School Cupboards

I'm trying to get a few projects done. Project Master Bedroom is still in the "seeking inspiration" phase. I did just complete a different project though - the after school "drop off" station. We have these 6 cupboards behind the front door.

For the past few years each kid in school had a cupboard. Now we have 7 kids in school, so had to mix things up a bit. So now kids share back pack cupboards and shoe shelves. Joseph and Mel in cupboard 1, 4 Jr. High kids shoes in cupboard 2, Ethan and Hyrum backpack in cupboard 3. (all the backpacks are gone cause they're at school right now...)

On the bottom, we've got Sunday shoes in cupboard 4, elementary kids' backpacks in cupboard 5 (I had to put 3 hooks in there, and I learned it's hard to screw things inside of cupboards). Cupboard 6 is shoes for Wes/Abi/Lily/Sophi/Natalie, aka WALSN. It ain't beautiful, but it's functional, so that will do us just fine for now.

Master Bedroom Help

I've been searching for a long time for an idea for above our master bed. I recently saw this idea in the spring/summer issue of "Best of Flea Market Style" Magazine...

So I like that idea, I think I'll put a white shelf to set them on, I just need to know: 

should I do capital letters...

or lower case?

"Back to School" Board

I made this little "Back to School" board today. 

I am able to rotate out the paper on the second half to show whatever is our school year theme.

I have only made one other board like this, but I hope to make enough that there is always one up to celebrate the current holiday or season. And they are not by the desk anymore, they are on the small wall space by the front door. :) 

I also rotate out the colored vases, a simple way to decorate as I try to figure out how to be festive.

"Back to School" Tradition

I think we've got a new tradition. "School Year's Eve" - the nutshell of it is in that link - here are some of the more boring details - 

FEAST - Feast - Ham sandwiches, sack lunch foods, and chocolate milk, cupcakes and primary colored candies and lollipops

THEME - 2014-15 Theme: Of Things That Matter Most

CENTERS - Each one had a star balloon to guide us. Next year make a worksheet with a section for each color, or they earn a star sticker at each center, after they get all the stars they get their prize (lunchsack full of treats and a theme reminder for their room/shelf)

• BLUE CENTER - Questionnaire
• PURPLE CENTER - Routine & Schedule (Mom's In and out box)
• GREEN CENTER - After School Routine (where you file your papers, put backpack, etc)
• ORANGE CENTER - School supplies
• RED CENTER - Visualization Boards (I have a box where I put all the magazines I'm done with and the kids cut them up to their hearts content. I think they liked it)
• YELLOW CENTER - Father's Blessings

PRIZE - fruit snack, rice krispy treat, mnm's, this year bank for boys (prepare for future and missions) for girls is a little trinket phone charm for their little knick nack shelf, reminder of calling on God for help, of talking time to talk in relationships that matter, necklaces for little girls for fun, princess stickers and mirror and makeup stickers, to remember beauty within is what matters most and that they are daughters of a King.

Flower Pens

During the school year, we never seem to be able to find a pen when we need one, like when I need to sign permission slips, write out a check, initial daily planners, etc. (so basically all the time.) SO, in anticipation for much pen usage during the school year that is fast upon us, I made some flower pens. 

They are a hit with the little girls, and I know when they go when I find them discarded on the floor. :) We have a pot of pens in the kitchen and also in the study by the computer. 

 A place for everything and everything in its place. 

"W" on the Bookshelf

I made this framed W picture seven months ago. It's been looking for a home ever since. It's made it on the wall a few times, only to be removed as I wait for inspiration. This past week she found her home on the wall at the top of the bookshelf and I love it. With our Valentine candy on display. Those are some "sours" gummy candy from Zurchers.

(Mel trying to photo bomb my photo.)

I like these bookshelves. We had them when we were renting our other house, then they spent time at my brother in laws home when we moved out of the country for a few months. After we returned, he said he could give them back or he'd post them on the classifieds. I wasn't planning on getting them back, since they are big and it's kinda a hassle, but I thought I'd rather get them back over selling them. Anyway, we had to saw off the two metal bases they were on to make them fit in the front room, and after fitting them in I was very glad we took them back. They are on either side of the north wall in our front room. I like the slightly color coordinated books too, thanks to Design Mom for introducing that idea to me. (I couldn't find the post about it on her blog, here's another post though.)

Decor Balls

Giving these decor balls a go again... Turning out kinda cute?

Some made with raffia and jute twine, others with fabric that is left over from pillows I made and from the window drapery panels. I'm wrapping whatever I feel like around some balls that I got from the dollar store, which are slightly less expensive than the styrofoam ones at the craft store.

...and an old shirt of Corey's, I apparently like making it "ours". :)