Classroom Palm Tree

I saw a few of these online, and I just had to have one for my first classroom! To encourage the idea that reading is fun, the library area is now decorated with a beach theme and called "Reading Paradise". Still have a few weeks until the start of school to add more, but I couldn't wait that long to share :)

Materials:
Carpet tube (garbage from my new classroom rug)
Leftover wood scraps
Small brown lunch bags, with bottom cut out (I used about 35)
Large ugly, old umbrella (doesn't matter the color because you can cover it up)
Box cutter
Scissors
On sale fabric of your choice (I went with the cheapest)
Construction paper to make a pattern






1- Cut the umbrella to about halfway down the arms. This gives the droopy effect for the leaves.
2-  Create a construction paper leaf to make a pattern. I made mine long enough that it would hang over the end of the umbrella arm. I also had an umbrella that had a really long metal top, so i just cut really small holes to hold each leaf instead of using any type of glue. Really easy.

3- Cut out your shape. I didn't waste time tracing because the leaves don't have to be exact. The I cut small slits equal, close enough, distance apart from each other. Repeat until you one leaf for each umbrella arm and go ahead and put them on the umbrella. **Notice the dog feet, he laid completely in the way, but still a cute attempt to help.
4- Use the box cutter to carefully make the carpet tube the size you want. Don't forget the umbrella adds height.
5- Use scrap wood to make a base... I was really lucky and my uncle had the exact size plywood and I think 2x4 to make mine. All we did was take two 3 inch screws through the bottom of the plywood to make sure the "trunk holder"(2x4 but depends on the carpet tube size) was sturdy. I also made sure the 2x4 was long so I felt it was not moving even if a five year old hangs on the trunk. I did 18 inches because that is what he had, but as long as a foot I'd think it would be okay.
6-Slide the carpet tube onto the "trunk holder". This was such a tight fit that he, my handy dandy uncle, had to sand the edges down a little to get it to work. Again the tight fit makes it sturdy and safe!
7- Slide the crumpled brown bag rings on the tube.
8- I used a book shelf to hold my base down. It will help hold the tree steady if any kiddos run into it.
9- Stick the umbrella in!
10- Use the fabric scraps to cover up any part of the umbrella that showed.
That's it.... seriously cost a total of $15 at most, but I was lucky and had family to help :)

Bridal Shower Invites

Never thought I would like doing this sort of thing. But for a best friend, I would do anything.

This was really easy to do. All I did was pick out scrap book paper (30 cents/sheet) and cut them 4x6 inches with a paper slicer at work. I found a stamp ($4), blue ink ($1), silver metallic ink ($6), and a few spools of clearance ribbon (25 cents each, I think I used 4 with left overs). I also used regular copy paper and a few index cards for the "gifts". It really didn't take too long to finish 60 invites , I couldn't say the exact amount of time because I am so easily distracted! I think they turned out great and are wayyy cheaper than getting them made. Be careful taking on this type of project if you don't have helpers, in my case 5th graders :)

Tilt out trash cabinet

http://ana-white.com/2011/04/wood-tilt-out-trash-or-recycling-cabinet
I saw this on Pinterest, and became a NEED.
I had a local woodwork guy build it for $100 (not over priced when I do not have tools or know how) and then I bought paint at Home Depot, BEHR Bamboo Leaf $30, and also a cool handle $3. My regret would be painting over the bronze hinges. I really should have taken it apart before whipping out my paint brush. I do have new hinges that match the handle, but I am afraid to mess up my paint job, lesson learned.
I have quite a bit of paint leftover. I plan to use it on some sort of cork board and dry erase board frames. More to come on that, haven't found the right frames yet :)

First for everything :)

I wanted to create a place where I could share my ideas.
A lot of the things you see are my interpretations of other bloggers' creative minds.

I hope you enjoy :)