My kids are counting down the days until school starts. They can’t wait to meet their new teacher, see their friends again and tell everyone about their summer trips! Our Michaels Makers challenge this month is all about getting ready to go back to school! And I’m excited to share my Cork Board Vase which is perfect as a back to school teacher gift.
Not only will your new teacher love it, this project is so simple you can throw it together in less than 10 minutes! That’s right in less than 10 minutes you’ll have a thoughtful gift for your teacher with plenty of time left to get those school lunches packed and backpacks ready before the big day. I love fresh flowers and in the past we’ve given our teachers ABC Flowers and Thanks for Helping Me Grow Flowers, but this year I wanted to do something that was practical, fun, inexpensive and easy.
You only need a few supplies to make a Cork Board Vase, here’s what you will need:
- Natural Cork Roll
- Empty container or can
- Hot Glue Gun
- Scissors
- Fresh Flowers
- Mason Jar
- Black Cardstock
- Chalk
- Push Pins
I decided to use an empty oatmeal container. I liked the size of it and that it was made from recycled cardboard, which is great for the functionality of the cork board surface. After cleaning the container, I measured and cut the cork to size. Start at the back and run a dab of hot glue along one edge carefully securing it to your container. Wrap the remaining cork around the container and use the hot glue gun to attach it to the container.
Next, take a pint size mason jar, fill it with water and place it in the bottom of the cork board vase. Cut your fresh flowers and place them inside the water filled mason jar and arrange them in your vase.
Cut out a tag from the black cardstock and write on it with white chalk. Use a push pin to secure it to the cork board vase.
Your new teacher is going to love having fresh flowers to brighten up the classroom the first week back to school.
And the best part is that when the flowers die the teacher can use her fancy new vase to hold school supplies and pin important reminders and memos to the cork board. Now, that’s a gift that any teacher is sure to love!
I told you, easy peasy right? I like to keep things simple and easy, but you could also personalize your cork board vase by adding ribbon or embellishments around the edges, or paint a design on the cork board for a fun custom look.
For more great back to school ideas check out the Michaels’ Back to School Pinterest Board and my I Love School Pinterest Board.
Let’s hear it, what are your favorite back to school ideas and teacher gifts? What would you make with the Natural Cork Roll?
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This is a great idea! So cute and reusable!
What an awesome project – I love it!
That is a fabulous idea, and so easy. I love that it has so many uses.
Another great teacher and appreciation gift! Such an awesome project to do!
Neat idea! We cannot wait to use this idea as daycare teacher gifts! Another alternative that I might use is chalkboard paint! I am definitely #chalkboard obsessed! Great idea!
Chalkboard would be a great idea, I love that too!
Such a great idea but here’s my question as we are still newbies I think to elem school. Do people really give teachers gifts the first week of school? I’ve just seen teacher appreciation day, holidays, end of school, etc.?? Curious minds want to know! This vase would be great for any of those days!
This is brilliant! I never would have thought to use a cork board like this.
It’s always a good idea to let your child’s teacher know they are appreciated. Great gift!!
So creative! I love how it’s so multi-use for the teacher.
GREAT idea! I need this for myself!
How fun! What a great idea!
That’s a lovely idea! Thanks for linking up to Sweet and Savoury Sunday, stop by and link up again. Have a great day!!