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Paper Crafting: Altered Art DIY Journal Cover

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We love personalized journals. There’s something so appealing in making the outside of your journal as special as the inside. This is an easy paper craft tutorial that shows you some fun paper crafting techniques to help you customize any journal. Why not turn the “Plain Jane” journal into a completely unique craft project that showcases your creativity? This is also a great craft idea for kids because it shows you how to alter the basic journal without spending big bucks. It’s the perfect back to school craft!

Paper Crafting: Altered Art DIY Journal Cover

Once you have written, sketched, embellished, and painted all the pages in your beloved art journal, it’s now time to alter the cover to make it your own. Give your journal a beautifully textured and layered cover using sheets of fabric, interfacing, paper, and metal — it’s quick and easy to put together. Your coffee table will thank you for it!

Paper Crafting: Altered Art DIY Journal Cover

 

Supplies

  • Fusible stiff interfacing
  • Cotton fabric
  • Felt
  • Handmade paper (it’s softer and more malleable)
  • Heavy craft foil
  • Embossing folder and machine
  • Alcohol inks and applicator
  • Tacky glue
  • Sanding block
  • Chisel-tip marker
  • Iron
  • Journal

Paper Crafting: Altered Art DIY Journal Cover

1.   Emboss the craft foil and trim it to the desired size. Rub a base coat of a light-colored alcohol ink over the top, then blend additional colors on top, using a pouncing motion with the applicator.

2.  Gently sand the inked foil to expose some of the silver on the raised areas. This technique distresses the surface but it also enhances the embossed pattern. Ink the edges with a marker and set aside.

Paper Crafting: Altered Art DIY Journal Cover

3.  Iron the fabric to the fusible side of the stiff interfacing and trim to a size that’s slightly smaller than your journal cover.

4.  Trim the felt and handmade paper to desired sizes and play with the arrangement of the layers until you like the result. Glue each layer down in sequence, then glue the embossed foil panel on top.

5.  Add whatever sentiments or additional embellishments you like.

Paper Crafting: Altered Art DIY Journal Cover

 

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Link Love: Back to School Crafts & DIY Teacher Gifts

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If there’s one thing I miss about childhood, it’s that feeling you get the night before the first day of school. There’s a mixture of excitement and nerves that leaves you tossing and turning all night long. You find yourself wondering what the next year will be like – Will your teacher be kind or strict? Will you be drowning under a pile of books and homework? Will you make new friends or stick with old pals?

To ease nerves before the first day is to create back to school crafts with kids. This will help ease the transition from summer to fall and create some much-needed enthusiasm for learning. If you’re look for an  eco-friendly alternative to boring brown paper bags create your own customizable Tie-Dye Lunch Bags . Teachers can also take advantage of back to school crafting and design their own classroom essentials. There’s no need to worry about misplacing a homemade Kids Hall Pass – the bright colors and fun ribbon make it instantly recognizable. Don’t forget! Just like students, teachers get first day jitters, too. Make a Tribute to Teacher before your child steps into the classroom – it’s a great way for kids to show their excitement and make an impression on their new teacher.

The back to school season is filled with creative opportunities for students, parents and teachers. Get excited for the new year and celebrate the future with fall wearables, storage crafts and so much more.

  1. Crayon Vase Teacher Gift from A Little CLAIREification
  2. Apple Chalkboard Frame from Pitter and Glink
  3. Reusable Sandwich Bag from Poppyhaus
  4. DIY Apple Back-to-School Cuff Bracelet from One Tough Mother
  5. Pink Ombre Cork Board from A Bubbly Life
  6. Ball Jar Teacher Gift from 365ish Pins
  7. Back to School Pencil Topper from We Made That
  8. Flower Pens from Slices of Samantha
  9. Backpack Gift Box from Lisa Storms

 

Looking for more back to school craft ideas? Check out our eBook 11 Teacher-Approved Crafts for School. You’ll find fun and easy crafts for kids, teachers and parents.

 

 

 

 

 

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Recipe For Success: DIY Ideas for Back to School

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This post is brought to you by Mary Egan for CraftFoxes.com.

Though it hardly seems possibly, the summer is already swiftly coming to a close. Soon the kids will be out of the house and back in the classroom. Of course they’ll need a few things before they return to school and to their studies. From backpacks to after school snacks, these back to school crafts will help you send your child back to the playground with the coolest, craftiest accessories.

Backpack Patterns

The most essential back to school item your child will need is a backpack. Instead of buying a pricey backpack from a big box store, why not make a backpack for your little scholar? CraftFoxes offers up 10 easy and unique backpack patterns that you can make on your own. There is a drawstring backpack if you’re looking for something on the easy side, a backpack made from an old Oxford shirt, and even a backpack created from an old, beloved stuffed animal. These ideas are all simple and easy to make, but are sure to be a unique accessory for your son or daughter to tote around the schoolyard.

Make sure to check out this owl backpack pattern, which is for sale at the CraftFoxes website through The Sewing Loft. This backpack is the perfect little bag for your child to carry supplies to a kindergarten class, or even to their grandma’s house.

DIY Chocolate Chalkboards

Chalkboards are something that every student will encounter when they go back to school, but they won’t always be able to eat them! These chocolate chalkboards would be a great treat to send your child back to school with. They can pass them out to their friends, or to the whole class. Simply melt some chocolate CandiQuik, smooth it out on a sheet of parchment paper, and let it set. Once it’s ready, cut the chocolate into rectangles and spread some powdered sugar on the chocolate to give it that chalky look. For the borders, simply use some thin breadsticks or even graham crackers.

Crafts for Teens

Looking for some fun back to school crafts for teenagers? We love this glammed-up calculator by Avalon Potter for I Love to Create. She used a glue runner and tiny crystals to create her design. Isn’t math class more fun with a custom calculator? Pencils wrapped in washi tape, DIY iPhone covers, homemade pencil pouches and custom book covers (think old maps or favorite album covers) also make great back to school crafts for teens.

Chocolate Coconut Granola Bars

Once your kids are back in the groove of their school days, they’re going to need something tasty to snack on during lunch or when they get home. Homemade granola bars are infinitely customizable, so you can add anything you’d like to this recipe. But this recipe in particular mentions mixing chocolate with almonds and coconut for a tasty combination. Simply mix up all the ingredients, spread the mixture over a sheet pan covered in wax paper, and then refrigerate for one hour before cutting it into easy to eat bars. Store in the refrigerator until your kids are ready to snack!

What are your favorite back to school crafts for kids and teens?

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Back to School Survival Guide: How to Sew the School Essentials

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Getting ready to go back to school is always a stressful time for kids and their parents. You have to figure out what school supplies you have leftover from the previous school year, you have to shop for new supplies, and you have to get yourselves back into the general swing of studying and doing homework again.

Not only is the transition period stressful, it can also do a doozy on your bank account. Fortunately, you can sew some of the back to school essentials your kids will use throughout the year. Not only will sewing school supplies like book covers and lunch bags help bring down the cost of heading back to school, it also lets you explore your creativity and get your kids ready for school with love. Check out the school survival guide below for sewing tutorials that will help your kids get back-to-school ready the fun and thrifty way.

Back to School OutfitsBack to School Pleated Skirt

Make sure your kids leave a good first impression on their teachers by dressing them for success. Rather than break the bank at the store to make sure your kids have back to school clothes, try sewing some outfits yourself. These sewing patterns are perfect for any little boy or girl getting ready for the upcoming school year.

Boys

Rumble Tumble Coveralls

Girls

Back to School Pleated Skirt Tutorial

How to Make a Lunch BagInsulated Bag Tutorial

Put an extra special touch on lunchtime for your kids by sewing lunch bags they are sure to love. These sewing tutorials will show you how to make a lunch bag that will make all your kids’ classmates a little envious. Further, these lunch bags are reusable, so they’re environmentally friendly.

Insulated Bag Tutorial

Stylish Lunch Sack

 

DIY Covers and CasesGiant Pencil Case

Textbooks, notebooks, and writing utensils cost enough as it is. Protect your kids’ school supplies and help keep everything organized by sewing some DIY covers for their books and DIY cases for their classroom essentials.

Book Cover Ideas

A quality book cover will keep your kids’ books in good shape to be returned later. These will be especially useful if you are renting books — don’t give anyone a reason not to give you the full return on your textbooks.

Composition Book Cover

Journal Cover Tutorial

Pencil Case Patterns

Strong pencil cases will ensure that your kids can always find the pen, pencil, or highlighter they need. DIY pencil cases are a great money-saving alternative to store-bought goods.

Giant Pencil Case

Nifty Knotted Pencil Case

How to Make a Book Bag30 Minute Little Boy's Messenger Bag

A solid and durable book bag is key to a successful school year (in addition to studying and doing your homework). Follow along with these tutorials to learn how to make a book bag that any young boy or girl would love to bring to class.

Boys

30 Minute Little Boy’s Messenger Bag

Girls

Notebook Paper Tote Bag

What other school essentials do you sew for your kids?

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30 Back to School Activities for Kids

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back-to-school

Summer’s over, which means that it’s time to head back to school. No more long days at the beach, endless hours at summer camp, or playing in the pool. Just because summer is ending doesn’t mean that the fun has to as well. Time to put on your reading cap, gather up your notebooks, and head back to school. Before you go, make sure that you have a head start with 30 Back to School Activities for Kids. These back to school crafts are some of my favorites because I love the freshness that comes with a new school year. Whether you’re in need of a quick gift for your teacher or a journal for math class, this collection of crafts from AllFreeKidsCrafts is great.

Don’t lollygag back to school unprepared and unaware; make sure that you’re ready to jump in head first by doing back to school activities for kids. Now is the time of year for new beginnings and a fresh start, but that doesn’t mean you need to spend a fortune on teacher gifts and school supplies. Back to school crafts are a blast when you make them yourself.

 

Homemade Teacher Appreciation Gifts

Giant Goody PencilShow your thanks for all that your teachers do this school year by making a homemade teacher appreciation gift. If it comes from the heart, then your teacher is sure to love it. Teachers are the  make learning possible and fun, so show them your appreciation by making back to school crafts. You can’t go wrong with apple or pencil crafts, the back to school essentials. That’s why the Giant Goody Pencil craft is a hit as a homemade teacher appreciation gift. Use an old Pringles can and fill it with goodies to give to your favorite teacher. No matter what you make, your teacher is sure to appreciate your thoughts and efforts when you make these back to school activities for kids.

 

Back to School Supplies

Bookmaking for KidsMake the first day of school the very best day of school with all of your new back to school supplies that you crafted yourself! Save tons of money when you make your own erasers, journals, and pencil holders. Back to school activities for kids like making supplies are a great way to personalize your things. School is more fun when you can use something you made to write down fractions or store your pens. Bookmaking for Kids is a great way to save money and learn something new at the same time. Your book will be a one-of-a-kind back to school craft.

 

Learning Activities for Kids

Bean in a Jar Biology LessonEach lesson in school is an important building block in childhood. Ultimately that is what school is all about: learning. Learning activities for kids like the Bean in a Jar Biology Lesson make education fun. Each subject in school, whether it’s math, biology, or history, is interesting and exciting if you have the right activity planned. Back to school activities for kids are important to prepare for the coming months of learning, so make sure to get started. All of these back to school crafts are great lessons to teach kids about dinosaurs, math, and how to count money.

 

What are you most excited about this school year?

 

 

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7 DIY Watches for Back-To-School

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Summer may be in swing, but the school year is looming, and with it the need for new supplies and accessories. But there’s no need to spend hundreds to give your child or grandchild back-to-school style. Watches are this year’s back-to-school trend, so check out these fabulous DIY watches from AllFreeJewelryMaking and around the internet! With these fantastic timekeepers, your kids will never be late to a class again.

Bangle Watch

Put some bright pep into your child’s back-to-school fashion when you make the Bangle Watch. This easy pattern is fun to make and fun to wear, and it’s a great way to get a lovely DIY bracelet and watch rolled into one. Your daughter will love checking the time with this watch on hand.

 

Woven Paracord Watch

 

If you’ve got a kid who never stops moving, you’ll want him or her to have a watch that’s tough and ready to withstand anything. The Woven Paracord Watch is a great pattern for anyone who’s constantly on the go. The woven cord and easy clasp make this DIY watch a great choice for anyone who wants durability and comfort.

 

Friendship Bracelet Watch
Perhaps your watch band needs light texture and color, and in that case, the Friendship Bracelet Watch is the perfect choice. Easy to make and customize, this pattern is guaranteed to bring a smile to everyone’s face. Make it as a gift in the recipient’s favorite colors for a trendy personalized accessory.

 

 

Leather Watchstrap

 

School celebrates the classics, and leather is one that will never go out of style. This DIY Leather Watchstrap shows that sometimes the old ways are indeed the best. Spiffy up a watch with this band and you’ll have a stylish strap that’s upcycled and upbeat, perfect for guys and girls of all ages.

 

Floating Jewels Wrap Watch

 

And if you want some bling, the Floating Jewels Wrap Watch gives you the trendiness of clear jewelry without the high prices. This pretty wrap bracelet is a triumph of crafting. By using nail polish and vinyl scraps for easy decorating, this design is an easy and budget-friendly statement piece.

 

 

Want even more more DIY watches? Check out these awesome patterns!

Celtic Copper Watch
Wraparound Charm Watch

Do you like wearing watches? Why or why not?

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Bring the Classroom Home with a DIY Chalkboard Craft

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This tutorial is brought to you by Latrice Murphy from Any Occasion.

It’s me, Latrice, with a great back to school DIY project that you can make in about an hour.  I’m heading full force into the beginning of school year prep, so this project will be so fun to use on the first day. This year, I’ll have a second grader and a preschooler. Both of my kids are very excited to start the year off.

Materials:

  • 4 wooden rulers
  • Chalkboard spray paint
  • Hot glue Gun
  • Chalk
  • 12” X 14” piece of MDF

Instructions:

Purchase and cut your wood down to size. I was lucky to have my husband to help with this part.

Give your piece three coats of paint, with drying time in between each coat.

Next, you’ll want to get your hot glue gun warmed up and ready for the rulers.  (Note- You can cut the rulers if you want a different size.)

You’ll want to hot glue the rulers to the wood piece making sure to line up the ends and laying them out the same on both sides.

I love the size of this chalkboard. We will be using it for school assignments year-round. My daughter will be able to practice math, spelling and writing using this handmade piece. You can always add chalkboard paint and rulers to both sides. Thanks for checking out my tutorial. Happy back to school season!

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Ease the Transition: Back To School Crafts You Can Work On Now

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I know, I know – school seems pretty far off at this point. In fact, the kids have just begun their summer vacation. Well, whether they like it or not, the school year will begin again and it will be time to transition from the freedom of summer back to academic life. Parents and teachers know that this can be tough, so why not make life easier and integrate school crafts into your summer routine?

Our latest free eBook, 11 Teacher-Approved Crafts for School features a variety of creative ideas for kids of all ages. Additionally, parents can find fun school themed projects that will thrill and delight kids (no need to tell them they’re actually learning – wouldn’t want to spoil the fun). We’ve couldn’t forget about teachers either – they can use many of the projects found in 11 Teacher-Approved Crafts for School to decorate and get kids in the mood to learn. Use the projects in this free eBook to create school supplies, motivational decor and even jewelry that will get everyone in the mood to learn.

Here are some of the projects you’ll find in 11 Teacher-Approved Crafts for School:

Colorful Fabric Book Cover – Back in the day, you might have used old fabric or even brown paper bags to cover a textbook. Well, the days of ugly book covers are over. With a few colorful bandanas, you can create your own version of this quick and easy craft. Best of all, you don’t need a sewing machine or even a needle and thread to make a Colorful Fabric Book Cover. Use double stick adhesive sheets instead and you’ll have a colorful book cover in no time. Personalize each book cover, that way you won’t have to worry about grabbing the wrong textbook.

 

Scraptastic Notebook – School supply shopping is a sure sign that the school year is just around the corner. A sea of plain, boring folders and notebooks can lead to dread and even anxiety for some young learners. Get everyone in the mood to learn and encourage kids to decorate their brand new school supplies. A personalized Scraptastic Notebook will get kids excited to learn and head to school, where they can show off their work to their friends and teachers. For this project, you can round up fabric scraps and embellishments you have hidden in your stash. This is a quick and easy back to school craft that kids and adults can work on together.

 

Denim Back to School Chalkboard: Are you one of those people that leaves notes everywhere you go? Never miss an appointment (or school assignment) with this homemade chalkboard craft. You don’t need to spend a fortune on supplies to create this decorative piece. Instead, buy a cheap chalkboard at your local discount store and cut up old jeans to create the border. Kids can glue the fabric onto the piece and even leave their own notes. This is a great project for teachers, too – use this homemade decoration to list assignments and reminders. Even young crafters will love creating this back to school project.

 

mini_right-school

For eight more back to school crafts, check out 11 Teacher-Approved Crafts for School. Download a copy today – it’s free!

 

 

 

 

 

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Geek Crafts Roundup: Laptop Cases

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I’m Haley Pierson-Cox from The Zen of Making, and this is your bi-weekly dose of geeky goodness.

Since the dawn of portable computer time, laptops and nerds have always gone blissfully hand in hand. Why not show your faithful electronic pal some love with a fancy new laptop case?

1. Make Your Own Laptop Case! [DIY With CC] from College Candy

2. Carry on computing from The Guardian

3. Going to Grandma’s Laptop Case from CRAFT

4. Back to School ~ Laptop Bag from Sew, Mama, Sew!

5. Laptop Sleeve Tutorial by Yoonie from Yoonie-at-Home

6. Laptop Sleeve from Sew, Mama, Sew!

Want more? Take your geeky accessories to the next level with my Ruler Craft Roundup right here on FaveCrafts!

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Make Learning Fun! 39 Educational Crafts for Kids

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Kids are always learning. Whether it’s in the classroom, on the playground or at home, there are countless opportunities for children to explore and learn about the world around them. Here at AllFreeKidsCrafts, we believe that playful learning is the best! There are so many things kids can explore through fun craft projects. You can teach physics with paper airplanes and encourage kids to write with chalkboards. These kids craft projects are great if you are looking for classroom or homeschool activities (or just some after-school fun!).

Your kids will have a great time making and playing with these crafts (Shhh, don’t tell them they’re educational!):

Water Bottle Rocket    Story Cube Reading Game

Water Bottle Rocket – Countdown to blast-off with this exciting science project! This experiment shows how pressure can launch a rocket. Kids are sure to have a high flying time with this physics project.

Story Cube Reading Game – Kids can exercise their creativity and their reading skills with these cubes. They can make up their own story using the words on each cube. It’s a great activity to improve reading comprehension.

Number Line Addition and Subtraction Game   Investigating Insect Habitats   Phonics Flip Book

Number Line Addition and Subtraction Game – It’s easier for kids to learn visually, especially with mathematical concepts. This number line game makes math fun and will help them understand how addition works.

Investigating Insect Habitats – I love how this craft combines scientific observation with art. Kids will feel like explorers as they follow the lives of bugs and record their findings in paintings.

Phonics Flip Book – Practice word recognition and phonics with this easy-to-make flip book. It’s a simple and fun way to improve literacy. Your kids will be reading in no time!

Be sure to check out 39 Creative Lesson Ideas and Educational Crafts for School Kids for even more educational kids crafts and activities!

My favorite subject in school was Language Arts. What was your favorite subject?

 

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