Back-to-school crafts offer a sweet send-off for those tiny
students heading to school for their first or second years. They can also
help direct the nervous energy teens might feel about overcrowded lunch rooms and new teachers. We’ve gathered a few of the cutest
and coolest back-to-school crafts for you to make for (or with) your teens and kids.
Ring True
School is to students as a sharpener is to pencils, and this
clever back to school jewelry offers a practical but trendy accessory
for the adventurous (or disorganized) teen. While this ring from
The Worship Museum clocks
in at $225, and so not on our schooltime must-buy list, it does inspire us to think of other unique school-supply-as-jewelry combos. Staplers as earrings, anyone?
Take Cover
The older kids will almost certainly have to cover their
books for homework that first week, so be prepared with this stylish book cover
and bookmark tutorial using decorative paper and cardstock.
Thinking Cap
These DIY bottle cap magnets offer intriguing locker décor,
and, thanks to a simple printable graphic, are easy enough for even non-crafty
teens to complete. Sub the vintage-inspired clock for another favorite image — motorcycles,
puppies or even inside jokes — to personalize the craft.
How About Orange has a free bottle cap magnet for your back-to-school craft wish list.
Out of Pocket
While pocket protectors have long been associated with "geeks" who actually use the
pocket of their button downs, this back-to-school craft employs the handy holder while losing all that negative social stigma.
An Apple a Day
A back-to-school party, whether the week before or after the
actual first day, helps anxious and eager students (and parents) focus their
emotions. Apples inspire this school-themed party, which includes a Macintosh fondant cake
topper, math-inspired cupcakes and even toffee apples supported by pencils instead of popsicle sticks.
Head to Sweet Designs for more on this charming back-to-school craft party.
Pencil Pusher
Cardstock and aluminum foil give this candy a makeover for a truly sweet
back-to-school craft for kids. Rolos or Life Savers form the pencil while
Hershey Kisses create the tip. Consider making a whole pack of “pencils” for your
first-time student to share with classmates, or have an older kid make these
with friends as a gift for younger siblings.
By the Book
Vintage library check-out cards attached to brown paper
sacks become unique back-to-school snack bags. Customize the craft by slipping
in a handmade breakfast rather than candy, or help your student write a sweet note on the card
and mail it to his or her future teacher on or before the first day of
school.
First Crack
Who doesn’t love a pun? This easy back-to-school treat
features goldfish crackers and a tiny note that reads, “You’re o-FISH-ally in 2nd
grade.” Another craft for the young student, it offers a last-minute craft for
the lunchbox that won’t stress out your morning routine.
See more on the project at There's a First for Everything.
Image credits (from top): Amy Atlas / Sweet Designs, The Worship Museum, Twig & Thistle, Creme de la Craft, Amy Atlas / Sweet Designs, The Blackberry Vine, There's a "1st" for Everything, Michelle Wooderson and How About Orange
