Back to School

On Wednesday, the girls headed back to school.  Summer flew right by!  Our PTA hosted a Back to School staff appreciation luncheon on the first day and we wanted to make sure each staff member had an apple.  Inspired by a card made by Martha De Vries recently showcased in Stampin' Success, I wanted to make a chain of Build A Bears all dressed for the fire first day of school and ready to welcome the staff.

I used just Chocolate Chip card stock for the bears and a variety of Designer Series Papers and card stocks for the clothing (some are retired).  The bears were cut using the Bear Bigz Die and the clothes were cut using Beary Essentials Bigz and Beary Dressy Original Die.  When I cut the bears I folded the paper such that I cut 3 at a time and left them connected.  I then connected four groups of threeto create my 12 bears. 

For the basket, I used the pillow box die and Daffodil Delight to make a basket similar to this pumpkin one on Splitcoast Stampers.  I did not make a bottom since I planned to set the bowl of apples in the center.  After I had my chain of bears all cut out and dressed, I adhered them to the basket.

Once the bears were all attached to the basket, I added a sign with letters spelling out the words, "Welcome Back" between the bears.  For the letters I used the Naturally Serif Sizzlits Decorative Strip Die.  I also used the Beary Bright Sizzlit die to cut out some apples, books and little pencils.  I glued some of these to the spaces between the bears and also sprinkled some on the table.

I filled the center of the basket with some artificial fall leaves and a bowl.  I then filled the bowl with apples and added a bunch to the table. 

It was fun, and I hope the teachers enjoyed it as much as I enjoyed making it for them.

God Bless and Happy Stampin'

Charity