Father's Day T-Shirt Card

In high school I learned how to fold up a dollar bill into the shape of a shirt, which I think is one of the most random skills I can say that I know (other than making a four-leaf clover shape with my tongue). Now, many years later, that skill has finally proven worthy in a crafty sort-of way.

In honor of Father's Day (and because I ran out of bills to fold), I decided to take this same origami magic but turn it into a card for my wonderful, loving Pop!

Here are the steps to fold the origami shirt: 

1. Take any bill or rectangular shaped piece of paper (I used a 12 x 7 sheet of paper).

2. Fold it in half - hot dog style. Then open it back up.

3. Take one of the long edges and fold it to the center line you created in step 2.

4. Repeat step 3 with the other long edge.

5. Turn the newly formed rectangle over so that the flaps are on the back and fold over one of the short edges about 1/2 an inch (this will become part of the collar).

6. Turn the paper over again, this time the flaps will be towards you. Take one of corners (on the same side as the collar flap) and fold it diagonally towards your original center. Repeat this diagonal fold with the other side of the collar so that the two sides meet at the middle (points touch about 3/4 of an inch down).

7. Once your collar is formed, fold the remainder of the long rectangle so that it fits right under that collar.

8. Open up that fold. Then, diagonally fold out one of the two bottom flaps.

9. Repeat this diagonal fold on the other side flap. The "wings" will become the shirt sleeves.

10. Lastly, fold the bottom of the rectangle back up and tuck it underneath the collar pieces. Tada! All done!

But before sealing it up in an envelope, I added a piece of plain paper to the inside of the shirt (as shown in the first picture above) so that I could write a cute note to the recipient of the card.

If you are feeling extra crafty, cut out a piece of paper in the shape of a tie and stick it on your shirt and draw on a pocket as well.

There you have it. Now that is one of the most cute skills I know...if I do say so myself. :)

-Mrs. G

Confessions of a First Year Teacher

Cue the Hallelujah Chorus, I'm DONE with my first year of school!

I know, I know, technically Friday was my last day, but I was at an in-service curriculum development all week - so I dub today as the official last day! Summer has finally arrived!

Along with the summer season, comes a plethora (look at me and my big word) of craftiness. But, before I get completely ahead of myself in this area, I would like to share a video that is near and dear to my heart.

For the end of my first year of BTSA (a teacher induction program), I was asked to make or bring an artifact that represented my first year of teaching. My husband, Daniel, and our dear friend, Josh, helped me make what I like to refer to as a memoir of my first year as a teacher. It is titled "Confessions of a First Year Teacher" and it is what Daniel likes to call a depressing, but oddly redemptive depiction of my dreams of teaching becoming my nightmare, I mean, my reality.

As much as I am glad my first year of teaching is behind me and I can now focus on the rest of my career, I am nostalgic of the time I spent with my students and the memories we created as a class. It was truly a year I will never forget - yes, in a good way. :)

If you feel so inclined, please take a couple minutes to view this video, it was a wonderful way to sum the challenges as well as victories and joys of my first year of teaching. Here's to many more! Confessions of a First Year Teacher