happenstance home: gifts

2010 gifts for the teachers are ready and have gone on their merry way. I just hope they are liked!

I did two different gifts - one for each school. Josh and Noah both have 3 main teachers so I try to keep it simple.

Gift #1 - I just love how they turned out. So hard to photograph with the mirrored frames, but in real life they really look so good.

I found the frames at Kmart of all places. They are from the Country Living line and have an aged look to them.

I used pages from an old dictionary and chose words to reflect teaching. The one with the "m" has teach, teachable, teacher. Very straightforward. I placed the letter on each sheet above my word of choice. I used photo mounting tape to adhere them to each page. The letters are from K&COMPANY and are called Yuletide Silver Glitter Alphabet Chip Box. They had the best vintage glitter look.

I used the initial of each teachers last name.

The other word's I used were instill and introduce. There are so many words you could choose from - guide, instruct, inspire, motivate, encourage, educate, nurture, prepare, etc.

I really like that they are simple but have meaning.

Gift #2 - Noah's gifts start with sets of cards I found at Michael's (in the dollar bin). I bought 4 sets and split them up so each teacher will actually have 1 of each card you see above in their set. I made 8 sets out of 4 packs.

I also found some really simple taper candles at Home Goods. There were 8 to a pack and I split them up into sets of 3.

I wrapped them up in strips of dictionary paper, tied them with twine, and added a few jingle bells. I'm going to have to make myself some and just place them in a bowl.

I didn't pick out a specific page but as it ended up one had science type words so that went to the science teacher. Another has the word calender. Just make sure when you are making your projects that there aren't any words on the page that you would be uncomfortable giving to someone. It could be an embarrassing mistake if you don't look, but you might never be embarrassed because they would probably never tell you!

I placed the cards and candles in a little baking dish and they were good to go. This gift is very practical and useful, but I also think cute too!

Last year I put together another little crafty gift. You can see that gift here.

I apologize in advance for any spelling errors of info I left out. Let me know if you have any questions. I've been staying up too late for the last couple of weeks and I think it is catching up with me! I'm going to have to invest in some under eye concealer! Well, I have to get ready for the day and then I'm off for some shopping fun with my friend Karen! As I told her - today I choose fun! I'll worry about finishing my Christmas shopping list another day!

Also - thank you to everyone for your super kind comments about our mancave. You all made my day!

9 comments

, by Lynda @ Happenstance Home

fun fashion find

A Little More Birthday

I know I always enjoy seeing what other people gather or find interesting along the way ... I enjoy seeing how people live and what they like.

Maybe I'm a smidgen nosy - I think that's part of why I sometimes enjoy a little reality television ...

Mixed in with an abundance of home decorating shows and home magazines ...

I will never tire of seeing other peoples spaces.

Even when I was very young I found homes and buildings interesting. I can still remember so many exact details. I remember how they were laid out and how they were decorated. This fascination started probably around Kindergarten or even earlier.

I've wandered a bit off subject now ... This post is really just about sharing some of the material gifts I received for my birthday! Oh, and before I forget - Thank you to everyone who left a comment on Noah's gift. He is brimming with pride!

So here we go ...

I happily received a J. Crew gift card from my Mom which I hastily spent. I have intentionally not stepped foot inside all year. I love it all too much! After enjoying some birthday lunch at the mall with my mom and sister my mom and I headed right to J. Crew and my sister back to work!

This white tank is adorable - it has such pretty little flower detail. It reminds me of the Italian cutwork my grandma used to work on - except no cuts!

I also picked up this oatmeal colored cardigan. I love the mint green tulle detail. I like little touches like this. All in all, I dress pretty simply - I usually even wear the same jewelry each day - my signature! Oh, and everything has to go with denim!

I had a great afternoon out shopping with my mom. It has been awhile since we had the chance to do that!

She also got me this necklace and the bling bracelet in the background. I do like to add a bit of fun to my simple outfits!

Rob picked up this fun jacket and broach for me at Loft. He also picked up a paint spray gun, a letter and number set to stamp metal, and a little extra spending money!

This is from my sister, Field! Aren't the little letters the best! They are wrapped around the softest scarf. I thought that was cute enough, but wait!

When you take off the scarf there is this great ceramic measurer. I was so excited!

I now have the measuring cup and letters by my kitchen sink. I think the letters look fun tied to the galvanized stand.

I've had questions before about the paint color in my kitchen - It's actually wallpaper and it has endured many years of use and I still really do like it!

Well, there is a little look at my life and style I suppose. I can't wait to share my next post with you. I went to my cousins wedding last weekend - simply beautiful and unique!