Library Decorations

As a Intermediate School Librarian (5th & 6th graders), I am constantly trying to get kids into the library to read and check out books. At this level they still have a weekly library period, but after the kids are there once a week, they rarely come back. I would love for the library to be a busy place all day. So I am trying to make the library a little more homey. I bought some small frames in the dollar bin at Michael's and spray painted them with a brush nickel finish. Then I added stamped images to the center of each frame. For September I chose apples and owls with greens, yellowy golds, & reds. Next month I will take these out, save them for next year, and put something new in for October.

I also created an 8 1/2 x 11 background piece for this frame. I stamped a number of different images and text on the lined patterned paper (old paper from Scenic Route) with Walnut Stain and Antique Linen Distress Ink. I place the piece behind the glass in the frame. This makes a nice dry erase background. This is where students can check to see what books are new in the library. 

I also created a tag that I attached along the bottom with white tulle. Lots of Distress Ink and Perfect Pearl on this tag. It will change for next month as well & I will put this tag away until next year.

I am plan to continue adding little home like touches to the library as the years progress. I am always looking for new things to add for either seasonal or long term decor. 

If you have specific questions about the pieces I created please ask in the comment section and I will respond.

Take Two Tuesday

Saturday I created a card using vintage dictionary pages as the background. I simply tore the dictionary pages into small pieces and attached them with my Herma tape runner to a scrap piece of cardstock. I could have used Modge Podge to attach the pieces, but I really wanted the torn edges and texture to show.

 I love this Autumn Blueprint CMS 133 stamp from Stampers Anonymous/Tim Holtz. I stamped the oak leaf  in black ink on top of the torn paper and clear embossed it.

I used Tim Holtz Distress ink in Crushed Olive, Scattered Straw, Wild Honey, and Fired Brick to ink the whole piece. I then painted the oak leaf with Iridescent Gold Twinkling H2O's. To finish the framed piece I flicked Perfect Pearl droplets in Gold and Perfect Pearl over it. 

I added a tag and die cut a leaf to add to the frame.

I can't wait to have this piece displayed on my fall mantle.