What's the story with the name: Not very fancy?

I'm very excited to be linking up with Jenny K to tell the story behind my logo!

I guess the first thing you need to know is this: 

This little fact about me has had a real impact on my life and my teaching.  For example, I present to you: the entire extent of my hair and beauty products:

I count the Vaseline as lip gloss. The hairspray is just for special occasions.

Also, my hair is highlighted with natural gray, and at least 75% of my clothes and my kids' clothes were purchased at garage sales and thrift stores.

How has this had an impact on my teaching? Well, for one thing almost all of my furniture, lighting, storage containers and supplies are provided by the school, made by me, or scrounged from 'free to a good home' piles that appear at the beginning and end of the year. Most of my books were given to me --although my book collection is pretty impressive if I do say so myself.  

 I do not have many decorative or coordinated items or displays in my classroom.

My center storage--easy to find what I need, but not very pretty.

My "job chart," if you want to call it that.

This is where my students keep their supplies that aren't in their desks.
I'm sure it would look much better with coordinated baskets and printed name tags...

Fortunately, I do enjoy the challenge of figuring out how to make or find my own lessons and centers.  I've always thought it would be nice to make some money on these creations I was already making. so last year I opened my Teachers Pay Teachers and Teachers Notebook stores.  I quickly realized I would be more successful if I started a blog and got involved with social media.

I used my own little digital doodles to create my blog images and give my creations a little more pizzazz.  I eventually began using clipart, frames, and backgrounds designed by others, but here's my little confession: I have never paid for any of it. Everything I use is freebies and giveaways. That will have to change if I ever decide I'd like to make more than about $0.03 per hour on any of this, but right now it's just for fun.

I really appreciate Jenny K giving me an excuse to tell my story. I hope you're following her on TPT --there are some really great benefits!

Visit Art with Jenny K to learn more the stories behind other blogs and logos.

If you found this post to be helpful or interesting, I hope you'll follow me on social media and at my TPT or TN store.