KRAZY KOOL

I'm super excited about my newest resource... Krazy Kool Balloon Toppers & Gift Tags.  Yes, balloon toppers have been circulating for a few years.  I didn't invent it and who knows who did!  I have used them for several years for my students' birthday gifts and have created resources that I have sold on TPT for a few years now.

BUT,.... THESE are SO MUCH BETTER!

First of all, they were made with all new fonts from A Perfect Blend.  I just recently discovered her fonts and, oh my word, I am in LOVE with them ALL!!!  Simply gorgeous and ON TREND!

Second, there are 14 different sentiments / font styles to choose from.  FOURTEEN!  I created them to use for not only birthdays, but also for thank you's, volunteer gifts, valentines, friends, etc.  Lots of options here.

Note:  Although I created these with Krazy Straw and Kool-Aid gifts in mind, a lot of the tags can be used for other gift items and occasions. 

Third, each sentiment / design was created in 3 formats:
1) Balloon toppers (designed to be used with Krazy Straws

2) Large circle tags (designed to be used with Krazy Straws, but can be used for anything you need a larger gift tag for)

3) Small circle tags (use for literally anything you want)

This resource includes full instructions for printing, cutting, and making the projects shown in this post.  I am also sharing the following Teacher Tip video to show how quick and easy it is to cut these out.

I typically make a whole classroom set of birthday balloons during the summer and I display them in my classroom for students to choose from on their birthday.  It's a minimal investment of time... I literally made mine while watching an episode of the Bachelorette this past week!

Check out the video tutorial and then go and check out the preview of this product in my TPT shop to get a glimpse of what's included.

Have an awesome day!

Prepping for Birthdays!

I just finished prepping birthday balloon Krazy Straws for my incoming students.  I shared last summer how I celebrate birthdays in my classroom.  {You can read about it here.}

The balloons are blackline printables {available in my TPT shop} that can be printed onto any color paper or card stock you choose.  So, if your color scheme is bright pink and aqua, simply print them on that color paper.  Or, if you want to match them up to other birthday surprises you bought (for instance, I have rainbow colored bracelets I give out), you can use paper to coordinate. 

I have two patterns available, Stripes and Polka Dots.
     

Simply print on paper and laminate.  Alternatively, you could print onto card stock and then you may not need to laminate.

Cut the balloons out.  I will share a fantastic tip I learned when I taught paper crafting and card making classes:  When you cut around outline images, leave a border.  Do NOT cut on the black outline.  When you cut on the outline, you will have a difficult time getting it perfect.  At least, the perfectionist in me was never satisfied with it - I either cut too wide or too narrow.  And, as a busy teacher, I don't have time for that kind of perfection for something like this.  It's much easier, and quicker, to cut by leaving a border.

I leave about 1/8" space around the border.  When you do it this way, you will not notice any imperfections in your cutting.

After cutting, just add a couple pieces of Scotch tape or washi tape to the back side to add the Krazy Straws.  I purchase the Krazy Straws from my local Dollar Tree. 

I display the birthday balloon Krazy Straws in a small glass vase.  My kids eye them all year and can't wait until it's their birthday so they can pick one out!

Thanks for checking them out!

New Birthday Sets!!

New Birthday Sets are now available in my TPT shop.  Earlier this week I posted about my Blue & Red set.  Now I also have a Brights Set.

And - I'm really excited about this - new Blackline sets!!!

Blackline sets are available in Stripes and Polka Dots.  What they enable you to do is print your birthday printables onto any color paper or card stock you desire.  Say what?!

Create your own custom color scheme for your birthday goodies, banners, bulletin boards, cards, certificates, etc.  Print in multiple colors, mix and match, the options are endless!

Thanks for checking out my Birthday Sets on TPT.  Be sure to click on the preview to see samples of what's included.

Blue & Red Set

Brights Set

Blackline Stripes Set

Blackline Polka Dot Set

Have a terrific day!!

Celebrating Birthdays

How do you celebrate birthdays in the classroom?  And, what do you do about summer birthdays?

I have handled summer birthdays a couple of different ways.  I used to celebrate July birthdays during the first week of school and June birthdays during the last week of school.  Now, I celebrate those summer birthdays when it's those students' 1/2 birthdays.  I like this better because it keeps them from feeling left out of the fun.

When my birthday boy/girl arrives in the morning, I have a goodie bag waiting for them.  I include a Krazy straw, bookmark, a card from me, and other small trinkets such as an eraser, silly band, pencil with topper, etc. 

I also give them a birthday certificate.  All of the printables you see here are now available in my TPT shop.

I purchase the Krazy straws at my local Dollar Tree.  They come in a package of 6.

You can either put them in the goodie bags ahead of time or, what I do is, display them in a jar.  I let the birthday boy/girl pick one out after we sing happy birthday to them.

I'm working on adding a selection of color schemes; however this first one I've uploaded is super fun because the blue and red color scheme lends itself to matching with all kinds of Cat in the Hat goodies you can find at the store or in catalogs.

Do you have a bulletin board dedicated to birthdays?  I've also included in this Birthday Set, printables you can use to create a fun display. 

Print the pennant banner and string with ribbon, yarn, string, etc. or simply staple it up as I have done here.

I included birthday balloon décor with the names of the months.  You can use the blank balloons included to write out student names and display under each month.

Alternatively, if you are short on space like I am, you can display this little "Our Birthdays" poster.  I print and laminate, then write all my students names on it with the day of their birthday beside their name.

To check out the set, visit my TPT shop here.  More color choices coming soon!

Birthday Set - Blue & Red

Thanks for stopping by!