A library that needs some lovin'

I was SO thrilled to be asked to help make some bulletin boards for our school library. To me, that's like saying, "Ann, why don't you just take over this project and redecorate the school library from top to bottom?" "And did I mention, you have free reign and an unlimited budget?"  Oh yeah, that last part isn't quite what I'd call truth...
Here is what the library looks like right now:

It's great, isn't it? And it makes your eyes hurt just a little bit, doesn't it?

Our library has such AWESOME volunteers. They deserve a really cool space to work. I am so excited to see what we can do with it. It's actually what's called a "portable". For those of you who don't know what that is, it's basically a Winnebago of classrooms. It's a portable room, or rooms. See those lovely brown panelled walls?? Do they scream "make me a cabin" or what??!! And with school in full swing, it should really only take me about 17 Saturdays to get this done. Thankfully one of the volunteers has graciously volunteered to help. Yay! I'll keep you posted. Any library makeovers of your own to share???!!
Thanks for reading!
Ann

Before and after pictures...Extreme makeover, classroom edition!

Ok...finally. Have you every heard the expression "sometimes good enough is good enough"? It's so true when it comes to the life of a teacher. Remember my husband's classroom? It's in my previous post. I had been working on it while trying to run my own classroom, along with my four kids and husband at home. So finally, I had to say, "good enough is good enough." I was outta time and money. But I think it came out great. Can you get a sense of the classroom through the pictures? It was cold, cluttered, and just UGLY.  There were giant strips of purple paper with tons of store bought and homemade posters everywhere. The lockers were gunked up and needed a good paint job. Every cabinet and shelf was full of clutter. And nothing matched. It was SUCH a guy's room.

I could have spent days and days and dollars and dollars on my husband's classroom makeover. Unfortunately I am limited in both. So remember the before pictures?







Well...here it is. Finally. Some after pictures:

Remember the beige lockers that were filled with junk? Here they are, silver now!

This is where the lockers used to be. I would walk in, shudder and turn around and walk right back out. Now it's my favorite part of the classroom.

These shelves were filled with dusty frames that were fallen over.

Remember the tv and shelves full of stuff? Do you remember my husband's "desk"? It was disorganized and very UNmemorable.

This is the main wall that was covered with purple paper and anchor charts. It's still not finished in this picture, but nothing helps you get stuff done like Open House. It has the same number of charts, but they're all hanging on coat hangers now, and take up much less space. But still accessible to the teacher and students. I can't get the stuff off the shelf. Disclaimer: the piles of science equipment on the table has nothing to do with me.

This cart used to be a dirt white with mismatched baskets. I painted the sides with chalkboard paint, and the sides are a chic silver with silver and black baskets. I can't help what's stuffed into them. That's all still my husband.

 

This room has a whole new feel to it. I love it. is it more girlie now? Yes, but the turquoise, silver, black and purple help keep it masculine-friendly. The boys AND girls appreciate it. I love to be in this room now. It feels homey, light and open. 

Thanks for looking!

The rule of threes

Have you heard of the rule of three? I've always thought it applies to color in a room, but it's so much more than that. Here's a great article on Houzz (my favorite website) on the rule of three.

Before:

Can you see the lockers in the picture on the right? Do you see all the junk stuff that fills this space?

Add caption

 

After:

a bigger picture, but not as clear, I know.

Here's a part of my husband's classroom that I am in the process of making-over. Can you see my rule of threes?
1)3 pieces of furniture
2)3 framed pictures/bulletin boards
3)3 rows of 3 cubicles
4)3 shelves on the silver shelf

5)3 poms on each b. board

6)3 decorative items on the cubbies

7)3 borders on the bulletin boards 

Wow! Did I go a little overboard on the threes? I guess you can be the judge! I actually switched out that chair for an outdoor white chair. Not super cool, but it really shows off the pillow, and it's better than a schoolroom chair! And free! My budget was a little on overboard by this point. 

More to come...soon...

Thanks for reading! Have fun creating your space!

Ann

Chalkboard label freebie

I spent yesterday working on my husband classroom makeover. I'm not done, and I don't have any pictures for you yet, but here's a freebie. I will be using these labels for jobs and lockers.

So go here to grab them for free. They're editable!

Thanks for reading!
Ann