Back to School Teacher Sign

Over the summer I wanted to make some crafts as welcome back gifts for my sons' teachers. I had seen some cute signs made with burlap so I decided to give it a try. I ended up loving the final product and if I can find a few minutes in the next few days, I plan to make one for myself.

Of course crafting meant a trip to Hobby Lobby, who doesn't love a trip there?

Because I planned to make a pencil I chose the yellow burlap available in the fabric section.

After cutting it, I reinforced it with some dowels running the length and placed it in the center , I attached the dowels with some floral wire. I bought the wooden dowels at Wal-Mart, they were much cheaper there.

As you can see, I used 2 dowels, wrapped with the floral wire around them in the center and attached it to the back of the burlap. Then I folded the burlap over it. Next, I used black twine and a large sewing needle to connect the pieces, sewing around the edges. I learned quickly that burlap frays a lot and you have to carefully place the stitching so it doesn't separate.

After stitching I cut two triangular pieces off of the end, making the tip of the pencil. Then I painted it with acrylic paints I bought at Wal-Mart. (I was really glad I chose the yellow burlap, it would have taken a lot of yellow paint to make it look like a pencil!)

I will attach more twine and some ribbon to make it hang from a hook.

What do you think?
Want to see more great projects, go to 4th grade Frolics blog for the Monday Made it links.