DIY//Tissue Paper Border

I am finally back in "school" mindset. Partly because I am ready to start thinking about it, planning for it, getting excited about it ... and partly because well, it. is.

August. 

Can I get an AMEN! *smile* 

With that said, I have officially started working in my classroom. It isn't very cozy yet, but considering this was ONE Friday, I am pretty excited about my accomplishments! 

Today, I am sharing one of my favorite bulletin board borders. This idea is by no means my own, and there are quite a few tutorials floating around the internet, however, I figured it wouldn't hurt to put another one out there to encourage more people to utilize this FUN, EASY, and CHEAP boarder. 

I can do one bulletin board with a packet of colored tissue paper from Dollar Tree for ONE DOLLAR! 

SCORE!

PS: I do NOT use paper for my bulletin board backgrounds. I always use plastic table clothes from Dollar Tree (again, CHEAP!). At first, they do have the lines but I don't mind and they smooth out fairly quickly. Black is my favorite color to use because it goes with EVERYTHING and it really allows student work to POP! 

 

First: Using one sheet of tissue paper, fold it and bunch it toward to top much like a tootsie roll end. Some people like to fan it out and make the sheet longer but I like to go all the way to the end and balloon the middle to make it a bit more 3D.

Bunch at the other end as well. 

Second: Do #1 to all of your pieces (2 or more depending on your color scheme) - you should end with with a batch of tootsie rolls. I like using three to create a color POP!

Third: Gather and pinch the ends of the three together. Push pin them together onto your board. Some people use staplers but I find that push pins hold it better. Pin both ends. There should be some space between each "balloon".

Fourth: Using the same three colors, cut each color into smaller squares and create small "bunches". I like to crinkle the edges a little. 

Fifth: Pin these bunches between the "balloons" to create a finished, flowery, look.

 Tada! 

There are so many combinations you can try with these! These are just a few I have done - the abundance of red, white, and blue is because I teach American History and Government. 

Rolled, Tulip-like, flowers in between

Using only two colors 

Two colors and a solid flower

Now you have FABULOUS and super fancy looking borders to place your kiddos work in! 

Warning: Be prepared to get many compliments ;0) 

Decorative Letters DIY

Since the weather outside is FRIGHTFUL and I have yet another snow day (4th one this week!), I thought I would share a DIY from earlier in the year that I never got around to sharing. 
While in World Market this summer, I fell IN LOVE with these world map block letters.

I wanted them for my classroom (since my theme this year is maps and geography) as well as for my guest room when the year is over. They cost about $8.00 a piece but, having made my comic book ones for last year's super hero classroom theme, I knew they would be super easy to make.

So, I went to Hobby Lobby and bought cardboard block letters for $2.00 a peice - bought an old vintage, 1970's atlas at a thrift store for $0.50 and made my own.

First, you want to make sure that the map parts that will be showing are what you want. Check to make sure that sections of the land or water that you want are not going to be cut away. You may choose a different map depending on the letter you are placing it on. 

Begin cutting the map - make sure that you leave about a centimeter hangover so that you can fold it over once you begin gluing. 

Once you have cut the edges, take your knife and cute an angled slit at every corner - this allows it to fold when you are lifting the sides up to glue. 

Using Modge Podge, first, glue ONLY the back strip to the letter. 

Now, Modge Podge the top of the cardboard letter. Carefully, making sure to rub out any bubbles, pull the paper across the letter and let it set. 

The edges should still be up and unfolded. 

 Taking the Modge Podge again, glue down the edges, making sure to fold them tight. This is where your little slit cuts will come in handy. Notice how they form very nicely in the corners without bubbling up.

 NOTE: On circular letters, such as b's, p's, d's, you will need to make lots of little cuts all around the circular section so that the paper will form without bubbling. 

In the end, you are left with some very professional looking letters! Whoo hoo! 

Here they are displayed right now in my classroom. This summer I will be putting them in my travel inspired guest room :0) To see more of my geography inspired room visit THIS post for a tour. 

 

  On a humorous side note: I mentioned that the maps were from an old 1970's atlas. It was interesting to see how much has changed in the world since then. Yugoslavia was still on here, Burma, and the USSR!