Bright Ideas- Classroom Decor on a Budget

Everyone knows that teachers are not rich in the true sense of the word.  We are, however, very rich when it come to creativity, passion, and love.  I am here to share how to have cute classroom decor on a budget.
  

This school year I decided I needed a cohesive look in my classroom.  I was tired of walking into my classroom and feeling like I was walking into a hodge podge room.  My first step was to use the same color bulletin board paper and same bulletin board trim.  I wish I would have waited until I moved into my new classroom, but I am a very impatient person.  Now due to less bulletin boards in the new classroom I think I have enough bulletin board trim to cover another 1-2 classrooms.  When I bought my trim I paid about $20.  I think if I would have waited I would have spent $5-10.  That really isn't that bad.  I also invested in a fadeless fabric/paper, so I should be able to use this theme for several years.

I also have gobs of scrapbook paper lying around my house for that day that I will find time to finish my 5 year old son's 1st year scrapbook.  You know what I am talking about moms!  I used the scrapbook paper to create ink friendly buntings.  I simply created a blackline triangle on Keynote and hit print.  Then I traced as many triangles as I could on the back of several different scrapbook papers that matched my pink and green theme.  I cut them out and laminated each triangle.  For one set I printed letters in a cute font and glued them to the triangle before I laminated to create a personalized bunting for my desk area.  After everything was cut out I punched two holes (one in each corner) and cut different colored ribbon.  Tied them together and VOILA!  The best part was I didn't have to listen to my hubby whining about ink!  They are the perfect touch to my classroom.

My calendar has seen better days, but I just am not in a place to be able to replace everything.  So I took the matching border that I have gobs of and turned it so the scallop is facing out.  It actually looks better than it did originally! 

Speaking of up cycling.  My students have cardboard boxes that they keep their books in for Daily 5. Cardboard only lasts so long with kids.  This summer my husband and I got out the duct tape and went to town!  I really had no idea there were so many cute duct tape patterns.  I love each and every book box and they are holding up quite nicely!

Last way to decorate with a budget is to strategically use student work.  Check out my new board for my objectives.  I have some major seasonal plans for this baby!  

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~Stacey

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