The back-to-school season is just around the corner, and that means it’s time to gear up for another year of learning, growth, and exploration. But before you hit the books, why not add a touch of creativity to your school supplies, stationery, and organization? In this blog post, we’ve rounded up 25 creative DIY school supplies and organization ideas that are not only fun to create but also functional. The best part? You can easily find the materials you need on Amazon. Let’s dive in!
25 Creative DIY School Supplies and Organization Ideas
1. Customized Notebook Covers
Give your notebooks a personalized touch by creating your own custom covers. You can use scrapbook paper, stickers, or even print out your favorite designs. Simply cover the existing notebook cover, and voila – you have a unique notebook that reflects your style.
If you want to learn to create your own stickers from scratch, here’s a tutorial for you.
2. Colorful Duct Tape Pencil Holders
Turn ordinary tin cans into vibrant pencil holders with the help of colorful duct tape. Measure and cut strips of tape, then wrap them around the cans. Mix and match colors for a playful look that’ll brighten up your study space.
3. Washi Tape Binder Clips
Upgrade your binder clips using washi tape. Wrap the tape around the metal part of the clip to add a pop of color and pattern. These clips are perfect for keeping your papers organized and adding flair to your study routine.
4. Popsicle Stick Desk Organizer
Get crafty with popsicle sticks to create a simple and functional desk organizer. Arrange the sticks in a crisscross pattern and glue them together to form compartments. You’ll have a stylish way to store pens, pencils, and other essentials.
5. Decorative Push Pins
Give your bulletin board a makeover by crafting your own decorative push pins. Attach buttons, beads, or tiny toy figures to the tops of the pins using glue. These pins will add a touch of personality to your notes and reminders.
6. Mason Jar Supply Holders
Mason jars aren’t just for canning – they make excellent supply holders too! Paint the jars in your favorite colors and use them to store pens, markers, or even small notepads. This DIY idea adds both organization and charm to your workspace.
7. Magazine File Bookends
Transform magazine files into stylish bookends with a coat of paint and some creative designs. Use stencils or painter’s tape to create patterns, or let your imagination run wild with freehand designs. These bookends will keep your textbooks standing tall and add a touch of elegance to your shelf.
8. Corkboard Calendar
Stay on top of your assignments and appointments with a DIY corkboard calendar. Glue a grid of square cork pieces onto a larger board, then add labels and numbers using paint or markers. Pin important dates and notes to keep your schedule organized.
9. Fabric-Covered Notebooks
Elevate your notebooks by covering them with your favorite fabrics. Cut the fabric to size, apply adhesive, and wrap it around the notebook. This DIY project allows you to showcase your creativity and adds a tactile element to your school supplies.
10. Magnetic Pen Holder
Keep your pens and markers within arm’s reach by creating a magnetic pen holder. Attach adhesive magnets to the back of a small container and stick it to the side of your locker or whiteboard. Never lose a pen again!
11. Emoji Bookmarks
Make reading more enjoyable with emoji bookmarks. Cut out circular shapes from colorful paper, then draw or glue on your favorite emojis. Laminate the bookmarks or cover them with clear tape to make them more durable.
12. Desk Cable Organizer
Tired of tangled cables? Create a desk cable organizer using binder clips. Attach the clips to the edge of your desk and thread your cables through the metal arms. This simple solution will keep your charging cables, headphones, and other cords neat and accessible.
13. Chalkboard Labels
Add a touch of vintage charm to your school supplies with chalkboard labels. Stick these labels onto your notebooks, folders, or storage bins and use chalk or chalk markers to write and erase labels as needed.
14. Patterned Envelopes
Send your notes and letters in style by decorating plain envelopes with colorful patterns. Use patterned stamps, stencils, or even cut-out shapes from magazines to create unique designs that will stand out in the mailbox.
15. Eraser-Stamped Pencil Case
Turn a plain pencil case into a work of art with an eraser-stamping technique. Dip the eraser end of a pencil into acrylic paint and stamp it onto the pencil case to create patterns and designs. This is a great way to show off your artistic skills and have a one-of-a-kind pencil case.
16. Paperclip Bookmarks
Never lose your page again with paperclip bookmarks. Attach decorative paperclips to the tops of your pages to mark your progress in textbooks and notebooks. You can find a variety of fun shapes and colors on Amazon.
17. Felt Desk Mat
Create a cozy and colorful workspace by making a felt desk mat. Cut out pieces of felt in various shapes and colors, then arrange and glue them onto a larger piece of felt. This DIY mat adds comfort and a pop of color to your study area.
18. Recycled Magazine Pencil Holder
Give old magazines new life by turning them into a unique pencil holder. Roll up pages tightly and glue them together to form a sturdy base. This eco-friendly DIY idea adds a touch of sustainability to your school supplies.
19. Mini Whiteboard with Washi Tape Border
Personalize your mini whiteboard with a colorful washi tape border. Stick the tape around the edges of the whiteboard to add a playful and decorative touch. It’s a quick and easy way to infuse some creativity into your study sessions.
20. Glittery Push Pin Board
Add a touch of sparkle to your workspace with a glittery push pin board. Cover a piece of foam board with adhesive and sprinkle glitter over it. Shake off the excess and let it dry. Mount the board on your wall and use it to pin up important papers and inspiration.
21. Inspirational Quote Wall Art
Turn your study space into a source of motivation by creating your own inspirational quote wall art. Purchase a canvas or sturdy board from Amazon and use acrylic paints or markers to write or paint your favorite inspirational quote. Hang it above your desk to keep you motivated and focused. Or if you don’t want to DIY, you can print and frame out 30 square popular motivational quotes for only $1 here.
22. Fabric Pocket Organizer
Keep your desk clutter-free with a fabric pocket organizer. Purchase a fabric panel with multiple pockets from Amazon and attach it to your wall or bulletin board. Use the pockets to store small supplies like sticky notes, paper clips, and highlighters, making it easy to grab what you need while studying.
23. Dry Erase Board To-Do List
Stay organized and on top of your tasks with a DIY dry erase board to-do list. Purchase a small dry erase board and frame from Amazon. Customize the background with decorative paper or a printed design. Use dry erase markers to create sections for different tasks or subjects, and simply wipe them off when you’re done.
24. Upcycled Denim Pencil Case
Give new life to old jeans by creating a stylish denim pencil case. Cut out a rectangular piece from an old pair of jeans and sew the sides and bottom closed. Add a zipper or button closure to keep your supplies secure. This eco-friendly pencil case is not only functional but also a fashionable addition to your school gear.
25. Desk Tissue Box Organizer
Repurpose a tissue box into a convenient desk organizer. Cover the tissue box with decorative paper or colorful fabric, securing it with glue. Use it to hold small items like sticky notes, paper clips, or even your smartphone. This clever DIY idea keeps your essentials within reach and adds a touch of creativity to your workspace.
Conclusion
As you gear up for the upcoming school year, these DIY school supplies, stationery, and organization ideas are sure to add a dose of creativity and fun to your learning environment. These ideas will also help you create a personalized and efficient study environment that’s both fun and functional. With a few simple materials and a dash of creativity, you can transform ordinary items into personalized and functional tools that reflect your unique style. Get ready to tackle your studies and be well-prepared for a successful back-to-school season!
Printables, design elements, graphics and any digital products provided on this site are for personal use only. You may NOT modify them or redistribute them for free or monetary gain without the written agreement from the author, Janice Banks. You may share these with your classes or co-workers (educators/teachers/tutors) as long as they are not modified in any way. Please share the link to the blog post if you want to share these digital resources with others.
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