tutorial - clothespin planters!

I came across this adorable tutorial the other day after just having made tuna for lunch, and if I had clothespins on hand, I would have put it together right away!  a really cute project for spring- and one that is environmentally friendly - putting old tin cans to use...from the Family Chic Blog, clothespin planters!

 

you just need a few simple materials, and you have yourself a pop of green inside your house!  perfect for this time of year :)

for the entire tutorial, click here!

tutorial - chalkboard frames!

I'm always looking for cute arts and crafts to make with kids, now that I'm an after school teacher, and aspiring full time teacher...so when I came across this idea, it seemed just the thing that my kids could handle, and would really enjoy!

they always love to paint, and what better then to make their own chalkboard!? 

another awesome idea, courtesy of Real Simple:

What you need:
Frame
Chalkboard Paint 
Chalk
Newspaper

1. Place frame on newspaper in a well-ventilated area. Paint frame and let it dry.
2. Pop in a favorite photo. Using the chalk, write your special message.

this of course was featured around Valentine's day, but doesn't have to be limited to that...you can find many colors of paint, and customize to any holiday!  also, you can just paint other wooden surfaces, to make your own mini chalkboards!  kids can practice their letters and numbers, erase and start again!!