Showing posts with label Gift Tags. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Gift Tags. Show all posts

Sunday, January 27, 2013

Teacher Aides: Super-workmates


I hear a lot of people grumble and bitch
 about the people they work with.
This makes me feel sad for them,
and all the more appreciative of what I have.

There is one person in particular 
who enables my workplace
 to function smoothly and happily.
Maybe you are lucky enough
 to have one of those people in your work place?

 They are always happy.
They will always to do what ever is needed.
They find the time for everyone.
They are supportive.
They are generous and graceful.

My super-workmate and friend
is the art assistant / teacher aide at our college.
She works tirelessly and is always positive.
Teacher aides are the backbone of our schools
and so often unrecognised for their efforts.
I love our chats about creativity, family.. whatever!

Teacher aides are the backbone of our schools
and so often unrecognised for their efforts.
So today I made her a little thank-you gift.
A metrocard wallet with one of her favourite singers-Pink.
Its not much but I hope it gives her a smile.



Sunday, May 13, 2012

Art bangles: A class project for Primary Students

Now it may just be me..
but in my experience,
 the male gender aren't crash hot
 when it comes to buying presents for others.


This week I have been talking
 with quite a few mums
 about what goes on in their home for Mother's day.


Overwhelmingly, this is what happens:
It seems we mums buy our own presents,
subtly side passing them to our partners 
who in turn pass them on to the kids.

This has its benefits-we get what we want!
I know, because I'm getting a funky pair of knee high boots  (Oh! what a surprise!)

But really we mums have don't care about the present,
 it is the thought that counts.
 We are SO cliche sometimes!


Now I teach in a boys' college and I feel I am obliged to TRY and educate the young ones to think about others, especially their mums who do so much for them.

I admit,
 I also wanted to teach them about up-cycling,
artworks from a variety or historical and cultural contexts,
moulding materials and presentation.


So, we embarked on 62 bangles!
This how we did it...


  •   We began by soaking extra large paddle pop sticks in water for 24 hours.
  • Then carefully, we bent the pop sticks into a curve and put them in a small glass to dry for 24 hours. Some broke or splintered, but we had extras.




  • Next, the boys looked through old Art books and journals that were destined for the recycle bin. As they looked at the artworks spontaneous conversations, questions and analysis evolved. They chose an artwork that would become the feature of the gift tag and bangle.




  • A flat paddle pop stick was used as a template. Placing it onto the chosen artwork, they traced around the shape, cut out the art image and Mod Podged it onto the bangle. They sealed the outside of the bangle with Mod Podge also. 







  • To make the gift tag the boys used a circle punch to select a matching image. This was then glued on blue industrial offcuts. 
  • They punched white paper for the reverse side, glued it and wrote a sweet message for their mum.
  • Then the boys punched a small hole and inserted the string. 




  •  Finally the boys wrapped the bangle, inserting the information note below.




I know the boys' mothers will appreciate the care their sons have taken in creating this gift for them and the boys were very proud of what they achieved.

Incidentally, this activity also gave the boys practice with their fine motor skills such as cutting, tracing and accuracy. Never underestimate how many primary students struggle with these simple tasks!

Anyhoot- Happy Mothers Day!

Post Note: my children made me some gorgeous Mother's  Day cards, as did my wonderful husband AND my knee high boots are a perfect fit...who would have thunk it ;)


Also, the original pop bangle idea is not mine it came from the creative  Tara at Craft Affection.






Sharing this Elle and Lou post here:
http://www.kadie-sevenalive.blogspot.com.au/
http://www.iheartnaptime.net/
http://cheapcraftymama.com/pin-it-and-win-it-7/#comment-1199
http://www.releasemecreate.blogspot.com.au/
http://www.happygoluckyblog.com/
http://romantichome.blogspot.com.au/
http://chiconashoestringdecorating.blogspot.com.au/
http://www.craftionary.net/







Thursday, February 23, 2012

Cinderella and Prince Charming Luggage Tags

My love of retro papers, microfiche and eco-cycling have been a marriage made in heaven
at least I think so :)

His and Hers luggage tags for the Bride and Groom to be.






Can you think of a Cinderella and Prince Charming, planning a long haul flight?






Saturday, February 11, 2012

Alice in Wonderland - Bunting Decor

If I had a world of my own, everything would be nonsense.
 Nothing would be what it is because everything would be what it isn't.
 And contrary-wise; what it is it wouldn't be, and what it wouldn't be, it would. 
You see? 


Classic lines...
Classic characters... 
 Alice, The Cheshire Cat
 and a  kooky Queen.


In my primary school play, I scored the role as The Mad Hatter.
In retrospect, maybe I was typecast?!
mmmmmm...



It's the images of this particular version that really take me back.


Walt Disney's colours are bold.


They make great subject matter for bedroom decor,
or party decorations.


Or a personal gift for a sweet little girl.






Sharing Elle and Lou with:

I Heart Nap Time

http://www.bedifferentactnormal.com
http://funkyjunkinteriors.blogspot.com.au/
http://www.serenitynowblog.com/
Monday
http://debbie-debbiedoos.blogspot.com.au/
http://creatingreallyawesomefreethings.com/
http://boogieboardcottage.blogspot.com.au/
Tuesday
http://www.vwbblog.com/search/label/%7Btalent%20tuesday%7D
http://www.SugarBeeCrafts.com/
http://www.hopestudios.blogspot.com.au/
http://www.homemakeronadime.com/

Sunday, February 5, 2012

Children's Gift Tags: Retro and laminate up-cycling

The new school year is only a few weeks old here in Australia.
Already, the weekends are filling up with class parties for my children's friends.

Presents to buy.
Presents to  wrap.
Presents to decorate.
Presents that need gift tags!


Lets face it- kids aren't really interested in cards.
They are usually just tossed to one side.
But a gift tag on the other hand....


A child will turn over a tag over, searching for THEIR name on it.


They love bright colours.


And these retro images will still captivate this new generation.

This new generation will also reap other benefits,
 because these gift tags are up-cycledeco-friendly!

They began their life as laminate sample discards-destined for landfill.


That is until I got my scissors and hole punch to them.


With paper on the back to write a short message on and a ribbon, they begin to take shape.


Naturally, the sweet images are also up-cycled from an old kids book.


I am officially gift tag ready!
http://debbie-debbiedoos.blogspot.com.au/

Monday, December 19, 2011

Christmas Card - Free Deer Printable


Two bucks.
Sheet music
and
a Christmas greeting Deery!



These are the ingredients for my latest Christmas card recipe.
With a black or a white frame..for your convenience Deery!

If you would like to spread the cheery Deery
 you are invited to use my original image for your cards (personal use only of course) .
I would appreciate it if you follow Elle and Lou in return for using my design please.


The cards are 6x4 images so right click on the image to save and name on your computer.
They look great as gift tags also.



Many thanks to The Graphics Fairy 
whose daily vintage images are an inspiring starting place.

Merry Christmas!

Linking up with:

The Graphics Fairy

Sunday
Under the Table and Dreaming
I heart Nap Time

Monday

Tuesday, December 13, 2011

Christmas Cards - Free Vintage Download

My Christmas Card Recipe
  1. Source some traditional Christmas sheet music 
  2. Add one large (but wise looking) moose head.
  3. Decorate with shiny red retro baubles.
  4. Serve with some French language references 


The great thing about this card recipe is that it is original and economical.
My Christmoose design is a 6x4,
perfect for development at the local photo-lab 
Then I simply glued the photos onto some card stock.
The cards came out at a grand total of 30 cents each, including the envelope...
that warms the cockles of my heart!


If you would like to spread the Christmoose cheer you are invited to use my original image for your cards (personal use only of course) . I would appreciate it if you follow Elle and Lou in return for using my design please.

Many thanks to The Graphics Fairy whose daily vintage images are an inspiring starting place.

Merry Christmas!


Linking up with:

The Graphics Fairy



Tuesday

Monday, December 12, 2011

Christmas Bunting Giveaway

Christmas is so special for the little ones.
They notice the small things-
like the number of baubles on a tree...

 

or the stamp on a Christmas card.



Children love a good story- especially if it about Santa!



 And I don't know about your children...
but mine LOVE to decorate and get in the Christmas spirit.

This inspired me to put a Christmas spin on my
"Bunting in a Book" range.




I'd love you to win it for the little one(s) in your life.

How to Enter- 4 ways to win!
Become a follower of Elle and Lou (1 entry)
Follow me on Facebook (1 entry)
Share this link on Facebook
Reblog this post (2 entries)
Leave a comment each time you enter
Entries close Saturday 17th December
when a random winner will be drawn!


(This giveaway is only open to Australian residents

 as I want it to reach the winner via post prior to Christmas.)





Good Luck and Merry Christmas!