The back-to-school season is the perfect time to spark creativity and preparation, setting a positive tone for the year ahead. With “Easy Craft Back to School” projects, kids can dive into fun and engaging activities that not only make school supplies unique but also build excitement for returning to the classroom. This season is more than just shopping for new backpacks and pencils—it’s an opportunity to nurture creativity and enthusiasm through hands-on experiences.
Crafting offers numerous benefits for children, including improved focus, enhanced fine motor skills, and a boost in confidence as they see their projects come to life. It also helps kids express their individuality while fostering a sense of accomplishment. These creative endeavors turn the back-to-school transition into a memorable and joyful experience.
Easy Craft Back to School
Easy Craft Back to School is a creative initiative designed to make the transition back to school fun, engaging, and stress-free for students and parents alike. With a focus on DIY crafts, practical organization tips, and simple projects, Easy Craft Back to School inspires creativity while preparing kids for the academic year ahead. Whether it’s personalizing school supplies, designing unique planners, or creating motivational decor, this concept combines creativity and functionality to kickstart the school year with excitement and style.
Personalized Notebook Covers
Transform plain notebooks into personalized works of art.
Materials: Plain notebooks, scrapbook paper, stickers, washi tape, glue, scissors.
Steps:
- Measure and cut scrapbook paper to fit the notebook cover.
- Glue the paper onto the cover.
- Decorate with stickers and washi tape.
- Seal the cover with a layer of clear adhesive for durability.
Handmade DIY Pencil Toppers
Create fun pencil toppers to add personality to your stationery.
Materials: Felt, hot glue, googly eyes, pipe cleaners, small pompoms.
Steps:
- Cut felt into desired shapes (e.g., animals or stars).
- Decorate the shapes with googly eyes and pompoms.
- Attach the finished toppers to pencils using hot glue.
Custom Bookmark Tassels
Keep track of your reading with colorful tassel bookmarks.
Materials: Cardstock, embroidery thread, scissors, hole punch.
Steps:
- Cut cardstock into bookmark shapes.
- Punch a hole at the top.
- Create tassels using embroidery thread and tie them through the hole.
Desk Organizer from Cereal Boxes
Recycle cereal boxes to make functional desk organizers.
Materials: Empty cereal boxes, wrapping paper, glue, scissors.
Steps:
- Cut cereal boxes into desired shapes and sizes.
- Wrap each box with wrapping paper.
- Glue boxes together to create an organizer.
Customized Water Bottle Labels
Make your water bottles stand out with custom labels.
Materials: Printable sticker paper, markers, scissors.
Steps:
- Design a label on sticker paper.
- Cut it out and stick it onto the bottle.
- Seal with clear tape for a waterproof finish.
Backpack Keychains
Add flair to backpacks with DIY keychains.
Materials: Keychain rings, beads, charms, string.
Steps:
- Thread beads and charms onto a string.
- Secure the ends tightly.
- Attach the string to a keychain ring.
Chalkboard Labels
Create reusable labels for jars and containers.
Materials: Chalkboard paint, paintbrush, tape, jars.
Steps:
- Tape off areas to be painted.
- Apply chalkboard paint and let dry.
- Write on labels with chalk or chalk markers.
DIY Eraser Stamps
Turn erasers into stamps for fun designs.
Materials: Large erasers, carving tools, ink pads.
Steps:
- Sketch a design on the eraser.
- Carve out the design using tools.
- Press the eraser onto an ink pad and stamp away.
Mini Dry Erase Boards
Make portable dry erase boards for quick notes.
Materials: Picture frames, dry erase markers, white paper.
Steps:
- Insert white paper into a picture frame.
- Use the glass surface as a writing board.
- Wipe clean with a dry cloth.
Decorated Binder Clips
Brighten up plain binder clips with decorations.
Materials: Washi tape, glue, small embellishments.
Steps:
- Wrap binder clips with washi tape.
- Add embellishments like small gems.
- Let dry before use.
DIY Pencil Pouches
Sew your own unique pencil pouches.
Materials: Fabric, zipper, sewing machine or needle and thread.
Steps:
- Cut fabric to the desired size.
- Sew three sides together.
- Attach a zipper to the open side.
Button Magnets
Turn buttons into cute magnets for lockers.
Materials: Buttons, small magnets, hot glue.
Steps:
- Apply glue to the back of a button.
- Attach a magnet and let it dry.
- Use them on magnetic surfaces.
Origami Desk Accessories
Fold paper into functional desk accessories.
Materials: Origami paper, instructional guide.
Steps:
- Follow origami instructions to create shapes like boxes or holders.
- Use completed pieces to organize small items.
DIY Washi Tape Dispenser
Organize washi tape with a homemade dispenser.
Materials: Empty tissue box, wooden dowel, scissors.
Steps:
- Cut holes in the sides of a tissue box.
- Insert the dowel through rolls of washi tape.
- Place the dowel inside the box for easy dispensing.
Fabric-Covered Notebooks
Add a soft touch to notebooks with fabric covers.
Materials: Fabric, glue, scissors, plain notebook.
Steps:
- Cut fabric slightly larger than the notebook.
- Glue fabric onto the cover and tuck in edges.
- Let it dry before use.
Personalized Locker Name Tags
Design unique name tags for locker decor.
Materials: Cardstock, markers, stickers, magnets.
Steps:
- Cut cardstock into desired shapes.
- Decorate with names and designs.
- Attach magnets to the back.
DIY Photo Frame for Lockers
Display memories in homemade photo frames.
Materials: Cardstock, decorative tape, magnets.
Steps:
- Cut cardstock into a frame shape.
- Decorate with tape or markers.
- Attach a magnet to the back.
Decorative Push Pins
Jazz up your bulletin board with fun push pins.
Materials: Thumbtacks, small decorations, hot glue.
Steps:
- Glue small decorations to the tops of thumbtacks.
- Let them dry before use.
DIY Paper Clips
Customize paper clips for a fun touch.
Materials: Paper clips, ribbons, glue.
Steps:
- Tie ribbons onto the top of paper clips.
- Trim excess ribbon.
- Use to keep papers together.
Painted Wooden Rulers
Make rulers more colorful and fun.
Materials: Wooden rulers, paint, paintbrushes.
Steps:
- Paint rulers in bright colors.
- Add designs or patterns.
- Let them dry completely.
DIY Binder Covers
Give your binders a fresh look with customized covers.
Materials: Printable paper, markers, stickers, clear plastic sleeves.
Steps:
- Design your binder cover on paper using markers and stickers.
- Slide the finished design into the clear plastic sleeve of the binder.
- Swap out designs whenever you want a new look.
Pom-Pom Bookmarks
Keep your place in style with fluffy pom-pom bookmarks.
Materials: Yarn, scissors, paper clips.
Steps:
- Wrap yarn around your fingers to create a pom-pom.
- Tie the center tightly and trim to form a sphere.
- Attach the pom-pom to the end of a paper clip using hot glue.
DIY Sticky Note Holder
Organize your sticky notes in a homemade holder.
Materials: Cardstock, glue, decorative tape, sticky note pads.
Steps:
- Cut cardstock to fold into a small box.
- Secure the edges with glue or tape.
- Decorate the holder and insert sticky notes.
Painted Mason Jar Pen Holders
Turn plain mason jars into colorful pen holders.
Materials: Mason jars, acrylic paint, paintbrushes, stickers.
Steps:
- Paint the mason jar in your favorite colors.
- Add designs or patterns with stickers or paint pens.
- Let the jars dry completely and fill them with pens.
DIY Emoji Magnets
Make fun, expressive magnets for your locker or fridge.
Materials: Bottle caps, yellow paint, black and white markers, small magnets.
Steps:
- Paint bottle caps yellow and let them dry.
- Draw emoji faces using markers.
- Attach magnets to the back with hot glue.
Ribbon Hair Tie Organizer
Keep hair ties organized and accessible with a simple DIY.
Materials: Ribbon, keyring, hair ties.
Steps:
- Cut a length of ribbon and loop it through a keyring.
- Tie the ribbon ends to form a loop.
- Slide hair ties onto the ribbon for easy access.
Chalkboard Calendar
Plan your school schedule with a reusable chalkboard calendar.
Materials: Chalkboard paint, canvas, tape, chalk.
Steps:
- Tape off a grid on a canvas.
- Paint the grid with chalkboard paint.
- Use chalk to write in dates and events.
DIY Lunch Bag Tags
Avoid mix-ups with personalized lunch bag tags.
Materials: Cardstock, laminating sheets, markers, hole punch, ribbon.
Steps:
- Cut cardstock into tag shapes.
- Decorate with your name and designs.
- Laminate the tags, punch a hole, and attach with ribbon.
Decorative Clipboards
Make a clipboard both functional and stylish.
Materials: Clipboard, scrapbook paper, glue, clear contact paper.
Steps:
- Cut scrapbook paper to fit the clipboard.
- Glue the paper onto the surface.
- Cover with clear contact paper for a smooth finish.
DIY Felt Pouches
Store small items in cute, homemade felt pouches.
Materials: Felt sheets, needle and thread, velcro, scissors.
Steps:
- Cut felt into rectangles and fold in half.
- Sew the sides together, leaving one side open.
- Attach velcro to the open edge for a closure.
Tips for Successful Crafting
Crafting is a wonderful way to express creativity, relax, and bond with others. Whether you’re working on a solo project, involving kids, or simply looking to complete a quick craft, some thoughtful planning can make the process more enjoyable and productive. Here are some tips to ensure crafting success:
1. Time Management for Quick Projects
- Set realistic goals: Focus on small, manageable projects that fit into your available time.
- Prepare materials in advance: Gather all the tools and supplies you need before starting.
- Use timers or allocate slots: Schedule specific time blocks for crafting to stay on track.
- Opt for simple designs: Choose projects with fewer steps to finish quickly without stress.
2. Involving Kids in Age-Appropriate Tasks
- Choose easy crafts: Select projects suited to their skill level, such as paper crafts or coloring.
- Supervise closely: Provide guidance and ensure safety when using tools like scissors or glue.
- Encourage creativity: Let kids personalize their crafts to make the experience more enjoyable.
- Teach patience: Show them how to take their time and appreciate the process of creating.
3. Keeping the Workspace Organized and Safe
- Designate a crafting area: Use a specific space for your projects to minimize mess.
- Store supplies properly: Use labeled bins, shelves, or organizers to keep materials tidy.
- Ensure safety measures: Keep sharp tools and hazardous materials out of children’s reach.
- Clean up regularly: Tidy up after each session to maintain an inviting workspace.
Budget-Friendly Crafting Hacks: Get Creative Without Breaking the Bank
Crafting doesn’t have to cost a fortune. With a little ingenuity, you can create stunning projects using everyday household items, thrifted treasures, or repurposed supplies. Here are some affordable crafting hacks that let you unleash your creativity while staying budget-conscious.
1. Use Everyday Household Items
- Paper Rolls: Turn empty toilet paper or paper towel rolls into wall art, gift boxes, or napkin rings.
- Mason Jars: Use old jars for candle holders, mini terrariums, or personalized storage containers.
- Egg Cartons: Create whimsical flowers, jewelry organizers, or even kids’ crafts.
- Scrap Paper: Old magazines, newspapers, and even receipts can be used for collages, origami, or papier-mâché projects.
- Bottle Caps and Lids: Use them for DIY jewelry, magnets, or creative game pieces.
2. Thrift and Repurpose Old Items
- Old School Supplies:
- Repurpose dried-out markers into watercolor paint by soaking them in water.
- Reuse notebooks by combining leftover blank pages into a new journal.
- Thrift Store Finds:
- Look for fabric scraps, buttons, or unique items that can be revamped into decor or accessories.
- Upcycle vintage picture frames into chalkboards, memo boards, or decorative trays.
- Clothing: Turn old T-shirts into reusable bags, yarn for knitting, or trendy tie-dye pieces.
3. DIY Tools and Materials
- Glue Alternatives: Make DIY mod podge using water and glue, or create homemade playdough for kids.
- Natural Dyes: Use kitchen scraps like onion skins, avocado pits, or beet juice to dye fabric or paper.
- Homemade Stamps: Carve designs into potatoes, sponges, or wine corks for custom stamps.
- Cardboard and Shoe Boxes: Perfect for making organizers, dioramas, or gift boxes.
4. Think Long-Term
- Stockpile Recyclables: Save cereal boxes, jars, and other packaging for future projects.
- Swap Supplies: Organize a supply swap with friends or neighbors to trade unused craft items.
- Repair and Refresh: Fix or embellish damaged items instead of discarding them.
FAQ
What is Easy Craft Back to School?
Easy Craft Back to School is a collection of creative and simple craft ideas designed to help students and parents prepare for the new school year. It includes DIY projects for organization, decoration, and learning aids.
Who can participate in Easy Craft Back to School activities?
Anyone can participate! These crafts are ideal for students, parents, and teachers looking to create fun and functional items for school.
What materials are needed for Easy Craft Back to School projects?
Most projects use basic craft supplies such as paper, glue, scissors, markers, and recycled materials. Specific materials depend on the craft project you choose.
Are the craft ideas suitable for all age groups?
Yes, the crafts are designed for a range of age groups, from young children to teenagers. Instructions can be simplified or made more challenging depending on the age and skill level.
Hi, I’m Victoria, an art and craft teacher at Newark City Schools, where I have the joy of working with middle school students to help them explore their creativity and develop their artistic talents. I believe that art is a powerful way for students to express themselves, and I strive to make every lesson a fun, engaging, and inspiring experience.
I created this website to share the art and craft projects, techniques, and resources that I use in my classroom, hoping to inspire both educators and young artists alike. Whether you’re a teacher looking for new ideas or a student eager to try something new, I’m excited to provide creative tools and projects that anyone can enjoy.
When I’m not in the classroom, I love experimenting with different art forms and learning new crafting techniques. My goal is to help others discover the joy of making things with their hands, and I hope my website serves as a space for everyone to explore their creative potential.