Trash to Treasures for the Classroom

I have been very busy revamping my classroom or the last several weeks.  Sometimes this  can be a very expensive adventure for teachers.  So I thought I would share with you some of my cost saving trash to treasure ideas.

Before

 First I found these paper trays in our storage area when cleaning it out and one of the other teachers said to "Trash those ugly things."  I choose to save them and paint them to make them like new.  Better for my pocket book and better for the environment.

After

They made a great addition to my writing center and all I had to do was spray paint them and they were as good as new.

 Before

Just a plane old flannel board that was trashed by another teacher because it was not new enough or cute enough.

After

 A little hot glue, ribbon and rickrack and this not so cute flannel board just became cute.

Before

 A box of plane black and gold picture frames found at a yard sale.

After

 Turned into colorful picture frames for book jackets in our book nook area.

Old metal cooking pans turned into paper trays for the art studio. All they need was a little spray paint. 

So when looking for items to revamp your learning centers, see what you have that can be re-purposed into something new and usable.