DIY Frosted Glass {for Heart Week}

I love a project that is easy and fun, plus the supply list is short:  glass vase, frosted spray paint and stickers.  That's it.  We bought all our supplies from Joann Crafts using a coupon for everything and/or the items were on sale.  I think I paid $2 a vase - they were half off that day.  The frosted spray paint was normally $6, but I had a 50% off coupon.  We used letter stickers from the scrapbook aisle - they were 40% off that day.  Inexpensive.  

Using this tutorial from A Beautiful Mess, Mr. UpCyclist's family - mom, sisters and dad, plus Lil O - and I all made vases.  I filled mine with cookies and heart Peeps.  Then, I wrapped it up to gift to my coaching peeps - I adore them and they all just finished their last coaching class.  Yay!

Here's what it looked like in our basement when I spray painted the vase.  Note to self:  Don't spray paint in the basement.  It smelled like fumes all week!  Mr. UpCyclist shook his head at me.

The only con to this project is the edge of the letters (once you peel off the stickers) isn't totally clean. In the photo above, you can kind see what I mean.  But, I still think it's a fun idea.

I do have some frosted spray paint left.  What else should I make?  Maybe more vases?  A cookie jar? Fun plate?

Oh, I know.  I could make cool teachery gifts.

xoxo,

Jen

You Rule Valentines {for Heart Week}

Thanks to fabulous student, CR, who sent me a ton of Valentine's Day ideas, Lil O had lots of choices of what kind of Valentines to make this year for school. Since Lil O is practical like me, she choose these "You Rule" valentines from Isadora at Relocated Living.

Aren't they adorable?  We ordered wooden rulers from this Amazon affiliate link (36 rulers for $13.00; we split the pack with Lil O's best friend).  They literally arrived in one day (and I'm not even an Amazon Prime user!).  We used the free printable from Relocated Living and printed the text on cardstock from Joann Crafts.  And with a gel pen we had at home, Lil O signed them.

You can find all the instructions and the printable at Relocated Living.  Thanks, Isadora and fab-student CR for the suggestion.

Happy Heart Week,
Jen

DIY Valentine's Day Ideas

I only celebrate Valentine's Day because of Lil O.  Mr. UpCyclist and I rebel.

But.....I do like this wreath we made in the past out of conversation hearts......Find the post here.

For my coffee and tea drinking friends.....This printable to make hot beverage sleeves is a winner.....

These Glow Stick Valentines were a hit at Lil O's school....

As was this paint swatch garland ala Valentine's Day.....

....So, I guess Valentine's Day isn't that awful....

Ha!

Jen

Glow Stick Valentines Knock-Off

My creative cousin, Cheryl, turned me on to this idea.  Lil O and I designed the hearts and message in Publisher, printed on cardstock, and then, we took turns cutting out the hearts.  After purchasing two tubes of $1 glow sticks from Michael's craft store and taping one to each heart, we had her Valentines school ready.  Apparently, at Lil O's school, you do not put your name on your Valentines.  Like secret Valentines.

If you want another clever idea, see what friend Susan from Crafterhours (my favorite craft blog) cooked up.  Adorable, no?

And just for the record, I don't even like Valentine's Day anyways.  I use to call it the "Hallmark Holiday."  You would never know it with all these V-Day posts lately on Upcycled Education.  Maybe I am getting soft.

Happy creating,

Jen

Candy Heart Wreath

I don't like the consumption of food in preK-12 classrooms except for students eating lunch.  You'll remember my food rant from this post.  However, I really don't mind decorating with food.  Lil O and I made this wreath last year in under two hours; it was fun and easy to make with only a modest amount of hot glue burns.  Our family liked it so much, it literally hung in our foyer until May!

No lie.

If you'd like to make one for your home, classroom or as a gift, follow the easy instructions here.

Happy weekend, Upcyclists!

Jen

Glow Sticks in the Classroom? Yay!

Blogging must be in my blood.  Look, my cousin blogs, too.  And she is soooo creative.  I remember growing up and thinking she was so smart and creative and pretty.  She still is all those things.....

You've got to head over to her blog, Creative Party Ideas by Cheryl, to see the gift she left me - make that us!  A clever way to use glow sticks in the classroom - not candy or sweets.  And it is perfect for Valentine's Day or just showing students you care (or anyone for that matter).

Thanks, Cousin Cheryl. 

My heart is a glowin'.

Love,

Cousin Jen

Valentine's Day: You deserve some love

Shhh...don't tell anyone, but I used to be anti-Valentine's Day.  However, with little O around and her love of all things holiday, I have slooooowly embraced this fictitious-Hallmarked-induced-I-don't-need-a-day-to-show-my-love-for-others holiday.  See, I'm taking baby steps.

As fellow educators, I think the more we can show our love and support for each other, the better.  I'm blushing.  I bought you a present.  I hope you like calendars.

Choice number one.....

Choice number two......

Which will you choose?  Click on your favorite, follow the easy directions and turn on your printer.  I would tell you they are free, but that would be tacky to give you a present and tell you the price.

Enjoy - you deserve it!

Happy fictitious-Hallmarked-induced-I-don't-need-a-day-to-show-my-love-for-others-Valentine's Day,

Jen