I HEART SCHOOL (Classic Black and White)

I started with this collection because…well…I just LOVE it!  There is nothing more classic than a simple black and white design.  When I was dreaming about this classroom theme, I wanted something that would go with EVERYTHING!  I pictured this collection paired with lime green paper and lime green accents.  I then thought of this collection with lavender, then yellow, then turquoise, then red…and on and on and on.  It is so versatile and so TIMELESS.

Personally, I am crazy about black, white, and GOLD!  You see this everywhere in design.  Here are some of the photos that inspired me…

Photo courtesy of The Wedding Chicks

Shoes and photo frame  from http://www.katespade.com

As the wheels were turning in my head, I envisioned this room with gorgeous gold accents, big, bold KATE SPADE stripes, and glitter!

Honestly, this is your “little black dress” collection…it can be dressed up or down.

Keep it SIMPLE or make it SPARKLE!

As I mentioned before…I wanted GOLD!  So, I found some beautiful gold poms and I now carry them in my shop!

I also went shopping and found glitter stars, gold glitter ribbon, and gold desk accessories!  Over the top?  Why, yes it is.  My favorite motto…”Go big or go home!”  Be BOLD and be BRAVE!

Of course, I know that some of you are probably freaking out at the thought of using glitter and gold.  No worries…just add your favorite color and just keep it simple…that’s the beauty of this collection.

Behind the Scenes:  This particular shoot took forever to stage.  It was one of my last collections that I created and I was tired.  At this point, I had staged almost 20 rooms in a matter of a few months.  I just wanted to throw in the towel and go to bed.  If I remember correctly, I kept walking away and I told my mom that I was DONE.  My mother stayed with me until 2:00 a.m. and pushed me and then pushed me some more to finish.  She was like my personal cheerleader, encouraging me to keep going.  She kept shouting…”You can do it, Melanie.  You’re almost done!” over and over.   I really needed that.  So, thank you, mom!  I did it!!!  Once the reveal is over, I think I’m going to sleep for a couple of weeks though! 🙂

 This collection was created with classic wide stripes and simple designs for a bold and graphic look.  I adore hearts and they are so “in!”  I used hearts throughout the collection and tied it into a school theme by creating “I HEART” classroom posters to coordinate.

I am in LOVE with this…seriously cute and very clever for the classroom!

I even plan to use these prints in my own office!

For those of you that may not like the hearts or maybe you would just like to add a few to your classroom design, I created this collection without hearts too!  I personally love the hearts, but I know it’s not for everyone.

 Keeping in mind that we all have different tastes and personal style, I made sure to create the collection both ways.

Black and white BOLD stripes are so chic right now.  I even carry black and white striped poms in my shop.  Adding a couple to your bulletin boards would really look amazing!

NEW PRODUCT!  With each new collection, I created a stationary set to coordinate!  Stationary sets include prints for hanging or framing, custom stationary, Avery label templates, thank you cards, note cards,  and editable business cards.

My banners have a different look this year.  Use all of the patterns or only the ones that you like to create a one-of-a-kind look for your classroom!

How cute is this new stationary set?

Details!  Details!

Here’s a look at my black and white classroom prints!  I created each print in an 8×10, 5×7, and 4×6 to allow for effortless framing!

I typically make round center/table signs for each collection, however, this time I used them to add a classic, single monogram.  I can’t tell you how much I adore monograms…they are all over my house and on so many things that I own.  Adding your own monogram to the round signs adds such a beautiful detail to any room.

My gold desk accessories were found at Target in the Nate Berkus section.  I LOVE LOVE them!

I tried a different design on the Word Wall labels and just love how they turned out.  Nothing fancy.  Just simple and so stylish!

Pennant banners are still included in my collections this year, but I’ve taken them to a whole new level by adding your own custom monogram.  It’s all in the details!

Yes, you should!

Don’t you love these adorable luggage tags?  Instead of your typical label, why not switch it up a bit?  I LOVE them!

I adore these polka dot boxes!  Guess what?  We are now carrying them in the Schoolgirl Style Shop!  This is a fantastic way to create a floral arrangement OR use them to hold crayons and supplies by placing an empty baby wipe container inside!

DETAIL:  I used a gold ribbon to string my banner.  On my other banners, I used gold glitter ribbon!  Be prepared (make sure your custodian isn’t around)…I had to string my banners with glitter ribbon outside.  It was messy, but worth it!

It’s no surprise that I love Bordette .  Bordette is an easy and inexpensive way to add bold color to your classroom.  Bordette is seriously my “must have” item for every classroom and my secret to beautiful decorating.  To pull a color scheme together, you can double, triple, or even quadruple this stuff.  It’s amazing and adds a POP of color that every classroom needs!

Guess what???

 I LOVE Bordette SO much that I’ve decided to sell it in my shop!

Yep, I’m doing a little “happy dance” here!

Stop by my shop and check out all of the pretty colors!  Woohoo!

Alphabets come in both penmanship and cursive fonts.

Use glitter paper to wrap aluminum cans OR use my coordinating paper to create your own custom desk set!

Are you interested in owning this beautiful collection?  Here’s your chance to win the entire full collection along with coordinating fadeless paper, Bordette, and six poms,daisies, or lanterns of your choice!

BUT, first…

My friend, April, from A Modern Teacher and I are both revealing our new products today.  We decided to team up and give you an amazing giveaway opportunity to kick off the 2014 Back-to-School season!

Here is a peek of some of April’s amazing new products!

Not only can you win an amazing classroom decor package from Schoolgirl Style, but we also came up with some additional prizes…

2.  A Kindle Fire with a monogrammed cover

3.  Cute beach bag and flip flops to prepare for your summer vacation

4.  A Plan and Go Teacher Lesson Planner from A Modern Teacher

We will have FOUR winners…one for each prize package!

To enter this amazing giveaway, follow the Rafflecopter directions below:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Let’s Go Shopping!

Photography: E.C. Campbell Photography

I HEART SCHOOL Classroom decor: Schoolgirl Style Shop

Fadeless bulletin board paper:  Schoolgirl Style Shop

Black and white border: Schoolgirl Style Shop

Paper daisies, striped pom, gold pom:  Schoolgirl Style Shop

Black and white polka dot box:  Schoolgirl Style Shop

Gold scissors, stapler, tape dispenser, gold buckets:  Target (Nate Berkus Collection)

Gold and glitter ribbon, glitter paper, gold glitter stars: Michaels

Black Frames:  Pottery Barn

Black and white striped border lining shelves:  Teacher Created Resources

Paper: Staples(I used a high gloss photo paper for best results)

Most items are editable and can be personalized for a custom look  (Type in your student’s names and customize classroom labels…perfect handwriting every time!)