I can hardly believe that my son will be starting his first day of Kindergarten next week! This is a big year for us since my son will be experiencing his First Day of School and when Michael’s invited me to participate in their First Day of School Blogger Challenge, I was so excited!
I spent some time browsing Pinterest and magazines for inspiration and came up with two great ideas for the first day of school.
First Day of School Teachers Crate
Hayden was spoiled by having an amazing preschool teacher and we loved spoiling her right back! Throughout the school year, we made sure to bring in extra food and supplies for her and I know that she really appreciated it. This year, Hayden will be meeting his teacher at a fun ice cream social in his classroom a few days before school starts and he will bring in his school supplies then. On his list, there were some items for his teacher’s wish list, so I knew that I wanted to pick those up for her.
Now, I could just throw them into the Target bag they came in, but I thought it would be fun to put it in something she could use in the classroom While wandering around Michael’s {which I could do for hours!}, I saw a whole aisle of wooden crates and was instantly inspired!
Supplies Needed
– 1 Wooden Crate (these can be found at Home Depot)
– Wood Glue
– Red Spray Paint
– Yellow Paint
– Black Paint
– Black Chalkboard Paint
– Wooden Plaque
– Paintbrush
– Ruler
– Wooden “School-themed” Embellishments
Now, my first thought was to glue yellow rulers to the front of the crate but if you can believe it, I couldn’t find any yellow rulers anywhere! Then, I realized that the front part of the crate would look so cute if I painted on what looked like yellow rulers. I feel red and yellow go together for teachers, so I decided to paint the rest of the crate red and the spray paint definitely worked best and fast. Plus, it dried in only 10 minutes!
I ended up painting on the yellow, but wish I would have grabbed yellow spray paint because it definitely would have been faster. But, after only a few hours it was totally dry!
Once the paint was dry, I got to work on the front of the crate. I did purchase one ruler for reference and with my black paint, started adding on the lines and numbers. Here’s where I realized my mistake. I was not doing a good job adding the lines and numbers with the paint, so I switched over to permanent marker. That definitely was a much better idea!
I then painted the wooden plaque with chalkboard paint. This part of the project is definitely optional, you may find that you like the crate without it. Once it was dry, I used a piece of chalk to “prime” the plaque by rubbing it with chalk and then cleaning it.
With wood glue I glued the wooden plaque to the front of the crate. Before you fill it up and give it to your child’s teacher, you can write something on it like the teacher’s name, room number or grade!
I had a lot of fun making this Teachers Crate for the First Day of School! Hopefully Hayden’s teacher will be able to find it useful in her classroom!
Make sure to check out my other First Day of School Craft – it’s a fun chalkboard picture frame!
What kind of First Day of School Crafts have you made?
Disclosure: I was provided with a gift card. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
amber whitehead says
This turned out so cute I love it!
Elena says
What a cool idea! This would be a great gift for any teacher
trisha says
You did a really phenomenal job! This is completely adorable.
trisha
Liz @ A Nut in a Nutshell says
That is seriously a cute idea. How you had time I’ll never know!
Samantha @ Lillian McKay Designs says
What are cute gift idea! Love it!
Jessica @FoundtheMarbles says
I’m so impressed! What an adorable and useful idea. Love it!
Whitney @ It's Gravy, Baby! says
This is adorable and I love that it is also useful. Great job!
Carrie with Children says
This is just too cute! I love it!
Becca - My Crazy Good Life says
This is adorable!! I love it, and can see that it would be an appreciated gift!
Angela says
This is just too stinkin’ cute! Any teacher would be thrilled to get this.
Emily @FamilyNLifeLV says
Wow! Super cute! I love it!
Denise Taylor-Dennis says
What a cute idea I am sure any teacher would love this.
Tammy S says
This is the cutest thing ever! I love how easy it is to make. Plus it is a very useful gift any teacher would love to receive. Thanks for the idea!
Sippy Cup Mom says
Thanks so much, Tammy!
Mel {MamaBuzz} says
This is so cute, Melissa! If I tried to paint that ruler on, I’d end up with numbers all over the place where they shouldn’t be. lol Hayden’s teacher is going to love this! Thanks so much for sharing on Inspire Me Wednesday. Featuring you in next week’s issue.:)
Sippy Cup Mom says
Thanks so much, Mel! I tried painting and had to start over and repaint the yellow because it was a mess! Sharpie was much better! I’m so excited to be featured, thank you!
Sandy VanHoey says
Oh my, how did you ever think of this…I want to do this now for my grandsons supplies. What a great idea and what a fabulous job
Shari G says
What a great idea! I know my boys teachers are always asking for tissue and paper towels. This would be a cute way to gift that to them.
Julie Wood says
I have not made any back to school supplies, but I really like this craft with school supplies that you made. It is so cute and really turned out good. I would love to make this!
Jaimi says
Very cute and practical idea! I really like this for teacher’s OR for my kids at home to store the learning games that we use for after-school and homeschool enrichment. Will be pinning. I am so glad you linked this up to the Kid Blogger Network Back to School linky!
christina says
i love this. things like this make me wish i were an elementary teacher. i hope that you will consider doing nice things like this until hayden graduates. middle and high school teachers love those appreciation gifts more than elementary teachers because they happen so rarely. in my 6 years of teaching high school i have been given tons of verbal thank yous but only two thoughtful gifts like this. those moments stand out when they do happen.
Melissa says
Aw, thanks Christina! I definitely want to – I especially know how middle and high school teachers can be left out. I will make sure we do something each year. Thanks for doing what YOU do!
Lynne B says
Another great teacher gift idea! I love how you browse Michael’s to find inspiration. I could definitely spend hours there, too!