Teacher Gift: FREE PRINTABLE

 

10 months ago, we sent our oldest child off to kindergarten.  Our tentative, quiet, little girl cried every morning for the first week.  It was a tough week.

And what feels like a short 10 months later, she's blossomed into an outgoing, curious, little chatterbox who rushes to get dressed and teeth brushed at the mere mention of missing the bus.

 It's been an amazing year and I'm so thankful for the great school and teachers we have.

So I put together some little gifts to say thank you.

I found these cute metal tins at the Dollar Store and used a  hammer and nail to poke holes in the bottom.  We bought a 6 pack of thyme and a 6 pack of oregano at our local Farmer's Market and put one of each into each tin.  

Oregano is a great container plant since it self seeds and can take over a yard in no time flat.  Better in a container than in your lawn!

 

I used paper, punches, and sticks that I had around the house to make the labels.  

Free printable HERE.

The least I could do to thank our teachers for helping my little girl grow.

TUTORIAL: Fabric Bookmark with Pocket

Here's a simple little tutorial you can whip up just in time for Mother's Day.

Who wouldn't love to receive a pretty bookmark with a little gift card or special note tucked in a clear pocket?

Grab some scraps and let's get to work.

 You'll need:  

• 2 fabrics rectangles, 3.25inches x 7 inches
• 1 rectangle of mid-weight, fusible interfacing 2.5inches X 6.25 inches (I use Craft Fuse)
• 1 scrap piece of vinyl
• optional ribbon scrap 

 With right sides together, sew around all  sides with a 1/4 inch seam allowance, leaving a small opening for turning on one short end.

 Clip the corners, turn right-side-out and iron.

Fold interfacing in thirds and slide it inside the bookmark.

 Then using a pen or knitting needle, flatten it out

Iron according to the manufacturer's instructions.

 If you are using a ribbon, fold it in half and insert the raw ends into the opening, pin in place.

 Grab your vinyl scrap and lay it on top of bookmark.  It should be about 3 inches tall.  Don't worry about the width, you'll trim it later.  It's best to have it hang over the sides, it makes it easier to sew.

Sewing with vinyl is like sewing oilcloth, it can be tricky.  My walking foot had no problem at all with this.  If you don't have a walking foot, there are some great tips HERE at sew, mama, sew.

With the vinyl in place, top-stitch all around, making sure to catch all the vinyl (this won't be a problem if you cut it larger than the bookmark) and close the opening you left for turning.

Add a gift card or note and you're done!

 A sweet little gift for someone special.

 Your mom, a friend, a favorite teacher....

Who will you give yours to?