7 DIY Back to School Craft Ideas

This post was originally published in August 2018 and updated as of July 2022.

Back to school time is here! And while that can bring with it the horrors of the carpool line, homework drama, and lots of lunch packing, it also means lots of fun crafting can be had! Here at the PLG we have had lots of fun dreaming up school-themed projects, and today we are sharing 7 of our favorite DIY Back to School craft ideas to get you pumped for the possibilities in this new year! Let’s do it!

7 DIY Back to School Craft Ideas

1. Animal Ear Headphones

These interchangeable animal ear headphones are a quick craft that make learning a little more fun! The little animal pieces are made out of craft foam and, with the help of velcro, can be easily switched out. This project is perfect for adding personality to these fun kid’s headphones!

2. Embellished Pencils

We’ll show you four fun ways to embellish pencils, and they are so much fun! All of them are completely functional and will be the coolest pencils in class.

3. DIY Abstract Zipper Pouches

We love the bright colors and fun design on these pouches and had a blast making them. They are the perfect back to school craft to help you organize anything in a backpack—from pencils to makeup to snacks! These blank pouches are the perfect canvas!

4. Funfetti Donuts with Back to School Cut-Outs

We love making these fun donuts at the beginning of every school year because eating them is like a little party! Plus, these cut outs can help you to stay on theme in a very cute way and staying on theme is VERY important. If I was a teacher, that would be at the top of my syllabus. Sue me.

5. DIY Stitched Notebooks

Don’t you dare settle for those boring 5-star notebooks that everyone has! You deserve better! You deserve cuter! These embellished notebooks are a fun back to school craft to make in a weekend, and the mixture of the pattern of the paper + texture of the embroidery takes them over the top.

6. DIY Stenciled Alphabet Boxes

If you want to be the teacher’s pet, these boxes are the back to school craft you HAVE to make. These boxes double as a vase AND a tissue box. They are perfect for gifting to the teachers in your life with fresh flowers, then, when the flowers die they can use them for their tissues. Like I said, you’re totally getting an A.

7. Embroidered Floral Zipper Pouches

This is our other favorite way to carry your pencils in style. These sweet zipper pouches have the prettiest details that are sure to make you smile during the school day. Or, if that doesn’t work, fill them with Kit Kats and THAT will make you smile during the school day.

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Happiest Back to School, friends! We’re rooting for you!
ox. Liz & Sam