form of yard art. See how I transformed these three boards into Halloween art here.

10. This is just one of several signs I made for Halloween. Check all of them out here and let me know which one is your favorite!

Hope you found some good ideas that inspire you to create something fun. Have a great day!

Creative Halloween Cupcakes That Will Have Your Kids Thinking You’re Super Mom

2012-09-18T06:20:00.001-07:00

I don’t know about you, but in our house, October is a pretty busy month. There’s my triplet nephews’ birthday party, fall festivals galore, pumpkin patches, and all the regular stuff like field trips, after school activities, soccer games, PTA stuff, and oh yea Halloween!

I wish I had the time or energy to make little masterpieces like this

or this

But let’s face it , it’s not going to happen.

So here’s a collection of EASY cupcakes that anyone can do quickly and inexpensively.

1. I think these cool ninja cupcakes from Spirit of Halloween are going to appear at my nephews birthday party. Just use some black sprinkles and M&Ms.

2. Here’s some pretty M&M polka dot ones from Midwest Living.

3. Pumpkin Cupcakes look easy enough with a pretzel stick for a stem. Tip: If I was doing this, I’d drag a toothpick or knife in the icing to make the lines in the pumpkin (like the two in the back).

4. A cupcake liner and cupcake picks turn this simple cupcake into a festive one. These cupcake accessories are all over nowadays – check Michaels, Hobby Lobby or Walmart.

5. For these “Googly Eye Monster” cupcakes, just sprinkle colored sugar on a cupcake then place a marshmallow on top and use an edible pen to draw on eyes. Or better yet - place chocolate chips or M&Ms in the marshmallow for colorful eyes and skip the pen.

6. Owl Cupcakes with Oreo cookie eyes and M&Ms for the nose and pupils. My kids and I have made these before and they are super fun to make! And eat!

7. You know those spider rings you can get on just about any Halloween aisle at any store right now? Why not use one as a cupcake topper similar to this?

8. I couldn’t find this actually ON a cupcake, so you just have to imagine it on one. Make a “Witches Broom” (miniature Peanut Butter cup with a pretzel stick) and place it on a cupcake and you’re good to go! My tip: use a white or orange colored frosting so the broom will stand out.

9. This Witch Hat cupcake uses a chocolate kiss, a chocolate cookie and red icing. I give you permission to skip the bow if you’re not into coloring or piping icing. Or maybe use a thin red licorice piece. My tip: use a smidgen of icing to hold the kiss and cookie together.

10. Here’s a triple layered option that includes a cupcake, a peanut butter cup, and a candy corn. Three levels of yumminess! Don’t forget to use colorful cupcake liners for more color!

There you have it. Easy cupcakes for mom; fun and festive Halloween cupcakes for kids. Sounds like a win-win to me.

Thanks for visiting!

In Memory Of

2012-09-11T06:14:00.001-07:00

9.11.01.
God Bless America.

Space Theme Bulletin Board

2012-09-07T09:49:00.001-07:00

Our school’s PTA theme is “space,” so there are lots of “shooting stars” and “blast offs” and “out of this world” decorations around the school.

Well, I decided to do a bulletin board for a teacher that was a little bit different.

I created hand-painted characters from various children’s books playing around in space.

From left to right…here are close-up photos.

There’s Pinkalicious hanging from a star with Dr. Seuss nearby riding a rocket.

And there’s Hungry, Hungry Caterpillar peeking behind the sun rays at all the shenanigans. And here you can see the title of the board which reads “Kindergarten is: 3rd Rock From The Fun!”

Here’s Curious George swinging from Saturn’s ring…

And don’t forget: If you Give a Mouse a Cookie, he’s going to want to take off with it in a spaceship:

And here’s Diary of a Wimpy Kid making friends with a happy alien:

The board is about 12 feet wide and 3 feet high. I trimmed everything with a silver/gold tinsel garland, and also placed some foil stars here and there.

The teachers say they like it, and guess what? It was entered in a bulletin board contest!

And I would appreciate it if you could you help me out and place a vote! The winner gets $100 to spend at an online school supply shop, which our PTA could really use! Voting ends September 30, 2012.

Here’s how you vote:

Click this link and when you do, you’ll see this page:

See the hot pink arrows? They point to where you can click “pin” or “like” to vote for my board.

That’s it! Just Pin it (as many times as you wish) or Like it and then I’ll get a vote!

Thank you so much!

And thanks for visiting!