Monday Made it #3 For Me!

Project #1:

This Monday Made It, is rather disappointing.  I had hoped to make my own vinyl.  I found a blog on Pinterest that explained how to make homemade vinyl.

http://brandyscrafts.blogspot.com/2010/05/contact-paper-cardstock-wall-decals.html
I thought, “that sounds AMAZING!”  I keep looking at all these different vinyl stores online, but can’t make up my mind.  I’m not a great decision maker when it comes to these sorts of things, and I just flip from shop to shop and never buy a thing.  If I could make my own vinyl, having chosen the paper and colors in person– well that would solve my problems!

So I tried it.  It wasn’t easy.  Contact paper is a difficult medium!  I don’t have enough hands to keep it flat…seriously I was using my chin at one point.  But eventually I was able to sort of work it out, and I anxiously awaited 12 pieces of homemade vinyl.

Well…as the cardstock dried…it became very loosely stuck to the contact paper.  Should I have used more mod podge?  Something heavier?  I put a heavy binder on them as they dried. 

Then, when I tried using my Silhouette on them, it failed.  The letters were cut but the cardstock separated from the contact paper.  Needless to say I’m disappointed and back to square 1 when it comes to vinyl.

Project #2:

I still was able to make my Bienvenidos Banner using my cameo.  I just used a touch of hot glue to attach the letters instead of homemade vinyl. The Silhouette cut the pennants (including circles for ribbon) and the letters.  It was super easy!

I chose my color scheme with Kristen’s flipped signs in mind…I love everything she does, so this seemed like a safe plan.

Thinking:

Created:


Project #3:

This week I also made these fun duct tape flower pens.  (Once I have vinyl I want to add some grass to the tin).  I also need to add a bit of foam to the bottom of my recycled Tazo Tea tins, because they are too deep for everything I make.  I was thinking they could be some sort of incentive for the kids – after so many pieces of bling you get to use the flower pen…I could have sold that with second graders, but I’m thinking fifth graders won’t buy into it…they’re still cute though!

I used this tutorial that I found on Pinterest. 

It was really easy to follow.  I felt like my fingerprints had been ripped off after so much duct tape use, but apparently not since they scanned properly for my background check for my new employer.

Project #4:

I also had ordered these posters from Vistaprint, and had the dry mounted at Hobby Lobby.  They were too flimsy and I was afraid they would get destroyed in my classroom.  The dry mounting cost $9.00 a piece, but if you consider I got them for free at the clearance sale, I think it’s a good deal!

Krista @ The Second Grade Super Kids made something earlier this summer with the quote from Gandhi – and I loved her idea!  Be the change you want to se in the world.  These will look great in my classroom and are perfect for dual language!

Find more great ideas at 4th Grade Frolics:

That’s it for this week! 
Happy creating!
Mrs. Castro