So, it’s that time of year again. The stores are blasting that “back to school” playlist, and the smell of fresh notebooks is in the air. If you’re like me, you love the idea of a fresh start but hate the thought of spending a fortune on stuff that looks exactly like everyone else’s.
Why settle for boring store-bought supplies when you can whip up some awesome DIY crafts? I’ve rounded up 20 of my favorite projects that are fun, functional, and won’t make your wallet cry. Grab your glue gun, and let’s get started!
Desk Organization Hacks
A cluttered desk is the fastest way to a cluttered mind, right? Before you start your first homework assignment, let’s get your study space in fighting shape.
1. Painted Mason Jar Supply Holders
You probably have a few mason jars collecting dust in your pantry, right? Don’t buy those expensive plastic caddies! Give those jars a new life.
Just grab some acrylic paint and go to town. You can paint them solid colors, do ombre effects, or even paint on funny faces. I personally love using chalk paint so I can label them and switch up what’s inside. They’re perfect for holding paintbrushes, pencils, or even those rogue highlighters that always go missing.
2. Cereal Box Magazine Holders
This is probably the most satisfying DIY on the list because it feels like magic. You know those flimsy cardboard magazine holders that cost $10 each? Don’t buy them.
Cut the top off a cereal box at an angle, cover it with wrapping paper or cool duct tape, and boom—you have a sturdy, free magazine holder. I use these for all my notebooks and folders. It keeps my desk from looking like a paper explosion happened. 🙂
3. Washi Tape Pencil Caddy
If you have a boring old can or a plastic cup lying around, don’t toss it. Washi tape is your best friend here. It’s like the lazy person’s painting.
Just wrap the can in strips of washi tape. Overlap them, crisscross them, make patterns—it’s impossible to mess up. It takes five minutes, and you end up with a custom pencil holder that costs pennies.
4. Cork Board String Art
Tired of looking at a plain cork board? Let’s pimp it out. String art sounds complicated, but it’s really just hammering nails in a shape and wrapping string around them.
Pick a simple shape—like an apple, a star, or just your initial—and map it out on your board. Hammer in the nails along the outline, then wrap embroidery thread around them. It’s a great way to zone out while listening to music, and the result is a personalized art piece that also holds your reminders.
DIY School Supplies
Let’s move on to the actual supplies you shove into your backpack. Making your own stuff means you’ll never accidentally grab someone else’s boring black pen again.
5. Galaxy Notebooks
Plain composition notebooks are cheap, but they are also ugly. Let’s fix that with a galaxy theme, because space is cool.
You just need a notebook, some acrylic paint (blues, purples, blacks), and an old toothbrush. Sponge the colors on, then flick some white paint from the toothbrush to make stars. IMO, this is way better than any character-branded notebook from the store.
6. Glitter Pencils
Ever wonder why store-bought glitter pencils always shed glitter everywhere? Because they don’t seal them right! You can do it better at home.
Just grab some cheap pencils, brush on some Mod Podge, roll them in fine glitter, and let them dry. For extra credit, spray them with a clear sealant so the glitter actually stays on the pencil and not all over your hands during that big exam.
7. Fabric Covered Binders
Those old, scuffed-up binders are an eyesore. Instead of buying a new one (which just feels wasteful), cover it in fabric.
Cut a piece of fun fabric a few inches larger than your open binder. Use double-sided tape or spray adhesive to stick it down, folding the edges over like you’re wrapping a present. Slip the clear plastic cover back on, and you have a binder that actually looks like you.
8. Personalized Pencil Pouch
You can sew a simple pencil pouch, even if you’re a beginner. I promise it’s easier than it looks. Just cut two rectangles of fabric and one rectangle of vinyl (for the front window).
Sew them together, add a zipper, and turn it right side out. Boom. You have a custom pouch where you can actually see your pens. Throw some cute keychains on the zipper for extra flair.
9. Monogrammed Erasers
Buy a pack of those big, pink erasers. Use a mechanical pencil to draw your initial (or a little shape) on the side. Then, use an X-Acto knife to carefully carve away the background, leaving your design raised.
It’s basically rubber stamp carving, and it’s oddly therapeutic. Plus, no one will “borrow” your eraser ever again.
Gear & Gadgets Upgrades
Your tech needs some love too, especially if you’re staring at a screen all day.
10. Leather (or Faux Leather) Laptop Sleeve
If you have an old sweater or a piece of fake leather from a craft store, you can make a super sleek laptop sleeve. No sewing required for this one!
Just cut your material to the size of your laptop (folded over, plus seams). Use fabric glue or iron-on hem tape to seal the edges. Add a button or a snap closure, and you have a sleeve that looks way more expensive than it actually is.
11. Headphone Cord Savers
Are your earbuds always tangling into a knot that would confuse a sailor? Same. Get some paracord or colorful embroidery floss and learn how to do a simple cobra stitch.
You braid the cord around the wire near the jack. It reinforces that weak spot where cords always break, and it adds a pop of color. FYI, it’s also a great way to pass time during a boring zoom lecture. :/
12. DIY Phone Stand
You need a stand for your desk to watch tutorials (or Netflix… no judgment). You can make one in seconds with a binder clip.
Just take a large binder clip, pull the metal handles out, and set your phone in the groove. For extra credit, glue a couple of them to a small wooden base to make it sturdier. It’s the cheapest phone stand you’ll ever own.
13. Charging Cable Labels
Ever reach behind your desk to unplug your phone and accidentally unplug the lamp instead? Let’s fix that chaos.
Cut small rectangles from an old plastic lid or use some shrink film. Punch a hole in one end, write what the cord is for (Phone, iPad, Lamp), and loop it onto the cord near the plug. You can even bake shrinky dink ones to make them hard and permanent.
Study Break & Style DIYs
Because you can’t study all the time. Here are some fun projects for your downtime.
14. Stress Ball Balloons
Feeling the pressure of that first pop quiz? Make a stress ball. Grab a balloon and a funnel.
Fill the balloon with flour, cornstarch, or even play-doh. Tie it off tight. For a bonus layer, cut the top off another balloon and stretch it over the first one to cover the knot. Now you have a squishy friend to take your frustrations out on.
15. DIY Bookmarks
Don’t you dare dog-ear the pages of your new books. Make some bookmarks instead! You can laminate pretty pieces of paper, glue cute photos to cardstock, or even sew simple felt shapes.
I love making tassel bookmarks. Just braid some embroidery floss, tie it to a charm or bead, and attach it to a laminated strip. It makes me feel fancy when I’m reading.
16. Painted Backpack Patches
Got a boring denim or canvas backpack? Don’t buy iron-on patches, make them.
Cut a piece of plain fabric (like canvas or an old pair of jeans), draw a design on it with a pencil, and paint it with fabric paint. Once it’s dry, you can sew or iron it onto your bag. Suddenly, your backpack is a walking piece of art.
17. Friendship Bracelet Keychains
We all made friendship bracelets at summer camp, right? It’s time to bring that skill back, but make it useful. Instead of making one to fit a wrist, make a short one to use as a keychain or a zipper pull for your backpack.
Use the classic chevron pattern or just a simple spiral. It adds a pop of color to your keys, and it’s a great conversation starter.
Locker Love (If You Still Have One)
Lockers are like tiny metal apartments. You have to decorate them.
18. Magnetic Dry Erase Board
Turn a metal lunch tray (check a thrift store!) into a dry erase board for your locker. Just spray paint it with chalkboard or whiteboard paint. Or, if you’re impatient, just stick a sheet of magnetic dry-erase paper on it.
Hang it on a magnetic hook inside your locker. Now you have a spot for quick notes or doodles between classes.
19. Magnetic Picture Holders
Find some cool looking flat marbles (the kind you use in vases) at a dollar store. Glue a small, strong magnet to the back of each one.
Now you can slip a tiny photo between the marble and the magnet, and stick it right to your locker. It’s way cuter than taping photos to the door.
20. Hanging Storage Baskets
Those little wire mesh baskets are perfect for locker shelves. They usually hang from a hook or have magnets on the back.
Use them to hold snacks, hair ties, or your phone. It keeps the clutter off the bottom of the locker and adds another layer of organization. Because who has time to dig for a granola bar under a pile of textbooks?
Get Crafting!
So, there you have it—20 ways to make going back to school a little less painful and a lot more stylish. Whether you trick out your binders or just make a simple bookmark, adding your own flair makes the whole school thing feel a little more personal.
Now, stop reading this and go make something cool. Your desk is waiting for its makeover. Happy crafting!
