DIY Ski Magnets

This project follows the same steps and requires the same materials as yesterday's DIY Textbook Charms post with two additions - magnets and a ski map!  Yay, for skiing and snowboarding!  And yay for using two different Mod Podge products - regular Mod Podge and Dimensional, again.

You know how I adore Colorado and our cozy place there; Breckenridge is perfect for winter activities and craftucation, in my professional & personal opinion.  Since we like to keep the condo tidy and fresh for ourselves and our renters, these magnets will be great for holding notes, reminders, welcome information, and to-do lists.  Right now, this is the only magnet on our fridge.  You Michigan State fans will be proud.  Funny story:  One of our first renters emailed me from the condo and asked, "Did you go to MSU?"  Evidently, we were in college there at the same time!  Small world, isn't it?

Our new magnets will be helpful to keep me on track while we are there to ski, board, craftucate, snowshoe, shop, swim, hot tub, chow, pretend to be locals and basically frolic. 

Do you see the magnet with "Kids Castle?"  That is lil O's favorite ski trail at the resort.  It literally is a kids castle with a dragon and everything.  You ski (or board) through it!  We easily do that run five, if not ten, times a day and never get bored.

Yay for skiing, boarding, crafts and Mod Podge products again!  See yesterday's post on Textbook Charms for step-by-step directions.

All the best,

Jen

{A month long series}

Textbook charms

What to do with all my old, out-of-date textbooks?  Repurpose them into gifts, that's what.

Today's DIY project uses not one, but two Mod Podge products.  Remember, Mod Podge is a craftucator's be-fri.

1.  Gather your supplies:  Wood alphabet tiles, old textbook, scissors, bail, necklace chain, Mod Podge (regular), Mod Podge Dimensional, jewelry glue, and small paintbrush.  I bought my supplies at AC Moore and Michael's, but just about any major craft store will do.  Actually, finding the bails was tricky; AC Moore had them in stock, whereas my local Michael's did not.

2.  Decide which part of the textbook you'd like to use; I made a guide to help me visualize the charm.

3.  Trace the alphabet tile on the textbook page and cut out the paper square.

4.  Paint a light coat of Mod Podge on the alphabet tile and adhere paper square.

5.  Turn over alphabet tile and trim off excess paper.

6.  Seal all edges with Mod Podge.  Let dry for at least 20 minutes.

7.  Cover entire front surface with Mod Podge Dimensional.  Do NOT shake your bottle of Mod Podge Dimensional as you want to keep the air bubbles to a minimum.  Mod Podge Dimensional makes the surface of your charm glossy and raised.
8.  For air bubbles, either pop with a small pin or carefully slide the bubble off the side.  Both techniques worked for me.  Let the Mod Podge Dimensional dry overnight.

9.  For added flair, add small designs before you use your Mod Podge Dimensional.  

10. I bought this particular faux-silver chain at Michael's.  It is 24 inches long, but with scissors, you can cut it to any length.

11.  Using jewelry glue, glue a bail to the back of your charm.  There is no picture of me gluing the bails.  I forgot to take one!  I let the bail dry for two hours and then, added more glue to double-secure it.  I tried just gluing the bail once and the bail popped right off when I was showing off my charm to my college students.  I immediately looked uncool.  Let the bail dry overnight to regain your coolness next time you show-off.

12.  Add your finished textbook charm to a chain and you are ready to go.

Yay for Mod Podge products, craftucation and gifts for any occasion!  If you like these, check back tomorrow for DIY Ski Magnets.  You skier, blog readers will be happy :)

Best,

Jen

{A MONTH LONG SERIES}

Scholastic Book Fair {Warehouse Sale}

What?  All items at the Scholastic Book Warehouse Sale are discounted at least 50%?  Count me in!  And you - as the sale is open to educators, homeschoolers, school volunteers, etc. 

The warehouse event is going on this week and next, nationwide.  Click here to find a warehouse near you.

Books make the perfect holiday present for kids.  Well, that and craftucated gifts, too :)

Cheers and join Upcycled Education all month for Craftucation Nation,

Jen

{A Month Long Series}

 

Dear Crayola - a follow-up

Dear Crayola -

Have you heard of Emily Post?  Well, it's rude to not reply to a letter that was written to you.  I'm not saying my feelings are hurt or anything, I'm just making an observation, that's all.

In fact, I'm so busy with teaching, blogging, and parenting and trying ever gingerbread flavored product at Trader Joe's that I didn't even notice you hadn't written back.  Seriously, who has time to watch a mailbox?

I mean big-whoops that the letter was sent in April just 219 days ago; it's not like I am counting, geez.  Wow.

Just in case, my letter did get lost in cyber-space, here it is one more time.  Just click on the image to link to the original letter, if that's not asking too much of you.

Whatever.  It's not like I care. 

I need to go check my Facebook status, anyway.  I'm sure all my friends are looking for me.

Jen

Upcycled T-shirt Flower Pins

Today begins a month long celebration of

crafting + education = Craftucation Nation

Join Upcycled Education all month for interesting craft & gifts ideas

for your friends, colleagues and students

Tis' the season to show off your craftucation skills.  This uber-easy tutorial from Emily's Little World upcycles unwanted tees into useful pins, headbands and hair clips.  I used my hot glue gun for this entire project and on a three hour conference call, I cut out all my flower shapes.  I love how the tee flowers turned out.  I made certain to leave some of the graphics from the tees as I thought the graphics added flair.  I hot glued pin backs from the craft store on the back of each flower - perfect to jazz up a winter coat for a friend or colleague.

Happy craftucating,

Jen

PS - If you missed my guest appearance refashioning tees on Crafterhours, check it out.  No tee is safe from me!

PSS - If you like the graphics above, I used Picnik (from Tech Tuesday last month) to alter them.