Amazing Holiday & DIY classroom ornaments- Just saying!

Hey there! Again it's taking me way too long to post.  It's not because posting has not been on my mind but quite the opposite.  I have been so involved in our school's craft fair and now I'm on to obsessive over my classroom observation.  I have no idea why I thought it would be a great to schedule both within 7 days (actually withing 5 days) but apparently I am a glutton for punishment.  I guess maybe I could go for the sympathy vote??? Who knows.

Anyway- during this whole craft fair process I have become acquainted with so many cute ideas to do in the classroom.  I would LOVE to do all of these but being a travelling teacher I rarely have time for one craft a year.

The first little nugget I found is something that I am actually doing in my daughters classroom on Friday (yes can I squeeze one more thing in??)

Hand print snowman   

In an ideal world I would LOVE to do this! A variation would be to use magnets- Just something a little different.  

Bottlecap snowman

This cutie pie is made with dried glue! 

Glue snowman

Keeping this one a large photo because shortening it would not do it justice! 

snowman keys

All of these are so adorable and fairly easy to make.  I love being able to have students bring in items from home to make their craft.  It just shows them that a craft can be made from anything.  They don't have to make a special trip to the local big box store to make something cool.  

PS- As far as my awesome holiday- I HAVE to share that I have been starting to use Ebates and have been getting back $ hand over fist! Seriously.  Just got back $20. on my last shopping order.   Here is my referral link if you are interested.  Takes 10 seconds to sign up and you can shop at all your normal stores.  

Sign up for Ebates here!

THIS JUST IN! Amazing teacher discounts for your back to school shopping!

Walmart is offering 10% for teachers on school supplies! 

Walmart 10% deal

Here are some other places that offer discounts throughout the school year....

Deeply discounted books all year and free shipping- Just a great deal

1. The Container Store
   The Container Store helps teachers stay organized all year long with their Organized Teacher Program. Register online and you will receive exclusive discounts throughout the entire year. A school ID will be required to receive discounts with in-store purchases.
2. Staples
   Register for the Staples Teacher Rewards Program to garner five-percent back in rewards points and free shipping from Staples.com. The program covers a slew of products, from ink and paper to teaching and art supplies. 
3. Michael's
   Receive 15% off your entire purchase every day. To view eligible products and more details, click here.
4. Pets in the Classroom
   This unique program offers K-8 teachers grants to help cover the cost of a pet for the classroom. The maximum grant amount is $125, but there are also a number of different grant types to help pay for pet supplies.
5. CJ Banks/Christopher and Banks
   Get the looks you love for less with 10-percent off purchases from both retailers. This offer is only valid in-store, and excludes discounts on other special sale events. Just show the cashier your school ID at checkout.
6. Apple Store
   Apple is generous to teachers of all grade levels, offering varying discounts up to $200 on computers and accessories through the Apple Education Store. This offer also includes librarians, home schoolers, university profs and even elected officers to PTA boards.
7. National Park Service
   Show a valid school ID at a slew of National Park Service visitor centers across the nation and receive 15-percent off many purchases. The discount doesn't apply to park entry fees, camping fees or Smokey the Bear petting zoo fees.
8. Legoland Florida
   Florida teachers K-12 can enjoy an entire year of free admission with the Florida Teacher Pass to both Legoland and Legoland Water Park. Bring your most recent pay stub, Florida photo ID and teaching certificate to receive your pass.
9. Museum of Science, Boston
   Teachers of grades K-12 can register for the free Teacher Partner Program at the Museum of Science to receive a slew of exclusive benefits, including free individual exhibit passes, discounted annual memberships, and 10-percent off at the Museum Store.
10. Blick Art Materials
    Teachers should sign up for the Dick Blick Preferred Card. It’s completely free and gets you 10% off purchases at Blick and Utrecht stores. Blick also offers organizational discounts for bulk orders.
11. Barnes & Noble
    The B&N Educator Program provides teachers with 20-percent off the publisher's list price on purchases for classroom use. This discount is ramped up to 25% during Educator Appreciation Days.

That's all I have for now but you should ALWAYS ask if they offer a discount when you go places.  That includes asking for law enforcement, Emergency personnel as well as military if any of those apply to your family situation.  

ACK! I almost forgot! If you have a smart phone you need to download the app Snipsnap.  It is an amazing coupon app that lets you use coupons right on your smart phone.  Pair a Michael's coupon with the teacher discount for some awesome savings! If we are going anywhere I always check the app.  

Okay now I'm done

#kraftyteacherz