As the summer days slowly give way to the crisp air of autumn, it’s time to gear up for the exciting back-to-school season. Amidst the anticipation of new classes, friends, and opportunities, there’s something inherently special about preparing for the academic year with a touch of creativity. Back-to-school crafts are a fantastic way to channel your enthusiasm and create personalized items that will make your school days even more memorable. Whether you’re a student, parent, or teacher, these craft ideas will ignite your artistic spirit and help you kick off the school year in style.
1. Apple lunch sacks
One of my favorite ways to bring an extra excitement to the first week of school is to dress up a lunch bag. This apple lunch sack idea is simple to make and so so cute. Perfect for the reluctant student.
2. Re-useable lunch sacks
If paper bags aren’t your thing, try making your own lunch sacks from scrap fabrics. I loved making this color-block sacks. The best part is putting the colors in the best combinations.
3. Beeswax food pouches
While you’re at it, make some reuseable food pouches with beeswax. Here’s how to make them!
4. Printable back to school stickers
If you’re looking to add some pizzazz to your locker, book cover, or water bottle, these printable stickers are perfect!
5. DIY pencil case
We always love a sewing project and this is a great one for beginners. The best part is picking out a fabric full of personality. We used the ones from our own fabric collection.
6. Make a notebook from a paper bag
This is a great one for kids. It’s a simple introduction to book binding with simple materials that you already have–as paper bag!
7. How to make a notepad
Did you know you can make a notepad? Try this method to create your own with your own paper.
8. Add rainbow buttons
Here’s a fun idea for adding some zest to your back to school clothes or uniform–add on rainbow buttons! I love having buttons on hand for kids anyway–there’s so many projects to make with them. This assortment is my favorite.
9. State flower color map
Add some artwork to your walls with his printable coloring poster of the flowers of the United States. Plus, it acts as an activity. Would be great fun for a dorm room too!
Embrace the back-to-school season with open arms and an artistic spirit. These crafts not only let you express yourself but also help you gear up for a successful academic journey. Whether you’re jazzing up your study space, personalizing your supplies, or adding a touch of inspiration, these back-to-school craft ideas are bound to make the transition from summer to school exciting and colorful. So, gather your crafting materials and get ready to infuse your back-to-school routine with creativity! Can’t wait to see what you make!
10. Back to School: DIY Whiteboard Upgrade
New school year, new you? Is it time to give your white board an upgrade? Well you can with a Back to School: DIY Whiteboard Upgrade! Pick a color for the mood you’re in and then set the tone for going back to school. It’s amazing how simple changes in our surroundings can help us feel ready for big transitions!
11. DIY Insulated lunch bag + pattern
Insulated lunch bags are heaven sent. I don’t think I felt that way when I was in school, because I hardly made my own food (thanks mom). Now they feel like a miracle. Taking any food wherever I want? YES PLEASE. DIY Insulated lunch + pattern? YES PLEASE. Your kids will thank you someday. Or treat yourself by making one for you!
12. DIY laptop case
DIY laptop case? Ugh. LOVE. I remember thinking in college I could never find the right laptop case for me – I should’ve just made my own! I’m embarrassed to admit I just dropped my laptop recently and it didn’t have a case:( It probably would’ve saved me lots of money! So I’m a little biased but feel justified in saying, yes, you need a laptop case. Protect your valuables at all costs (with cute and customized patterns)!
13. Scallop Wave DIY Pinboard
If you were looking for scallop design central, you’ve come to the right place. Scallop designs are always classic, bold and simply magical. It’s not very complicated either! You can create so much interest out of adding these wavy lines to a flat surface. Make a Scallop Wave DIY Pinboard, or scope around the house to find other pieces that might do well with a scallop refresh!
14. DIY Wood Coat Rack
Back to school also means last minute rushes to and fro, and if there’s nowhere to hang all those school coats in the rush, well, things can pile up pretty fast. But have no fear, DIY Wood Coat Rack is here! Perfect for a mudroom or in the hallway just as you’re coming or going from the house. Keep back to school feeling organized with a place to keep your coats!
15. Printable cootie catcher
I always thought this was called a fortune teller until my cousins informed me it was a cootie catcher! I don’t think our parents particularly cared what they were called, as long as we were entertained. They always remind me of recess and elementary school – a fun way to pass the time. So, behold, the Printable cootie catcher; for all your cootie catching needs!
16. DIY Office organizer
Can you guess what Lars secret DIY Office organizing weapon is here? *hint hint* it’s in the kitchen, so you may already have some lying around! A messy desk or a cluttered workspace is no match for items made to organize. The decorative details are up to you, but we’ll help you with some ideas and most importantly how to keep a tidy office!
17. DIY Bookmark Tassels
School has books and you know what that means – bookmarks! I was always adamant about using bookmarks because I couldn’t bear to fold the corners and put creases in the pages. DIY Bookmark Tassels are so easy and the best tool for keeping track of your reading progress. School required readings can go pretty quickly, so save your bookmarks for leisure reading too when you can take your time and need to come back to it!
18. DIY catch all
Inspired by a Lars trip to Europe, learn how to make a DIY catch all! They are really nifty and lightweight, so it’s easy to move them around or store them away in a drawer when you need to. They’re truly adorable and might even give your space a classy European touch. Great for keeping small object together that might otherwise be loose and chaotic!
19. Back-To-School: Designing Multifunctional Small Spaces before and after
You had me at “before and after” – this redesign almost makes me want to go back to school! Inspired by a back-to-school feel, Lars took to DIY to create this Back-To-School: Designing Multifunctional Small Spaces room. Check it out if you need ideas on any angle of redoing your back to school room! Furniture? Walls? Accents? It’s all here! I wouldn’t blame you if one back to school craft became an entire back to school project. In fact if nobody stops me that’s exactly what’s going to happen, so at this point I think it’s just best to accept my fate.
20. How to make a heart friendship bracelet
One of the best parts of back to school is friends – new and old! Friendship bracelets are a great craft to make with a group or even give as a gift. You can customize the colors and match with your besties or make a whole rainbow of bracelets! They keep forever so you can add onto your collection with the school years or always find new patterns that fit best!
Going back to school can always be a nerve-wracking time for the kids, but these ideas area sure-fire way to add some spunk and spirit! Let us know how it goes!