Showing posts with label Bookmarks. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Bookmarks. Show all posts

Most 3G2S posts contain commission-yielding affiliate links. When you make a purchase after clicking a link, our family earns a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting our blog.

Dress Up School Gear and Favorite Books with DIY Bag Tags, Bag Charms & Bookmarks

DIY Glitter Bag Tags for Back-to-School  |  3 Garnets & 2 Sapphires

Thank you to Oriental Trading Company for providing some of the beads and craft supplies for our back-to-school craft project.  All opinions expressed are my own.

Our children returned to school today!  My daughter, in particular, was super-excited for her first day of 5th grade.  She had her first day outfit all picked out, along with new shoes, a new lunch bag, and a new backpack.  She certainly loves to express herself with what she wears, so I didn't have to ask her twice when I invited her to create some bag tags, bag charms, and bookmarks with the assortment of colorful supplies from Oriental Trading.


For inspiration, here are some of the supplies we used . . . 

Patterned Paper
Mod Podge
Sponge Brush
Scissors

Back-to-School Craft Ideas  |  3 Garnets & 2 Sapphires

TIP #1:  To make the bag tags more decorative, we decoupaged a piece of printed origami paper face-down, added another layer of Mod Podge, layed down the bag tag graphic face-up, and finished with another layer of Mod Podge.  That way, the back of the bag tag looks just as nice as the front.
DIY Bag Tags & Bag Charms for Back-to-School  |  3 Garnets & 2 Sapphires

TO PRINT:  Check that your printer is on and ready to go. Click the image below to enlarge.  Then right-click and select print.  Use your browser's back button to return to this page.
Free Printable Photo Keychain Blank Templates  |  3 Garnets & 2 Sapphires
 TIP #2: You can save the blank template sheet to your computer to add text and graphics digitally or have your child decorate them with permanent marker by hand.  We did both to see which my daughter would prefer.  She liked the ones she drew by hand better.
DIY Bag Tag Graphics Examples  |  3 Garnets & 2 Sapphires

TIP #3:  The bag charms can hang alone on a backpack, tote bag, or handbag, or be paired with a bag tag.  We tried it both ways and couldn't decide which we liked best.
Tote bag decorated with glitter fabric paint & a DIY bag charm  |  3 Garnets & 2 Sapphires

TIP #4: Alternating large and small beads will make your bag tags and bookmarks look more interesting.  My 13 year old son made this bookmark for a special young lady in his life.
DIY Beaded Bookmark  |  3 Garnets & 2 Sapphires

My daughter's favorite craft was the bag tags.  She just loves personalized items and being able to draw her own bag tag designs made her super-happy.  She proudly showed them off today on her backpack and lunch bag.

Personally, I liked the bookmark craft the best.  They are easy to make and the possibilities are endless.  I also think they would make wonderful teachers' gifts, party favors, and handmade holiday gifts.


Like these DIY ideas? PIN this post for later . . . 
DIY Bag Tags & Beaded Bag Charms  |  3 Garnets & 2 Sapphires

What would your child draw on his or her personalized bag tag?
Share your ideas with us in a comment here.


Most 3G2S posts contain commission-yielding affiliate links. When you make a purchase after clicking a link, our family earns a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting our blog.

Give Summer Reading a Boost with Printable Vocabulary Words Scavenger Hunt Bookmarks

Printable Vocabulary Words Scavenger Hunt Bookmarks |  3 Garnets & 2 Sapphires
We're a week and a half into summer vacation.  I always make sure that I plan daily learning activities for my children in addition to the summer reading required by their schools.

Two of our three children love to read books.  Although I usually concentrate on coming up with activities for our child who struggles a bit with reading, this one is to help challenge the two bookworms instead!

Our 9 year old daughter could sound out big words since she was 5 or 6 years old.  She can read almost any word at 9 years, but does she know what those words mean?

One of the items on our daughter's 4th grade summer reading list is the Ulysses Moore book series.  I just started her with Book 1 to see if she likes it.  Once I printed the bookmark sheet and cut one bookmark out, I went through the book in search of words my daughter might not be familiar with.  I then listed these words on the bookmark so she can have a list on-hand to reference.  When she finds one of the words, I'll ask her to let me know what she thinks the definition of the word is based on the context in the book.
TIP: Be sure to write the title of the book on the space provided on each bookmark if you're doing this for more than one book at a time in your household.

TO PRINT: Check that your printer is on and ready to go.  Click on the image below to enlarge.  Then right-click and select print.
Free Printable Vocab Words Scavenger Hunt Bookmarks - Perfect for Summer Reading!  |  3 Garnets & 2 Sapphires

Want to make these bookmarks more fun?
I did make these bookmarks to be disposable, but if you'd like to jazz them up, here are some easy ideas . . .

1.  Print the bookmarks on colored paper or cardstock.  Paper with a lightly-colored pattern would be fun too!
2. Have your child draw the cover of the book in the empty box instead of just writing in the book title.
3. Use a hole puncher to punch out the black circles.  Then use ribbon or yarn to add streamers to the top of the bookmarks on the left and right sides of the printable.
4. Use a sticker or several small stickers to decorate the top of the bookmark in the center of the printable.
5.  Turn the bookmark over to the blank side and personalize the bookmark with your child's name.
6.  Turn the bookmark over to the blank side and write the prize your child will earn if he or she finds all the words and can tell you what they mean.

If you like this idea, be sure to Pin It for later!
Which books are your children loving this summer? Tell us in a comment here



Most 3G2S posts contain commission-yielding affiliate links. When you make a purchase after clicking a link, our family earns a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting our blog.

3 Things to Do Before Going to See Planes #FireAndRescue in the Theater (plus a Bookmark Craft!) #MagicAtPlay #MC

Kohl's Disney Jumping Beans Boys #FireAndRescue Collection | www.3Garnets2Sapphires.com #MagicAtPlay
I participated in an Ambassador campaign on behalf of Mom Central Consulting for Kohl's. I received promotional items and product samples as a thank you for participating.

The long-anticipated sequel Planes: Fire & Rescue opens in theaters today!  Having heard from many parents that this will be their little one's first trip to the movies, I wanted to share some fun ways to make this important first a fun and memorable experience . . .

1.  If your child has not seen the original Planes movie, then you will definitely want to buy, rent, or stream it for him or her before going to see the sequel.  This will give your child a chance to get to know Dusty and the other characters, as well as understand what experiences have brought Dusty to this next point in his life.  If your child has already experienced the first film, they are likely anxious to watch it again before seeing the second movie, like all three of my children are.
Kohl's Disney Jumping Beans Boys #FireAndRescue Collection | www.3Garnets2Sapphires.com #MagicAtPlay

2.  Dress your child for the occasion! The Kohl's Disney Jumping Beans line has expanded its Fire & Rescue collection quite a bit since it's unveiling last month.  The collection includes tees, shorts, long sleeve knits, fleece active pants, hoodies, and some exclusive limited edition styles, as well.  While shopping for the perfect outfit to wear for the movie, whether online or at your local Kohl's department store, take this opportunity to pick up some of these playground-friendly mix-and-match pieces for back-to-school!

When I took our 7 year old son to shop for his movie outfit, he had such a difficult time deciding.  In fact, he just started picking up one of everything!  When it comes to the styles, colors, and graphics for this line, Jumping Beans really hit the nail on the head as far as knowing what boys his age really like.
Limited Edition Disney Jumping Beans #FireAndRescue Smokejumper Parachute Tee at Kohl's | www.3Garnets2Sapphires.com #MagicAtPlay
Exclusive Limited Edition Disney Planes Smokejumpers Parachute Tee by Jumping Beans®
As a Kohl's customer, you can bring your Planes Fire and Rescue movie ticket stub into Kohl's from 7/18/14-7/26/14 and receive $10 off your Kids Apparel purchase of $25 or more, in-store only. See below for details:

Full Disclaimer:
Offer valid for one-time use 7/18/14-7/26/14. In store only. One Kids apparel merchandise coupon per customer. $10 offer valid on a minimum $25 pre-tax purchase of Kids apparel merchandise. Dollar-off discounts applied prior to percent-off total purchase discounts. Offer cannot be redeemed for cash. No cash back. Offer not valid for price adjustments on prior purchases. Excludes sales tax. Photocopies or duplicates not accepted. Return value of merchandise purchased with $10 coupon will be subject to adjustment. See store for additional terms and details. Go to http://oak.ctx.ly/r/1d462 for more details on the promotion and http://oak.ctx.ly/r/1d45x for more information on Planes Fire + Rescue apparel.
Kohl's Disney Jumping Beans #FireAndRescue Collection Bookmark Craft | www.3Garnets2Sapphires.com #MagicAtPlay

3.  Pick up a Planes:  Fire & Rescue storybook or activity book to help build the excitement for your child until the big movie day arrives.  This will also give your child a chance to become familiar with some of the new characters introduced in this film.  It also is a perfect excuse to encourage your child to read by offering him or her a new book about a topic you already know they find to be fun and engaging.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

After we got our Disney Jumping Beans Fire & Rescue apparel home, I noticed the super-cool Disney and Planes-themed tags that were on each item of clothing.  They were just too cool to throw away and that's how I came up with one of the easiest crafts ever.  When you get home with your Fire & Rescue items, be sure to hang onto your tags too!  (One cut-out Mickey tag and one Planes tag comes on each clothing item.)
Kohl's Disney Jumping Beans #FireAndRescue Collection Bookmark Craft | www.3Garnets2Sapphires.com #MagicAtPlay

Easy Craft:  Mickey Mouse and Planes Fire & Rescue Bookmarks

SUPPLIES NEEDED:
Disney Jumping Beans Fire & Rescue retail tags
glue stick
washi tape
narrow ribbon or yarn
scissors
Kohl's Disney Jumping Beans #FireAndRescue Collection Bookmark Craft | www.3Garnets2Sapphires.com #MagicAtPlay

Step 1.  If you have two Planes size/price tags, apply glue to cover the entire orange side of one of the tags.  Then bring the two tags together, orange sides facing each other, with the holes carefully lined up.  Then press firmly until secure.  Allow the glue to dry for a few minutes.  (If you only have one Planes tag and one Mickey cutout tag, then skip to the bottom for alternate instructions.)
Kohl's Disney Jumping Beans #FireAndRescue Collection Bookmark Craft | www.3Garnets2Sapphires.com #MagicAtPlay

Step 2.  Carefully cover the size information at the bottom of the tag with a piece of washi tape (see image above).  Be sure to position the tape so that it is parallel with the bottom of the tag.  Then flip the tag over and do the same thing on the second side.
TIP #1:  If your washi tape is thin and you can still see the size information through the tape, then simply add a second layer of tape on both sides.
Kohl's Disney Jumping Beans #FireAndRescue Collection Bookmark Craft | www.3Garnets2Sapphires.com #MagicAtPlay

Step 3.  Using scissors, carefully trim off the excess tape, following the shape of the tag.
Kohl's Disney Jumping Beans #FireAndRescue Collection Bookmark Craft | www.3Garnets2Sapphires.com #MagicAtPlay

Step 4.  Fold a piece of ribbon or yarn (approximately 8 to 10 inches in length) in half and feed it through the hole at the top of the bookmark.  Then bring the two cut ends through the loop you've formed and pull tight to secure. Trim the ends with scissors to make them even.
TIP #2:  For added security, I tied an additional knot right on top of the bookmark.

Step 5.  To make bookmarks out of your cutout Mickey tags, simply follow the instructions in Step #4.

If you have an odd number of tags, meaning one cutout Mickey tag and one Planes tag, you can still make a great bookmark.  Simply color the orange side of the Planes tag black with a permanent marker or cover the majority of it by gluing black construction paper to it.  Then apply glue to the black side of the cutout Mickey tag and glue it to the once-orange side of the Planes tag.  Again, be sure to line up the holes before pressing the two sides together.  Then you can pick up the instructions at Step #2.  When you're done, you should have a fun bookmark with a Planes theme on one side and a Mickey silhouette on the other!


If you like this easy craft, be sure to Pin It for later . . . 
Kohl's Disney Jumping Beans #FireAndRescue Collection Bookmark Craft Tutorial | www.3Garnets2Sapphires.com #MagicAtPlay

Have fun at the movies!



Most 3G2S posts contain commission-yielding affiliate links. When you make a purchase after clicking a link, our family earns a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting our blog.

Easy DIY Personalized Duck Tape & Washi Tape Poly Bookmark Craft (Free Printable Templates)

DIY Personalized Duck and Washi Tape Poly Bookmarks - Free Printable Templates
The time has finally arrived when every member of our household is reading books that they cannot necessarily finish in one sitting.  In preparation of this, Santa put two bookmarks in each of our children's stockings last Christmas.  Unfortunately, most of those bookmarks have vanished into a black hole somewhere.  (I think it may be the same one that mysteriously makes single socks disappear from the washer and dryer.)  In any case, I came up with a fun and easy way to solve our problem of never having a bookmark around when we need one . . .

This easy DIY bookmark craft uses Duck Tape, Washi Tape, and Tapeffiti along with poly folders.  I chose to use poly folders because they are colorful, more durable than cardstock, easy to cut with scissors, and are fairly inexpensive.  I got mine on sale for $0.69 each and one folder can make up to 10 bookmarks if you remember to use the pockets inside too.  This craft would be a fun rainy day activity!  It would also be perfect for a classroom craft or birthday party activity, especially if you cut out the bookmark shapes and the ribbon pieces in advance.  You could even make these to pass out as end-of-the-year students gifts or as party favors.  What a fun way to promote literacy!

SUPPLIES NEEDED:

patterned and solid tape (both wide and narrow)
poly folders (in colors that work with your tape)
computer printer
scissors
pen or pencil
standard size single hole puncher (needed for 2 of the 3 styles)
1/8" wide ribbon, yarn, or twine (needed for 2 of the 3 styles)
thin permanent markers (optional)
DIY Personalized Duck and Washi Tape Poly Bookmarks - Free Printable Templates

Step 1.  Print out the bookmark templates I have created for you.  (To print, be sure your computer's printer is on and ready to go.  Then click on the image below to enlarge it.  Right click on the image and select "print."  Then use your browser's back button to return to this page.)

Step 2.  Carefully cut out one or more of the bookmark templates.  If applicable, using your single hole puncher, punch a hole through the black circle in the template(s).

Step 3.  Place the template on your poly folder and trace the shape with a pen or pencil.  Be sure to trace the punched out circle too, if your template has one.
TIP #1:  I started by cutting out the pockets from inside the folder.  They can be used to make one bookmark each.
DIY Personalized Duck and Washi Tape Poly Bookmarks - Free Printable Templates

Step 4.  Cut out the shape you've traced.  If applicable, punch out the circle you've traced with a single hole puncher.
DIY Personalized Duck and Washi Tape Poly Bookmarks - Free Printable Templates

Step 5.  After you've selected which tapes you would like to use for your bookmark, cut a piece of tape about 6" long.  Then position the tape on the front of your bookmark as desired and wrap the ends around the back of the bookmark.  (For a neater appearance, make sure the edges match up where the ends meet.)  Repeat this as many times as you need to create a design you like.  Be sure to experiment with other ways to use your tape, such as creating a frame with it.
Tip #2:  One of the perks about using these poly folders is that, with most types of tape I've tried, the tape can be removed and repositioned if it is not exactly as you would like it.
DIY Personalized Duck and Washi Tape Poly Bookmarks - Free Printable Templates

Step 6.  For the bookmarks with a hole at the top, cut a piece of 1/8" ribbon, yarn, or twine approximately 10" to 12" long.  Then fold it in half and thread the loop end through the hole in the back of the bookmark.  Pull the loop out the front of the bookmark, then feed the two ends through the loop.  Pull tightly to complete your knot.  Tie another knot right at the top of the bookmark for added security.
Tip #3:  You can get creative with this by using multiple colors of ribbon, adding beads, or making a tassel at the end.
DIY Personalized Duck and Washi Tape Poly Bookmarks - Free Printable Templates

Step 7.  Personalize your bookmark with a name, initial, or a monogram using tape or permanent marker.
DIY Personalized Duck and Washi Tape Poly Bookmarks - Free Printable Templates

This craft comes with a warning . . . I started out with a just few rolls of tape and now need to think of a way to store the many rolls I've purchased since.  I may be addicted, so look for more patterned tape crafts in the coming months!