Children's Changeable Chore Chart with Pocket

My kids are 3 and 4 years old. I know I do so much better at things when I have check lists. Not only is a chore chart going to help them learn responsibility, but let's face it, it's going to help me remember everything they are supposed to be doing as well. With the size of this project, most of it was done right on the living room floor, thus the lovely brown carpet background.

Supplies needed (per chore chart):

Poster Board

Lamination or Contact Paper

Sticky-back Velcro

Markers

Ruler

2 Fabric Pieces approx. 9"x 10" each

First, I drew out squares in colors they picked. I made 8 columns (7 days of the week plus 1 for the chore), and I did 5 rows. I only have 4 chores for each kid right now, but I left room to add if needed. I figure once they get the hang of these chores I'll gladly add more later. I put one side of the velcro in each square and filled in the days.

I found pictures online representing different chores I wanted the kids to do. Both kids have a toy box for picking up their toys, one for brushing their teeth, and a table setting for helping set the table for dinner. Krista has an additional one for brushing her hair, and Mason has one for making his bed. I spaced them out on a page, printed them out, and then laminated it.

Next I put the other side of the velcro onto the backs of all of the chores, and some stars that I printed out and laminated for them to use when they completed a chore.

I then wrote their name on the top.

Next, I wanted to make pockets for them to put their stars in when they weren't on the chart. I started by cutting the fabric they picked out into 2 pieces, each being 9" x 10".  I folded over one edge and sewed a 1/4" seam. This will be the top of the pocket.

After doing this to both pieces, I put them together, wrong sides out, and sewed a 1/4" seam around both sides and the bottom, leaving the top open.

I then turned the pocket right side out. I pinned them up next to their charts making sure they were low enough for them to reach into. Here are the happy kiddos modeling their new chore charts. Ahh, the innocence!

The greatest thing about this chore chart is how easy it is to change the chores. Just print out another picture, stick some more velcro on it, and a new chore is in place. Got to love reusable!

Mail Inbox

I'm sure I'm not the only one who has problems with mail stacking up around the house. My husband always comments how we need a space to put it all, so I made just that. I grabbed a box that a package came in and cut off the top. I then painted it using a styrofoam brush. I put two coats of apple green paint, going in the opposite direction the second coat to cover the streaks since the box was slick.

I then used the same brush to put pain on some styrofoam stencils with purple paint.

I put the word "MAIL" on all four sides.

It came came out blotchy, but I liked how it had an older look and definitely looked like it was homemade. Now all of our mail will go directly in the box for me to clear out any time I have some free time.