It’s with great regret that we must acknowledge that back to school is just around the corner. I know I’m not the only one reeling from the idea of responsibilities, and after nearly two months of inactivity, school work seems to be the furthest thing from my mind. Nevertheless, I can always depend on some quality arts and crafts time to make back to school time more merry and joyous!
Compiled here are 10 super simple DIYs that are also highly-customizable, for those of you who have just had it with the yellow pencils and plain notebooks. So go on, bust out that hot glue gun (or don’t, since you won’t be needing it for these easy crafts)! Enjoy!
1. Stamped Pencils
These stamped pencils are great for those who want to add some spice to typical school supplies. Stamp them with a motivational phrase to encourage you through that essay, or even with your name, to stop those pencil-thieves that we all know too well.
http://camillestyles.com/diy-2/diy-words-to-write-by/
2. Washi Tape Pencils
Recently, I’ve been seeing so much rave about washi tape. I wasn’t particularly sold until I saw these charming pencils and finally caved and picked some up from Chapters (you can probably bet that your local arts and crafts store will have a decent selection as well). After trying this cute craft out for myself, I can assure you that this takes about a minute to do, and looks like the real deal.
http://thepinkdoormat.blogspot.ca/2013/06/decorate-your-pencils-with-washi-tape.html
3. Folded Pocket Notebook
It breaks my heart to see half-used remnants of old notebooks dejectedly sitting in my drawers, and for someone who writes every thought into a notebook, these DIY ones are perfect. It’s super easy to add in or take out pages to your liking, a feature that typical notebooks lack. Plus, all you’ll need is some paper and tape!
http://www.designlovefest.com/2012/04/make-it-10-2/
4. Desk Organizers
These easy-to-make storage cubes are fun, versatile, and easily customizable. With only 5 household items, you can gain the type of personal fulfillment that only comes from organizing your school supplies. Go ahead and make this 30-minute craft. What’s stopping you?
http://www.my-lifeboxblog.com/2013/06/diy-little-desk-boxes.html
5. Confetti T-Shirt
Who doesn’t love cute clothes for back to school time? This DIY is perfect for both reinventing old t-shirts and spicing up a new one. And as if that wasn’t enough incentive, you get to make and use a potato stamp.
http://www.studiodiy.com/2013/06/26/diy-confetti-shirt-a-giveaway/
6. Geometric Notebooks
Notebooks (like most other office supplies) are typically pretty bland. This project is an easy way to dress up a plain notebook, and will add a great deal of colour to your daily school antics.
http://kraftmint.com/2014/07/14/back-to-school-diy-binder-folder/
7. Dot Notebooks
Over the past little while, I have grown to love seeing new ways to utilize washi tape. This dot notebook is no exception. By swapping up the patterns of tape and changing up the combinations, your finished product is sure to capture the attention of others.
http://moments-to-live-for.blogspot.de/2013/05/diy-colorful-dot-notebook.html
8. Textbook Covers with Pockets
This DIY textbook cover is so ingenious and cute that I might just ditch my store-bought ones. Not only can you create a colour combination to suit your liking, it also has built in pockets for storage!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bk8x3mpHTtU
9. DIY Notepads and Pens
I love this idea. Homemade notepads and matching pens? I’m sold. All you’ll need is some paper, scissors, and a stapler. This DIY is so simple that you could probably find the supplies necessary to make it lying around on your desk!
http://simpleasthatblog.com/2011/06/simple-summer-project-diy-notepads-and-pens.html
10. Glitter Pencils
When I saw this, I may have squealed. If washi tape pencils are a bit too extravagant for a minimalistic person like you, these are a perfect substitution. Honestly, I think I may have to pick up some glitter on my next Michaels run. This DIY is just too sweet to pass up.
http://brunchatsaks.blogspot.ca/2013/04/diy-glitter-pencils.html