8/5/14

Back to School Blog Hop


Hello friends! Are you ready for some Back to School Inspiration? Good, because I have teamed up with 11 other bloggers to give you a really fun...

Back To School

Each of us are sharing a super fun "Back to School" themed idea today.

Like my project? You are going to love the others! They range from teacher gifts to advice for the anxious child heading to school.

Back to School

Start of the Year Basket by Garay Treasures's
1st Day of School Traditions by Mrs. Coach Sims
10 of the Best Back to School Teacher Gifts by Tales of Beauty for Ashes 
 Back to School Fashion by Words About Waverly
 Creating a Portable Homework Station by Living In This Season
5 Easy Fine Motor Skills Activities by Our Life on a Budget

Back to School

 Daily School Readiness Routine by Mila's Milieu
Back to School Party by All Kinds of Things
Back to School Organization by Morganize With Me
 Preparing an Anxious Child by Almond Place
 
Of course, we didn't want the fun to stop with the inspiring ideas... so here is a fun giveaway for a $60 Target Gift Card! Enter to win and the winner will be announced on August 12th!


 
 
 
School Room Make-Over and DIY Chalkboard Plaque!
 
This is what our school room looked like before - I did have things on the walls last year for kindergarten, but I kept moving things around. I didn't have a theme or anything.

  
 
 
 
 
 
 I have been wanting to paint a wall in my house with chalkboard paint and finally decided our school room would look great with one.
 
 
I absolutely LOVE my chalkboard wall!  The little ones have already tried it out.  It wipes off easily with a damp towel. The table we've been using was getting pretty ugly with paint stains, dents, and pen marks.  I had some extra chalkboard paint and painted it as well.  I'm in love with this paint....my husband says I'm obsessed.....you be the judge!

 
Since I painted the wall black, I kept with the black and white theme. The curtain (seen above) is actually a fabric shower curtain from Target.  Shower curtains are a little shorter, but I've found they are only $20-25 instead of the $40-50 for window curtains. 
 
 
This calendar is a sticker that easily peels off - and you can use chalk on it.
 
 
Here is the big picture of our "school area."  We have it in the basement.  With windows and bright lights it is a nice quiet space to be able to do school.  I also keep my scrapbooking and sewing supplies down there. 
 
 
 
Last year, I didn't have a "teacher's desk" - so I was really excited to get one this year!
 
 
I found this cloth map (seen above) at Jo Ann Fabrics.  It was on sale so I got it for about $5! I have a world map one as well that I'll use in the future.  The black/white writing stickers (on the right) for the walls came from Michael's. They are for chalk.

 
 
 
 
 The frame with the metal string I found online at the Silhouette Cameo store.  I've used it for everything!  At Christmas I put the advent days on it.  One year for Valentine's Day I hung a banner with "Love is Kind" on it. 
This year, we are going to hang our artwork on it.
I saw the idea on Pinterest for the "Verse of the Week" plaque.

Here are the steps for a DIY chalkboard plaque:
  
1. Start with a plain wooden shape.  Any craft store will have a variety of shapes and sizes.  I found this at Michael's.
 
 
1. Paint the edges with regular acrylic paint.  I chose white to stick with my white/black theme.  You may have to paint a few coats.
 
 
3. Next, paint the front with chalkboard paint.  You can find chalkboard paint at any local craft or hardware store.  I suggest using a small, super smooth roller to get the paint smooth.  You will have to do 2-3 coats of the chalkboard paint.  Make sure to get your paint extra smooth, as any smudges or drips are clearly seen when it dries.
 
 
 
5. Finally, let it dry - chalkboard paint dries within 12 hours.  Jason, hung the plaque for me. Using his staple gun, he stapled a piece of string to the back.  You can also buy a picture frame hanger at a local hardware store to do the trick!
 
The chalk can be easily wiped off with a wet/damp towel!
 
 
Make sure to hop over to the other blogs to check out all of their back-to-school tips and inspirations!
  


 
 

Becky @ BYBMG
Elizabeth @ All Kinds of Things
Mandy @ Almond Place












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