Chalkboard Charger

I have always wanted a chalkboard that have been around on the Internet for several years. 

 I didn't have a tray that I wanted to use.  

One day, I was in Salvation Army Thrift store and found this charger for  $2.  

Can't beat that price!  (Unless it was free!)

It apparently had started life as a stainless steel plate charger.  

It was love at first sight because I just love the stars around the edge!

Out came the spray paint and a transformation!

 

 I think it turned out really cute.

I think it needs a wider ribbon but I didn't have any.

That's on my "pick up next time in town" list! 

I am not sure where it will end up hanging in my house.

For right now, it's here.  

It will travel to many rooms before it settles in one spot!

 

Thanks for dropping by!!

 

It flew off the handle!

Once I made my lanyards, I did not have any place to hang them.  I didn't think the door knob to my closet would work too well (especially since I already have a purse or 2 hanging on it  but that is another post!)

So, I started thinking....always a dangerous thing for me to do!

I remembered seeing this idea in blog land and on Pinterest and I thought I could make that happen!

So, I gathered my tape measure, my rake, and a hanger.

 

A few minutes of my time and there you go - a wonderful way to hang my lanyards and my few necklaces. 

(I don't own a lot of necklaces.  I have one that I wear all the time and that's about it.  Plus, I am always tearing the ones I have apart to use in craft projects!)

You know, my walls look white in these pictures, it is really a soft yellow.  Go figure.

The rake belonged to my daddy.  It's one of the few things that I have of his and it always brings a smile to my face.  He had a love for farming and gardening.  Since he has been gone since 1991, I didn't think he would mind me hanging this up in my home.  

(I can hear him and Mama laughing about it in Heaven right now!  

I can just hear him say, "That girl!")

The rake was already off the handle....honest!!!  

(Disclaimer:  no garden rakes were injured during this task.)

I didn't want to add anything to it or paint it because I like it just as it is...old and worn. 

 

It's a good thing!

Sticking my neck out....

 Sticking my neck out....for a new lanyard, of course!!!

At my school, we wear lanyards with our ID or classroom keys attached.  I saw this Vera Bradley lanyard on Amazon for $17.99!  All the prices were from $14.95-$19.99.  That's way too expensive for my budget.  But,  I like that they are unique and made from cloth.

 So, to the sewing machine I headed!  

These are mine.

The best part is that were practically free.  I already had everything on hand.  I cut the material 2.5" in a 44" strip.  Then I folded them, ironed, sewed them, and then sewed on the hardware!  

Easy, easy, easy!!

 

Now, I have one for every month or I can give them to my co-workers if they want one!  Looks like I might need to find some darker or winter colors!  :) 

 So, what do you think?

I am linking this to Heidi's Make Do and Mend.  I love when I can make something new and save money!  It's a good thing!

Year End Teacher Gifts

 Every year I struggle with year-end teacher gifts.  This year, my friend Linda, suggested that I give them some of my knitted spa cloths (aka dish cloths) with a bar of soap.  This really appealed to me since it gave me a chance to knit!  She knows I love to knit spa/dish cloths!

I found this Chocomania Soap online at The Body Shop!  I thought it was perfect for a year end gift. This may just be the new year end gift for every teacher for the years to come.

I tied the spa cloths and soap in a bundle with raffia and wrapped them in a paper bag with a doily.  It was a quick wrap and I thought was cute.  I should have added a raffia bow on the bags but by this time I was tired!  Did I mention I did this the night before the last day of school?!

The last thing I did was attach a poem to the gifts:

‘Twas the last day of school with much left to do,
But I have to take time to say a thank you to you.

Thank you does not seem like near enough
And I know that you have too much ‘teacher stuff’.

So I knitted you these spa cloths and added some soap too,
In  hopes that you can pamper yourself and bid troubles adieu.

But if you are too busy tending to your family's wishes,

These work equally well to use on your dishes!

I hope that your summer is sunny and bright,
And that you take time to rest each and every night.

The boys were happy to have you this year,

We think you’re the best, and that is sincere!

I hope you enjoyed reading about this gift of love to the boys' teachers!

Thanks for dropping by,