Get The TechniqueErica asks:
"Do you have any suggestions for personalizing back-to-school supplies?"
Fill these last summer days with activities that will help your back-to-schooler get excited for the first day. You probably already have the supplies needed to make these fun pencils.
Get creative and eco-friendly with textbook covers—here we've used old roadmaps.
Paper grocery bags are also a good solution. What else do you use for covering books?
Any student would be eager to start homework in this homemade study center.
This chalkboard wall calendar would be fun in a dorm room (if you can't paint your wall, try a large piece of masonite board).
Find even more ideas in this "Back to School" gallery!
If you would like to "Ask the Crafts Dept.," please e-mail your questions to thecraftsdept@marthastewart.com.
From: Megan | 9/1/10 at 3:45 pm
I'm having a back-to-school sew along on my blog right now, so I've been posting links to cute patterns for clothes (girls and boys) and accessories/school supplies.
Here's the school supplies link, in case your reader is a sewer:
http://pennycarnival.typepad.com/penny_carnival/2010/08/backtoschool-sewing-patterns-part-3-accessories-and-school-supplies.html
From: Kristi aka FiberFool | 9/1/10 at 5:28 pm
Depending upon the size of the book, I've covered with with clearance contact paper with the backing still in place. I've also used discarded wallpaper books or clearance rolls of wallpaper or partials rolls from garage and estate sales.
From: Nikki | 9/1/10 at 10:06 pm
LOVE that chalkboard calendar on the wall. My craft room is in need of a serious make-over and that is now on the must have list!!
From: back to school! - Casa e Cose | 9/3/10 at 4:45 am
[...] Here are some happy sunny images of how easy you can personalize your kids back to school kit! I love maps maps maps! From Martha. [...]
From: Lee | 9/15/10 at 3:27 pm
I have also seen (and have on the wall of my office as I write this post) removable chalkboard sticker paper for those who can't paint their walls.
From: Nancy Lindland | 9/29/10 at 2:38 pm
What do I do with all the old wooden thread spools that I have from my grandmother?