Monday, August 10, 2015

Monday Made-it: Bucket seats, fluency strips, and a back to school freebie!

Well, the time has come... the first teacher work day! Based on the schedule we received last week, it looks like we will have quite a bit of time to work in our classrooms before met the teacher on Friday.
 
 I was hoping to have my classroom finished for my post today, but I clearly underestimated the amount of time it would take. It will definitely be ready for next Monday's post though!

Before I show you my made-its, I have to mention what I got in the mail last week...

 
this beautiful sign from TallahasseeSunday! They customized it to match my classroom colors and it looks absolutely amazing on my classroom door!
 
 
 
 
I just finished putting together the gifts that I am giving my students as a welcome present.
 
 
 
I made a couple of cute tags to go with the bubbles and the glow bracelets and put them in these pretty bags.
 
 
Naturally, the bags had to match my classroom colors!
 
You can grab the gift tags freebie here!

 
Next up, I have my new way to store the fluency strips I bought from the Moffatt Girls last year.
 
I originally had them hanging on magnetic hooks on the side of a metal bookshelf, but that was when I only had 10 sets made. There was no way all 30 were going to fit!
 
I ended up cutting some foam board to fit in my library windows, adding some cork board to the front, and covering both with felt.
 
 
I added some pushpin hooks and voila! I love how bright and colorful they look!
 
 
This next made-it was a quick update to an old project.
 
 
I made this ribbon wreath a few years ago (see the original how-to post here), but it didn't really match my colors any more.
 
 
I ended up adding some new turquoise loops so that it would tie in better with the new color scheme. Nothing big, just a quick fix. :) 

 
I am VERY excited about this made-it... bucket seats!
 
I started with some plain 5 gallon paint buckets from Home Depot.
 
The first (and hardest!) part was to get these gigantic safety labels off the sides.
 
 
I used nail polish remover to get the top layer off, then got the remaining adhesive goo off with WD-40. It took a big chunk of one afternoon and was a pretty smelly process!
 
 
My mom was kind enough to cover the paint bucket lids with the foam, batting, and fabric.
 
Naturally, a bucket with a fabric top wasn't enough for me, so I added a band of the fabric with a flower.
 
 
 What do you think?!
 
 
 
That's it for this week! Make sure you check out the made-its at the 4th grade frolics link-up!
 


9 comments:

  1. The sign and your wreath......love! I need pushpin hooks. Where did you purchase them? I love how you have your strips hanging. The flower was also a wonderful addition to your bucket seats. I always love everything you make though! Can't wait to see your whole room! Good luck back to school.
    Alison
    Rockin' and Lovin' Learnin'

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    1. Alison,

      Thank you! The hooks are called Crazy Tackz and I got them on amazon.

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  2. Love the fluency strips! Great way to display them.

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  3. I have a wreath similar to yours. Good idea to update with color. Love the display of the cards. Foam core and pushpin hooks... hmm. See you around. Kathleen Kidpeople Classroom

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  4. Your stools are darling! I love them!! The flower at the end was the perfect touch!
    Come see me at P.J. Jots!

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  5. Excellent job on all of your beautiful MMIs! Thank you for sharing your labels, creativity, and great ideas!

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  6. Your room is going to be so cute-- love that sign, and the wreath, and the fluency strips, and the seats! Okay, I love it all!

    My Bright Blue House

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  7. I love the way your are storing your fluency strips. I would not have thought to use the window space. I also love your bucket seats; they fit your room perfectly!

    Amanda
    A Very Curious Class

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  8. I love your wreath, and those bucket seats! Oh my goodness, too cute :)

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