25 Totally Awesome Back To School Craft Ideas

When I was in elementary school, my mom would take my sister and I to the fabric store during the last week of summer vacation and she’d let us choose any fabric we wanted. And every single year that I can remember, she’d make us our own custom pencil case, any style that we could think of. It was the 1980’s, so the colours were bright and neon with bold patterns, and I swear it was my favourite part of going back to school. Then we’d get home, and we’d watch in amazement as she designed these amazing little masterpieces. We’d hang out in her dark, little sewing room under the attic stairs, and she’d sew us these crazy pencil cases, with multiple zippers, fold-over flaps, velcro and sometimes even secret pouches. And then all year long I’d proudly use my awesome neon pencil case. There was something so crazy-special about using a pencil case that my mom had made just for me. I absolutely loved it!

Just thinking about my old pencil cases is making me feel guilty that I don’t do the same thing for my kids. Do you have any back to school traditions with your kids? My oldest daughter is going into the first grade, so up until now, she hasn’t really needed a pencil case. I’m not sure she’ll even need one in the first grade? Maybe next year? We do first day of school photos on our front step, but so far, that’s pretty much our only tradition. My middle daughter is starting school this fall and I’m over the moon about it! I took her to her Kindergarten orientation a few weeks ago, and I was sniffling back tears while I filled out the paperwork. So now we’ll have two kids in school! I’m not sure why I get so darn excited about going back to school, but it just feels like such an important milestone each year in a child’s life.

25 Totally Awesome Back to School Craft Ideas

If you ever want to start a new back to school tradition with your kids, this list is a great place to get some inspiration! I absolutely love the 1st Day of School picture frame for those first day photos! And how amazing would it be to make a brand new lunch bag with your kids every year? Or you know, just once, because let’s face it… sewing is a lot of work. 🙂 Or maybe your kids are a little sad that summer is over and they need a little bit of craftspiration to give them some back to school spirit? Or maybe they want to make little welcome back gift bags for their friends? Ack! I just can’t choose! There are just so many fun back to school craft ideas!

Back to School Welcome Kit via Fiskars

DIY Washi Tape Notebook via Ink + Adventure

DIY Crayon Purse Tutorial via Sewing Secrets

Duct Tape Pencil Pouches via Hip2Save

DIY Back to School Photo Prop via eHow

DIY Felt Pencil Case via eHow

Back to School Teacher Gift via My Mommy World

DIY Batman Notebook via The Crafty Goddess

DIY Custom Scrabble Tile Zipper via Momtastic

Paper Plate Apple Core via Blitsy

Little Owl Snack Bag via A Muse Studio

DIY Button Friendship Bracelets via Happy Hour Projects