Back to School Inspiration: 15 Projects for Success

As we bid a fond farewell to the summer, thanking it for all the wonderful adventures, we start to gear up for school and work. While most of us will suffer from a little shell-shock as we return to classrooms and offices, we have just the solution to help you make the transition from summertime fun back to scholastic excellence. This collection of 15 projects is the perfect back to school inspiration for getting you and your little ones into the right mindset for success! Whether you’re trying to keep your bills organized or helping the kiddos not forget any of their homework assignments, we’re sure that one of these projects will tickle your fancy.

 

Back to School Inspiration

1. Cereal Box Drawer Dividers by Jennifer Jones from the Pages of GreenCraft Magazine

One of the messiest places for any student or crafter has got to be the dreaded junk drawer…that’s the place that starts off neat and pretty, but quickly descends into utter madness. Keep this space organized by using Jennifer’s brilliant upcycling idea. Fit cereal boxes into your drawer, you may need to rearrange them a few times, and then cut them down to size. Finally, cover them with some patterned washi paper and presto! Neat and tidy drawers.

 

2. Project Life Organization Idea by Vanessa Spencer from the Pages of Somerset Home

Thread, check. Pattered tape, check. Stickers, check. Flash-cards, check. Keep all your crafting or studying essentials within reach with this unique Project Life organization idea. Simply take a library drawer, decorate it to fit your décor, and fill it with all your most needed tools and supplies.

 

3. An Experiment in Decoupage by Amber Kemp-Gerstel from the Pages of Somerset Life

“Historically, my attitude toward decoupage has been the same as my attitude toward leopard-print leggings. Everyone else seems to pull it off, but, for me, it just ends up looking like a big mess. Well, imagine my surprise and sense of accomplishment when I successfully tackled decoupage with this fresh, slightly contemporary with a dash of shabby chic, decoupaged lunch box.” ~Amber

Don’t limit yourself by assuming you can’t do something. Try new things, like decoupage, and the results may end up surprising you. This charming little lunchbox can double as the perfect file organizer, so you can take all your important paperwork with you wherever you go.

 

4. Recycled Ephemera Art Journal by Jennifer Bomgardner from the Pages of GreenCraft Magazine

This bright and colorful art journal by Jennifer Bomgardner can easily be repurposed as a day planner. By hole-punching your favorite pieces of ephemera, envelopes, and bits of cardstock, you can make a functional little journal that will be perfect for taking notes in class, keeping track of your plans, and of course as a canvas for doodling.

 

5. File Folder Wall Art by Christine Stephens from the Pages of Somerset Home

Gone are the days of big, bulky, and ugly file cabinets — well maybe not. But this creative organization idea really elevates the humble file folder into stunning and functional wall art. Keep all your most used papers within reach by putting them inside these mixed-media masterpieces and hanging them on your wall. All you need for this project are some kraft colored file folders, a little paint, and some decorative wire hangers.

 

6. Inspired Office Accessories: Printed Burlap by Melony Miller Bradley from the Pages of Somerset Life

Make a comfortable little home for all your pencils and pens with some canvas fabric, tiny squares of painted burlap, and a few carefully placed buttons. Your pencils will always be in one place, rather than rolling around lost at the bottom of a backpack or purse.

 

7. Rescued & Repurposed by Anne Rowe from the Pages of GreenCraft Magazine

I know, from personal experience, that most of us will get a brand new day planner around this time of the year and then promptly abandon it after a week or two. It happened EVERY YEAR when I was in school. This rescued and repurposed day planner is made from spare bits and pieces and sewn together with intricate patterns, giving it an added touch of personality. By making your own day planner, you’ll be a lot more inclined to write in it, while also saving a couple of bucks. You can use ephemera, fabric paper, and a whole range of embellishments to make your very own day planner masterpiece.

 

8. Office Space Photograph by Samantha Schwikkard from the Pages of Artful Blogging

This photograph by Samantha Schwikkard showcases the functionality of clipboards. Gone are the days of carrying them around to use just as a hard surface to write on! Now you can organize all of your current projects by hanging them on the wall. And with our new ready-to-alter clipboards, you can easily paint designs, stamp images, or add washi tape to create very unique home décor pieces as well as organization goodies.

 

9. An Unusual Canvas: File Folders by Lisa Guerin from the Pages of GreenCraft Magazine

Manila folders are a great tool to keep yourself organized, but by adding some stamping, stitches, and ephemera, you can create a truly unusual and exceptionally functional tri-fold canvas. This folded file is perfect for holding bills and pieces of scratch paper, or you can make your own set of lovely stationery.

 

10. Gorgeous Supply Storage by Vanessa Spencer from the Pages of Somerset Life

“As crafters, we want our creative spaces to be functional as well as beautiful. The perfect solution is to find simple, yet attractive containers for all of our supplies.” ~Vanessa

These green vintage number buckets are not only functional but they’ll look great sitting on your desk holding everything from art supplies to school supplies.

 

11. Back to Basics by Ginn Magante Barber from the Pages of Art Journaling

While we may not doodle and watercolor the way that Ginn does, there’s definitely something to be said about allowing yourself to draw right on the pages of your day planner. Keep your creative juices flowing by giving yourself permission to doodle whenever the urge strikes you and add an artful twists to your notes. This is a great way to reduce stress during busy spells, while also reminding yourself that all work and no play — isn’t good for anyone.

 

12. Change It Up with Cahlkboard by Vanessa Spencer from the Pages of GreenCraft Magazine

Upcycle old picture frames and clipboards by giving them a new vibrant color and using some chalkboard paint. Write reminders and messages all throughout your house, or help your little ones remember where toys, books, and art supplies go by hanging them over strategic locations.

13. Tin Can Caddy by Cynthia Shaffer from the Pages of GreenCraft Magazine

If you have a lot of art supplies or you happen to be a teacher, then you’re going to love this project. Use old tin cans to create a sturdy caddy that can hold paint brushes, pencils, scissors, rulers, markers, and so much more. Set this little container of goodies in the middle of a table and watch inspiration take flight! Add artistic touches by wrapping your cans in patterned washi paper, colorful fabric or by painting them.

 

14. Home Library Creative Living Idea Project

This rustic and chic metal chalkboard display can be used in a variety of creative ways. Hang it up in your kitchen, office, children’s bedrooms, or any bare spot to enliven home décor and to help with organization.

 

15. Judging a Book by its Beautiful Cover by Sarah Meehan and Jenny Doh from the Pages of GreenCraft Magazine

This is an oldie, but definitely a goodie! Recycle old paper grocery bags and use them as book covers, and then add a little artistic flair by adding a lovely torn-edge label with a handwritten title. This particular project is great one to do with kids. Just spread out some art supplies like ephemera, tags, and washi tape, and let them decorate their own books.

 

With so much back to school inspiration we’re sure you’ll kick-start the autumn with lots of creative projects. Let us know which project is your favorite or if you have any projects of your own that you’ll be implementing during this time of the year to help stay organized.

 

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