Monday, July 30, 2018

Cool Things You Can Make With School Supplies


It's almost that time of year again (!), when our newspapers are filled with store circulars displaying ads for back to school clothes and school supplies! 


While the deals are hot, why not stock up on some back to school art supplies to keep in your own craft cache? While you are shopping for all the things your kids need for school, be sure to pick up some extras for yourself and take advantage of the back to school sale prices!


Here is a list of things that are commonly found in the school supplies isle that are usually on sale this time of year, along with some ideas for what YOU can use them for!:


Glue sticks - you can never have enough glue sticks! They really come in handy around the house and are great for art and craft projects. They are especially useful for any kind of paper crafts, scrap-booking, and card making.

Composition books - these sturdy classics are great to use as journals! Why not create a little altered art on the covers and turn them into art journals? I also use them for to-do lists, for home organization, as a place to jot down craft instructions and home improvement ideas. 



Composition book caddy by Splendorfalls



Altered composition book tutorial by Aesthetic Nest



Altered composition book by jtjujubees via Etsy


Crayons - If you haven't noticed the wave of melted crayon art that has been all over the net, you are missing out! 



Crayon heart wall art 



Canvas + crayons + glue gun + hair dryer = crayon art by Whatever



Melted crayon art  



Crayon initial by Nesting Sticks


Colored pencils -  not only are these are great for drawing and coloring, but you can create with them too!

Sterling silver color pencil necklace, color collection - winter No. 1, the green and blue series
Colored pencil necklace by huiyitan via Etsy



Vase made with colored pencils Glue them to a jar with hot glue! from Country Living

Colored pencils spring necklace with swarovski crystals.

Colored pencil necklace by Anrw via Etsy



Colored pencil bead DIY from Design Mom.  The pencils are simply cut by hand with a small hacksaw (image 1), then rubbed on a piece of sandpaper to smooth the ends and edges (image 3), and then drilled with a small drill bit. 



Rulers - Rulers are another thing that are currently very popular for crafts and  decorating! *Be sure to check out my previous post You Rule! Yardsticks and Rulers Upcycled for tons of other ruler craft ideas!


Back to school ruler planter from HGTVgardens


Ruler frames by The Lettered Cottage



Ruler stars by Mamie Jane's


Ruler backsplash for your kitchen sink from The Kitchn



Yardstick coat rack DIY from BHG



Pencils - there's nothing that says "back to school" like a No.2 yellow pencil! Check out what some creative folks made with them.

Pencil Eraser Necklace - Teacher or writers gift

Pencil and eraser necklace by DaisyDeux via Etsy



Pencil wreath DIY (great for teachers!) by Organize & Decorate Everything



Back to school pencil and chalkboard wreath by The Nature of Grace


Other supplies -  flash cards, pens, markers, glue, and tape are also great to add to your crafting stash so while the prices are rock bottom, stock up. 




What do you think?
Which do you like the most? 


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I hope you have a great week!
Laura



My broken china jewelry is always available for purchase at






Originally published July 30, 2012 refreshed and updated 2018

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