Decorate To Celebrate Design Team - Back To School For Teacher

MY STORY

      It has been a couple of years since I have had to think about back to school.  Although I miss my son, a US Marine Corps Lance Corporal, I do not miss waiting on line to buy that 2" maroon binder that every kid in the school district had to purchase.  I do remember, though, some of his teachers.  I always tried to give a little something to his teachers and I thought this was a cute project, and using repurposed items which I love!  Taking little cups meant for another purpose and with just some decorative tape and burlap scraps you can create little containers for the knick-knacks all teachers need.  They are pretty enough to sit on a desk, but short enough to fit in the top hand desk drawer.

YOUR TURN

     I found these little cups in my local party store -- their original intent is for melted butter to dip your lobster pieces in.  Well, since we are talking back to school, summer items are on a huge clearance (even though I do not believe summer ends until mid September :).  They came several in a package at a really good price.

    First off, you want to paint the lip and top 1/4 of the cup (inside and out) with a paint sealer/primer.  Especially on plastic, you want your acrylic paint to adhere well.  Once dry, paint with a dark color paint in those same areas.  HINT:  Use a foam brush in a dabbing motion as opposed to spreading it like normal paint.  You will cover more surface with more paint and in less time.

A trick to paint something round and not get your hands dirty

    Once the paint is dry, start adhering your decorative tape as desired.  I did it both up and down and also around.  Up and down is easier.....but I like having a couple of different looks.  I was aiming for rustic/shabby which is how I chose the colors.

    Using burlap scraps, wrap or place as desired to add a little textural interest.

    I love these burlap napkin rings from Oriental Trading Company -- like there about $1 for three.  The napkin ring would not fit around the cup so I cut off the decorative part and applied.  I used the remaining scrap for a little coaster for the cups.

    That is it, an easy way to give a little something to your child's teacher or to use yourself to keep all those little bits organized.  Have fun crafting!