Thursday, May 24, 2012

Item #7 on My To Do List- Check!

I made button magnets!!! 
Now I am ready to share them with you and let you know how easy it was to make them!  I am going to provide step by step directions although I am sure many of you can figure it out on your own. 

**Please note that I edited all of these pictures while working on a post for my other blog, hence the www.mybeautyboxes.com labels on the pictures.  Rather than go back and redo this (which would take FOREVER), please just ignore my blunder while I get used to having 2 blogs.  Thanks for your patience!** 


First, here are the supplies you will need:

1. Buttons of various colors and sizes
2. Thread
3. Round Magnets
4. Scissors
5. Hot Glue (If Desired)



Step 1:
Pick out buttons for your magnet

Step 2:
Pull thread in a color of your choice through the back of one of the holes of the bottom button.

Step 3:
Pull the thread through a hole in the back of the next button. Then slide the top button onto the bottom button as shown in the 2nd picture.


Step 4:
Pull the thread through the diagonal hole in the top button.

Step 5:
Pull the thread through the diagonal hole of the 2nd button (If you are good at lining up the buttons, you can pull through both buttons at once to save time).

Step 6:
Pull the thread tight on both ends.
The back should look like this:

The front should look like this (Notice how the holes match up?):


Step 7:
Pull either side of the thread through the back an empty hole beside it.  Make sure it goes through both buttons.

Step 8:
Once the thread is pulled through to the front, send it down through the last remaining hole.

Step 9:
Pull the thread tight so that it makes an x on the front of the buttons.

Step 10:
Tie the thread in a knot 2-3 times in the back to keep the thread in place.

Step 11:
Cut the excess thread.

Step 12:
If your magnet has adhesive, remove the white tab to expose the stick side.  If it is not self adhesive, you can use a glue gun to adhere the button to the magnet.  You may choose to use a glue gun anyway if you want the strongest bond.

Step 13:
Attach the button to the magnet.

Step 14:
Push the button and magnet together tightly to ensure a strong bond and voila!


I hope you enjoyed this tutorial!

Sunday, May 20, 2012

My Summer Bucket List!


 
As you all know, I am a teacher, so I have the luxury of having over 2 full months off this summer!  Yes, I plan on spending some lazy days chilling by the pool, but I also have a few things to accomplish on my To Do List.  What better motivation to complete the list than to share with you all!  Here is how I will be spending my summer:
 
1. Start a Teaching Blog!
Yes, THIS blog that you are currently reading!  It is a bit personal as well, but I am excited to start sharing about my personal and professional life (hey, free therapy)!  Please excuse the lack of posts. In the meantime, feel free to check out my beauty blog HERE! I promise you I have lots of posts and giveaways there!
 
2. Paint a Teacher Stool
I found this oh-so-cute stool on Pinterest and cannot wait to design my own!
 
3. Make a New Objective Board
I post the date, agenda, and objectives daily in my classroom.  Since this is something that is referred to and looked at all day long, who would want to look at a plain white board?  I want to make a fun objective board that will make my room look brighter and that the kids will love.  I found this great idea HERE.
 
 
4. Paint a Mural on my Classroom Wall
Well, maybe I won't be painting this, but I have an extremely artistic (yet very humble) cousin who has agreed to help me paint something on my wall!  I am thinking maybe a tree with a whimsical owl?  Any ideas???  I really like this wall decal that can be bought HERE.
 

5. Set up a Classroom Website/Moodle Page

6. Make a Set of Fabric Banners for my Classroom
You can learn how to make your own HERE.

7. Make Button Magnets for my Board
You can find the easy directions for making your own HERE.
 
8. Make Bird's Nest Necklaces
I found the easiet DIY directions for this gorgeous necklace HERE.  I made a few to give to my co-workers at school and as a special Mother's Day gift for a lady who is like my mother.  I received SO many compliments and requests for necklaces that I plan to whip up a batch this summer! ;)  I even make earrings to match.  I belong to a local Junior Women's Club and we have a Holiday Marketplace each year where crafters sell their goodies.  I am considering making some to sell.  Do you think I will have an interest?


9. Guest Blog!!!!
I want to both write a guest blog post and feature a gues blogger on my sites!  I think it is an excellent way to get to know others and increase your traffic.  I am absolutely STOKED to get started on this one!  Anyone interested? ;)

10. Spend Time with Amazing Family & Friends
I want to stop neglecting those who mean the most to me, so I plan to visit a best friend in Florida, go shopping with my "adopted" momma (I am not adopted, I just call her that), and make lots of lunch dates with important ladies!  I also plan to spoil my puppy and boyfriend with lots of extra time and love!  Who would not want to spend all day with this gorgeous face???



I HOPE YOU ALL ENJOY YOUR SUMMER AS MUCH AS I PLAN TO!