An Eensy, Weensy Altered Journal

Recently, I went to Toys R Us and they were having major clearance sales. There were 2 party packages of 8 tiny notebooks that were 1 inch wide by 1 1/2 inch tall. I took out the wire, and then altered the outside, inside, the back side and inner back side. I made these for a Twilight swap I am in. I used Cat's Eye Distressing ink, DCWV Old World Stack, a copper skeleton key, and used my labeler to say: Key To My Heart. Then I rewired these little pieces. I plan on making leather ones next.

An Emotional Jasper Twinchie- Twilight Saga

Ah, here is a twinchie dedicated to the Emotional Jasper Hale. He is known to help keep the peace, or keep others emotions in check. He is thoughtful and caring. Despite being attacked my many "newborn" vamps, he thrives.

Twilight Inspired Volturi Checker Crest Pieces

Twilight's "Volturi" Crest Pieces

You are gazing upon my latest creation of The "Volturi" Crest pieces to be used for various projects and for the checker game I am creating. These took me so long to make but they turned out. I placed a quarter next to it so you can see the size of the pieces. I will start on the design of the board tonight. Enjoy.

ATC's (Artist Trading Cards) Make Your Mark

ATC: Artist Trading Cards

Make Your Mark

     In early postings, I mentioned briefly about an ATC card. I had no idea that these things existed. Sure, I knew that there were Baseball cards, Game Cards, Movie Trading Cards, but Artist Trading Cards (ATC)! Well, once I found them, I was hooked. An artist trading card (or ATC for short) is a tiny, original piece of art created with the intention of swapping or trading it with another artist, not selling it. I joined a few artist swaps online and the trading began. I joined a decade swap. My 2 spots in the decade swap were 1900's-1909, and 1940's-1949.

       Once my decade was chosen, the next task at hand was figuring out what to put on these things. What do you write on the back? What do they look like? I got on the huge world wide web and googled, binged, yahooed everything and anything ATC's. I found a fountain of information. The average size of an ATC must be 2.5x3.5 inches or 64x89 mm. (This is the size of the original collectible sports trading cards.) The one rule an artist trading card must adhere to is the size.

      On the front of an ATC an artist creates an original work to showcase their art. It can be a one-off, part of a series, or a limited edition. On the back the artist puts their name, contact details, title of the ATC, number if it's a limited edition, and sometimes the date it was created.

      FYI: An ATC created with the intention of selling it is known as an ACEO (short for Art Cards, Editions and Originals). ACEOs are often sold on many auction sites. Why the two names when the only difference is that the one is sold and the other not? The main reason that there is the distinct difference in names is that one is sold and the other is not which can cause a debate amongst various artists.  Sometime's if there is a disput or difference,  you could find yourself in the middle of an argument between someone who believes all art should be for sale and that ATCs exclude non-artists, and someone who believes that art cards is a distinctive form of art and never should be sold. (Sorry for the long ramble but just thought I  should at least mention this, another new thing I learned).

     When I chose the first decade (1900's-1909), I researched things about that era online. Yes, I am online alot. I realized that the first Model T Ford was displayed for the entire world to gaze upon the blazin new era. I found a postage stamp within that decade. I thought about the change that was occuring in the United States, how farmers and townsfolk were slowly merging (the reason for the twine), I found a poker chip that I altered because things were up in the air for many people, and many people took a gamble with the new decade, new century. I used a bubble sticker to show up the date of the cancelled stamp. I used a  skeleton key brad, because it was meant to unlock the secrets of the new era. A calendar was added from the year on the cancelled postage stamp. I used a little Cat's Eye Chalk Chestnut Roan to distress the edges. I hand stitched the front of the ATC to the back where I had my contact information, what the card was about, the number in the series it was. My 1900's-1909 decade card was completed:

     My second decade was 1940's-1949's, a decade filled with war, fighting, poverty, pain, fear, and much more. I wasn't sure how to honor this decade because it played such a vital role in today's world. People were scared, young men were forced to go to war or chose to go and fight for this great country of ours. There was an angry German Leader who wiped out millions of people while the world sat and waited. The German Leader was defeated but there was the trauma, poverty, and pain that was left behind. But, even with all of that, there was hope, and perhaps a hint of peace for the first time in so many people's lives. I chose to make this ATC a card dedicated to the world. The saying was simple: Do you see what I feel?

An ATC can be a fun, time-consuming, yet theraputic piece of art. You release a part of you in everything you do. I challenge you to make one, I guarantee you will be addicted!!!

    

Instruction on How to Make Your Own TearBears

Tear Bear Instructions

List of items you will need to make your Tear Bear

• Pattern of choice

• Mulberry paper (see below for discussion of papers), usually 2 colors

• Thin paintbrush or cotton swab

• Dish of water

• Glue (see below for discussion of glues)

• Black fine-point pen



Optional supplies to further embellish your creation

• Chalk (usually same color as paper in darker shade)

• UniqueScraps Tear Bear Faces

• Opaque white pen

• Toothbrush or similar brush

• Pop dots or other dimensional adhesive

• UniqueScraps Fibers, ribbons, silk flowers, etc.





Before you begin ...

Assemble all of your materials. You may want to protect the surface you are working on as you will be wetting the papers. Cut out your pattern pieces. At this point, you can "rough up" the paper by brushing it with a toothbrush before you begin if desired. This will give a fuzzier edge. (I prefer to use the toothbrush on the edges of the piece after it is torn out.) Consider experimenting with a scrap or edge of the paper to see how to get the fuzziest tear with your particular paper ... first wet the paper as explained below and then see whether pulling the piece apart or tearing toward you gives the edge you like best.



Tear Bear Instructions



• Begin by laying your largest pattern piece (generally the body) over the paper, leaving at least 1/2 inch between the pattern piece and the edge of the paper (finer grained papers will allow you to place the pattern nearer the edge; you will learn as you work with a particular paper how much to allow)

• Dip your paintbrush (a cotton swab also works, but a small paintbrush will give a better result) into a container filled with clean water, and begin to "paint" around the edge of the pattern. You want the fibers of the paper to be wet through ... don't worry, it's only water and it will dry with no ill effects.

• If you work fairly quickly, you will be able to outline the entire pattern piece and tear it before it dries too much. However, if you find that the paper dries too much before you finish tearing, don't worry. Just place the pattern piece back over the paper and re-wet in the same manner.

• Begin tearing the paper away from the pattern piece. It pays to experiment first with a scrap of the paper. Many papers tear well and leave nice fuzzy edges by simply pulling the excess away from the body, with the whole thing still flat on your work surface. Some papers work better by tearing the paper toward you.

• After you finish the first pattern piece, tear out the other pieces in the same manner, making sure to use the preferred color of paper if you are using more than one color. If you prefer that any piece NOT be fuzzy, you may trace it onto regular cardstock and cut it out. (Tip: place the pattern piece upside-down on the wrong side of the cardstock before tracing, then any lines at the edge will be on the bottom of the piece.)

• If you plan to rough the edges with a toothbrush, go ahead and do that now. As with tearing, you can experiment with a scrap piece that you have torn before trying this with your Tear Bear pieces. I usually like to brush from the bear out, using a medium pressure. You may want to feather the edges of the face piece more lightly than the others.

• Chalking can add extra dimension and definition to your TearBear. If you want to chalk the edges of your Tear Bear, make sure it is completely dry first. This may happen as you work with the pieces if you are using a lighter paper, or can take up to 30 minutes or more if you are using a heavier paper. We definitely recommend practicing on a scrap piece for this technique. A good color choice for chalk is often the same color as your bear's body parts in a darker shade. You can also try a lighter tint of the same color. White or very light colored bears can be edged in practically any color ... a brownish color will make them look more natural, while pink or blue will make them more typical baby girl or boy accents, or any color may be used to make them complement your layout.

• When all Tear Bear pieces are ready, lay them out as you would like them. Legs and arms can generally be placed in any position. Heads can be straight or tilted. The legs usually look better if placed under the body, and the arms are usually placed on top of it. The head is usually placed just a bit overlapping the body. Try out various positions until you find the one you like best.

• If you skipped chalking, do make sure your bear is completely dry before gluing. Various glues can be used, depending on the thickness of the paper you select.

• Glue your Tear Bear together.

• Arrange the face pieces to your liking, and then glue them down. You may want to arrange them on a scrap piece of paper and try drawing various facial lines before adding the face to your bear.

• The mouth is drawn in with a fine line black pen. Most people prefer simple line mouths. You may also like to make stitch-type lines for the mouth.

• Whisker dots may be added beside the mouth. Odd numbers of dots are more visually pleasing. Most people find 3 dots on each cheek to be enough.

• Add highlights to the eyes using the opaque white pen (make sure the eyes match each other as closely as possible!).

• Add other embellishments, such as a tiny ribbon or fiber bow, a silk flower, fiber stitching, or a die-cut or paper-pieced object for your Tear Bear to "hold" or otherwise interact with. The possibilities are limited only by your imagination, and this step is the most fun!



Now sit back and enjoy your adorable Tear Bear creation! Although we listed many steps above, in order to make the process as understandable as possible for nervous scrapbookers making their first tear bear, it really is very easy and a very forgiving technique. You may look at your pieces when you are half-finished and think that it just isn't working, only to be amazed at how cute the little guy is when you are finished! Tear Bears are very addictive too ... after you have made one, you will want to make many more, and perhaps try out other kinds of Tear Animals as well!





About Paper Choices ...

A number of papers may be used to make TearBears. One of the most popular has been the Bazzill Brand Handmade Paper. If you can find it, this is a wonderful choice. However, we have been informed that they will no longer be offering this paper. Try your local scrapbook store for heavy mulberry papers. If they do not currently stock them, perhaps they will consider ordering them for you. Sometimes these are available in two-tone, with a darker shade of the same color on the back. These are especially helpful if the two colors are the ones you want to use for your Tear Bear. You may also be able to find suitable papers online. (We may consider offering our own handmade papers for Tear Bears in the future.)

You can of course try your hand at making a suitable paper if you like to do that sort of craft and have the necessary materials at hand. (Try an online search for "handmade paper instructions" if you need the information. Remember to add an agent to make your paper acid-free if you plan to use it in your scrapbook.)

I have also used light (regular) mulberry papers with great success, depending on the look I desire. One of the main challenges with using light mulberry paper is in finding a suitable glue, as liquid glues often discolor the paper, and many glue squares will show through. I often attach the mulberry parts to pieces that I cut from cardstock (sometimes using the same color, sometimes using white or black, depending on the effect I want). In this case, I apply tiny rub-on glue dots or xyron adhesive to the front of the cardstock, then carefully apply the mulberry piece to the top.

About Glue Choices ...

It is much easier to choose a suitable glue for the heavier papers than the regular (light) mulberry paper. Almost any glue is suitable for the heavy paper. You may especially like dimensional "pop" dot type glue dots, especially when adding arms, head, and face, as well as embellishments for your bear to "hold". So far we have had good success with various liquid glues, glue squares, and pop glue dots.

The lighter papers are much more prone to discoloration if a liquid glue is used, and will usually show a glue square. Also, xyron is not an ideal glue because of the distorting of the fuzzy edges that it can cause. If you mount the pieces on identical pieces cut from your pattern made of cardstock, you can more easily use the xyron by applying the glue to the front of the cardstock pieces. Otherwise, the best glue is probably the rub-on glue dots, although even these will show through the thinnest mulberry paper.


If you wish to purchase an email document that contains the instructions and tear bear pattern for $5.00, please contact me, thedanceofthesiren@yahoo.com. In the header of the email, post: Tear Bears, I do accept paypal.

Tips for Heritage Albums and Getting Started

TIPS FOR HERITAGE ALBUMS AND GETTING STARTED

Adding Family History, Culture, and Traditions

Creating a heritage scrapbook is telling your family story by using photographs, memorabilia, documents, family memories and stories which can be displayed singly or in combination in your scrapbook to tell your ancestors' life stories. With each family history document or memorabilia, intertwine the item displayed into the journaled story about the person.

• Add family history documents associated with person

o Birth / Baptismal/ Marriage/ Death certificate

o Census Records

Display a copy of your family's census sheet in your heritage scrapbook and use the census records to help you:

 Find birthplace and birthdate of head of household, his children and parents

 Identify family relationships

 Find ancestor as a child to identify his parents.

 Learn year of immigration, naturalization status, and birthplace of parents.

 Learn veteran status to request pension records.

 Learn ancestor's address so that you can photograph ancestral house.

 Learn ancestor's occupation.

o Wedding Invitation

o Military records.

o School records

o Work records

o Letters

o Family Bible Notations

o Immigration Records - Passenger Lists

o Historical Postcard of town where person lived.

o Map of ancestral town or country.

 1895 U. S. Atlas Map

 Global Ancestry Map Center

 Historical Newspaper articles



Historic Newspaper Collection

 Headlines of the day person was born

 Birth announcement

 Wedding announcement

 Death notice

 Accomplishments

 Headlines of important events during person's life



• Add photographs of family history items associated with person

o Photograph of church where ancestor married

o Photograph of wedding dress

o Photograph of ancestral house

o Photograph of items person crafted (quilt, crochet work, clothes, needlework)

o Photograph of important landmark in ancestral town

o Photograph, clip-art or stickers of ancestor's occupational objects. Examples:

 Blacksmith shop or anvil for blacksmith or wheelwright

 Shoe shop or old-fashioned shoe for a shoemaker

 Train for train conductor or train brakeman

 Old-fashioned accounting ledger sheets for accountant or bookkeeper

o Photograph of military medals

o Photograph of jewelry including rings, earrings, or pins.

o Recipe for ethnic food


If the family history memorabilia is small enough, mount it on the scrapbook page with a memorabilia pocket. Otherwise, take a photo of the item and use it on your page.

Remembering Our Past

          Scrapbooking has truly given me a new appreciation for human life and those before mine. Recently, I created a “Heritage” (1) scrapbook page of my husband’s Grandfather who served our country proud. He is a true American Hero. You don’t need much to make your page pop and appear like a piece of art. After going to a few tag sales, estates sales and the like, I found military buttons, Peru money, and all sorts of other goodies that would give the page the respect that it demanded. Along with the Jolee’s Army brand line of stickers, my page was brought to life. I could almost imagine the setting he was placed in. I could hear missiles and the planes flying above his head. After receiving these photos I sat and looked at them over and over again and knew that this was going to be a treasured Heritage page. Even though, I never knew him, he still existed and fought for our freedom. For the Military families around the world, our heart remains with you. How nice would it be, if you had a child in the military that you placed their photos in a special scrapbook to chronicle how special their lives are?

(1) Heritage Scrapbook-

One website defines it as “Heritage scrapbooks contain multi-generational family photographs, mementos, and information about the family history, culture, and traditions of one's ancestors.

You may think it is not possible to do a heritage album without possessing generations of family photographs. Not only is it possible, it is very desirable to assemble other materials to craft a heritage album that not only contains old photos but also information about the family history, culture, and the traditions of one's ancestors not easily captured in photographs.

Felt Puddle Pad Technique

Felt Puddle Pad Technique
1. Lay a small piece of felt on a paper plate. Take the darkest color
re-inker and add drops randomly to the felt.
2. Take the second color of re-inker and add more drops.
3. Ink your stamp with the lightest color inkpad and then stamp on the felt pad you just created.
4. Stamp image on neutral cardstock and let dry.

Paper Crafting Tips and Ideas

Tips to Remember
• Tear fabric along the direction of the grain for straight lines without scissors, while keeping the frayed edge.
• Use spring-loaded, fine-tip scissors for comfort, ease, and accuracy when cutting out small shapes from patterned paper.
Getting Down to the Nitty Gritty: Toolbox
Although life is full of its ups and downs, and can be downright stressful. When starting card making, and scrapbooking, I wanted everything. Sure, I bought a ton of stuff that I thought I NEEDED but later realized that most of the stuff just sits there collecting dust. So, for your Survival Scrapbooking and other paper crafts, there are a few items you may want to always keep them on hand. Replenish those items when they are used up, or when your hobby supplies are looking a little weak and lonely. Keep these simple supplies handy because having them readily at hand will make your paper-crafting hours more enjoyable:
Tools:
*Ruler *Bone Folder or Stylus *Glue Stick
*Scissors *Craft knife *Wrinkle-free *liquid glue *Paper Trimmer *Cutting mat *Double-Stick tape *Adhesive dots *Craft Foam*Pencil
*Hole punch *Stapler *Black fine-tip *pen *Sandpaper *Paintbrush
*Permanent Marker *Photo Splits *Photo hinges

This is a small sampling of what items are a must. You do not need to out and get every gadget out under the sun. Research and figure out what works for you.

The Silent Scrapper Memory Maker: Ta-Da!!! The FInal Results of the Disney Teacher Valentine's Gifts...

The Silent Scrapper Memory Maker: Ta-Da!!! The FInal Results of the Disney Teacher Valentine's Gifts...

Ta-Da!!! The FInal Results of the Disney Teacher Valentine's Gifts...

I appreciate all of the kind comments and suggestions that you have so kindly sent to me. I had a few people wonder what the final result of my gift baskets for the teachers looked like. Now, last night was such a busy night as I frantically put together 4 baskets. I wrapped more candy, wrapped styrofoam to disguise the "white look", lined baskets. Oh, to give the "Magnet" Disney character more depth, I added pencils, kabob sticks, popsicle/craft sticks. I try to make things that have more than one use. So the characters could be used as magnets or you could remove the magnets and use them for the front of cards, scrapbooks or whatever your heart may desire.Included in each basket was a photo of each of my children so they could have a memory picture. I took many angles of the baskets: front, side, back, inside, without plastic gift bag wrap and then with Plastic gift bag wrap. I hope you enjoy the Valentine's Gifts! Disney....Where dreams come true...

Twilight Inspired Cullen Crest Chess/ Checkers Game Piece Cameos

After tinkering around with some clay and fine little tools, I have begun the process of making my very own "Twilight" Cullen Family vs. Volturi Chess game. I made a ton of these cameo crests with the hope that at least one turns out the way I like it and I could continue. Ta Da!!! 16 turned out...Next I will start on my version of a "Volturi" crest of some sorts. I could not wait to show you the pieces and I tried to find the digital camera that I thought was buried under much craft-related clutter.

The result: I spent an hour tonight doing intense cleaning in my studio (it did need it) only to discover that my digital camera was not in there, and I think one of the kids has it hidden amongst their lego creations. So, for now, you will get a small version (sample) of my crest display. I used a black fabric with red lace. I figured the black fabric and red lace to surround the cameos would to start my excitement of the upcoming Twilight Saga movie "Eclipse." I plan on making just a few more, some for a trinket box, charms, and other exciting thoughts that will come to exist. Most likely, I will make a special trinket box for the game pieces.

On another note: Today, I spent an entire day at the mall (haven't done that since I was a teenager) and went to a store called: Hot Topic. At first, I was leary and hesitant to go inside because there was some "racy" or "not quite me" things that are the first thing you see in a display. A flash of excitement burst in my heart as I saw a "CLEARANCE: 1/2 Off" Twilight New Moon area. Okay, I was sold. I saw all sorts of neat things, body glitter, shirts, Bella's Birthday dress, posters, trunks and much more. Even at half off, everything was still a little spendy. But, I splurged. I ended up buying the Green coat that Bella wears in the movie. I figured it would be a great spring jacket and I liked it. Happy Twilighting!

Hunter's Dinosaur Busy Can

My son Hunter loves Dinosaurs and so one day I decided to make him a "busy can." Basically, he could fill it up with toys that would fit in the can and we weren't hauling every little thing under the sun or that did not fit in the can. Sometimes, I would add snacks to it and little surprises. I used a brand new, never been used paint can that I bought at the local hardware store for $1.99. Sure, I could have bought one at a LSS (Local Scrapbook Store) but then I would have paid 3-4 times more. I used modge podge to decopauge the scrapbook paper onto the can. The cricut cart "Paper Doll Dress Up" was used to create these little dinosaurs. You would not believe all the positive reactions I would get when Hunter took the can with him to some of my doctors appointments or to visit a friend and he would sit and play with out making a scene. Once, the can was dried I added a sealer so that it could be easily wiped off for sanitary reasons. He still has the can and we take it on trips. It truly helps cut down on a ton of extra toys in the van.

Twilight Cullen Crest Book Cover

For the Twilight Swap that I am in, I wanted to create unique items for my partner and she also likes the Cullen Family. I messed around with my photo/ Design imaging software to try and replicate the Cullen Family Crest. I apologize for the glare on the cover. I used the DCWV 12"x12" stack with the leather looking paper and cut it to the size of the book cover. Then, I applied modge podge on the plastic cover and then placed my Cullen Crest Design on it. Another layer of modge podge and sealer was applied. I plan on adding one more coat just to be safe. Inside this book I will include recipes, Twilight Trivia, Ideas for Twilight Parties, the Twinchies, and many other things. I am in the process of making a checker board with Twilight related cameos and squares that match the Twilight colors. Enjoy!

2nd Inchie Black and Pink

Got a little free time and made my second set of inchies but used the colors pink and black. I took black cardstock and then attached vintage pink lace to it. I then added a pink prima flower and a flower bling embellishment. I really think that the bling added charisma to this little item.

1st Ever Pink & Brown Inchie Altered Art

Well, I feel like I am making progress even if the artwork is an "inchie." The dimensions are 1 inch by 1 inch and had to contain the colors brown and pink. Trying to figure out what to put on such a small piece of paper was a mind stumper but it hit me while watching a Stephen King Movie. No, I don't think the little inchie is creepy, or too wierd, but eclectic enough to pass for the exchange and be officially considered "Art."

The Art world: artists of all kinds find small ways to put themselves into everything they make, and although I won't say what, this inchie plays a large role in my daily life.

Homemade Address Pages

Recently I joined a swap that consisted of making 28 pages of a certain letter, and you needed to have another page to put the address. I joined very late in the game, first, because I did not know they had room, and second, felt like it would help out others. My 3 letters were: N-O-T, each are different, basically I used 28 pages for letter N, 28 pages for the N letter addy's and 28 pages for the matting. I figure I did somewhere around 180. Each are different because I like to keep things different. They were due on Jan. 30, 2010 and I just found out today that there are still missing letters out there from other people and angels are needed once again. I had a hard time with this swap because the information on it was brief and I tried to do the best I could with the knowledge that I had.

All Things Disney (Craft Related)

All Things Disney

Many people, who know me, know that I love Disney. I truly enjoy making gifts that can eventually become heirlooms. The slideshow you will be seeing features just a minute amount of things I have created with my Cricut cutting machine. To attach the pieces onto the wood (I normally paint that first with craft acrylic paints) I use the good old trusted Modge Podge and a disposable foam brush. Michaels craft stores sometimes sell these things for 20-40 per $1.00. I just stock up on them when I get a chance. In this slideshow you will see a Disney Princess Bench that I made for a niece, a Disney Princess Trunk for the other niece, and a Mickey Mouse/Goofy trunk for him. There are some scrapbook items shown also using Disney. If you like Disney, then it should be on your must have list for your Cricut cutting machine, just some of the new carts are: Hello Kitty, Superman, Batman, Spongebob, Disney Cars, Happily Ever After, Dreams Come True, Sesame Street, Mickey and Friends , Mickey and friends font. Enjoy the slideshow and let me know what you think. You will need to cut and paste the below web addy to see it, sorry for the extra work.

http://s229.photobucket.com/albums/ee102/ekadrmas/AllthingsDisney/?action=view¤t=d547ef6a.pbw
 

Twilight Inspired Memorablilia and Crafts

Twilight Inspired Memorabilia- Crafts, Embellishments, Merchandise, Twinchies, Notebooks, Address Books

I truly enjoy the “Twilight” series written by Stephanie Meyers, and it gives me just enough boosts to focus my creativity. Recently, I made several items for my Twilight Swap partner. I have found some of the neatest merchandise out on the market, like the Twilight stamps, they are worth the money.
I will periodically add to this photo gallery, so if you would like, please subscribe to my blog. Thank you for checking out The Silent Scrapper- Memory Maker Blog.

Disney Valentine Gift Baskets and Items for Teachers

Valentine’s Gift Ideas for Teacher, Friends, Neighbors and Everyone who is Important in Your Life

Each year, we are given a day to express our love, devotion, and care for those who mean something to us and create something unique to them. I enjoy the challenge of creating a sort of artsy craft for teacher, my kid’s friends, and neighbors just to name a few. A few years ago, I made Disney Valentine Bags (the picture is posted on the left hand side of the screen) for my sons and they were a big hit! This year I was feeling a little ambitious and have been very busy trying to create something special for those who teach our children, something besides the obvious.
I bought several bags of mixed candies, Valentine’s paper, Ribbon, Heart shaped baskets, and heart shaped boxes of chocolate, pencils and other items. I individually wrapped most of the items for each gift basket. I needed to make 4 and wanted a little variation given to each teacher.
I took Valentine’s paper and wrapped miniature candy boxes/bags, the Valentine Heart, Magnets that were attached by a pencil and could be easily taken off so the teacher could use the magnet as well as the pencil well after Valentine’s. I took a ton of pictures to give you ideas and to spark just a little creativity to those who care so much for others. It is amazing what you can do with paper, tape, labels, candy….I found a great teacher poem and printed it off and attached them to heavy cardstock; this can also be used as a magnet. I created little sayings that would mean something to those teachers. I asked my kids to ask their teachers what sort of Disney characters they liked, and I got to work using my Cricut Expression cutting machine. I am still working on assembling the baskets and will post within the next few days. These were really time consuming and so far I am really pleased with the items I have made…