DIY Welcome Banner

Hey guys, here is a great idea if you can't find a ready-made banner to match your classroom design- try making it!  I just made this welcome banner using scrapbook paper and a chipboard banner kit from Hobby Lobby.  They have a plethora of shapes to choose from. I didn't paint the back of my banner since it will be hanging against a wall, but you could paint it or cover it with paper too. If you decide to try this project, please post pictures!  I would love to see your ideas come to life.

Materials: chipboard kit, scrapbook paper, ribbon, Matt Modge Podge for paper, Elmer's Spray Adhesive, paint brush, black stamp ink

Step 1:  I cut out the black letters using my Cricut Cutter to spell the word WELCOME, but you could use pre-cut letters if you like.

Step 2:  Trace the shape of the pennant onto your background paper and cut-out the shapes with scissors.

Step 3:  Again, I used my Cricut to cut out the rectangles, but you can create your own pattern or shape.

Step 4:  Using spray adhesive, spray the back of the paper and adhere the paper to the chipboard starting with the background. WARNING: This stuff is sticky and hard to get off your hands, but it works great and does not leave bubbles. Also, be sure to use in a well-ventilated area with newspaper or something underneath.

Step 5:  I used a sponge to ink the edges of the paper for a distressed look. This is an optional step.

Step 6:  Apply a very thin coat of Matte Modge Podge for Paper and let dry at least 30 minutes between coats.  I applied about three coats. For helpful hints on using Modge Podge, click on the link below.

Click here to learn more about Modge Podge!

Step 6:  I used black ribbon to string the banner together!

Enjoy!

A New Adventure

After many years in the same classroom, I am excited to be starting a new adventure this year! I will be teaching 6th Grade Social Studies at a brand new middle school and the building is almost complete! After almost 30 years in education, this is my first time to teach in a brand new building. As I was packing up my old room and loading the trailer, I thought, "wow, you sure can collect a lot of stuff (I mean great teaching materials) over the years" and that is one reason I decided I needed to finish my blog- to share! Currently, my entire teaching world is in a storage building and I am waiting patiently for the word "go" to move in. This week, I took a sneak peek (shhhhh, don't tell anyone) at my new classroom and even snapped a few photos.  I wanted you to see what the room looks like as a blank canvas in order to do a before and after later. I plan to mix a little old (can't part with my zebra) with some new and trendy designs (polka dots and lots of color) to make my new classroom a fun and inviting place for my students. Stayed tuned and I will share some of my new purchases with you and a few crafty projects that I have tackled this summer. Please feel free to comment below if you have suggestions for my new space!  I would love to hear from you.

The bracket between the whiteboards will be for my Apple TV flat screen!  These walls are just waiting to be decorated!

Getting There

Forgive me for patting myself on the back just a little, but I am so excited that I actually figured out how to add "My Button" to my site! Thanks to the help of this great code generator, photobucket.com and lots of other great blogs, I finally figured it out. I just might become a techie after all. What are you waiting for? Grab my button!

The Beginning

Well, this is a work in progress and I am just getting started on my first teacher blog!  I hope that you will come back when everything is up and running and check out some sensational ideas for teaching 6th Grade Social Studies. Until then, remember . . . birds of a feather, teach together!