As the summer sun begins to wane, it’s time to gear up for back-to-school season with some delightful crafting projects. These easy and enjoyable craft ideas will not only spark creativity but also help ease the transition back to the classroom.
1. DIY Pencil Toppers
Transform ordinary pencils into fun characters with some felt and googly eyes. I remember making a bunch of these for my niece, and she loved customizing them with her favorite colors. They’re a great way to make writing more fun and personal!
Products that could assist:
- Felt Fabric Sheets: Versatile felt sheets ideal for crafting colorful pencil toppers, allowing for endless creative possibilities.
- Googly Eyes Variety Pack: A variety pack of googly eyes to bring your pencil topper characters to life with a fun and playful look.
- Hot Glue Gun Kit: A reliable hot glue gun perfect for assembling your DIY pencil toppers securely and easily.
2. Painted Rock Magnets
Gather some smooth stones and let your kids’ imaginations run wild with paint and magnets. These make for cute locker decorations or gifts for teachers. Last year, I made some with my workshop group, and they were a hit!
Check if these fit your needs:
- Acrylic Paint Set: A vibrant set of acrylic paints that offer excellent coverage and are perfect for painting rocks.
- Smooth River Rocks: Polished and smooth river rocks ideal for crafting and painting projects.
- Craft Magnets: Strong adhesive craft magnets that stick well to rocks and are perfect for making decorative magnets.
3. Personalized Book Covers
Turn boring textbooks into works of art with brown paper bags and decorative materials. I love doing this with leftover craft supplies; it’s a great way to recycle and personalize at the same time. Plus, it’s a fun way to get kids excited about their subjects!
These products might be useful:
- Brown Paper Bags: Perfect for creating custom book covers, these brown paper bags are eco-friendly and ideal for crafting.
- Decorative Craft Buttons: Add a pop of color and personality to book covers with these assorted decorative buttons.
- Patterned Fabric or Scrapbook Papers: Use patterned fabric or scrapbook papers to enhance and personalize book covers with unique designs.
4. Apple Scented Playdough
Whip up a batch of homemade playdough with apple scent for a sensory back-to-school activity. It’s perfect for little hands and can be shaped into anything from apples to letters. The warm, comforting scent always reminds me of fall baking days!
Useful items to consider:
- Essential Oils for Playdough: Add a natural apple scent to homemade playdough with essential oils, enhancing the sensory experience.
- Playdough Ingredient Kit: Everything you need to create your own playdough at home, including flour, salt, and natural coloring.
- Leaf Cookie Cutters: These cutters in fun shapes can be used to mold the playdough, adding an educational aspect to the activity.
5. Canvas Tote Bag Painting
Let kids design their own canvas tote bags for school books and supplies. This project is a favorite in my studio; the kids love picking their colors and patterns. It’s practical and lets their creativity shine!
Items that may come in handy:
- Blank Canvas Tote Bags: These blank canvas tote bags are perfect for kids to personalize with their own designs. They are sturdy and great for carrying school books and supplies.
- Fabric Paint Set: A vibrant fabric paint set that includes a variety of colors, making it easy for kids to express their creativity on canvas bags.
- Paintbrush Set for Kids: This set of paintbrushes includes various sizes ideal for detailed designs and broad strokes, perfect for young artists.
6. School Supply Caddy
Help kids organize their supplies with a DIY caddy made from recycled materials. This was a lifesaver in our home last year, and the kids enjoyed decorating their own. It’s all about turning clutter into creativity!
You might like:
- Craft Glue: Versatile craft glue suitable for bonding various recycled materials together securely.
- Decorative Paper: Colorful and patterned decorative paper for customizing the look of the caddy.
- Recyclable Containers: Set of recyclable containers that can be used as the base for the caddy.
7. Custom Name Tags
Create adorable name tags using craft paper and markers for backpacks or lunchboxes. I always find that personalized items make kids feel special and ready for school. Plus, it’s a fun get-to-know-you activity for the first day back!
Check these products out:
- Colorful Craft Paper Set: A set of vibrant craft paper, perfect for creating personalized name tags with different shapes and colors.
- Assorted Markers: A pack of assorted markers that provide a wide range of colors for designing unique name tags.
- Lamination Sheets: Lamination sheets to protect the hand-crafted name tags, making them durable and long-lasting.
8. Nature-Inspired Pencil Holders
Combine nature and function by making pencil holders from tree branches. This project adds a rustic charm to any desk and is a fun way to incorporate natural elements. My students loved finding the perfect branches during a nature walk!
You might give these a try:
- Woodworking Drill Kit: This drill kit is essential for hollowing out the branches to create pencil holders. It offers versatility for various DIY projects.
- Sanding Tool Set: Use this sanding tool set to smooth the edges of your branch pencil holders, ensuring a safe and polished finish.
- Wood Finish Oil: This wood finish oil enhances the natural appearance of the wood, offering protection and a subtle shine.
9. Felt Bookmarks
Craft felt bookmarks in fun shapes like animals or fruits. These are a favorite in my household; they’re easy to make and encourage kids to read more. Plus, they make great gifts for book-loving friends!
Possibly helpful picks:
- Felt Fabric Sheets: Colorful felt fabric sheets, perfect for creating vibrant and fun bookmark designs in various shapes.
- Embroidery Floss Set: A set of embroidery floss in multiple colors to stitch designs onto the felt bookmarks.
- Fabric Scissors: Sharp fabric scissors are essential for cutting felt into precise shapes.
10. DIY Chalkboard Labels
Make organizing fun with chalkboard labels for jars and boxes. These are perfect for a school supply station at home. I love the flexibility of being able to change the labels as needed.
Give these a look:
- Chalkboard Label Stickers: Versatile chalkboard label stickers that can be easily applied to jars and boxes, allowing you to organize your supplies with a personal touch.
- Liquid Chalk Markers: These markers provide smooth writing on chalkboard labels and are easy to wipe off, perfect for changing labels frequently.
- Glass Mason Jars: High-quality glass mason jars ideal for storing various school supplies and adding a rustic touch to your organization setup.
11. Decorative Notebook Covers
Let your kids’ personalities shine with decorative notebook covers. I often use leftover fabric or wallpaper samples for this project. It’s a great way to upcycle and make school supplies unique.
A few choices to try:
- Assorted Fabric Scraps: A collection of assorted fabric scraps perfect for unique and colorful notebook covers.
- Wallpaper Sample Pack: Decorative wallpaper sample packs ideal for creative notebook covers.
- Mod Podge Craft Glue: This versatile craft glue is perfect for adhering fabric and wallpaper to notebooks.
12. Washi Tape Pencils
Jazz up plain pencils with washi tape for an instant makeover. My friends and I love to swap designs; it’s a simple way to add flair without breaking the bank. Kids can get creative with patterns and colors!
A few relevant products:
- Multicolor Washi Tape Set: A set of vibrant washi tapes in assorted colors and patterns, perfect for decorating pencils.
- Wooden Pencils Bulk Pack: A bulk pack of wooden pencils ideal for crafting and decoration with washi tape.
- Craft Scissors for Kids: Kid-friendly craft scissors for safely cutting washi tape and other craft materials.
13. Paper Plate School Bus
Create a school bus from a paper plate for a fun back-to-school decoration. This craft is quick, easy, and perfect for little hands. I remember doing this with my nephew; he loved pretending his stuffed animals were passengers!
A few things you might like:
- Paper Plates: A pack of sturdy paper plates, perfect for crafting and easy for little hands to handle.
- Washable Paint Set: A set of colorful, washable paints ideal for kids’ art projects and easy cleanup.
- Child-Safe Scissors: Safety scissors designed for children to easily cut paper and other materials for crafts.
14. Fabric-Covered Journals
Turn a plain journal into something special with a fabric cover. I love using fabric scraps from previous projects for this; it’s a great way to reduce waste. These journals make excellent gifts or personal diaries for the school year.
These products might help:
- Assorted Fabric Scraps: A collection of assorted fabric scraps perfect for crafting and DIY projects. Use these to create unique and colorful journal covers.
- Plain Hardcover Journals: Plain hardcover journals with blank pages, ideal for customization and creating personalized diaries or gifts.
- Fabric Glue: High-quality fabric glue suitable for attaching fabric to various surfaces, ensuring a secure bond on your journal covers.
15. DIY Backpack Charms
Add flair to backpacks with custom charms made from shrink plastic. My niece always gets compliments on hers, which feature her favorite animals. It’s a fun way to personalize school gear!
A few suggestions:
- Shrink Plastic Sheets: These shrink plastic sheets are perfect for crafting custom backpack charms. They shrink to a durable, colorful finish in an oven.
- Permanent Markers Set: Permanent markers offer vivid and long-lasting colors for decorating shrink plastic charms.
- Keychain Rings with Clasps: These keychain rings make it easy to attach your custom shrink plastic charms to backpacks.
16. Cardboard Box Desk Organizer
Repurpose cardboard boxes into a practical desk organizer. I enjoy seeing what my workshop participants come up with; it’s always a surprise! It’s an excellent way to stay organized and creative.
Some handy options:
- Hot Glue Gun: Ideal for securely attaching pieces of cardboard together to form sturdy desk organizers.
- Craft Scissors: Sharp scissors designed for precise cutting of cardboard and paper materials.
- Decorative Washi Tape: Colorful and patterned washi tape for adding stylish touches to your desk organizer.
17. Button Art Wall Hanging
Create colorful art pieces with buttons on canvas. This is a relaxing project that’s perfect for winding down after a busy school day. I love how each piece turns out unique and full of personality!
Some ideas to consider:
- Assorted Color Buttons Pack: A variety of colorful buttons perfect for creating vibrant and unique wall art. Experiment with different sizes and styles to personalize your piece.
- Canvas Board Set: Canvas boards provide a sturdy surface for your button art, making it easy to attach and display your creations.
- Craft Glue for Fabric and Buttons: Strong adhesive ideal for securing buttons to the canvas, ensuring your art stays intact over time.
18. Pom Pom Keychains
Make fun and fluffy pom pom keychains for backpacks. My daughter and her friends had a blast making these, picking out their favorite colors and sizes. They’re easy to make and a great way to add some cheer!
Possibly handy products:
- Pom Pom Maker Set: A set of pom pom makers that come in various sizes, perfect for creating fluffy pom poms easily.
- Multi-Color Yarn Pack: A pack of various colored yarns to add a vibrant touch to your pom pom keychains.
- Keychain Rings and Clasps: Sturdy keychain rings and clasps that can securely attach pom poms to backpacks.
19. Recycled Jar Pencil Holder
Reuse old jars as pencil holders with a bit of paint and creativity. This project is a staple in my home studio; it’s practical and eco-friendly. Plus, it’s a great way to teach kids about recycling.
Maybe worth checking out:
- Acrylic Craft Paint Set: This paint set offers a variety of colors perfect for decorating jars. It’s ideal for arts and crafts projects, providing a vivid finish.
- Brush Set for Painting: A versatile brush set is essential for painting intricate designs or full coverage on jars. Suitable for all ages.
- Decorative Washi Tape: Washi tape adds creative flair to your jar projects with various patterns and colors, perfect for unique designs.
20. Glitter Glue Bookmarks
Create shimmering bookmarks with glitter glue and cardstock. These are a hit with my students, who love adding a bit of sparkle to their reading time. They’re simple, fun, and make reading even more magical!
Might be a good match:
- Glitter Glue Set: A versatile set of glitter glue that adds sparkle and color to any craft project, including bookmarks. Easy to use and perfect for young creators.
- Colorful Cardstock Paper: Vibrant and sturdy cardstock paper ideal for crafting durable bookmarks. Available in a variety of colors for endless creativity.
- Craft Scissors for Kids: Child-safe craft scissors designed for comfort and ease. Perfect for cutting precise shapes and adding creativity to your bookmarks.
21. DIY Eraser Stamps
Turn simple erasers into stamps with a bit of carving. My niece loves making these to decorate her notebooks and letters. It’s a creative way to make everyday items more exciting!
Explore these options:
- Eraser Block Set: These eraser blocks are perfect for crafting personalized stamps. Their soft texture makes carving easy and safe for kids.
- Carving Tools Set: A carving tools set ideal for creating detailed designs on erasers. Includes different blade shapes for precision work.
- Ink Pad Set: A variety of colorful ink pads that are perfect for stamping your custom designs onto paper. Great for decorating notebooks and letters.
22. Yarn Wrapped Letters
Wrap letters in yarn for colorful room decor. I’ve used these as gifts and decorations in my studio; they add a personal touch to any space. It’s a wonderful way to practice fine motor skills too!
A few helpful options:
- Acrylic Yarn Set: A variety of colorful acrylic yarns perfect for crafting and decorating letters. These are ideal for adding vibrant textures and colors to any project.
- Wooden Craft Letters: Sturdy wooden letters that serve as a perfect base for wrapping with yarn. Customize these letters to create personalized room decor.
- Craft Glue: Craft glue that is essential for securing yarn ends and ensuring your wrapped letters remain intact.
23. Decorative Clipboard
Make a plain clipboard pop with decoupage and paint. This is a favorite project of mine for adding some color to my workspace. It’s functional art at its best!
Consider these options:
- Plain Wooden Clipboard: A sturdy clipboard perfect as a blank canvas for your colorful decoupage and paint projects.
- Mod Podge Decoupage Glue: An all-in-one glue, sealer, and finish, ideal for crafting a vibrant and personalized clipboard.
- Acrylic Craft Paint Set: A set of bright and vivid acrylic paints that allow for creativity and personalization in decorating your clipboard.
24. DIY Mini Notebooks
Craft mini notebooks from scrap paper and cardboard. These are perfect for jotting down quick notes or doodles. I love keeping one in my bag for when inspiration strikes!
May just do the trick:
- Scrapbook Paper Pack: A colorful selection of scrapbook paper perfect for creating vibrant and unique notebook covers.
- Cardboard Sheets: Durable cardboard sheets that can be used as a sturdy backing for mini notebooks.
- Spiral Binding Kit: A kit that includes the necessary tools for binding your DIY notebooks securely.
25. Leaf Print Art
Create beautiful art with leaf prints and paint. I adore doing this in the fall when the leaves are colorful and crisp. It’s a perfect way to bring a bit of nature indoors.
Try these:
- Washable Paint Set: A set of vibrant, washable paints ideal for creating bold leaf prints on paper. Easy to clean up, making it perfect for kids.
- Canvas Panels: Durable canvas panels that provide a sturdy surface for leaf print art, enhancing the look of your finished pieces.
- Foam Paint Brushes: Foam brushes that work well with all types of paint, allowing for smooth application and easy coverage of leaves.
