Tuesday, September 6, 2011

Too Cool For School!!!

It was recently brought to my attention that I make an awful lot of things for my youngest niece Kirra, and many of you might remember the craft blitz I did for my oldest niece, Ronnica's wedding this summer (if not, click here.) Plus, I had quite a few projects for my nephew Jackson between his baby shower projects and the onesies I painted for him (that you can see here.)

So I decided to make a few things for my twin nieces, Rylee and Tylar, to send them back to the 4th grade in style and score a few awesome Auntie points in the process.

I grabbed several composition books and some ball point pens on a recent Target expedition, knowing that I could come up with some way to make them much cooler. 

The first idea I copied found on Come Together Kids and their chalkboard notebook idea. They made their own chalkboard paint with craft paint and non-sanded tile grout, which let them chose whatever color they wanted. I, however, have leftover black chalkboard paint from several projects that I'm trying to use up, so I went for basic black. A little boring, I know, but it still has the same cool effect! 


The next idea I stole borrowed from A Girl In Paradise who made her own glitter notebooks after her daughter saw one in a store selling for almost $5. I don't blame her for making her own, $5 is a lot to pay for a notebook! She used mod podge to glitter a composition book. I was so excited when I saw this idea because I already had glitter in orange (Tylar's favorite color) and black (Rylee's favorite color) so I already had all the supplies I needed. I love when that happens! 


The last notebook idea I've seen so many different places that I'm not totally sure who to credit with the idea. But I basically took scrapbook paper and mod podged it to the outside of the composition book. 


 Now, you can't write in these awesome new notebooks with just any old pen. I used this idea from Cori Ann's Creative Living to make feather pens! I did change it up a little since the feathers I had were a little smaller, and since I'm really cheap trying to use up what I have in my stash, I used zebra printed duck tape to wrap the pens instead of floral tape. But I think with the wild colored feathers that I had that it worked out really well. 


I also made some pens using an idea that an old co-worker had made. I used fake flowers and green painters tape to make some flower pens as well. 


I gathered up all their supplies into two gift bags I had on hand and added a special little touch idea that I got from Quiver Full of Blessings - jean pockets full of smarties and a little note to wish them an awesome first day of school. 



I might be a little bit bias, but I think Rylee and Tylar are all set for an awesome first day of school! 


This project was featured: 




I'm sharing this project at the following link parties: 


  





Show and Tell @ Blue Cricket Design





























20 comments:

  1. You are the sweetest! Those are the cutest little notebooks ever. I bet the girls will love them all!

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  2. Can you be my auntie and make me notebooks?
    Those are wicked cute!
    The other Bethany :)

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  3. I love how you used zebra tape to make the pens! I'm giving journals and journal prompts for Christmas this year as teacher gifts. I will have to try to make some feather pens for them too! :)

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  4. You are such a cool aunt. I bet my kids would love you! Great job on the notebooks. I think the glitter is my favorite but the chalk is very creative. I love the zebra pens too. They will be the coolest girls in school for sure.

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  5. I dont know how i missed this post. I love every notebook you made and the pens ...oh my! Sweet projects

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  6. Wow! Can you say Super Cool Aunt of the YEAR! This is pretty cool...all of it...I am going to do the pens, my daughter would absolutely love it.

    Also, I would like to personally invite you to our new Rockin’ link party every Friday at RoCa and Company. Come and show off what you got this coming Friday. Hope to see you there...

    Remember...YOU ROCK!!

    Carmen @
    RoCa and Company
    www.rocaandcompany.blogspot.com

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  7. I absolutely LOVE the zebra pens!!! I am a K-teacher and LOVE having fun/crazy pens around!

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  8. Such fun ideas! I love to personalize items! So glad you linked up to Show & Share! I have a giveaway going on right now would love to have you join in that also! http://mylilpinkpocket.blogspot.com/2011/09/mixed-bag-designs-giveaway-with-3.html

    Marie
    mylilpinkpocket.blogspot.com

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  9. These are so cute. Thanks for linking to Wicked Awesome Wednesday!

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  10. Best auntie EVAH! Thanks for sharing at this week's BFF Open House.

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  11. Those little baggies full of goodies are so cute. Sounds like those two will be sent off to school very well stocked.

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  12. OMG I freakin love all of this!!! The pens are so cute and the jean pocket idea just made me want to give you like the world's greatest aunt award!

    You're so creative!

    Jamie
    day-and-age-design.com

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  13. You get an A+ and a Auntie Award. I bet the girls were just thrilled to pieces. What a nice way to show and feel loved. You ROCK.
    Hugs,
    Ellen

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  14. What great ideas! My daughter would LOVE the zebra pens!

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  15. Adorable ideas! Thanks for linking up to Vanilla Bean today!
    Ellie

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  16. I wish I could find some blackboard paint! Everywhere I try don't have it and I would love to make a pretty book like you did for your nieces!

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  17. Owesome ideas! Now I can't wait for my son to grow up and go to school :D You really do have wonderful ideas for those watching your blog. Keep up the good work!

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  18. Those are the cutest little notebooks ever. I am giving journals and journal dictionary for Christmas this year as teacher gifts. I think the glitter is my favorite but the chalk is very creative. zebra pens are my favourite.

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