Something that I LOVE having is a collection of easy-to-use signs and labels.  I have always kept a file for all of those random things I need to make quickly... word wall cards, birthday signs, book covers, student name tags, center signs, address labels, and on... and on... and on.  I keep them all together in one place so I know where to find them and can whip something up fast.  

However, it's become a hot mess.  Big time.  

See Exhibit A to the right.

So, I decided this folder needed some organizing.  I despise having to look through all of the file names and trying to guess how big the label/sign is... or what it's used for.  

I went with a simple system.  4 sub-folders:

Small
Medium
Large
Random
I then sorted all of those files into their appropriate folder. I used my own sizing method to determine if something is small, medium, or large.  Address labels?  Small.  Student name tags?  Medium.  Signs for the door?  Large.  CD labels?  Random.  If you do this, you might have different criteria.  I went with the concept of....

Small = smaller than 1/4 of a page
Medium = 1/4 to 1/2 of a page
Large = bigger than 1/2 a page
Random = weird shapes
I also went through and renamed some of the files that were a little too 'general.'  Like 'Student Names'.  Does that mean sticky Avery labels or desk tags?  I needed to get a little bit more specific.  Renaming it to 'Student Names_Address Label Size' helps.

It works for me now and I don't have to open eighteen files to find the right one!  Yay!  

This literally took me 7 minutes (got through 2 songs on iTunes).  

The moral of the story?  Be specific with your file names.  I know my computer is out of control with files and I find that spending a little time to organize, sort, and name files (with lots of detail) goes a long way.

Hopefully if you don't already have your files organized, this will give you a little inspiration.  Throw on some Bieber (or not) and go to town.  Don't try to get it all done at one time if you need an entire 'system clean'.  It took me a while to do my whole computer.  It's also a good time to do some Spring cleaning and recycle some of those files you'll never use.  Let me know if you're interested in how I organize everything.  I'll do a post on it.  

On a similar note... I just finished something that I'm in love with.   I can be in love with my own stuff right?  Maybe it's just my love for chevron.  

... or does everyone have a soft spot for chevron in their heart?  

Rabbit trail.  

We recently took a friend to Montreaux, Switzerland while he was visiting.  There is a famous castle there called Chateau de Chillon.  Construction began in the 10th century.  

Yes.  The 10th.  Like 1000 years ago.  

One of the things I appreciate over here is history.  A lot of places we visit are incredibly old.  Most are even older than the US itself... which blows my mind.  While visiting this amazing castle, I noticed two things.  
Can you believe it?  This was apparently painted in medieval times.  THEY even loved chevron.  I really need to know how they painted it back then.  I know Pinterest, leveling lasers, and painters tape didn't exist back then.  Maybe they were just extremely patient?  Both of theses rooms were huge by the way.  Bigger-than-any-classroom-huge.  Impressive.  

Here's the castle itself.  If your ever in Switzerland, I suggest a tour.  It's so cool and sits right on lake Geneva.  
Picture
Cosette Bruhns Photo
Picture
My less impressive photo.
I will definitely miss the views of the Alps when we move back.  Breathtaking and great skiing.
  
Ok.  Onto more chevron.  The thing that I love so much...
You've figured out I'm a sucker for labels, signs, and chevron right?  I decided to mix them.  Voila!  Editable chevron signs and labels!  What you get:
  • 8 different sizes 
  • 11 fun colors
  • chevron
  • a .ZIP file containing 8 editable PowerPoint files (each size has it's own file)
  • more chevron
  • a PDF with previews, directions (with photos), and terms or use
  • and some more chevron
  • a grand total of 88 pages of editable signs/labels... 96 pages when you include the PDF

You can seriously make anything with them.  Word wall cards, signs, labels, desk names, etc.  The borders are locked, so all you need to do is just edit the text, add photos/clipart, and print!  Easy.  There are also gray and black versions for those of you who are limited with color printing.  Just print on colorful paper!  :)    

Here's a sample for you to try out below.  It's the black pattern so you don't need to use colored ink.  Click the 'Download File' link under the picture.  Google Docs is giving me a hard time with uploading a ppt, so I just attached the file to the site.  Promise it's not spam or anything weird.  
Chevron Sign Sample
File Size: 379 kb
File Type: pptx
Download File

Get the Whole Set from TPT

Hope you like it!  There may or may not be a little giveaway of this set over on my Facebook page.  Hurry!  It ends 8.24.12  at 11:59pm.  

My printer may put in it's resignation after I get done with printing things for this year.  Yikes.  

I hope everyone is having a great week!  Especially those of you who have started back already. 
 
 
I've posted a few sets of adaptable labels over the past few days.  I use these guys for everything!  Labeling...
  • supplies
  • student cubbies
  • notebooks
  • word wall words
  • card games
  • little mini vocabulary lists for students
  • little notes 
  • center signs
  • steps in a series of directions
  • library tub labels
  • ... and more.
Here's an example of what you can do with them.  So far there are 3 different styles (border style) and they all come in the different sizes.

Style A

Style B

Style C

You open the document, customize the labels, and print.  There's none of that 'shifting box' mess that I hate. The boxes stay the same size and you can edit whatever is inside of them.  Pretty easy and quick.  You can 'Save As' each set you make to use again if you need to.    

Here are the ones I've posted so far.  Click the picture to get them on TPT for $1.50 each.
I'll be posting some more soon!  Have a great day!

Ashley