Back to School

Back to School

Posted by DecoArt on Aug 2nd 2021

As the hot sunny days of summer are winding down, it is time for one of the most exciting events of the year: Back to school! Parents and students everywhere are preparing for a possible return to in-person learning and we've gathered some back-to-school tips to help get you and the family ready. Not only are these projects functional, but they can also be a great way for the family to bond over some fun craft time!

A mom and daughter painting and laughing together.


Get Organized

There is something so refreshing about getting organized. You can create unique organization tools with your own spin on them to make it even more fun.

Having a large shared family calendar is key to making sure everyone knows where they are supposed to be when. Like this chalkboard calendar that is both cute and functional! 

A back to school chalkboard calendar

Or try this paint chip calendar to add a pop of color to your school days.
A paint chip wall calendar

A rainbow of paint chip wall calendar pages on a white kitchen wall.

Establish a spot for everything! Use an over-the-door shoe organizer to keep everything sorted.
An over the door shoe organizer is filled with school supplies as an organization hack.
Letter organizers aren't just for the mail! Lots of paperwork comes home from school. Keep track of papers that need your attention, that have been read, and that need to be kept for future use.

A mail sorter hung over a door.
Brighten up the desk with a bright desk organizer.

A rainbow decorated school supply organizer

Still Looking for ways to improve? You can check even more organization hacks here.


Establish a Study Area

Designating a space at home just for learning and homework can help facilitate better work habits and make studying at home much easier and more enjoyable! Infuse your own style into space so it is welcoming to what YOU want. Check out these tips for creating the perfect learning space, great for home offices too! 

Isn't this homework station so neat? This well-organized space minimizes distractions to create a better learning environment.
 
A kids homework station

A kids homework station
Adding trinkets or paintings to liven up a space is a great way to create a sense of peace and comfort.

A desk in a home office decorated with colorful accessories.


Establish a School Morning Routine

Sometimes it feels like an Olympic sport getting everybody in the house up, ready, and on time to school! Establishing a good manageable morning routine can help the family save time and reduce stress in getting everyone out the door. Read our blog on 5 tips for Stress-free School Mornings to help you become the morning routine master.

A dad and daughter smiling and painting together.

Try this no-brainer morning routine from Real Simple to get everyone ready in a flash. There is also some great insight in this article from Raising Children.Net. If you're trying out a new routine, do some experimental practice runs before school starts to figure out what works best for you and your family. 
A young girl smiling and holding a paintbrush in front of a blank white wall.


School Supplies

Shopping for school supplies is one of the best parts of going back to school. But what about creating your own creative school supplies this year?

Pep up a plain notebook! 

A galaxy print notebook that says reach for the stars

Notebooks splattered with neon paint

Notebooks painted with simple succulents
Or create a super fun supply bag for keeping things together.

Canvas zipper pencil pouched painted in colorful striped patterns with DecoArt fabric paint.

Colorfully painted zipper canvas pencil pouches

DIY Your Back to School Style!

Show off your personality on the first day of school with these fun and easy DIYs! One-of-a-kind shoes and jackets are a great way to make a statement.

A jean jacket with the back painted to look like a retro 70's sunset.

A jean jacket with the words

White tennis shoes with orange and yellow citrus fruits painted on them.
Tennis shoes with a pastel galaxy print painted onto them.

White converse high tops with a retro sunset painted on them.
High top converse with a geometric pattern painted on them.


Cherish the Memories

The school years fly by. Cherish the precious memories and milestones with these fun creative ideas.

This back-to-school time capsule by Giggles Galore is a creative way to capture these moments.

A time capsule made to look like a pencil.
Custom picture frames let you show off those school photos with pride!

A picture frame painted to look like a pencil.
A picture frame for the first day of preschool.
Personalized Teacher Gifts

Finally, don't forget a special something to give to the teacher! We all know that teachers are some of the most special people in the world. Start the school year off with a positive and personal back-to-school gift. What a great way to start the year! 

A mason jar sign for a teacher

A chalkboard hall pass sign
A tote bag with school supplies painted on them.
A mason jar painted to look like a pencil.
Here are 10 Handmade Teacher Gift Ideas you can make at home.

More Back to School Ideas


Looking for even more back-to-school inspiration? Visit the DecoArt Project Gallery to see all of our back-to-school ideas as well as explore our many crafty projects. You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest for even more inspiration. We wish you and your family an amazing start to the new school year, happy making!