Credit Cindy Hopper
Credit Cindy Hopper
With the first day of school just around the corner, you still have time to put a personal touch on your new semester with do-it-yourself projects for students of all ages. From custom desks to one-of-a-kind school supplies, using materials you have on hand will save you time, money--and the hassle of that first-day-of-school line at the office supply store. Not going back to school? It's still a good time to re-organize your desk, update your filing system, and add some personality to your workspace. Here are some of our favorite projects:
1.Oilcloth lunchbags. Whether you're headed back to school, off to college, or just into the office after a vacation, whip up one of these lunchbags from oilcloth-that's the fabric of those summer tablecloths you have on the patio (you know, the ones too ripped to last another summer?)--and store sandwiches, snacks, cold drinks, and sticky desserts without worrying about spills. (For more cafeteria-ready tips, see our guide to packing a waste-free lunch.) (Via Craft)
2.Upcycled desk. Turning an old door into a desk is a super-simple way to customize your office: leave it white, add color, sand and stain, or cover with a glass top (and press photos, maps, and mementos underneath) until you get the desired look, and support it with filing cabinets, sawhorses, leftover lumber, or reclaimed table legs.
3.Fashion statements. For some of us, it's all about the first-day-of-school outfit. Follow these instructions to make a chic dress that will have even the upperclassmen looking twice. If it's chilly, add a shrug--and if you can't sew at all (or don't have time to learn), host a clothing swap with your friends to dress in new-to-you duds without spending a dime.
4.Green organization. A neat office or desk is key to productivity, whether you're a third-grader practicing your cursive writing, a seventh grader trying to win the science fair, or a grownup working on your next big presentation. Fabric-covered file folders, a fun license plate memo board, and pocket-sized notebooks keep everything in its place so you can stay focused.
5.Carry everything. You'll need a bag for those books--why not make one? Use t-shirts destined for the thrift store to make a contrasting messenger bag; weave plastic bags to make a striped tote; turn a suit jacket into a backpack; or make a drawstring version to hold all Junior's field trip must-haves.
More: Back to School
