I have wanted to make a palm tree for years, and was inspired by Deana Jump's tree directions to "Just Do It".
Here is my version of the famous Chicka Chicka Boom Boom Tree!
I used a 12 inch Quick Tube from Lowes, which they gave me for being a teacher. It was regular $4.99
I also used magnetic primer by Rustoleum, because I wanted the kids to be able to use it as a Working With Words station.
I spray painted the tube with brown flat spray paint. Lowes told me to use flat which will last longer and clean with a Clorox Wipe if needed. Who knew??!!
For the top, I took Deana Jump's suggestion and used an old umbrella frame. I went to Joann's today and bought green felt for the leaves. It is on sale for $2.99 a yard and teachers get 15% off. Love it!
I cut out the leaves and then hot glued them onto the metal frame. I bent the frame on each spoke downward because I didn't want any kiddo's to get hurt or poked in the eye.
Then I just sat the umbrella on top. I am going to glue the umbrella to the top of the tree when I get to school.
I am so excited that the magnetic letters stick. I love magnetic paint!
I also made this bench today.
I was going to hand paint the letters, but decided to use my Silhouette machine, scrapbook paper, and Mod Podge.
It turned out pretty darn cute too.
How do you plan on using this for working with words?
ReplyDeleteI am going to let kids spell words on it with magnetic letters. I am also going to "hide" words on the tree and they have to find them, write them, and read them. May have some wikki stix to use so that they can make the words they find too.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great idea! I love the bench too!
ReplyDeleteWow so creative! I love the bench. I need to go to more garage sales to find cool things to create like this. Thanks for the inspiration!
ReplyDeletehttp://ramblingaboutreading.blogspot.com/
These are super cute! Your students will love the tree and bench.
ReplyDelete-Rachel
edlink123.blogspot.com
Both projects are super cute! Thanks for the inspiration with the bench. We can't have upholstered furniture in our classrooms. A bench would help me create a comfy reading spot.
ReplyDeleteVery cute projects! The tree is GREAT and I love how it's magnetic :)
ReplyDeleteLOVE it! Girl, you don't waste any time! :)
ReplyDeleteThose both turned out amazing!! Great job Kristen! And magnetic spray paint might be even cooler than chalkboard spray paint!
ReplyDeleteHadar
Miss Kindergarten
I use Chicka Chicka Boom Boom at the beginning of the year every year and was just thinking how I wanted to incorporate it longer. Look at you being creative! I love this!! :)
ReplyDeleteLittle Miss Glamour Goes to Kindergarten
I love these! I have been known to take furniture from someone else's trash pile and paint it myself... you always have to be thinking as a teacher! Thanks for sharing, you have inspired me to make some new things!
ReplyDeleteAmy
http://stepintosecondgrade.blogspot.com
Super cute! I want a bench, too :-)!
ReplyDeleteReadWriteSing
I love them both! That tree will be so fun to put in a center.
ReplyDeleteOk, I'm back to check out the specifics again. And now I'm off to Lowe's! :)
ReplyDeleteI'm gonna try a flat tree instead of a tube so I can hang it on the wall. Hopefully I'll find something that will work!
Little Miss Glamour Goes to Kindergarten
I love your tree it will go great with my jungle theme. These will look great in my room. I am off to try to make these hopefully they turn out as great as yours did!
ReplyDeletePlease follow my blog
http://pocketfullofkinders.blogspot.com/
Super cute! Did you find the bench at a garage sale or did you by it at a store?
ReplyDeleteTammy
Live Love Laugh Everyday In Kindergarten
LOVE THIS!!! I saw the post on Deanna's site and am going to make one for my jungle themed room! Your tree (and your bench) turned out so precious! :)
ReplyDeleteKelli :)
http://castlesandcrayons.blogspot.com
Oh my goodness! I want a chicka chicka boom boom making words tree! How perfect.
ReplyDeleteLaurel
http://teachthemlove.blogspot.com
That's adorable!
ReplyDeleteHi Kristen! My coconut tree is complete! Thank you for the easy-to-follow directions and the extra help with the fabric. I posted a link back to your blog. Take a look if you get a minute. Thanks again - Cyndi
ReplyDeletewww.onlyinfirstgrade.blogspot.com