Small Group Notebook

I am linking up with Tara for Monday Made It over at 4thgradefrolics.  I used a composition book last year with my small group students.  I kept notes regarding their reading progress, any difficulties that I noticed while reading/working, and their progress.  It worked out great to use during parent-teacher conferences.  The only problem that I had was that it was not easy to flip through and I had a difficult time finding the pages for each student.  I decided to re-vamp it this year and I came up with this.

Here are all the supplies that I used:

I started with a $0.50 composition book from Walmart.  I took the cover off and unbound the book by cutting the strings in the binding.  I then cut down each page to 7" wide just to cut the binding part off.  I used my Zutter binding machine to punch the holes for the spiral.  By having a spiral on it, I can fold the pages over which will make it easier to jot notes in.  I pulled out some old double sided paper from my stash and made a front and back cover.  I used the Paper Studio vinyl (Hobby Lobby's brand) to create the title for the front of the book.  That vinyl worked out very well.  It's not the best quality vinyl because it is really thin.  Since I wanted to laminate the covers, the vinyl didn't add a lot of bulk which was perfect!  

After I had it all put together and bound, I punched out tabs from some coordinating cardstock for the tabs.  I also stamped numbers on each tab for each student.  I number my students, so these numbers will correspond with the student numbers.  I divided the notebook by 5 pages since the composition notebook comes with 100 pages each.  I am hoping that it will be enough for each student.  If I need to, I can cut up more pages and add them later to the book.

I really enjoyed this project.  I hope that it holds up well for the whole year.  The best part was that it only cost me $0.50.  Everything besides the composition book was in my stash.  I'm glad that I was able to use up some old supplies.  Thanks for stopping by!

Last Monday Made It 2014

Well, its back to school time here so this will be my last Monday Made It for the year.  For more great ideas, visit Tara at 4th Grade Frolics.  On with the creations.......

I wanted a new, stylish clipboard for all of my important teacher stuff (and mainly to be able to clip things to a place that I won't loose them the first week!)  So, off to Walmart I went and picked up this clipboard for just under $4.

Well, you know I can't leave well enough alone, so, I added my touch!  I pulled out some trusty vinyl from my stash, got my cameo all set up, and went to work.  I got the inspiration from this fabulous teacher blogger HERE.  She was even so kind to tell me what font she used (because it was perfect) so that I could copy her.

I did place the vinyl on the back of the clipboard so that when I write on the clipboard I don't have lumps and bumps.  I forgot and cut my name out in pink regularly, but I went back and flipped the text horizontally so that the sticky part would be on the front and I could place it on the back. (not pictured correctly)  

I also use drywall tape to transfer my vinyl.  Its not as sticky as the transfer tape and I can see through it better.  I don't do a ton of vinyl work, but this roll has lasted several years so far.

And here is the finished product.  I did also add some black vinyl circles.  I used Cricut brand (black and white) and Silhouette brand (pink).  Both cut great on the machine, but the Cricut vinyl is thicker and more opaque than the Silhouette brand.

Since the machine was out, I decided to add my name to this caddy to use at my group table.  

Thanks for looking.  If you have any questions, please let me know!  Thanks!

Monday Made It #3

I am so glad that I've joined up with Tara at 4th Grade Frolics to get so classroom projects completed this summer!  I am back with my third week.  I actually completed more projects that I'm showing you this week, but this is all I've had time to photograph.  I guess I save the rest of my goodies for next week's fun!!

I have had this chair floating around the house for years and I decided it was time for a makeover.  I spent less than $5 on this project.  I only had to purchase the fabric because everything else I had on hand.

Here is the Before---->

I found the really cute owl fabric at Hobby Lobby.  I did injure myself in the making of this project! :(  I know the owls on the bottom are facing the wrong way, but after all those staples, I was NOT about to pull them all out again!!!  Maybe next year!! LOL  It will still look great behind my group table!

Here is the After------> 

On to the next project.......

My mom found this owl chalkboard on one of our summer Michael adventures.  It was too plain so I decided to dress it up a bit!

Here is the Before----------->

I added some vinyl that I had on hand, took a couple of paint pens to the eyes, and added some ribbon!!  What do you think?

Here is the After------> 

Thanks for looking!! Let me know if you have any questions!!

Vinyl Tile

I made this for a friend of mine who was starting her first year of teaching. This is the first tile that I've done. She had mentioned something like this a while back, so I thought this would be a nice surprise. Thanks for looking!

Supplies:

• ceramic tile (from the hardware store)
• vinyl in various colors
• cricut machine
• cricut cartridges: 50 states, Graphically Speaking, Cursive 101, Plantin Schoolbook,
• Gypsy
• white gel pen (for the stars on the flag
  

Christmas Gifts with a Vinyl Review

I never know what to get for my husband's siblings and their spouses. I always try to come up with something creative. This year I made these glass blocks.

With the room light off

With the room light on

Here is how to make some for yourself:
1.I began by using some glass etching cream that I purchased at a craft store. I etched the entire front of the block. I layered it on pretty thick with a foam brush and let it sit for about 30 minutes. When doing this, make sure that you go in the same direction when you are paining on the etching cream. It will give the finished project a more professional look if you do and won't be as streaky. Follow the instructions on the bottle to etch the glass.

2. I created a design on my gypsy and cut out the vinyl.

3. I placed the vinyl on the block as designed.

4. Put your lights inside the block. In the big block I used a string of 35 lights and in the small block I used a string of 20 lights.

5. Wrap ribbon that is at least 1.5" wide all around the edge and create a bow on top.

Supplies:

• kraft glass block (these have the holes already cut in them. You can use the ones from the hardware store, but you will have to cut your own hole for the lights)
• string of lights
• vinyl
• glass etching cream
• ribbon (at least 1.5" wide) *I also used wire edge ribbon
• foam brush

Notes:
* I used various vinyl brands for these products. Here is my opinion of them
---brown vinyl: Brand--Paperstudio--very thin and pliable; was nice for layering
---blue vinyl: Brand--Cricut--thick and sturdy
---green and red vinyl: Brand--Stampin' Up!--very similar to Cricut vinyl. A bit smoother than cricut vinyl. It was thick and sturdy and was nice for the bottom layer of the tree. This was my first time to use it and I was very pleased!