Two-Tiered Plate Stand

I was so excited to work on this project.  My friend Brandy and I came across this idea on Budget Wise Home one day over the summer but I couldn't picture in my mind how everything would fit together.  I was determined to figure out how it was made and I wanted to do it for less than $10.

I started by looking for a candlestick that could be unscrewed and taken apart.  I was able to find a few at my local thrift store but I had to figure out a way to connect the candlestick to the two plates.  I headed over to Home Depot looking for something I could use and I found a long thread rod.   Once I found this, I knew I could easily complete the project.  I also picked up a drawer knob that could screw onto the thread rod.  You will also need a masonry bit to drill a hole in the plates.  The last thing I needed to find were two plates I liked.  I finally found them at TJ Maxx.  I could've found them sooner but I was determined to find inexpensive ones.

Supplies and Materials Needed:

• Candlestick:  $1.49
• Thread rod:  $.98
• Two Plates:  $2.00 each
• Drawer knob: $1.29
• Nut that fits thread rod: $.08
• Drill
• Masonry bit
• Hack saw or something to cut thread rod
• Paint 

Directions:

• I started by taking the candlestick apart.  You will only need the center part that should be long and skinny.  The center part of the candle stick I used was actually three smaller pieces but it still worked perfectly.

• Paint this part and the drawer knob to match your plate.  I painted mine white so I can use it with other plates.

• Drill holes in the center of each plate.
• Measure how long the thread rod will need to be and cut using a hack saw or sharp wire cutters.
• Place the thread rod through the candlestick center piece.  Then place it through the bottom plate hole.  Attach with a small nut so the center piece is attached securely to the bottom plate.
• Place the top of the thread rob through the top plate and screw on the drawer nob.

Once you pick up all the supplies and materials for this project, it is super easy to put together.  I was able to do it in one evening.  The longest part was waiting for the paint to dry.  I was a little nervous about drilling the wholes because I didn't want to break the plates but that was no problem at all.  Just take your time and don't rush this part of the project.

I can't wait to fill it with yummy treats this holiday seasons.  It will also be fun to change the plates for the different holidays and seasons.

Let me know what you think and if you make one please share pictures.  I'd love to see how others turn out.  Have fun picking out cute plates to use:)

I'm linking up to Vintage Wanna Be, Creations by Kara, The Thrifty Home, I Heart Nap Time,  Under the Table and Dreaming, and the Painted Holiday Challenge at The CSI Project

Teacher Discounts!

This is for my fellow teachers.  I wanted to compile a list of stores that offer a teacher discount.  Most of these discounts also apply to Parents Educating at Home.

This is what I found:

• Joann Fabric:  15% 
• Hancock Fabric:  10%
• J.Crew:  15% (Works for students also)
• Ann Taylor Loft:  15%
• The Container Store:  15%
• Borders, Barnes and Noble, and Books-A-Million all offer teacher discounts if you are buying reading material for your classroom
• The Apple Store
• FedEx Office:  15%
• NY and Company:  15%

Just remember to take your teacher badge with you when you shop and don't be afraid to ask if they offer a teacher discount.

If you know of any other stores that offer a teacher discount, please share:)

Also:  In my quest to find stores that offer teacher discounts, I came across this fabulous website that offers discount codes for dozens of stores that anybody could use.  Check it out HERE.

I Spy Jar

My 2 year old son, Connor, loves playing I Spy.  We play it at the grocery store, in the car or whenever he is getting a little impatient.  I came across the I Spy bags on another blog but wasn't in the mood to sew anything.  So I decided I could throw everything in a jar and glue the lid on with super glue.  In my house super glue seems to fix everything:)

I started with a trip to Hobby Lobby.  This was actually my first time in a Hobby Lobby because they just opened a store in Maryland.  We went home to visit my parents for Thanksgiving and I was so excited.  I could have shopped in that store all day.

Supplies Needed:

• Plastic jar with lid:  Mine were two for $7.99
• Plastic Pellets:  $3.99
• 20-30 small objects
• Self-Laminating Sheets:  $3.49
• Small piece of elastic - enough to stretch around the top of the jar

Directions:

• Gather your small objects:  I went through all my junk drawers and art supplies to get random objects:  paper clip, penny, dime, screw, buttons, stickers, letter beads, fishing worm, etc.  Anything I could find that was small enough to fit in the jar.
• Take a picture of the objects or create a list of the objects:  I placed the objects on my printer/copy machine and made a color copy of all the objects.  You could also take a picture of your objects and print the photo.  The list of objects would be perfect for older children.
• Make smaller cards of objects:  I cut the copy of my objects into 4 sections so the cards would be smaller.
• Laminate the cards:  I took two cards and put them back to back.  Then I used the Self-Laminating sheets to laminate the cards - two cards per sheet.
• Place all the objects into the jar.
• Pour in plastic pellets.  
• Glue the lid to the jar:  I placed super glue around the inside of the lid and placed the lid on the jar.
• Attach cards to jar:  I punched a hole in the cards and put elastic through the hole.  I wanted it to stretch around the top of the jar and easily come off when Connor was playing with it.

Spin the jar and start searching for the items shown on the cards.  Connor was so excited to look for the different items and he was just as excited to shake the jar around.  

I think this will be perfect for long car rides when we travel to Maryland:)

I Love Shutterfly!

With the holiday season approaching, I know many people are looking for personalized gift ideas to give to family members.  Shutterfly has many creative products you can make using your photos.  I've used their website to store all my photos for years now.  Every year I make a photobook and calendar using my favorite pictures.  They also have many options for birth announcements, invitations, and stationary.  I always order photos through their website.  I can even order them online and pick them up at my local Target.


Shutterfly is a great place to make your holiday cards.  I can't wait to use their website to make my Christmas card this year.  They offer so many great designs and styles.  Now I just have to choose my favorites pictures so I can begin.  These are just two of the ones I love.

So get started on your holiday cards today!

Shutterfly always has great deals on their products.  They are currently offering free shipping on purchases of $30 and  50 free holiday cards to bloggers.

Thanks for reading about my favorite Shutterfly products.  I hope you have fun creating your photo gifts and love the site as much as I do.

Do you need a blog make-over like me?

Little Sailor Design offers affordable blog make-overs.  My friend Melissa over at Just the 3 of Us just had her blog redone by the Little Sailor Design.  They did a fabulous job and currently have a contest going on.  Check it out!