When do your kids go back to school??

My daughter goes back next week. She hasn’t been at school for and a half. Probably like your kids too! So I really want to document this! This is a post I created a few years ago and I still print out the signs every year! It’s such a fun and easy way to document the first day of school each year!

Back-to-School Signs for EVERY Grade!

And I made some fun “Hashtag” Instagram Printables that I am excited to use to document their first day of school!!  I made a bunch of them — from Preschool — all the way through Senior Year!

Back-to-School Signs for Littles Too!

And if you don’t have kids in school yet we are some hastags you can use for little ones — like “SMILE” and “FALL”.

Share Back-to-School Signs on Instagram

So print these up and take some FUN Fall photos of your kids. Share the pictures of your kids on Instagram with the hashtags from the signs!

Are You on Instagram?

I wrote this post when Instagram was new but I think almost everyone is on there now! Leave your Instagram name in the comments and I would love to come over and see your ideas and photos!! My IG name is TatertotsandJello – let’s connect!! Instagram is where I share the latest projects and behind-the-scenes and messy real moments!  

Hashtags Work on TikTok Too!

Are you on TikTok? I jut started sharing content there too! You can also add hashtags to your videos too! Make some back-to-school videos and share them on that platform. Let’s connect — I’m @tatertotandjello on TikTok! I would love to see your videos there!

Two Sizes of Each Printable – Landscape and Portrait!

And here are the printables! I’ve made them in two sizes, both in “landscape” orientation: 11 x 8.5 and 17 x 11 inches. Just download and print the pages you want to use!

Print Hashtag Signs in Large Scale!

You can print these signs on your printer but you can also print them in large scale! I sent mine to FedEx Office (Kinko’s) and had them printed on 17 x 11 cardstock.

Download Instagram-Ready #Hashtag Back-to-School Photo Prop Printables

Click here to download the 11 x 8.5 – inch versions (Right-click and choose “Save As”)

Click here to download the 17 x 11 – inch versions (Right-click and choose “Save As”)

Share YOUR Back-to-School Pictures

Tag me on Instagram @tatertotsandjello and show me your back-to-school pictures with the #hashtag signs! I would love to share them!

More Back-to-School Ideas

Here are a few more ideas to make back-to-school memorable, especially this year!!

Back-to-School Dinner Ideas

I always throw a back-to-school dinner the night before my kids go back. It doesn’t have to be fancy or hard. Here are some simple ideas!

14 Back-to-School Organizing Tips

I’ve found that being organized and staying on top of everyone’s schedules makes the whole school year go smoother. I compiled some easy ways to keep organized for the school year.

Have a great day! And let’s make this school year amazing!

The post Instagram-Ready #Hashtag Back-to-School Photo Prop Printables appeared first on Tatertots and Jello.

 How to make a DIY Summertime Instagram Display Wall

This was one of my favorite projects.

Supplies:

Picture Frame

Eye Hooks

Picture Hanging Wire

Clips

Instagram Photos

Scrapbook Paper Frames (optional)

1/2 yard of fabric

Cardboard

Tape

Command Strip Hooks (optional to hang without holes)

Free printable IG picture frames

And here are some free printable frames that are the perfect square size for Instagram photos. Just right-click on this link and print them off on cardstock and add your photos.

Repurpose a picture frame

I used a Silhouette Christmas Advent frame that I repurposed for this project, but you can make your own photo frame very easily. Here’s how to make your own DIY Photo Frame:

To make the DIY Instagram Picture Display: 

How many rows?

Determine how many rows of pictures you want to hang for your frame

Print off the free Instagram photo frames

Then add your photos.

Measure the rows

Measure out the rows and mark them on the frame.

Screw eye hooks into those marks.

String wire through hooks and then wrap around itself to secure edges

Measure the back of the frame and cut out a piece of cardboard that size.

Then cut the fabric to the same size as the cardboard and attach it with tape (I used painters tape) And attach the fabric-covered back to the frame also using tape, or you can use a staple gun.

Print off your Instagram pictures

You can use a company like Persnickety Prints or even on thick photo paper on your home computer.

Hang up your pictures.

You can add a bow to the bottom if you want.

Switch out the photos and fabric with the seasons

This was how the photo looked on the wall in our old house.  I love that I can switch the photos and fabric out with the seasons. I can’t wait to make a Halloween version of the board!!

If you are on Instagram, leave your IG name in the comments – I would love to come over and see YOUR IG photos!

Tatertots & Jello on Instagram 

Have a Creative Day! 

xoxo

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Got Instagram? Then WIN a $500 amazon card for you and one for your BFF!

$500 for you. $500 for your BFF. Let’s get this CHRISTMAS CASH GIVEAWAY STARTED NOW.

Christmas Cash for 2

Giveaway ends on Friday, 12 Dec 2014 at midnight MST. Open to USA and Canada residents. Must be 18 years or older. See giveaway rules for complete details.

Thanks to all the sites for donating so we can make this giveaway possible. #thanksbloggers

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I love decorating with pictures in my home. And I am so excited to be participating in Kristen Duke’s Decorating With Pictures series. It’s so inspiring to see all of the ways people are using photographs in their homes!!

I am sharing some different ways that we display photos of our family in our home over at Kristen’s site today. And here at Tatertots & Jello I am sharing a fun way to display Instagram Photos.

And some FREE Instagram Photo Frames that you can download to make YOUR own IG dispay at YOUR house!!

Here’s how to make an Instagram Display:

If you have a frame, simply add some picture hanging wire and clips to the backside of the frame and attach the photos with clips or clothespins. I think it’s a fun way to display your IG pictures and you can change them out throughout the year!!

If you aren’t sure how to print out Instagram pictures, I have a post all about printing Instagram pictures.

And if you want to make background for your IG display frame, simply cut out a piece of posterboard and cover it with fabric, attaching the fabric to the posterboard with painter’s tape. Then put the posterboard inside of the frame and attach it to the frame with painter’s tape.

And here are the printables! Just print them off and then put them inside the free printable frames. Embellish the whole thing up. I used some cute embellishments from American Craft Pebbles Garden Party line.

Just right-click this link or the image below to download the FOUR pages of Instagram frames. Print as many of each page as you need!

You can cut out your pictures and paste them on top, or cut out the insides of the frames and place the pictures behind. Using Windows 7 and Office 2010’s picture editor, I printed them at “wallet” size, and when I unchecked “fit picture to frame” they printed perfectly. The open part of the frame is sized to be about 2 and 1/8 inches square, so if you print your images about 2 1/2 inches square they should be perfect!

And be sure to stop by Kristne Duke’s blog to see my decorating with photos ideas PLUS she is giving away an awesome 4-quart LeCrueset Baking Dish ($100 value)!! So fun!

Thanks for stopping by!! 

xxo

The post Spring Instagram Photo Display and Free Printable IG Frames! appeared first on Tatertots and Jello.

Here’s a great gift idea for Christmas or anytime — a set of customized Instagram coasters and a colorful, personalized box. Surprise your family, friends or neighbors with a gift made from their Instagram pictures!

Making the Instagram Coasters

Supplies: 
4×4 gloss white tiles
Printed Instagram pictures (I printed mine to about 3 and 3/4″ square; you can experiment to see what you like best). (You don’t have to use Instagram — you could use any picture source.)
Mod Podge
Dimensional Magic


Printing Instagram Pictures Wondering how to (fairly) easily get your Instagram pictures ready to print? Check out the video below if you’ve feeling kinda techy, or see the tips in this past post, and thanks to Brittany (Pretty Handy Girl) for this techy tip she left in the comments of that post.



Here’s how to make the coasters. Similar projects have been done before; I added the dimensional magic step to waterproof the coasters (and the printed pictures) and the little box idea which I think makes the project into a changeable photo display. Fun.

1. Print and cut out your Instagram pictures
2. Coat the front and back of the picture with a small paint brush coated with Mod Podge and place it on the tile.  By coating the back of the picture too, it will allow you to move the picture around on the tile to get it perfectly centered. I used my fingers to smooth all air bubbles out, I pressed on the picture firmly from the center outward, pressing the air bubbles out under the edges of the picture. Once you have the air bubbles out, you can smooth the mod podge out with a paint brush. Allow to dry.


3. Add a top coat of Dimensional Magic to each coaster to protect it. I used a small paint brush and covered the entire top of the tile in smooth strokes, all one direction. The Dimensional Magic will be shiny, so in the light you will be able to see the brush strokes. So be sure to make them very even and uniform. Let the Dimensional Magic dry overnight before stacking the tiles in the box. You don’t want them to stick to each other. 4. Add felt feet (see below) to the bottom of each coaster, one in each corner, to protect the surface underneath the coaster.

Making the boxes

Supplies
(I included a pic of the tile I used in the collage above just for reference.)
Craft Wood. Lowe’s has a special type of wood called “craft” wood. I found mine underneath the molding section (see picture). You can choose the right pieces for the box size you want. Be sure to check each piece to make sure it’s straight — some can warp a bit. Buy about four times as much of the sides as you do of the bottoms. The bottoms were about 4.5″ wide; the sides about 2.5″ wide — so in lumber terms, those are 5″ wide and 3″ wide. Yes, they’re not really what they say they are!
Finishing nails (brads) — I chose the ones with a larger head.
Wood glue
“Felt bumpers” you’ll use as feet on the bottom of the box   Here’s everything all ready to go on top of my table saw:
Tip: always cut the rough end of the board FIRST before you measure. You’ll want to cut both ends. See this picture below — see how much better the edge looks? Before:

After:

  Note: for each of these steps, I’m not giving precise measurements because finished wood can vary in width. You will also want to custom-tailor each box to match the number of coasters you’re planning to place in the box. Be sure to allow room for not only the individual tile coasters but also for the felt feet on the bottom of each coaster. Still, these steps should give you an easy guide to making your own. 1. measure and cut the bottoms. The tiles are about 4.25″ wide, so use the 4.5″ wood as the bottom. With the box facing you, the width of the bottoms will go front to back. So you will cut the bottom section to accommodate the appropriate number of tiles with feet. 2. measure and cut the sides – note that there are two short and two long sides. The long sides are pretty easy: they will equal the width of the bottom PLUS enough on each end to overlap the sides, like this:


When you cut the sides, you’ll want them to fit neatly inside the front and back side pieces, like this:


3. Assemble your boxes. Lay a bottom piece on the work table. Lay a long side next to it, add a bit of wood glue, and gently nail with finishing nails. Make sure you’re aligning your nails correctly so they don’t go too high and miss the bottom piece. Then, do the same with the opposite long side and then the shorter sides, with wood glue along all but the one exposed side.

… and let the glue dry. Tip: don’t worry too much about perfect assembly. If you’re going for a distressed look, like I did, it doesn’t have to be a work of art; just sturdy and attractive.

4. Paint/distress. You may first want to paint and distress the box. I used a mouse sander to smooth edges and show some wear.

5. Decorate The last thing that I did was I cut out some vinyl using my Silhouette of an old fashioned camera and added words to a word bubble graphic that says “Say Cheese” or “Smile” and I applied the vinyl onto the box. And then I added some felt feet to the bottom of the box.


Now, just place your coasters in the box, wrap and you have a personalized, creative gift that doesn’t break the bank!  

You can follow along with Lowe’s on Facebook for more great ideas and sign up for their FREE Creative Ideas Magazine with TONS of great DIY  ideas and instructions!!

Have a CREATIVE Day! 

xox

Thank you Lowes for the gift cards to make this project. All opinions are 100% mine. 

The post Gift Idea: DIY Instagram Coasters in Custom Box! appeared first on Tatertots and Jello.

I’ll show you how I printed these Instagram photos for my chore chart, and then I’ll give you a couple of other tips for printing your Instagram photos.

Note: these tricks will work for printing any photos on Post-It Notes, but the other tips I’ll show you are specific to Instagram.

Here’s how to do it:

Downloading Instagram Pics

The challenge with printing Instagram pics at home is that the Instagram site doesn’t let you easily download your pics.

There are a couple of ways, however, to get your pictures out of Instagram so you can play with them.

Thanks to Persnickety Prints (more about their fabulousness later), I tried a cool web app called Instaport. It’s a bit tricky, but if you’re even a little computer savvy you’ll have no problems. You just log in with your Instagram credentials, choose your export options, and download your pics to any folder on your computer!

Alternately, you can simply take a screen capture.

Just open your web browser and go to instagram.com.

Then, log in and go to your picture feed (the list of pictures ) anc click on the picture you want to copy, so you see a window like this:

If you’re running Windows 7, hit the Windows key and type “snip” (no quotes) and press Enter  to open the Snipping Tool. It will immediately want to take a screen shot, so click “cancel” and click the arrow next to “New”, then choose “Rectangular Snip.”

(Image from Microsoft.com)

Make sure your photo’s visible on your screen and click “New.” Click and hold to draw a rectangle from one corner to the diagonal opposite, then let go. Snipping Tool will open with your screen capture. Click “Save” (the picture of the floppy disk), and give your picture a name. Repeat to save all the Instagram pics you want to print.

In Windows 8, you’ll do about the same thing, but find Snipping Tool by making sure you’re at the main Start screen (with all the tiles) and just start typing “Snip.”

In Mac OSX, press Command (⌘)-Shift-4, and drag the crosshair pointer from one corner to the diagonal opposite. The screen capture will save to your desktop.

Repeat this process to get as many images as you need.

Tip: If you can capture your images in as close to a square as you can, your life will be easier. Just a tiny bit easier.

Printing Instagram Pics

On Post-It Notes or Just Paper

I made you a template in Microsoft Word to make this easier, so download it now. It looks a lot like my printable for printing on Post-It Notes but you can actually add your own pictures. Microsoft Word is not the best for page layout, but it will work for this.

Now, load the simple Word template in Microsoft Word (or Pages or whatever you use). Print that template now so you have something on which to stick your Post-it Notes. I found that the Post-it Notes with “Full Adhesive” work the best for me for this trick.

Now, click inside the first box and choose Insert Picture. Choose one of your Instagram screen captures and click OK.

Resize the image so it fits inside one of the three-inch boxes.

Tip: If you have a color printer but want it to print in black and white, in my version of Word there’s an option in the “Picture Tools: Format” toolbar called “Recolor.”  You can select your picture, then choose Recolor from that toolbar and choose Grayscale.

Just repeat that process for every image you want to print. If you just want the images themselves to print, then just print the page. If you want to print on Post-it Notes, using my tips from last Friday, cover the blank squares on the sheet you printed with six Post-It Notes and put it through the printer ADHESIVE SIDE FIRST.

And there you go! Instagram on Post-it Notes — from your printer!

You can use this idea to get Instagram pictures to be any size you want — just resize the images in a blank Word, Microsoft Publisher, or any kind of document editing app to the size you want and print them on your home printer.

I used this trick when I wanted pics in a specific size and printed them on my home printer for this project:

Other Instagram Printing Options

But when you want even better quality, or don’t want to mess with this, there are a couple of other ways to print Instagram pics, too.

I love Persnickety Prints — they are persnickety about quality! They give you personal attention and make sure your photos look their best. They have some really amazing and unique Instagram printing options, like huge collages and 5×5 “Instabooks.” They do an amazing, high-quality job and have excellent, step-by-step directions for printing from Instagram. (Hint: it’s not straightforward.) They also have finishes on their photos that you will not find other places — like pearl and their mini Instagram books are so cute.  Check them out!

Persnickity Prints also has a whole section on their blog with freebies you can print off, along with your Instagram pictures to create awesome photo albums.

If you need super quick prints from your Instagram photos, you can print them at Walgreens, too. You can use the directions above to get your Instagram pictures, or, if you have an iPhone, you can use an app called Printicular to print directly from your Instagram feed to your local Walgreens. It’s not that great of an app, but it works, and you can often have your prints ready in an hour. Walgreens prints don’t look super great, but i if you just need cheap and fast, they’re a good choice.

I actually used the easy Printicular/Walgreens trick when I was at a baseball game and remembered that I wanted some images for a project the next day. Yes. I like to plan ahead. I picked them up from my Walgreens on the way home and I used them on my beachy summer mantel:

There you go! Now go print out some of those Instagram memories and create something

What’s your favorite Instagram tip?

xoxo

This post is not sponsored by anyone. I just like Instagram, Post-it Notes, and Persnickety Prints.

The post DIY Secret: How To Print Instagram Photos (on Post-it Notes and more!) appeared first on Tatertots and Jello.

I hope you have a wonderful and safe holiday if you are celebrating!

I’m having a little open house at my 1905 Cottage today and I’m super excited about it! I’ll be putting pictures on my Instagram Account throughout the day of different rooms.

Connect with me there to join in the fun! I might even make an Instagram video of the cottage and post that!!

And speaking of Instagram, my good friend Rhonna of Rhonna Designs just released a new app that you can use with Instagram. It’s amazing and she has included TONS of great fonts, graphics, sayings and more. It’s such an awesome way to make your Instagram pictures even cuter.

You can see some of the ways people are using the app if you search these hashtags in IG — #rhonnadesigns_app #rhonnadesigns #heyrhonna.

I love printing mine off and displaying them, like my contributors at East Coast Creative did in this Outdoor Instagram Wreath tutorial a couple of months ago. 

And speaking of the cute EC2 girls, If you’re around this weekend, you’ve gotta check out Knock It Off! Monica and Jess from East Coast Creative Blog are the designers and hosts of this new DIY/Home Design show and it premieres this Sunday at 7pm!  Check out all the details here!

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What are you doing to celebrate? 

My husband thought that going to see Die Hard 5 would be a romantic date. I had to veto that. Instead, we are going to see a romantic movie  tonight and then going to see Die Hard 5 on Saturday night. Sometimes you have to compromise haha!!

I recently found a really cool site — Lovestagram!  

It’s a site, created by the girlfriend of Instagram’s creator. And I love the idea. You can put the Instagram name of the person you want to send a Lovestagram to and then it will find pictures on Instagram where you have tagged the person, or they have liked your photo — and then you can add different overlays to the picture and email it to your Valentine. It’s an easy way to send Instagram Valentines – in just minutes!

Here’s how it works:

You log into Lovestagram with your Instagram account. And then you can search, using the @ name of the person you want to make the pictures with.

Once you tag the person you want to include in the Valentines, Lovestagram will choose 9 of the Instagram pictures that you have tagged that person in or that that person has liked from your stream. Then you can choose different overlays to go over that Instagram picture. Like:

0r

or

And you can also send them a special message. And when you are done you can send them the special Lovestagram  —

It’s such an easy and cute way to send an online Valentine today!!

Also — you can save the images and hashtag them on Instagram to #Lovestagram and see other people’s Lovestagrams. It’s a fun way to meet new people.

It would be a fun way to send an online Valentine to those people in your life that you love today!! 

So if you have some people you love that are far away today, just head over to Lovestagram and send them a little Valentine love today!!

What are YOU doing to celebrate?? 

Let me know in the comments!!

I would love to hear what YOU are going to celebrate today!! 

PS — Instagram is my favorite site right now! I love taking at least one picture a day of my family and/or what I’m working on. I would love to connect with you there!

My profile is TATERTOTSANDJELLO 

Leave YOUR Instagram name in the comments — I would love to follow you there!! 

HAPPY Valentine’s Day!! 

xoxox

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My name is Kara and I blog over at Happy Go Lucky.  I’m a 6th grade reading teacher, Navy wife and mother to a very energetic 4 year old.  I love sharing easy and inexpensive craft ideas, DIY projects and activities the entire family can enjoy.

Today I’m going to share an easy Valentine gift – Instagram Magnetic Bookmarks!

I love these bookmarks for two reasons:

Instagram is AMAZING!  It makes all my pictures look so much better and helps me feel like I’m actually a good photographer:)

And I love giving personalized gifts!

Want to make a few with me?

You will only need 5 things:

• Instagram photos printed 2 inches by 2 inches (they don’t have to be Instagram pictures)
• adhesive magnet sheets
• scissors
• packing tape
• Printable Valentine bookmark holder (download HERE)

Step 1:  Cut out your pictures.  I cut mine in strips of two.

Step 2:  Cut magnet sheets into 2 inch by 4 inch strips.  Remove paper from magnet sheets and adhere your pictures to the magnet sheets.

Step 3:  Place a piece of packing tape sticky side up and lay one strip of pictures so that the tape covers the pictures not the magnet.  Then lay your other strip of pictures on the same piece of tape so that the images are facing the opposite direction.  Make sure you leave a small space between the two strips for the fold.

Step 4:  Place a small piece of tape on the inside of the fold of the bookmark (magnet side).

Step 5:  Now fold and admire your fun bookmark.  I promise it will make you smile every time you see it.  I use it as a bookmark in my planner and I can’t help but smile every time I open it up.

My son will be giving one to both his grandmothers this year and I also made one for my hubby.  

And since I love creating fun little printables, feel free to download the bookmark holders HERE to attach your bookmarks to if you want to give them as gifts.

I hope I’ve inspired you to make your own magnetic bookmarks.  I would love for you to visit me at Happy Go Lucky and share any bookmarks you make that are inspired by this tutorial.

Thank you Jen for having me today!  It is truly an honor to be your guest.

And, entries just opened up for Creating With The Stars at East Coast Creative. 

The post Instagram Magnetic Bookmark Valentines (with free printables) appeared first on Tatertots and Jello.

Welcome to the Weekend Wrap Up Party!!  

This week’s giveaway is a $250 Target gift card from GroopDealz!!

GroopDealz is one of the best daily deals sites around –they feature beautiful items at such a amazing discount every day!!

You know how much I love Instagram. When I found out that Groopdealz is on instagram too – I was so excited. I love seeing their items in everyday life.

It’s a great way to keep up with them and check out gorgeous pictures of their deals!!

And they have special giveaways and surprises EXCLUSIVELY for their Instagram followers – yay!

They have a huge range of products every day — and the best way to keep up with the best of them is by following GroopDealz on instagram!

Link up your projects and find out how to win a $250 giftcard to Target from GroopDealz after the break:

We’ve got a huge giveaway from GroopDealz for you all this week–

but before that, check out some of their products they’ve highlighted on instagram!

These necklaces are just the start of the big selection of jewelry they feature every day!!

Here’s one of the giveaways that Groopdealz has done on Instagram — they gave away one of these gorgeous Chevron bags to a winner PLUS another bag for their friend. So fun!!

And another Instagram giveaway was these Ruffled Leg Warmers and Boot Toppers.

Remember to follow their instagram for the highlights of their deals- but if you don’t want to miss a single deal, there are plenty of other ways to keep up with GroopDealz!!

Here’s how to enter to win a $250 Target gift card!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Please visit and comment on TWO linkups above you and TWO linkups below you — in addition to any others that you want to visit.  {We all love comments!} Have fun!!!

I can’t wait to see YOUR ideas and feature YOU!!

xoxo

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