Getting crafty!

I know it has been a while since my last post, but I've had so much going on getting ready for summer job! During the summer, I work for a program partnered with the school system and the city parks department. We provide a recreational summer program for low-income students. My job duties are basically the same as a principal during this program. I complete all the administrative duties, as well as planning field trips, managing a staff of leaders, and my least favorite part, disciplining the kiddos who don't make the best choices, behavior wise.

When I'm not running this program at Evans School, I've been trying to get things ready for classroom at home or working on my room during the weekend. Unfortunately, I have not taken any pictures of classroom! I don't know why but I guess when I get in there I just get busy cleaning and organizing that I don't think about it. I did put a reminder on my iPhone, so hopefully I'll get some the next time I'm there :)

This has been my latest project. They were cleaning out an office as I was getting some things ready for the parks department. Anything left in the conference room was up for grabs! When I saw this cart I thought it would be perfect for turning in papers, or maybe a tool for me when determining students Readwell levels, during RTIs, or even DRAing students. I'm not sure what I'll use it for yet but I know it will come in handy!

It was pretty boring and plain looking so I decided I would spruce it up a little bit!

Here is what I used:

• Scrapbook paper
• Spray glue
• Cardboard
• Scissors

 First I measured each section and created a pattern for each section, so that I could trace it onto the scrapbook paper. Once I had traced all 14 rectangular pieces and all 14 square pieces. I realized that the paper would not lay flat on the square sections because it was not level. That's where the cardboard comes into play. I laid the cart on its side and placed strips of cardboard to help level it out.

I attached those pieces of cardboard using the spray glue and let it dry. Then I arranged the pieces of scrapbook paper. I tried to get different colors in each section. 

Then I sprayed each piece of paper down into its section. The paper seems like it has a ton of glue on it as its sprayed but it dries just fine. Here's how it looks just after I glued the pieces down. 

And here is a finished side. I finished the other side after letting the first side dry. The key to this is to spray the pieces of scrapbook away from the cart so that the over spray doesn't make the rest of the cart sticky. I'm going to use some Goo Gone to clean up any sticky areas but I haven't had a chance yet! 

I also purchased this cart at Wal-Mart for $30 dollars. I love it and it was really simple to put together according to Cory :) He had it together in about 10 minutes while I was making dinner. The best part about both of these carts is that they both have wheels so they are easily moved. 

I promise my next update will have pictures of my classroom! I'm hoping to get over there a few days this week and get some more of the resources that were left for me put away. It's such a long process to go through everything and figure out the best way to organize it. But it's getting there!