Introducing Teacher’s Apple (Teacher’s Gifts Galore!)

I have been anxiously awaiting the arrival of the presentation that myself and the team have prepared for you today!  Teacher's Apple is one of the new stamp sets being released by Papertrey ink on the 15th, and I think it fills an area that is lacking in variety in regards to our hobby!  I myself have been looking for a teacher stamp set for years that fits into my personal style and sentimentality.  I am excited about the possibilities of this new set and all the creative endeavors that can be explored with it!  The design team, along with yours truly, have compiled a number of teachers gift projects for you to peruse today.  These inspirations couldn't come at a better time as you begin the process of planning those holiday gifts!

For my project, I decided to fall back on an item that I have given to my children's teachers many times.  The classic Journal Jar.  The basis of this gift is to provide the teacher with the necessary tools & inspiration to compile his/her *story*.  Several questions are printed onto paper and cut into strips.  My very best friend Wendy, compiled a list of teacher appropriate questions and has allowed me to share them with you!  They are already formatted and ready to go; all you have to do is print! 

Download teachers_journal_jar.pdf

ETA: A few of you requested a single parent version of the dedication.  Here is the download for that version.

Download teachers_journal_jar_single_parent_dedication.pdf

The easiest way to cut all these strips is to first cut the four sides of each question page down to the dotted lines that I provided.  Then you can go through and make one slice with your paper trimmer in between each question with no additional trimming required.  I prefer to curl the strips by running the blade of my scissors down the back of each strip, just like you would with curling ribbon.  I think these curls make for a prettier finished jar.  The cutting & curling of the question strips is the perfect activity to do in front of the television!

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The matching card was created with the same elements as the jar.  Now, let me tell you a bit about the stamp set!  Teacher's Apple features eight different apple designs & patterns and nine sentiments!  Each of the sentiments have the word "teacher" removed and allowing space to insert the decorative version of the title in a different color ink.  You will love how easy it is to tie in your color scheme! 
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Here is the interior of the card (you can click the photo for a larger view).  This introduction block is included in the free download above, already formatted to be trimmed and adhered inside a 4.25 x 5.5-inch card!  It eloquently explains how the journal jar is to be used and what your intentions are for it!

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When I was shopping for supplies for my ensemble, I ran across this hard-cover journal at Target.  It was only $8.99, and I figured with the other elements of the gift being so inexpensive, the quality of this journal over a composition notebook seemed like a worthwhile splurge.
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Did you notice the background pattern used on all of my projects?  It was created with a background stamp that I *built* myself using the Trajan Monogram Alphabet. 
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I simply created a collage on a large acrylic block, using all but a few of the letters from the alphabet, fitting them together like some sort of puzzle.  In case you would like to try this technique yourself, I have created a printable download that you can use as a template. 

Download alphabet_collage_template.pdf

Just lay the alphabet stamps, image side down, on each letter and pick them all up at once with your acrylic block.  It's makes a fun background to use AND you feel so resourceful!
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To carry on the apple theme, I packaged the ensemble together in an orchard basket that I found at Hobby Lobby for $5.  I think it really brings all of the elements together so well!  This is a truly meaningful gift that I am sure any teacher would appreciate beyond words!
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Stamps:Teacher's Apple (available November 15th), Trajan Monogram Alphabet

Ink: Pure Poppy, ripe Avocado & Dark Chocolate Palette

Paper: Ripe Avocado, Dark chocolate, Vintage Cream

Other: Pure Poppy satin ribbon, chocolate buttons from Foof-a-la, Square Nestabilities, linen typing paper (for question strips)

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The DT girls have been busy at work as well, preparing a few more additional gift ideas for you to see.  Please be sure to work your way down through the list and check out their offerings.  After reviewing them all, there is no way you could NOT be inspired and decide what to do for the teacher's in your life this year!
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Becky Oehlers made an AWESOME mini book with our recipe cards, just slightly altered.  A fantastic way to preserve the class and each individual student's personality!

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Betsy Veldman took advantage of the wording in one sentiment to create a custom pencil planter & plant pic.  I love how simple this project is, and it creates a show-stopper for her desk!

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Dawn McVey came up with an idea that anyone short on time whip up in only a few moments, taking advantage of the delectable delicacies that can be found at local bakeries and such.  It's all about the packaging to make it personal!

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Debbie Olson created an amazing gift set that includes coordinating notebook, pen & bookmarks.  Oh, and don't forget the card!

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Geny Cassady picked a sentiment that emphasized the importance of a teacher in a child's life, making it the perfect focal point for a frame to hang in the classroom.  The color scheme that she chose really pops!

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Heather Nichols created a fun mini book that could include photos or other memorabilia from throughout the year.

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Lauren Meader utilized her new Purse-onality Clutch template that is coming out this month, to create a pretty file box (a.k.a. rolodex) for the teacher to keep track of her students.  Standard index cards fit perfectly in the purse, so no cutting down is necessary!

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Lisa Johnson altered a hand sanitizer dispenser.  Hand sanitizer can be found throughout any classroom.  Making it pretty as well as functional is a gesture any teacher would appreciate!

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Melissa Phillips customized a jar candle with some pretty stamped wrap.  The finished product is so warm & homey, it just makes you want to curl up on the couch with a good book and a cup of tea!

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Michelle Wooderson made a message center from an altered clipboard.  You'll really benefit from all the detail that Michelle put into her post so that you can recreate the same thing!

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Niki Estes used the tag insert I created for the Nugget Tin and used the compartment for different desk supplies.  You won't want to miss the additional peeks at her project on her blog!

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I hope you have enjoyed all of this inspiration!  If you end up deciding to execute any of these gift ideas during this holiday season, be sure to stop by and let us know about it!  Happy stamping!