I’m either an awesome, crafty parent or a really crappy one. It depends on how you look at.
I made a bunch of DIY gifts for Mia’s Preschool teachers this year, and while I got “ooo’s” and “ahhh’s,” from them and “how do you find the time?”, only I knew that I had whipped them up last minute and DIYing was the best I could come up with…
At least I’m crafty, I guess. It could have been much worse. Here’s how it all went down:
- Christmas: I remembered that it’s customary to give Christmas gifts to teachers (duh) the night before Christmas break. I pulled out the last sets of handmade cards I had leftover from a boutique and placed them in a cute paper bag that Mia stamped and colored on. Saved!
- Teacher Appreciation Day: I realized it was a holiday a half hour before taking Mia to school – thanks to some morning reading of blogs by awesome moms who actually plan ahead. I whipped up a quick idea in my head, ran to the Dollar Tree after dropping Mia off and came up with this little succulent planter. I delivered it a couple of hours later when I picked her up. Phew!
- Last Day of School: I realized at 5:00 p.m. the night before that the last day of school was the next day. Oops. Oh wait! I have leftover nameplates from Lincoln’s birthday party this weekend. Let’s make them teacher-ish and have Mia help and sign her name (because that fixes everything). Huzzah!
So there it is. My dirty confession. I’m slowly on my way to becoming this mom (which I wouldn’t mind, because she, quite frankly, is hilarious).
Anyway, despite my forgetfulness and last-minute ideas, I managed to pull it off. The end-of-the-year teacher nameplates actually turned out pretty cute too, and they are honestly so simple to make. Here’s a quick tutorial on how I did it.
DIY wood & chalkboard nameplates
Materials:
- Square block of wood (1.5” x 1.5”), cut to 7” in length
- Black chalkboard paint (I like Martha Stewart’s Chalkboard Paint)
- Roller or paintbrush for applying paint
- (2) Scrapbook papers cut to 1 3/8” x 6 7/8”
- Mod Podge
- Paintbrush or foam brush for applying Mod Podge
- Chalk
- Ribbon
- Marker
Directions:
- Paint one 7” side of block with black chalkboard paint. Let dry according to directions.
- Pick one of the sides adjacent to chalkboard to be the bottom of the nameplate. Write a message using marker (I suggest a Sharpie) to the teacher; have child sign their name.
- Cover one of the blank sides with a light layer of Mod Podge. Place one of the scrapbook papers on top and smooth out air bubbles.
- Once smooth, brush another light layer of Mod Podge over paper to seal it, wiping up any excess with a paper towel.
- Repeat last two steps on final blank side of block.
- Let dry (overnight is best).
- Write teacher’s name on chalkboard side. Tie chalk to nameplate with a piece of ribbon.
*Tip: Be careful when using the Mod Podge that you don’t paint any on the chalkboard side of the block, or you’ll ruin it. If you are doing this with a small child and are worried about their accuracy, place masking tape over the chalkboard side before beginning. That being said, my preschooler did fine with my supervision.
I hope Mia’s teachers don’t ever read this telling post… just in case: Please know that my procrastination and forgetfulness are no indication of my gratitude and love for you and all you do!
