SIGNAGE Website--FREE Signage Website!

I loved making signs and posters for my old classroom.  I would deck my walls and the area outside of my classroom door for anything and everything.  I also love making signs for Uni's library: student talks, library programming, displays, I can make a sign for anything.  Today while working on an assignment for my School Media Center class I found a website that allows me to make the coolest, sweetest, awesomest signage for FREE.

Here are the logistics: You can register with Facebook, or you can register with your email.  I think it would be a great tool for teachers, instructors, etc.  Older students could have fun with it, too, but they would need to be focused: there are so many possibilities on the website, that some younger students would just want to play around without concentrating on their work.  There is content that can be purchased, but you really don't need to worry about the lack of options: the free content is abundant and awesome, and I found plenty of content and options for my signs without needing to be sad about not being able to get the money content. 

Not only can I make signs, I could also make Facebook cover photos and posts, Instagram posts, posts for this blog, and...wait for it...I can even insert INFOGRAPHICS to the signs and presentations!  Um...yeah.  I'm in geek heaven.

I created several other signs today, in addition to the two above.  I had fun creating First Line Posters.

 Ohmygosh.  Don't you just LOVE this first line!?  Oy!

I want to make more of these and post them around the library...OR...OH, IDEA!...OR, I can put the posters up and put the book right underneath it.  Yes.  YES!  Best idea ever!

Thanks, Canva, you're my NEW FAVORITE!

Yay! Social Media!

Oh, social media.  You are now a part of a librarian's world.  You must be embraced.  I'm working on it, social media...except for Twitter.  I still can't stand you, Twitter.

I've found a couple of cool New Year lists on various social media sites that I'd like to note.

Reading Challenge 2015
I am HORRIBLE at setting goals for myself, because I don't think I've ever actually accomplished anything I've set out to do (except graduate from college, marry a guy with an accent, and have super cute kids).  So, for me the idea of taking on a Reading Challenge is daunting.  I think this one, from Popsugar, needs to be my first attempt, though.  It comes with a handy dandy printable checklist, and even though the site's name is terrible, it's still a fine list.  The hardest one for most to accomplish will be "A book that takes place in your hometown."  Most will probably just have to settle on a book that takes place in the nearest big city (which for me means Chicago, St. Louis, or Indianapolis...oh, the options!).

27 of the Most Exciting New Books of 2015
Oh, Buzzfeed.  Usually you're just the perfect time waster, full of lists nobody needs to pay attention to, but every once in awhile you have a gem worth noting (and not just secretly reading while hoping no one else looks over your shoulder).  This list really does have some exciting and intriguing books coming out.   There are too many potential good reads from the list to go on about now, but seriously, if you love smart, biting, cutting edge contemporary fiction, check out this list.

Epic Reads Instagram
This is my favorite Instagram feed...and I follow Robbie Williams, Jordan Knight, AND Jamie Oliver.  It's total book porn.  The photos inspire me to make my displays bigger, better, and brighter.  It has made me view book photography as an art, and one that I want to do well.  It's a gorgeous feed, and if you have IG, you should totally think about following it.  (NOTE: They seem to have a mad crush on YA author Tahereh Mafi...like MAD CRUSH.  They feature her books ALL THE TIME.  Not complaining; just saying.)

Here is one of my faves before I go:

New Author Crushes

I have a new obsession.  Actually, it's a dual obsession.  I have become obsessed with YA authors Ransom Riggs and Tahereh Mafi.  They are pretty much the cutest, coolest married YA couple ever.

(Shut up.  Her bouquet was made of pages from Ransom's book.  Cutest.  Thing.  EVER.)

I believe they should be deemed THE young adult power couple.  I want them to come to my house and read creepy, dystopian stories to my children.  That'd be OK...right?  OK, OK...maybe they shouldn't come read to my children...YET.  They should come read to the Uni High students, though.  That would be awesome.  That would be cause for a MAJOR high five.

They are all over social media, have a joint YouTube channel (ADORABLE!), and married in September 2013.  HE is the author of the uber creepy YA book Miss Peregrine's Home for Very Peculiar Children.  He loves to mine for vintage photos in flea swaps, and Miss Peregrine has just been adapted and published as a graphic novel.

SHE is the author of dystopian YA series Shatter Me.  It was optioned to be a film even before it was published.  And, while I am quick to judge another dystopian effort, hers seems to be interesting, and no, I haven't read it yet, but it is on my list of 100+ to read.  Her blog posts are engaging, so I will definitely give her dystopian effort a try.

(Just look at how cute they are doing joint book talks!  Awwwww!)

You can get to their various social networking efforts via their websites, and I am tempted to join Twitter just to follow both of them.  For now, I'll stick to just following them on Instagram (especially since Ransom has all the cool photographs).  Until I get them over to my house for dinner, I'll just look for images of them online and watch how uber awesome they are from afar.