Duct Tape Wallet

The kids have everything these days... But my niece did not have a wallet! Yippee! I used this YouTube Video (see below) to help me along the way, and I kept going back to this wiki as well... Best thing about this project? It is my favorite gift to give this year! Side bonus: It seems as if it will last forever. :)

Time Length:

     An hour... if you have both colors of tape. I looked at the wiki before I saw watched the YouTube video, so I had only purchased the "fun-colored" tape.

Difficulties: 

     Having to go back to the store to get the solid-colored tape.

     Cutting the tape could get tricky.

     Now my nephew wants one.

What made it easier:

     TWO colors of tape - decorative (for the outside) and solid (for pockets and trim).

     Pieces cut ahead of time.

     Having clear packing tape for the ID (clear) pocket.

     Doing this in one sitting. It's not something you can stop in the middle of...

Update from 5/4/2014:

I created another for my nephew's birthday today (the one for my niece was a HIT), and made one for my son-in-law, as well, while I was at it! Camouflage, it is...  :D

Cardboard Challenge Compliments

With the Second Annual Cardboard Challenge (inspired by Caine's Arcade) coming up, I thought I'd just bring some extra materials and try something new that day. Then I saw this idea, tweeted out from Gallit Zvi. A place for students to leave compliments? Great way to spread smiles throughout our students' time at school.

Time Length:

     This took me about one and a half hours. It would take a little longer had I not had a box full of scrapbook paper. It would take a little less time if I didn't want to decorate it with stamps or directions.

Difficulties: 

     Not wanting the directions to be too rigid, but wanting some guidance for students.

     My OCD kicking in, as always - I wish I could have been more patient and asked students to decorate it. I think it would look much better. When I compare it to the original one, the green pattern doesn't "pop" like the other one. Kids would've done much better - maybe they'll want to make a new one.

     Wrapping packing tape around it to make it last longer. Why did I do that when I think it could look even better?!?!

What made it easier:

     Using 12 x 12 scrapbook paper - you only need one sheet - to cover the tissue box.

What I might try when I display it:

     Using a digital frame that shuffles through pictures. I'd like to take pictures of beautiful, yet simple compliments, and have them scrolling through, just in case 7th graders don't know what to say. HOWEVER... If I give them examples, will those be the only ones that show up in the box? Any ideas?

Anniversary Gift

Our second anniversary was coming up... We didn't want to spend a ton of money on "things," but I had to do something for Bob, so I looked at my pins. This one seemed simple and inexpensive enough. Our song lyrics and our initials... Simple. We'll keep it in the trailer, since we have nothing from the wedding there.

Time Length:

     This takes hardly any time at all. The planning of the size probably takes the most time, and making sure the letters are the right size takes a few minutes as well. All together - maybe an hour?

Difficulties: 

     Using a cheap frame ($1), and having the back be too flexible.

What made it easier:

     Deciding to go with the smaller size - 5 X 7 for this one.

     The Cricut machine - gave me the perfect size for the J & B.

     The heart punch I already owned.

     Short song lyrics - thanks, John Denver!

Art

After seeing this pin of a seemingly simple piece of art, I knew I'd want to try it for SOMEthing. That something happened to be our newly-renovated (thanks, Bob!) bathroom!

Time Length:

     This took me about three hours - but that includes the canvas I messed up. This one here only took one hour.

Difficulties: 

     Wanting it to be perfect!

     My OCD kicking in - I wanted symmetry in the chaos.

What made it easier:

     Using the paint we already had for the bathroom wall and front door (darkest blue and lightest white). 

     Cheap foam paint brushes I could cut to different sizes.

     Small bottles of the three other colors I used - gray, light blue, and cream.

     The picture from the original website.

     Knowing that it's OKAY if it's not "perfect." (I did end up loving it!)

**Additional Note**

I saw a DIY on how to create this (although it's much more precise circles than what I had) on this blog post here. Check it out!

Crayon Art with Quotes

When I spent the day with my nephew, we decided to make Crayon Art! There are MANY websites that have been pinned out there regarding crayon art...

Project #1:

Project 2: 

Time Length:

     Each one took us an hour or so, but once we figured out the designs, the most time was for taking off the paper and gluing on the crayons. Taping the heart shape could (and should, if you do it correctly) take a little bit of time.

Difficulties: 

     Forgetting the coupon for Michael's when we bought the canvases.

     Buying Dollar Store crayons instead of Crayola, then having to purchase Crayolas. Dollar Store crayons DO NOT MELT!

     Splatter from crayon melts - be sure to do this outside and have something to "catch" the melting.

     Don't glue the crayon - put hot glue on the canvas first.

What made it easier:

     Planning ahead of time.

     Learning from my nephew that it doesn't have to be perfect!

     Knowing you can always go back and change it - melt more if you'd like!

If you want to see the entire process and my entire reflection, check out this blog post.

New Teacher Gift

After seeing this pin of a beautiful letter "B" in pencils, I had to try this for our two new 7th grade ELA teachers at our school.

Time Length:

     About one day to purchase the supplies and begin sharpening, and another to put it all together, along with the cut out. This was a weekend project for me, but it could be done within a day.

Difficulties: 

     Blisters from sharpening pencils, until I decided to go ahead and use an electric one instead, even if I might ruin it (I didn't!).

     Figuring out what length would look the best, then gluing them down with the #2 side down.

What made it easier:

     Used a lineman pliers to cut the pencils down first, before sharpening the small ones.

     Cricut machine to cut the girl reading and grass. I love my Cricut!

     Dollar Store for the frames - take the glass out.