I created this tone on tone polka dot pattern in some of my favorite bright colors.  Pair a pretty polka dot WITH chalkboard and you have a collection that is both trendy and playful!

BRIGHTS are all the rage right now.  “BRIGHTS” include lime green, turquoise/blue, hot pink, yellow, orange, and purple. 

I’ve created this collection to be used TWO ways:

1.  Combine all of the colors to create a happy and pretty classroom environment.

(My polka dot lanterns coordinate perfectly with this collection!)

OR

2.  Choose your favorite color and decorate your classroom with a pretty BRIGHT dot for a classroom that reflects your personality.  *You can combine my Chalkboard Charm and my Organization Station with this collection…it would look AWESOME!

These colors look gorgeous with the black accents and create a stunning contrast!

(I have poms, lanterns, and paper daisies to coordinate with each BRIGHT color, as well as BLACK lanterns and daisies to create a beautiful space! *Available in the Schoolgirl Style Shop)

Choose hot pink and black…

Purple and black…

OR

You can even combine TWO colors for a custom color combination!

What about blue and green?  Pink and yellow?  Pink and green?  Purple and green?  Blue and orange?  The combinations are endless!

I also went a step further and designed my birds to coordinate with the colors in this collection, so NOW you can add some cute birds as accents to your classroom design!

My polka dot lanterns look beautiful with this collection!

Alphabet lines, a WELCOME banner, Avery sticker labels, Word Wall labels, and calendar headers/numbers are just a few items that are included in this versatile collection!

Create a customized color scheme that reflects your personal taste!  A classic polka dot and chalkboard design will never go out of style!

POLKA DOT PARTY SHOPPING GUIDE:

Labels, tags, banners, pennants, ABC line, binder covers:  Schoolgirl Style Shop

*Most items are editable!  Type into the label for perfect writing every time!  (Check out my FAQ section on my blog for directions and more information).

Lanterns, poms, daisies, birds:  Schoolgirl Style Shop

Clear paint cans:  Michaels

Photos courtesy of E.C. Campbell Photography

Click HERE for my Organization Station!

Click HERE for my Chalkboard Charm Collection!

Pin It]]> http://www.schoolgirlstyle.com/2013/05/polka-dot-party/feed/ 9 http://www.schoolgirlstyle.com/2013/04/road-trip/ http://www.schoolgirlstyle.com/2013/04/road-trip/#comments Mon, 29 Apr 2013 21:11:32 +0000 SchoolgirlStyle http://www.schoolgirlstyle.com/?p=5987 I am so so excited about this new classroom theme!  ROAD TRIP! There are so many learning opportunities with this original theme.  It is perfect for so many grade levels as well! I became inspired while looking at a simple map.  The ideas started to take over and I couldn’t stop envisioning children learning through [...]]]> I am so so excited about this new classroom theme! 

ROAD TRIP!

There are so many learning opportunities with this original theme.  It is perfect for so many grade levels as well!

I became inspired while looking at a simple map.  The ideas started to take over and I couldn’t stop envisioning children learning through imaginary travel!

Can’t you picture the sun shining, hopping in your car, and just driving across the United States, stopping at all of the amazing destinations that the U.S. has to offer?!? 

Each state has an identity all of their own.  Learning about what makes each state special and unique can be an awesome learning experience for all of your students!

Can you imagine how excited your students will be when they walk into their classroom for the first time and realize that they are about to embark on a special journey?

This is what ROAD TRIP is all about.

Discovery.  Exploration.  Adventure.  Fun.

Are you ready to go on a ROAD TRIP?!?  Hop in and off we GO!

Moving me down the highway

Rolling me down the highway

Moving ahead so life won’t pass me by…

Each child can have their own license plate.  Our editable license plates can be used for chairs, bulletin board displays, self-portraits, or nameplates.  The possibilities are endless!

ROAD TRIP was designed in a colorful classroom décor palette.  Your theme will come to life the minute you use Schoolgirl Style’s coordinated themed products!

Don’t forget Schoolgirl Style’s colorful lanterns to add a touch of whimsy to your classroom theme!  The coordinating lanterns create the “WOW” factor that you are looking for when people enter your room!

A colorful alphabet with an adorable license plate background pulls your entire classroom theme together.  Don’t forget your “road” letters!  Letters are perfect for bulletin boards and customized banners!

License plates can also be used as Center signs or a welcome sign outside your classroom door!

Don’t forget your coordinating Word Wall labels and editable nameplates!

More coordinating labels, tags, and banners…

Most of the items in the ROAD TRIP collection are editable.  No more worrying about your handwriting!  Type into the tags and you will have perfect labels every time!

Use an atlas, maps, and brochures from different destinations to create the ultimate travel themed classroom!  Don’t forget the signs from Creative Teaching Press!

#5987

I love using pennants in the classroom.  Pennants are the hottest craze in classroom décor!  They are perfect to line bulletin boards, white boards, windows, and drape from the ceiling!  Pennants can turn unused space into a colorful focal point!

Coordinating binder covers can keep all of your important papers organized!  Do your students track their own data?  How about an editable cover for each student?  This is a fun way to pull your classroom theme together!

Schoolgirl Style has also created vintage state postcards!  The postcards are one of my favorite creations in the ROAD TRIP classroom theme!  Use them over tables to designate groups, use on bulletin boards, or use as a writing assignment or for state reports!  All 50 states are included!

Who doesn’t stop at McDonalds when you are on a ROAD TRIP?  Use french fry boxes to hold lunch count sticks, use for managing Centers, use as a book check-out system, class jobs, etc…

This is one of my favorite ideas EVER!  Cute!  Cute!

It doesn’t stop there!  How about using empty McDonalds cups and cup holders to use on your tables to hold supplies?  The cup holders keep everything in place.  No need to worry about anything tipping over.  Cups are held tightly into the holders for the perfect organization tool!

Gosh, I can’t stand it…this is too cute!

Empty parfait cups work great too!

If you go on a ROAD TRIP, you need to take your driver’s license!

Lastly, Schoolgirl Style has a driver’s license available for your students!

Licenses were created with all 50 states available!

Choose from two sizes!  The large size is perfect for a self portrait or take your student’s picture and add it to the license.  Use as a cute bulletin board display!

OR…

Use the smaller size for name tags!

Schoolgirl Style has thought of everything to make your classroom the most amazing place for students to learn! 

ROAD TRIP SHOPPING GUIDE:

Tags, banners, labels, pennants, and cut-outs available in the Schoolgirl Style Shop.

Lanterns available in the Schoolgirl Style Shop.

Photos courtesy of E.C. Campbell Photograhy

Street signs from Creative Teaching Press – #5987

America the Beautiful Map – Target

Pin It]]> http://www.schoolgirlstyle.com/2013/04/road-trip/feed/ 17 http://www.schoolgirlstyle.com/2013/04/want-to-know-what-ive-been-up-to/ http://www.schoolgirlstyle.com/2013/04/want-to-know-what-ive-been-up-to/#comments Sat, 27 Apr 2013 02:45:30 +0000 SchoolgirlStyle http://www.schoolgirlstyle.com/?p=5936 I feel like I haven’t blogged in FOREVER!  Feels good to sit down and just chat with y’all.  (Did you see the “y’all?”  My southern friends did that to me!)  Anyways, instead of posting a room this evening, I thought I would take the time to share all of my excuses for not blogging in [...]]]> I feel like I haven’t blogged in FOREVER!  Feels good to sit down and just chat with y’all.  (Did you see the “y’all?”  My southern friends did that to me!)  Anyways, instead of posting a room this evening, I thought I would take the time to share all of my excuses for not blogging in ages!

Well, my first (and best) excuse was that I had surgery over a month ago.  Nothing major, so no worries, but it was a terrible hospital experience and recovery.  I won’t get into all of the yucky details, but my life came to complete stop for a few weeks while I recovered.

Before I had surgery, I ran around like a crazy woman trying to tie up loose ends with projects, shop for Easter baskets, and finish getting ready for two photo shoots that were planned when I returned home from the hospital.  (Yes, I planned a photo shoot the day after my surgery because I thought I was “Super Woman” and I would be perfectly fine.)

After I got out of surgery, I can remember telling someone to call E’lisa (my photographer) and cancel.  I quickly realized that I wasn’t in any condition to go home and decorate a room. 

Well, my mother wasn’t going to have any of that and insisted that I keep the scheduled shoot.  She took it upon herself to finish the rooms for me.  So, although, I did most of the room myself, my mother came in and completed all of the finishing touches.  I would try to peek over the back of the couch here and there to see what she was up to, but honestly, I didn’t really care…I just wanted to sleep.

Here is a sneak peek of that room…

By the way, I love this room! 

I’m sure that most of you know that I also work for Creative Teaching Press.  Well, I had some major responsibilities due and a lot of people counting on me to finish a large project.  In hindsight, it probably wasn’t the best time to have surgery.  Luckily, I have such a great support system and everyone pulled together to help me out.

I spent two whole weeks working day and night (along with my assistants, Christy and Lisa) getting this project finished.  I SO need to give a big shout out to them!  They came to the rescue, along with their own family members who chipped in to help me get the work done.  It was such a crazy time!  For two weeks, my house had a revolving door.  If Lisa wasn’t here, Christy was.  We had three teams of people working so hard.

(My garage with project materials…)

During all of this crazy time, my daughter turned three years old, so, of course, we had to have the big family birthday party.  In the middle of all of this craziness, I pulled together another classroom theme and decided to use it as my daughter’s birthday party theme too.  It turned out really cute!

Here is a sneak peek…

(Stay tuned…this one will be up on the blog soon!)

As soon as we finished the big CTP project, the birthday party, and the photo shoot,  I had to prepare to leave for IRA in San Antonio.  It would be so great if I could just show up to these conferences and just stand there and talk to everyone, but I am there to decorate and to present.  *Stop by my Inspired In Style blog on Monday to see pics!

I was in San Antonio for six days and our booth that we created was absolutely adorable!  Someone came by and said that our booth was “The Happy Place!”  It really was.  BEST.COMPLIMENT.EVER.

Here we are in San Antonio…(with our cheesy cowboy hats)

I also had the chance to meet one of my favorite bloggers, April McNair, from A Modern Teacher!  April and I talk all the time, but we have never met face to face.  This was one of my highlights of the trip!  April is so sweet and fun.  As I talked to her, I couldn’t help but think of how “teacherish” she is.  She has such a warm and inviting presence.  She is the type of person that you would want your children to be with.  I really adore this girl!

After we set up our booth and the show started, I was scheduled to present several times throughout the conference.  This is a picture of one of my presentations.  The crowd kept getting bigger and bigger.  There were people sitting on the floor everywhere.  One of the girls from CTP asked if I even realized how many people were there…I really don’t.  I guess I tend to block it out.  It makes me feel really good when people enjoy my presentations.

Needless to say, by the end of the trip,  I was tired.  I was so ready to get home and sleep in my own bed.  I wanted to just hug my family.  This trip was particularly harder than most.  I think I just felt bad about how busy I was up until this trip.  Not only was I super busy, I was recovering from surgery and still didn’t feel great. 

I spent a couple days relaxing a bit after I returned, then panic set in.  I know all of you are waiting for me to get the new collections out! 

So, it begins. 

I am back in full swing and working away.  I have four collections waiting to be released and another photo shoot scheduled in two weeks.  My goal is to get some of my most requested rooms completed and ready for you to start preparing over the summer. 

Oh…and I’m feeling better!

So, watch the blog…I will be getting those rooms up very soon!

~Melanie~

Yes, printable classroom decor is becoming all the rage and you see it all over Teacher’s Notebook and Teachers Pay Teachers.  In the beginning of Schoolgirl Style, no one was really doing it.  Printable decor is convenient, you can print it out as many times as you would like, and each item is EDITABLE!  Type into each label and you can customize your classroom any way you would like.  Organization and setting up the classroom environment has never been easier!

Now, you have a choice.  You have a TON of printable decor choices out there!

I’ve heard some sellers say that they can crank out a 150 item printable decor collection in TWO hours.  TWO hours?!?  Yes, I admit, that’s a ton of stuff with a minimal investment, but again, there is a difference.

THE SCHOOLGIRL STYLE DIFFERENCE

It takes me weeks and weeks to create a collection.  I start with an idea in my head and I start creating the perfect graphics to coordinate.  It is also not unusual for me to start creating and then completely abandon the entire concept.  I also work with my own exclusive graphic designer to help create all of those ideas that I have swimming around in my head.

I redo.  I rethink.  I recreate.

After I choose my favorite patterns, designs, and graphics, I go shopping!

 I spend several weeks stopping in at stores and scouring the internet for the best and newest products out there that coordinate with the particular theme that I’m working on.  I purchase storage options and coordinating decor to show you what you can purchase for that perfect “designer” look.  I want to provide you with INSPIRATION, so you can walk into your own classroom and feel confidant that you can do the same thing.

Then, it doesn’t stop there!

Now, it’s time to stage the room…

Staging a classroom takes me several days and it’s a crazy amount of hard labor.  I dream of having people just do all the work for me someday and I can just sit and tell them what to do!  (HA!!  Yes, totally dreaming, but it would be really nice!)  Until then, it’s just little ole’ me doing all the work!

Staging sounds easy and fun, but really, it’s not.

This is the test.  The true test.

Staging the room is where I can see if it all really coordinates and comes together like I envisioned.  I can also make the decision if there are enough pieces in the collection and if the graphics and colors look “right.”  Pulling the entire room together and actually decorating a space is the biggest difference between Schoolgirl Style and the other printable collections that you might find out there.

As I was decorating my latest collection, although I really liked my original designs and ideas, I realized that it wasn’t working.  The room didn’t have that “WOW” factor that I strive to create in my collections.

I paced.  I thought.  I paced some more.  I moved things.  Then, I pulled my computer out and changed every single item that I spent weeks creating.  I changed colors.  I changed designs.  I changed the entire concept.

As I was finishing up the room, my son walked into the room, stopped, and said “Mom, this is one of your best rooms.  I LOVE this one!”

THANK YOU.  THAT IS WHAT I WAS LOOKING FOR.

Can you imagine what this collection would have looked like if I only spent two hours on it?

After you make that purchase, you now have access to the customer service end of Schoolgirl Style.  If you have trouble downloading, editing, or opening a file, my assistant, Christy or myself can help you every step of the way.  If you aren’t computer savvy, that’s okay!  Between the both of us, we make sure that you are completely satisfied with your purchase.

When you purchase a Schoolgirl Style printable, you are buying perfection.

My ultimate goal is to inspire and help you through the entire process of setting up a classroom.

So, now you know.  Lots of love, attention, creation, thought, and hard labor goes into each collection that I create.  I want you to feel good after you make that purchase and know that there IS a difference.

So, what are you waiting for?  If you haven’t tried printable decor, now is the time!  Have fun decorating your room and creating that dream space for you and students!  Oh, and if you haven’t seen it yet, stop by my BRAND NEW Schoolgirl Style Shop for an easy, one stop shopping experience!

Shop Schoolgirl Style

Happy Decorating!

A ladybug theme is great for the teacher that loves to be surrounded by darling patterns and designs.  A combination of gingham and polka dots creates a sweet and classic classroom that everyone is sure to love!

When envisioning a ladybug theme, I knew right away that I didn’t want to use just black and red.  Although I love the color combination, I really like the idea of adding a third color to add more depth to the design. 

Using lots of ribbon and pretty paper daisies in coordinating colors takes this design from cute to FABULOUS in a few easy steps!

Introducing…LOVELY LADYBUGS

Lovely Ladybug Shopping Guide:

Printable labels, tags, banners, nameplates, pennants – Schoolgirl Style

Paper daisies, ribbon – Schoolgirl Style

Black crates, crayon caddy, red buckets, gingham pencils – Target

Red daisies, gingham wrapping paper – Homegoods

Table & chairs – Pottery Barn Kids

Photos courtesy of E.C. Campbell Photography

I knew from the beginning, that teachers needed a one-stop shopping experience.  Decorating a classroom should be easy and convenient.  I wanted to create a site that allowed teachers to browse different classroom themes, pick their favorite, and be able to purchase everything they needed to create their dream space!

Finding the items you want will now be a cinch and you no longer have to search through pages of pages of items to find what you are looking for!

Shopping should be FUN!

In addition, I’ve included all of those cute “extras” that you see in my photos!  From poms to ribbons, you now have access to EVERYTHING!

You also might have noticed, I am adding links to purchase your bulletin board paper, borders, and all of the fun décor’ that you might want to add to your classroom!  I’ve searched high and low for the BEST items to coordinate with your classroom theme.  Believe me, I found a lot out there that could have worked, but I chose the most economically and aesthetically pleasing items to include. 

Schoolgirl Style only endorses the BEST!

I actually started this journey last summer and it has taken months and months to get this project off the ground.  I originally thought it wouldn’t be that big of a deal – it would probably take only a few weeks to get going. 

Ummmm…I was wrong.  Big time wrong.

It was the never ending project…seriously.

There were so many layers to creating this shop and I couldn’t have done it without my assistant, Christy Bearden.  Christy worked and worked on this, which even included staying up all night long on many a nights.  I knew Christy was a computer whiz, but I think “Shop Builder Expert” should be her new title! 

Dear Christy,

I know you are reading this, so I want to thank you again all of your hard work.  You made my dream come true today and I am forever grateful.  Have I told you how awesome you are?  You will never know how much I appreciate your dedication to this project.  You are the best!

~Melanie~

I also need to thank my web/shop designer, Lauren from Restored 316.  Lauren has been so patient with us.  She’s had a zillion emails from the both us trying to figure all of this out. She has been there, walking us through it every step of the way. 

So, Lauren, “THANK YOU.”  You are my heaven sent friend from Texas!  I am so thankful for you! 

There you have it, the “behind the scenes” story of this shop!  I’m so so excited about Schoolgirl Style’s future!  I have so many more ideas up my sleeve that I can’t wait to roll out.  You just need to stay tuned to see all the fun I have in store for YOU!

HAPPY SHOPPING!

Kristy created a calming and serene classroom using my bird theme!  I love how Kristy chose a theme that incorporated her blue furniture and her blue/brown carpet.  It is so important to not ignore your existing furniture and carpet.  My bird theme was the perfect solution to making her room look coordinated and cohesive!

Fantastic job, Kristy!

When I thought about this particular room, I knew that I should incorporate trendy patterns (chevron, polka dots, damask) AND the color gray.  Gray is so hot right now!  Target has even created gray  storage solutions in their Dollar Spot!  Woohoo!

I have to tell you, when I finished this room, it nearly took my breath away.  This Classroom Couture collection is the epitome of gorgeousness!

I wanted this room to have a vintage appeal, so over-the-top crystals, satin ribbon, barn wood, and weathered looking printable decor were in order!

AND…  you will see a chandelier in this room.

Yes…a chandelier.

 Do you think I’m crazy yet?!?

Let me explain…

When my son was entering the 8th grade, I walked into his science classroom on Parent Information Night.  In the center of his classroom, the teacher had a CHANDELIER hanging.  I was intrigued.  As I sat and listened to her presentation, I couldn’t stay focused.  I was so interested in the teacher’s choice of classroom décor. 

This particular teacher had curtains and lamps as well.  There was a soft, warm feeling to her classroom.  The room definitely reflected this teacher’s personality.  It appeared that his science teacher also enjoyed her job and took a great deal of time to create this environment.  

She won me over that night and my hunch was correct…she was a fantastic teacher and loved her students.

First impressions are SO important.

So, I don’t think chandeliers are too crazy.  If you love them and think they would make you feel good in your environment, then for heaven’s sake, add one to your room!

*My chandelier was from Kmart on clearance.  It was from the garden section of the store and meant for outside use.  I spray painted it white and added crystals for an inexpensive addition to this room!

You can also check out this website for inexpensive chandeliers..

http://www.save-on-crafts.com/

I’m really excited to show you the rest of this room!  I hope you love it as much as I do!

~Melanie~

Introducing “Vintage Chic Pink”

Vintage Chic Pink Shopping Guide:

Labels, tags, banners, printables, poms, white paper daisies, birds, prints, burlap ribbon:  Schoolgirl Style Shop

Photos:  E.C. Campbell Photography

Gray storage containers:  Target

Crystal supply holders, pink ribbon, picture frames:  Hobby Lobby

Gray chair, lamp:  www.homegoods.com

Silver bucket, flowers:  Pottery Barn

Here is the post…

http://www.schoolgirlstyle.com/2011/10/cute-classroom-inspiration-whitney-kelly-from-carlisle-ar/

After I came out with my owl theme, Whitney decided to change things up a bit and incorporate owls everywhere!  She came up with some really great ideas, especially her bulletin boards!

I have to tell you, I am in love with those new, trendy ruffled bulletin board borders!  Whitney created several in her re-designed classroom.  They are soooo cute!

Take a look at Whitney’s changes…

Brianne is from Utah and teaches preschool in her home.  Previously, Brianne taught third grade in the public education system for 7 years before deciding to stay home with her children.  She teaches two classes, an Uppercase class (kindergarten prep 4-5 year olds) and a Lowercase class (3-4 year olds).

Brianne explained that she always loved decorating and had “themed” rooms in her third grade class.  Jungle with hanging vines, monkeys, a reading hut, etc;  Under the Sea with nylon stuffed legs hanging through floating tubes from the ceiling, a fish tank reading center, sea life creaturs; and a Space theme with all things space.

Brianne loved using a Dr. Seuss theme in her preschool class because it allowed her to incorporate bright colors and fun characters!

Brianne was also kind enough to show us her preschool flyer and postcard that she gave out to parents.  So cute!

Before anyone asks (and I get this question a lot)…due to copyright reasons, I cannot create any Dr. Seuss tags/labels.  Oh, how I wish I could!  I DREAM of creating a Dr. Seuss collection.

HOWEVER,

Brianne did use my carnival red and white striped tags to go with her theme and they look fantastic!

I hope you enjoy Brianne’s room!

Happy Birthday, Dr. Seuss!