Teacher Thank You Gifts

I'm still alive and crafting a little bit, here and there.  A new job has really taken up my time and I haven't had the energy to do too much.  But I'm trying to get myself back into the swing of my crafting life - because it does my soul good!

My boys just finished school a week ago.  With both my husband and I having been classroom teachers for quite a few years, we try hard to give teacher gifts that can actually be used and are things that teachers will like - - - and more often than not, that means gift cards!  It may not be super crafty or cute-sy, but teachers can only take so many mugs or cute little gifts.  Gift cards are where it's at!  For the end of school, we do try to also add in something homemade from the boys, usually something "rock" related.  This year that was necklaces with beautiful stones for each of the lady teachers. 

I found these really cute printables for Amazon gift cards at Fabulessly Frugal.  I love when people are willing to share their talents and creativity with us, for free!  I simply printed them out on some 5x7" photo paper I had laying around and used some glue dots to attach the gift cards.  

Super easy and really cute.  But most important - hopefully personal and yet useable and appreciated by those hard working teachers that spent the year teaching and working with my boys.  

I have a pile of mending sitting in front of my sewing machine waiting for me to get to.  And then I have a few projects in mind.  More to come, soon, I hope!

Fabric Covered Notebooks

The end of school means a stack of teacher gifts need to be thought of, made, and wrapped up.  Fortunately there are some great crafters out there who provide lots of great ideas (and tutorials).  I happened upon this Fabric Covered Notebook idea over at Ameroonie Designs and fell in love.  Her tutorial is easy to follow.  And just to make sure I didn't have to mess things up with sewing math, I made sure to get notebooks that were the same size as hers (5"x7" - thanks Walmart!).  I even ordered in the same fabric that she used - it couldn't have been cuter!

I used the pastels, boy, and primary colored main fabric for variety, since I had to make six of these.

My boys each chose the coordinating fabrics, ribbon, and elastic colors for each of their teachers.

I loved each of them - the dark blue is so pretty.

This pink one on top may have been my favorite, if I had to choose.

There are endless possibilities with all the coordinating fabric choices in this line (Riley Blake Hexis).

The notebooks are simple lined notebooks and can be changed out as needed.  The old one slips right out of the sleeve and a new one slides right in its place.

And here is the finished product, with a pen in the pocket and all.

We added a polished geode slice necklace that the boys helped make to go with each notebook and along with a handwritten thank you note from the boys, we called it a great school year.  It's always so wonderful to have great teachers that are patient and help your children become better at everything they do.  

I love Amy's tutorial - quick and easy.  

The boys each wanted a notebook of their own, so with some BOY fabric (they each selected their own fabric from my stash) and larger notebooks, I made summer writing journals for each of the them.  I didn't think to take a picture of those, but I will and will add the picture later this week.  

Frame Coin Purses

Ah - among all my craft addictions, making bags (both small and large) are one of my favorite.  I've seen these cute little frame coin purses around the internet and thought I'd give them a whirl.  And anyone who knows me, knows that I can't make just one of something.  I bought a kit and some frames from a great Etsy site and then went to town.

 Most of these will be going to teachers for last day of school thank you gifts - along with some very cute necklaces we made - the boys picked out various rocks and gems from the last gem faire that came to town.  This little purse is probably my most favorite - it goes to son #1's teacher.

This little purse is the "kit" that I bought with fabric and instructions and all.  They really do work up very quickly.

These next two go to son #2 teachers. 

And this one is for me.  I love the retro ball frames on these.  They come in all sizes - I went with the smallest just to start.  It's always nice to have a little something you can grab to put your id, some change, and even a credit card in. 

A Flock of Tote Bags

Is it a flock or a herd or a litter or a gaggle?  Well regardless, it took me much longer than it should have (because these are super dooper easy and quick) but I'm finally done with all the tote bags we'll be using for teacher gifts for the boys this year.  They have just one more week of school left.  I'll take these and roll them up, add a gift card and a ribbon and we'll be done.  I used a great tutorial from Skip to my Lou's blog.  Add some great canvas fabric from Hobby Lobby (what a fantastic selection!) and ta da - bags galore!

This last one is my most favorite.  I've said it before and I'll say it again - it's all about the fabric!!!