Sunday Project: Pallet shelves

Driving home the other day I spotted a pallet on the side of the road.  I sure did U-turn and pull over on the little 2 lane road that leads to my neighborhood. I had just worked 13 hours, but mustered up my last bit of energy to load this thing.  It was a little worn, which is perfect! The great thing about pallet projects is the worn look of the wood, almost like barn wood (which I am determined to one day have).

So...turns out those suckers are heavy!! I pictured just walking up and tossing that thing in the back of my highlander, not the case.  I provided entertainment for several commuters that afternoon as I attempted to hoist that thing into the back of my car!  Success...but it's still there a week later! haha! 

I am determined to do something with it today!

I found a multitude of pallet projects on pintrest...so let's see what I can create.

Laundry Room

Stencil letters on the wall...it will be a long time before I do that again!
If you do decide to stencil letters on the wall here are some tips:

• Use a level to draw a guide line with a pencil
• Tape the letters on the wall with painter's tape to hold it in place
• If the wall is textured use the stencil as more of a guide and "hand paint" the letters.  I attemped to just 'sponge' it with a foam brush...disaster!)
• Used regular craft paint for this project
• After it all dries, use a foam brush to create smooth lines

Trash to treasure: side table

I might have found this outside of someone's house on trash day...it looked like a cigarette had burned inside and it was missing the top...

Glued the drawer back together
Sanded
Painted white
Polyurethane top coat

I was going to make a shadow box in the top, but have decided that my wood skills are not as advanced as I thought!  It is still sitting in my garage until I decide what I am going to do....Suggestions welcome!

Before

Mid-project...

Repurposed Magazine holders

I have been using a set of pass me down x 100 ugly brown magazine holders in my classroom.  Since I finally had some time to myself this 3-day weekend, I decided to give them a makeover!
I will post how I use them in my room later this week.

Free project:
1. paint with craft paint (these were a terrible dark brown so it took 2-3 coats)
2. cut scrapbook paper the length of the back spine and front
3. apply thin layer of modge podge to where you want scrapbook paper
3. use a credit card/id to smooth
4. a coat of modge podge over the entire thing

Determined to get organized this year!

I teach resource, which means I am usually planning for several grade levels and subjects each week.  I have tried a new organization system each year and this year it is survival that I stay on top of things:  with 2 jobs, 50+ hour work weeks and no longer able to stay at school into the wee hours of the night.

A file folder for each grade/subject each day of the week.  I just grab the folder(s) I need--with all the papers/manipulatives inside.

This is also perfect if I have to call a sub last minute...everything is there!

I aslo have an absent folder for each grade level.  As I am passing out assignments I immediately write the absent student's name on the paper and place it in the absent folder.  This way I don't forget who missed what assignment/days.



My space

My corner of the classroom (which I share with 2 other people)

New schoolyear...new classroom

My classroom for the 2011-2012 school year:

Organized library bliss

Math Wall with interactive place value chart (velcro)

Reading Center/Wall, Science and Writing



Hallway display