#BagItFoward 2012

I was so excited to be able to be a part of Elmer's #BagItFoward campaign this year.   When I found out I was chosen to donate some quality school supplies to a teacher or student of my choice, I knew exactly the person.  
I have a friend Dora who is a Special Education teacher in our middle school.   She has a classroom of about 15 kids (6th-8th grade) who mostly have behavior issues and can't be main streamed all day.   Her job is a tough one.   The students in her class not only have behavioral issues and learning disabilities, some of them don't have good home environment.  Dora is GREAT with them, she loves them all like a teacher, mom, big sister and an aunt would and should.
I emailed Dora to let her know I was donating supplies to her, she was so overwhelmed and grateful.  I asked her to make a "wish list" and sent her the link to the Elmer's website so she could get some ideas.  She said she really needed things so she and the kids could work on projects together.    She loved the Painter's Paint Pens (and so do I), glue sticks and glitter glue.  The rest was up to me... yay!

I went to Walmart to check out what I could get.

Glue, Glue and more Glue....  Perfect for any and all kinds of projects.   

 On Dora's "wish list" was glitter glue, Painter's paint pens and stencils so her and her students could do projects together.    The swirl glitter glue is so cute, but I think we all know what my favorite Elmer's product is.... the Painter's Paint Pens!  love, love, love, love, love...

  Here's Dora (Mrs. Carr to her students) with her basket of goodies.   We delivered it right to her classroom while she was getting it all ready for the 1st day of school.   If you want to read and see more photos from this shopping trip, you can check out my Google+ story.

Now, I have to tell you a few more things about Elmer's new App called "Elmer's 1st Day of School" 

For every photo uploaded, Elmer’s will donate one product to The Kids in Need Foundation

(KINF) up to 200,000 products.  When I uploaded my photo of my son and grandson on their 1st day of school this was the number of donations to date.    I'm sure it's way more then that by now!  

I urge you to go download the app and upload your photos!  It's an awesome and easy way to give to kids in need.    

Here's a list of links that you just HAVE to go check so you can see for yourself 

 how awesome Elmer's is! 

• BagItForward.org http://bagitforward.org/
• Elmer’s on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/Elmers
• Elmer’s on Twitter http://twitter.com/elmers
• Bag It Forward on Pinterest http://pinterest.com/cbsocially/bag-it-forward/

• 1st Day App download http://the1stday.com/walmart

Happy 1st Day of School Everyone! 

“I am a member of the Collective Bias™ Social Fabric® Community.  This shop has been compensated as part of a social shopper insights study for Collective Bias™ and and Elmer’s.  #BagItForward #CBias #SocialFabric”

Burlap & Painters Paint Markers #ExpressYourself

Right now burlap is hot, hot, hot.   Well, at least in my world it is. I just LOVE it!
So when I was given the opportunity to come up with a project using Elmer's Painters Paint Markers, I knew exactly what I was going to use them on.   I've used these markers for a long time now.  I use them for all sorts of projects from home decor to personalizing gifts to make them a little more "special."
I've used them on just about every surface except burlap. (duh, don't know why I didn't think of it sooner)
I ran to my Walmart to get all my supplies.   Burlap, Elmer's Painter Paint Markers and a frame.
I'm making this sound so organized and quick, but believe me I hemmed and hawed over what project to do! (Note to self: STOP OBSESSING)   Ok, so here I am at Walmart and I have to be very "ninja like" because some employees in my store don't like it when I take pictures.

Look at all the different colors they have to choose from!  I really love that you can buy a single marker. At my store the singles are $1.97.  I knew I was only going to need the black for this project. It was nice not to have to spent $9.97 for a set of 5 mixed colors.  (even though I know I would probably use them in the future)

Whewww.. no one hounded me about my picture taking!  Now, it's home to get crafty!
First I decided to make a vase and since I just love to personalize things... yup you guessed it, I'm stenciling a "V" (for VanDeusen) on my burlap.  I used a glass pickle jar I washed out and saved.  It was so easy and quick.  Less mess then using a paint and brush to stencil! I did put a folded paper towel under the burlap so the paint wouldn't go through to my table.  

My next project was to make a framed HOME sign for a shelf unit in my living room.
First, I spray painted the frame black to match my other stuff.  Next, I took it all apart and covered the back part with the burlap. I stenciled "HOME" with my paint markers.  I drew the squiggle under HOME free-hand.  Then, I put the frame back together.   EASY PEASY!

ALL DONE! 

I really think Elmer's has some great products for all sorts of craft and home projects!   You should totally check them out on Facebook, Twitter and their site at Elmers.com 

Have you made any projects using burlap or the Painters Paint Markers?   I'd love to see them!! 

Disclosure: I am a member of the Collective Bias Social Fabric Community.  This shop has been compensated as a social shopper inside study for Collective Bias.  #CBias #SocialFabric #ExpressYourself