Upcycled Soda Box Pencil Cases

I've got a daughter who is a pencil/crayon/marker/pen hoarder.

Seriously. (can't imagine where she gets that from :)

I thought that if I made her a fun case for her pencils, maybe she'll use them.  We shall see.

These cute pencil cases were made using a 12-pack Fanta soda box.  

Turned out adorable!  

And this one was from a 20-can Diet Coke box.

Each of my kids have requested one now, 

so I guess we'd better find some more soda boxes!

These would also make cute back to school teacher gifts!

You can make your own by using THIS TEMPLATE.

If you don't want to use soda boxes, 

you could also upcycle some cereal boxes, like THESE.

**a little tip** the pencils that I bought were too long for my cases.  

This could be solved simply by lengthening the box as you assemble it, 

or just sharpen your pencils before putting in your case.

{Favorite} Back to School Teacher Gift Ideas

Confession time.  

I didn't get around to making my kids' teachers Back to School gifts this year.  

Hiss....Boo!  

I'm disappointed in myself over not getting anything made, 

but figure we can make up for it later.

Since I was such a slacker this year, 

I thought it would be fun to take a stroll down memory lane 

and share some of my favorite gifts we've given their teachers in the past.

'From the Desk of...' Gift Set

Back to School Teacher Backpacks

Back to School Box of Goodies

And here's a few that would be great Back to School teacher gifts as well...

Water Bottle Drink Tag Gift

Custom Hand Sanitizer Bottles

I haven't decided yet what I'm making the kids' teachers for this year.  

Any ideas?

'Sending You Birthday Wishes' Card

Today is our last official day of summer.  

4 of my kiddos start school tomorrow, and the boy starts kindergarten on Thursday.  

Where did the time go?  We've had a fun summer, 

but I think everyone is ready to get back on a schedule again.

Today's card was created using THIS SKETCH for inspiration.

Here's a close up shot...

Have a splendid Tuesday!

Supplies:

Paper: "Fancy Floral" & "Blissful Floral" (Echo Park 'Sweet Day' line)
Stamp: "Card Chatter- Birthday" (CTMH)

A Quick Card...

Good Morning!

I'm always on the lookout for quick cards to make, 

because let's face it, 

I don't always have the time or patience to spend more than a few minutes on a card!

Today's card was inspired by THIS ONE...

Here's a close up shot.  I used 3-D foam squares on the flowers to pop them up a bit.

Such a fun card!!  And quick to put together too!

Supplies:

Paper: Dots & Stripes (Echo Park), Kraft Cardstock, Cocoa Cardstock

Stamps: Sentiment Sampler (Paper Smooches)

Punches: Flower punch, 1-3/8" square punch, 1/2" circle punch, corner rounder

'Thanks!' Card

Truth time.  

I love checking out 'card making challenge' blogs.  

And every week when I see the new sketches, 

I tell myself that I'm going to get a card made in time to submit it.  

But I'm always a week or two behind, it seems.

Maybe one of these days I'll get my act together.

Today's card was made using THIS SKETCH as inspiration...

I decided to add some ribbon to the top, and like how it turned out!

The stamped sentiment needed some dimension, 

so I cut out the oval section and used pop dots on it.  

You can kind of see it in this picture...

Hope you have a fabulous day!