Back to School Apple Challenge

It's hard to believe but it is time to go back to school.  In fact, my two older children start back this week.  It's kind of bittersweet.  On one hand I know they need to get back to their routine, but on the other, I don't feel like I got to do very much with them since having the baby.  But I know they've really had a great summer...Disneyworld vacation, new baby brother, sleepovers with friends and cousins, and TONS of swimming!  I'd say that's a fun summer!

So in celebration of back to school, our challenge this week over at Bitten by the Bug 2 is to create a card or project using an apple Cricut cut.  Just be sure to tell us which cartridge you used.  

Easy right?

I chose to create a layout for my kids' first day pictures for this year.  I know...I feel so ahead of the game!!  I made a layout before the event even happens!  I really love how it came out.  As I normally do, I went to Pinterest for inspiration.  I love this one.  

Don't forget to follow me for more scrapbooking inspiration.  

 Recollections paper and cardstock

Birthday Bash-Titles- "Second" and "First"

"grade" Gypsy Font

Create a Critter for apples

Scallop border punch

buttons

Hope to see you link up!!

And I just have to share one of the most awesome cookie recipes with you all!!  These are our new favorite cookie.  They are perfect for the approaching holiday season too!

Cinnamon Pecan Ice Box Cookies

Schoolwork Savers

I wanted to share the school work saver boxes I made for my kiddos.  

I picked up these letter size file boxes at Office Depot.  

I used Plantin Schoolbook for "Olivia."

The circles are also from that cart sized at 1.00 and .75 in.

I used Cuttin Up for "Grant."

Inside I have their school work saved for each year.  I only save some of it or else I'd need a lot more boxes!  I choose to save things with their hand prints, papers that show how they wrote their name, and other special projects and journals.  I plan on putting ALL of their work until they graduate, so I have to be very selective even though it is hard to throw anything.

And if you are in the mood for something comforting as fall approaches, I have a recipe for a Taco Spaghetti Bake over on my food blog:

  

First Day of Pre-K

I have a first day of school layout to share.  I wanted to use non-traditional colors for it.  I picked my daughter's favorite colors, purple and pink!  

I got this idea a few years ago from a great blog, Scrappin Cricut by Kendra Wiggins.  Here's her layout, which I absolutely love!

She used Cuttin Up for the font and Locker Talk for the cuts.

For my layout, I used Storybook for the font and Simply Charmed for the cuts.  

I used purple stickles for the scissors and some pink twine.

As you can probably see on the "R" I had a little friend try to do her own artistic work while I wasn't looking!  I decided not to redo it, and I thought it was kind of appropriate since it is her scrapbook she will share it  with her family one day.  

 

For the dash, I used a frame and manipulated the size in my gypsy to be .75 inches high and 1.65 inches wide.  Then I just made a shadow a little bigger.

Supplies/Details:

Font-Storybook-2.35 in.

Other cuts-2.25 in.

White gel pen

Purple stickles

pink twine

gem sticker

Recollections cardstock

pattern paper for photo mats from my stash

Here is the finished layout with pictures:

I hope to share some more school layouts with you soon.

Also if you're looking for a good back-to-school gift for your child's teacher, here's an idea:

Teacher Gift