Thursday, May 20, 2010

end of year teacher gifts

Yesterday was Sutton's last day of preschool for the year. I am excited for the freedom from a schedule that summer brings but I am a little sad too because the end of school also means I won't be thrifting and running errands with ease.

At the end of each school year one of the mothers organizes a group gift for each teacher (there are two). I decided this year to do my own thing. In the May 2010 Martha Stewart Living there is a Mother's Day craft where you iron-on flowers to a store bought tote bag. I thought it would be perfect for the teachers. I made the tote bags myself and instead of iron-on I used Martha's template to make a freezer paper stencil. Sutton even helped paint the flowers. Find the templates here and here.

I finished the purple flower bag yesterday and the blue bag this morning just in time to make it to the 'farewell to school' picnic! This project was super easy and cost about $5/per bag. I even have material leftover.

I am going to make one for Liam's teacher too but he has a couple more weeks of school. How much do you want to bet that I will be finishing it up the night before the last day of school? Ah, procrastination!




21 comments:

Tammy @ she wears flowers said...

These look great!! What a good idea!

Kristi said...

Cute, cute, cute. As a former teacher, I can tell you that they will love their gift!

Jaymerz said...

Those are adorable!!

The Kerr Family said...

Too stinkin' cute!

janimal said...

You did a lovely job. What lovely gifts1

Unknown said...

Beautiful! You are such a thoughtful and kind parents. All teachers should be blessed to have at least one stylish and crafty mom like you :)

chris said...

These are sure to be treasured. :)

Joy said...

These look great and they will love them. Great gift that keeps on giving.

♥ Joy

Mama Thompson said...

super cute...as always:)

Anonymous said...

Hi from Australia! Do you have a pattern for the bags that you can share? I'm a total beginner!!

Carmen said...

Oh, I love the blue one! Today was my last day of school (woohoo!) and while I received some lovely goodbye gifts, I'd love to get that blue bag even more! :)

Amy said...

I love those!! I've wanted to try freezer stencils.
I think I'm excited for summer:) Can't wait for time with my girls, but I get nervous about finding time to write and work on my blog. It such a great creative outlet for me, but I know I am going to have to hold the blog loosely this summer...

granma and papa said...

Erin,
your bags are wonderful!
Wow -
Mom

I'm Ashley. said...

So I just did my first lamp makeovers (http://gogreeno.blogspot.com/2010/05/lamps-before-after.html) and I LOVE them but I had such a hard time getting the fabric to lay right... and one of them ended up with a "pleat" in the middle haha! Just curious if you have any suggestions for next time?
<3 Ashley

standingquietintherain said...

Oh I am one jealous teacher right now! While those of us who are lucky enough to have students that can give us a gift now and then appreciate every little drawing and note, it is rare that we get something as useful and beautiful as your bags. Good work!

I'm sure I'm not the only one, but you actually give me a gift almost every day. I typically read your blog at my desk in my classroom during lunch. I come away with inspiration and smile every time.

Thanks!

Kim said...

Those are fabulous. I am in awe that you can whip up a tote bag..just like that. Talent, my dear. You are very talented.

janimal said...

Giving you a blog award! Pass it on!

http://delilahsmomma.blogspot.com/2010/05/blog-award.html

-Janimal

Erin said...

Thank you all for your kind comments!

Anonymous in Australia- I didn't use a pattern, I made it up as I went along. I wish I had time to do a tutorial for you but I am going on vacation next week! I did a little searching and found this tutorial: http://sewmamasew.com/blog2/?p=514
It is very similar to how I made my totes. Good luck!

Andrea said...

Love your blog! Do you have any advise for someone purchasing a first sewing machine? A brand/model recommendation would be SO appreciated! I have always wanted to learn to sew - you are very inspiring!

Liza said...

I love your blog! My husband bought me a sewing machine a couple years ago, I wanted to learn how to sew but I lacked inspiration. Thanks for sharing your projects and ideas.Now I'm super inspired.

Zafran ali said...

Those are adorable & you have done gorgeous work well done keep it please.gifts send to
Pakistan

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