DIY Magazine Box (from a cardboard wine box)

I hate throwing stuff away.  Recycling is super cool... but I'd rather use it for something.  But how!?  Well, with wine boxes, I've found they work perfectly for holding my sheet music, financial files, and the list goes on and on.

So, after the wine has disappeared, somewhat carefully pull the top of the box open.  Pull the bag out (you may have another glass or so of wine to enjoy!) and recycle. :)  Then... just find some wrapping paper or contact paper and cover the box!  You can leave the handles, if you'd like--

Or cut them off--

You may even want to cut the corner at an angle like the REAL magazine boxes have.  I don't usually bother.  In the picture above, I used the winter looking wrapping paper for my Christmas music.  You can go nuts with all the details.  I just keep it simple.  Ta-dah!!

Recorder Karate Motivation Board

I have been teaching music for five years and have always used the Recorder Karate system. It keeps kids motivated and accountable. Students earn 'belts' (I use a small piece of embroidery floss) for playing increasingly difficult songs. Students can then display evidence of their skill, dedication, etc. by the number and color of belts on the bell of their recorders. For a little extra motivation, I made this bulletin board. Now, students get to move their name tags up as they earn belts!

Impatient Introduction

Well, I'm too impatient to write my life story here, but basically I'm planning to share my life secrets in this blog. I have a blog for my students (I'm an elementary music teacher and technology coach) but wanted to start one for my 'other' stuff. I do spend about 50 hours a week at school, but- occasionally- I do do other things! I plan to update very sporadically...