Teacher Gifts

This was my first time trying to figure out what to do for my daughter's teachers.  I looked at so many good ideas via Pinterest.  They were all good, but I wanted to something more personal for them and from us. 

I found a free printable book plates from Lavender's Blue.  Then with a little adjustment in photoshop I made them extra special.  The lables were cute, but since the class were called the "leap frogs", I added a frog.

I wanted my daughter to have a hand in this gift.  After all she spent more time with them than I did.  I asked her to pick her favorite book from our shelf.  This is a great book!  A favorite of mine as well.  It's funny and has a very simple vocabulary - great for a kid going into kindergarten.  The teacher's loved it and hadn't already read it.

 Continuing with the leap frog theme we wrapped the books in green and made these funny little cards.  My daughter got to do most of the card work, except the detailed cutting. 

It was great to give something different to teachers that have done so much for my daughter this year.  I am very grateful for them.

Free Printables

I have been doing a lot of projects using Photoshop, lately.  I recently created some motivation charts for my oldest daughter.  They have really made a difference.  They are designed to print on an 8.5 x 11" paper.  Laminate them and you can reuse them with a dry erase marker. 

 Rose Chore Chart

Achievement Chart.

(I could offer a different color if there is an interest.)

I numbered the stars from 1 - 100.  We are tracking her allowance to help her earn the American Girl Doll she has her eyes on.

Leave me a message in the comments section if you would like me to email you the jpeg file.

Preschool Graduation

The rotation of our preschool group fell to me.  I enjoyed searching the Internet for ideas that would be easy enough and fun for the kids, but enjoyed by the parents.  I like how it turned out, but I am biased.  I think the kids enjoyed it.

First up: caps
      yarn
     cardstock
     styrofoam bowl ( I couldn't find any paper ones, just dessert plates)
     large eye needle

Second: the program
I had the kids each say a line from this little poem.  And we learned a little song.  Short and sweet and even that was hard to handle at an outdoor venue. 

Poem:
Graduation Poem

Original Author Unknown
Do you remember way last fall
When I was only just this tall?
Now look at me! I'm up to here!
And my, I've learned alot this year!
In fact, you think I'm really great!
That's why I get to graduate!

Song:
Fun In Preschool

Sung to: “I'll Be Working on the Railroad”
I've been having fun in preschool,
Learning all year long..

I can tell you all about it,
Just listen to this song.

We've been learning shapes and colors,
Letters and numbers too!

I've learned how to share with others,
Now our year is through!

Both ideas were not my own and you can find more like them here.

Beachy Birthday Party

Birthday parties are always so fun to plan and do all the details for, at least in my opinion. What better way to have a beachy themed birthday than to start with these happy hula folding invites? I can't take credit for them as a whole. This is just how mine turned out. I knew what I wanted to do, but didn't think I could afford them already made so I took some inspiration from the Internet and Martha Stewart Living April 2010 edition.

Step 1: Print out template here and cut it out.
Step 2: Trace on whatever paper you would like. This will be the outside of your envelope.
Step 3: Using a light table or window, trace 1/4" inside the outside edge of envelope template. This will be
the template for the patterned paper inside.
Step 4: Fold all the envelopes and inside papers according to template directions.
Step 5: Cut 12" string. Embroidery thread works well and comes in lots of colors.
Step 6: Assemble. Line up the folds of an inside paper and an outer paper in a folded position. Do not try to glue flat because the paper will not fold when the glue dries. Glue center and 3 flaps down. Insert string between the inner and outer paper on the overlapping flap and glue.
Step 7: Punch two decorative brads through from the outside of the envelope. One on the overlapping flap and one on the opposite flap. Wrap thread between these brads to secure the envelope shut.

Mine had one additional step which were the details for an invitation. I used just a square that would fit in the center and glued it down as well. I think they turned out great and had compliments. I'm going to have to find another reason to use these again.

So Many Projects, So Little Time

Some might say that I have too many projects.

I say, I just like to have something to do.
I get a little anxious when there's nothing creative to do.

You can decide for yourself.
I plan on posting all my projects here.
A sort of catalog of my creative endeavors.
Or a glimpse of what's really going on in my head.

If you are looking for inspiration, you can search by type with the labels at the top.
There will be plenty to look at. Successful or unsuccessful.

Enjoy.