Tuesday, September 7, 2010

Crafty Way to Organize for School 2

Last year in an attempt to get a little organized for school, I made these SUPER easy folders. I planned to keep track of all the important papers and notes that came home with the boys from school...and the folders actually did their job really well! I think I only lost maybe two papers all year:)

This year, Henry is participating in his school Accelerated Reader program. The kids read books, take tests on the books, and earn points. At the end of the year there is a celebration for all the kids who earned 100 AR points. I knew that in order to stay organized, we needed a place to keep all our library books and the master list of AR books.

I picked up a pack of magazine boxes at Ikea this summer. I got five boxes for $3, which is an awesome deal...I really wish there was an Ikea closer to us!
Anyway, I knew these magazine boxes would be great for holding library books, they were just a little too plain. So, I got out the Mod Podge and some scrapbook paper and got busy making the boys some SUPER cute library book holders!

I measured the paper and cut it to size. I also traced the little circle on the front of the box so that it could be cut out.

Using my circle cutter, I cut out the circle in the paper to just the right size.
I added a layer of Mod Podge to the box with a foam brush.
I adhered the paper to the boxes and the coated the paper with a thin layer of Mod Podge.
After the first layer of Mod Podge was dry, I added the boys' initials to the bottom of the book holder. I used my Cricut to cut the letters, but any chipboard or scrapbook letter would work too. I added another layer of Mod Podge and made sure to coat the letter well.
I also added a little bit of paper to the top just to emphasize my color coding system:)
Now the boys have a great organized place to keep their library books, and hopefully this will help Henry met and exceed his AR goal for the year!



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18 comments:

  1. Another great idea. I might want to do something like this too. Thanks for sharing it!!

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  2. I've been to Ikea and love it. The closest one to us is about 5 hours. I always go online looking for goodies though. This is a great idea, super cute and organized!

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  3. I've never been to Ikea but REALLY want to...there's one in Cincinnati, not too far :) LOVE this! I think one major area I'm never organized in is the kids' school stuff! Those look so cute and pretty on your shelf!

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  4. My kids do AR in their school district too. Love this idea, I was thinking about last year's idea just the other day.

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  5. Very cute idea! I adore your color coding system. With only two kids and opposite genders I don't have quite the need for it but I still might incorporate it!

    We had an IKEA open up a few years ago close to us and I'm shocked with myself that I have never ventured in. We always visit an IKEA in Massachusetts when we visit and I guess I think of it as a thing to do when we're in MA! I really need to check the local one out. They're intimidating stores, though!

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  6. So cute! I love IKEA too. Ours is about an hour and 20 minutes away. We make a few trips a year though!

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  7. Great job! I still really love your color coding system. I love the scrapbook paper that you used too. I still have a folder bin for Jamison and it really does work. It was nice the other day when Jamison needed something and I knew exactly where to look.

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  8. Very cool Kelli! I really need to get organized around here :)

    xox
    Jen

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  9. So cool and creative! Would love for you to link them up with us at http://texasmonkey.blogspot.com/2010/09/dr-seuss-cat-in-hat-themed-party-all.html and show them off!

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  10. Love that pretty, colorful storage, Kelli! :) I have the same IKEA boxes. :)

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  11. SERIOUSLY, I need you to come to my house & completely organize! Warning: You will be scared. :) Great idea & looks adorable!

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  12. I really want to use modge podge...you make it look so easy. I must do a fun MP project soon.

    Very nice organizational tip :)

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  13. I need these too. I am so overwhelmed with all the paper work and things that need to be done with having three in the public school system now. Ugh. Love the design you chose. Super cute.

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  14. These are so cute--I love way you dressed them up with the scrapbook paper. I wish I had an Ikea where I live. I could use some of these!

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  15. Way to take something plain and make it fun!

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  16. Very cute! We have the same color coding system for my boys - oldest is blue, middle is green, and baby is red. Soooo much easier!

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  17. i love all you ideas- always. This is great!!!
    saw you over at CSI project
    ladeedacreations.com

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