More Creations!

I have really enjoyed reading and seeing all of the Pinterest posts in my Linky Party!  There is still time to link up, click here to join the fun!
I have been getting my craft on today, inspired by projects I found on Pinterest.  I have seen these cute clipboards on several pins, so I decided to try my hand at making them.

Aren't they cute?

I have never used Mod Podge before, so making my clipboard was an adventure to say the least.  I am freakishly somewhat of a perfectionist, so the little wrinkles and bubbles in the paper I was adhering were driving me CRAZY!  Thankfully, after it dried it was much better.  Here is the finished product...

I really like it, but when I lifted the clip, a teeny, tiny piece of paper stuck to it and ripped, which will also probably drive me crazy.  My husband pointed out that if I have paper on the clipboard it won't even show, so I guess it will always have something on it :)

The other project I saw was to make a paper sorter using the flat rate boxes from the post office.  And of course, more of the Mod Podge.

This project didn't have directions or a finished photo, so I just had to wing it.  Owen and I picked up a few boxes today, and I put them together, leaving one end open.  I cut the extra box flaps off, and then hot glued them together rather than using duct tape (I didn't know how well the Mod Podge would adhere to that).  Then I chose some patterned and solid scrapbooking paper, and used the Mod Podge and a foam brush to adhere it to the box.  I tried a tip that I read online and waited about 10 minutes before putting the Mod Podge over the paper, which seemed to help the wrinkles.  To finish the shelves off (and to cover up the writing) I used a tape runner to stick black paper on the inside of the sorter.  It turned out really cute, and seems pretty sturdy.  I will probably use it to store reading group materials or unfinished work from each table group - I haven't decided yet.  Here is the finished sorter:

I could not get a good shot without getting glare from the Mod Podge.  

Another shot of the sorter (please ignore the clutter in the background :)

So there are two more projects to check off of my list!  I still have my behavior clip chart, name tags for desks, welcome signs, and a banner to make, along with a few pirate accents to jazz up my bulletin boards.  I have not been able to get into my classroom so far this week because they are waxing the floors in my hallway, but when I can get in, I will post pictures!  It is coming along - our open house is Tuesday the 30th, so it needs to be finished by then.  

One last thing...my friend Erin at Kleinspiration was nominated for Parent's Magazine "Best Mom Tech Blog."   What an honor!  She could use your help and your votes - click here to help her out!

Still Working...

Wow, I can't believe that we are already into the second week of August!  School will begin before I know it.  I have been working diligently on projects in my classroom and for my classroom - and don't worry, I am still working on the book-based substitute plans!  I want them to be top notch for my followers (and free!).
I went to Lowe's the other day and purchased paint for some shelves in my classroom.  I chose "sauteed mushroom," which is a nice, darker tan color.  Three coats later, they are finished!  Here are the before...

Chipped, flat ivory paint.

And after...

A nice, satin beige finish!

I do love the way they turned out.  They now match and look so much nicer, and fit with my color scheme.  Speaking of colors, have you seen these on Pinterest?  

I think these would be great for Daily 5 word work, so while I was at Lowe's I picked up a stack.  All I need to do is add the chunks and make some letter & blend strips for the students to use with them.  Great idea, huh?  Pinterest has really inspired me to create some cool things for my home & classroom.  If you're not pinning yet, you should be!  If you'd like an invitation, leave a comment with your email and I'll send one your way.  You'll thank me later :)

Finally, my husband did come to my classroom the other night to help me rearrange.  He was VERY helpful (that is, after I convinced him that *12* first graders at a table was a bit much!!!).  Coming soon I will post pictures of my layout and progress, but it is just too much of a mess to take pictures of right now.  Owen has set up his own "Lego office" in one whole corner of the room, along with all of the boxes of orders and clutter that comes along with the beginning of a new school year.  I'll keep working away!