Make a Fire Pit in 3 Steps

Step 1:  Clear the grass and rocks from the area and rake the dirt to make it even.

 
 
Step 2:  Pour 2 to 3 inches of gravel on top of the dirt.  We used 6 bags.
 
 
Step 3:  Place stones on top of gravels.  We used 36 stones (3 levels of 12 stones).
 

 


Changing a Chair Cheaply

I wanted to add some color to our kitchen without spending a lot of money.  I decided to paint our chairs and re-cover the seat cushions.  This is the second time I have painted our chairs.  After getting 7 chairs and a table (which we did not use) on Craigslist for $80.00 a few years ago, I painted the wooden chairs black.  I liked the ladderback style of chairs and a similar design of chair went for $250/chair at a particular high end store so this seemed (and still does seem) like a great deal.  This time around, I spray painted them red.  The cushions have been covered in an outdoor fabric that was purchased for under $3.00 a yard.  I like the outdoor fabric because spills wipe off easily, which is always a good thing with young children.

First step, remove the cushion.  In my case, it involved unscrewing the cushion from the frame.  Second step, spray paint the chair.  Make sure you choose a paint that is made for your chair material (wood, metal, etc.).  If this is your first time painting the chair, choose a Primer + Paint type of paint.  After it has dried thoroughly, paint over it with a sealant.  I painted outside before our grass was cut so the red paint would not be as noticeable after we cut the grass :-)

 
Last step, cut the fabric larger than the chair cushion.  Cover and attach it using a staple gun.  Screw it back onto the chair frame and you are done.  I wish I had a before picture to show you, but oh well!



Pew-tiful Bench

We liked the idea of using a church pew in our Living Room for extra seating, but did not want to spend a lot of money.  After regularly searching Craigslist's free section, I found the pew below.  Because I used paint we already had, this project did not cost us any money.  Yay!

Before Picture

 
Sand & Prime
 
 
 After painting the bench red, we decided that it was too bright.  
 
 
To remedy this situation, we mixed red and dark gray.  Because the cushion could not be removed, we painted the fabric with the same dark gray paint.

 
 
Finished Product!

 
 
 

A Dot's A Lot!

Have you ever handed your child a bottle of glue only to realize that he has used way too much?  Teach your little guy or gal this simple slogan, "A dot's a lot!"  You will be surprised at how this little saying will encourage proper glue usage.


Class Rules

When teaching young children, it is best to keep your classroom rules simple and to the point.  Choose a few rules that can cover everything.  My rules are:

Be kind to yourself (Don't call yourself names or put yourself down.  Don't chew on your clothes.  Take care of school supplies, books, etc.)

Be kind to others (Don't call your friends names, tease them, etc.  No pushing, hitting, spitting, etc.  Help friends whenever possible.  Say positive things to your friends.)

Be kind to your school (Clean up your things.  Don't write on or abuse the furniture.)

Click here to get your free 8 1/2" X 11" poster of these classroom rules.


 

Paper Plate Art

Fun paper plate crafts!
 
Use paper plates, paint, markers, and google eyes to make these great crafts. 
Glue cotton balls to make a fluffy sheep.
 











Lessons now available

You can now purchase lessons directly from this website by clicking on the "Back-To-School Lessons" and "Fall Lessons" tabs above.  Happy shopping!
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