31 Cute Back to School Tutorials

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It’s August, which means two things.  Cooler temperatures coming and time for Back to School!

It’s strange for me to make a big deal about that since I’m been out of school forever and I don’t have kids of my own going either.  But I still get excited when I see sales on school supplies and find myself stocking up on notebooks and such, call them “office supplies”.  And these “office supplies” need a personal touch.

So let the school crafts begin.

Cute Back to School Tutorial Round Up

Pouches and Cases

Because you can’t have enough places to stash supplies.

• Diy Watermelon Zipper Pouch – You can also try making lemon or orange pouches.
• 3 Creative School DIYs: DIY Ice Cream & Piano Pencil Cases + DIY Animal Pencil Cases out of Socks – It’s a video with some cute ideas.
• Monster Pencil Case Back to School Craft for Kids – This one is easy for kids to make.
• Binder Pouch Tutorial – It’s a nice pouch, uses grommets and some vinyl.
• Three Ring Binder Pencil Case Sewing Tutorial – A zippered pouch with two sections.
• Pencil cases – These ones are very cute and use Velcro.
• Roll up Cord Holder – Good for chargers or ear buds.
• Upcycled Soda Box Pencil Cases – This one looks surprisingly cool.

Pencils and Pens

Cute ways to jot down everything from homework to shopping lists.

• Sparkler Pencils – Great for Summer too.
• Ribbon Wrapped Pens Tutorial – My own tutorial.
• Diy Neon Pens – Super easy and cool.
• Painted Back to School Pencils – A classic.
• Diy Confetti Pencils – This one’s my favorite. :)

Notebooks and Binders

Cute binders make organizing fun and notebook make great gifts!

• Notebook Folder Tutorial – It’s like a case for a notepad.
• Fabric Covered Books – A great alternative to store-bought book covers.
• Easy Heart Design Journal – This one is particularly cute and easy.
• Diy Notebooks – Decorate notebooks with pretty paper and labels.
• Diy Washi Tape Binder Covers – This one is brilliant!

Backpacks and Bags

Carry your books or lunch in cute style.

• DIY Easy Backpack from Scratch | DIY Rilakkuma Backpack – Who wouldn’t want a bear shaped back pack?
• Lunch Box Bag Tutorial – Has a more sophisticated look to it, but I would love to see it made from a kawaii print fabric.
• Diy Rainbow Watercolor Backpack – This looks so pretty and easy too.
• Notebook Lunch bag Tutorial – This one looks really cool.

Organization

Because back to school clutter happens.

• Free Printable Binder Clip Labels – Intended for the classroom, but it works at home too.
• Button Bookmarks – Made with paper clips, could use just as clips too.
• Mug Organizer – This one would make a nice teacher gift too.
• Rainbow Crayon Holder – Uses recycled cans and would be good to teach kids their colors.
• Diy Wood Caddy – Similar idea to the crayon holder.
• Organize Office Supplies in Style with a Plastic Parts Chest. – This one is my favorite.

School Supplies for Dolls and Toys

Because they are so darn cute!

• American Girl Doll Diy Mini Notebooks – Teeny little notebooks for your favorite doll.
• Miniature Kawaii Crayons (Actually Works) and Box –  A cute video, make this cute box of crayons or just watch.
• DIY - How to Make:  POKEMON - Doll Draw String Backpack – A simple drawstring backpack with a familiar face.

A few useful supplies:

• Coats & Clark All-Purpose Plastic Zipper
• FolkArt® Acrylic Colors 2 oz.
• Crate Paper Cute Girl Pack of 36 6''x6'' Paper Pad
• Norcom Spiral Notebook 5pk 70 pgs. 8.5" x 10"
• BIC® Xtra Life Ballpoint Pens 10ct
• #2 Wood Pencils 8 ct
• Universal® Mini Binder Clips 1/4" 12 pk

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Sailor Moon? No, Just a Uniform

Now finally, the last project on my craft project list.  This one was necessary for an event that’s happening this very weekend,  Phoenix Comicon!

I have been going every year for the pass few years wearing some of my pretty dresses each time (see Catching Up - Conventions Anyone?), and I wanted to make something different this year.  What special item did I sew for this year?

A school uniform.

A sailor style one to be exact, seen all over anime and manga and a classic for cosplay.  Plus they are super cute even for everyday wear.  To make mine I used multiple resources.

My main source for inspiration was this video tutorial for making a sailor style top with a t-shirt.  This instantly made my task easier.

Instead of using the pattern from the video, I found a great free pattern for the sailor collar here.  It came with a a sleeve pattern too for a Sailor Moon/Sailor Scout costume.  Whatever, it works great for this.

The fabric I used it a dark blue poly poplin I got at SAS.  I decided to use poplin because of how well it worked for all the purple bags I made before (see Purple and Lace).  I chose dark blue because I thought it was more versatile than my first choice for color, pink.  Still I may try that in the future, wouldn’t that be adorable?

Anyway, the collar is ready to sew!

  I found this cute video tutorial for making a pleated skirt made by the same person who made the first video.  It helped a lot, at least for the pleating part.  I did my own thing for the zipper and waistband.  The piece I cut for the skirt is approximately 14 inches by 60 inches.

Just need to pin the pleats (I had to do it over cause they went crazy on me)…

…and add a zipper, waistband, and hem it…

…then make the collar with ribbon trim…

…deal with the cuffs, add accessories, piece things together and then…

…It’s done!  Looks great all put together.

The bow on the front came out a little bigger than I expected, but I think it still looks good.

Plus if I change my mind about it later there’s no problem.  It pins on.

The collar came out well too.  It is only attached to the top at the back.  The front ends can be unhooked to make it easier to pull on and take off.

The cuffs were tricky because not only did I have have gather the sleeve slightly to sew them on, but I forgot to add the ribbon trim before sewing the cuffs on.  I sewed it on by hand afterwards. 

I couldn’t make up my mind whether I wanted the ribbon along the bottom of the cuff or the top end.  I guess it looks fine like this.

And to complete the look I made simple little bow hair clips from scraps of fabric.  I have a ton of this blue poplin leftover, will they be more uniform style outfits in the future?  Only time will tell.

Here’s the updated list:

• lining
• patterns
• lace
• pins
• scraps
• fabric
• supplies
• uniform

Eight down and out.  All that’s left is Phoenix Comicon and a little surprise afterwards.  Look forward to it.

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Catching Up: Celebrate with Cuteness

My birthday was last month, and just like last year, we celebrated with a trip to the cutest place ever.  The Sanrio Store.

Warning: The word “cute” will be used quite a bit in this post for obvious reasons.  Some people may be annoyed by this and therefore should click away right now.

Cute cute, cute cute cute cute cute and cute.  Typing it just because I can.

Anyway, it was a visit to the cutest store around, so naturally I came back with tons of super cute stuff.

I got a set of really cute folders with some characters I’m not familiar with, but since they are fluffy adorable bunnies, why not?  Funny is that when I got them I wasn’t sure if they were folders or some other stationary item.  Either way they would still be handy.

I got this cute Hello Kitty tote bag mostly because it was on clearance and tote bags are super handy to have around.  I prefer my cute items to be both cute and useful.  More practical that way, not to mention more economical.

More useful cute items, a My Melody bento box and a set of Hello Kitty utensils.  Make food cuter and more enjoyable.

And of course this Hello Kitty pencil with a cute little charm on it.  It’s a really nice pencil too with a comfortable grip.  The only problem is that it looks so much like a pen and doesn’t have an eraser too.  Also it didn’t occur to me until after we left that I probably should have gotten a cute eraser to match.

And now the grab bag, my friends got it for me just like last year.  I love grab bags in general, but the ones from Sanrio are fantastic.  Filled with adorably cute items and they are even wrapped in super cute bags.  So what’s inside?

In this one was a Hello Kitty folder, a coil bracelet with a cute Hello Kitty charm, a Hello Kitty finger tip ring, and a set of Jewel Pets “pencil caps”.  At least that’s what I think they are, since I saw similar things in the store that were labeled as that.

I almost bought a pack of them, but I don’t have to now since they came in my grab bag anyway.  I thought they would be handy.  They are an easy and reusable way of making plain pencils cuter.  The finger tip ring is a bit odd though, it would make a great doll-sized bracelet though.

Over all, tons of cute items to enjoy, that is until my next birthday.

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Back to School!! On Pinterest

August always makes me think of Fall which always, always makes me think of school and all that comes with it.  I love this time of year.  It’s been years since I have so much as taken a single class, but I still get excited when I see sales on notebooks and stuff.  It’s still useful stuff to have around the house anyway, especially when it’s cute.  Nothing like pretty office supplies.  And since things are cuter when you craft them yourself, and I tend to honor all occasions with Pinterest, I created my annual Back to School pin board.  Here for your enjoyment.

Back to School 2015 Pin Board

Some Highlights:

• Button Paperclip Bookmarks
• Rollup Cord Holder
• Binder Pouch Tutorial
• Notebook Folder

As usual with my seasonal pin boards, I will add new pins throughout the year regardless of season.  Check out my boards for other holidays/occasions too.

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Back to Pack

Another makeover project, and finished just in time for classes. 

I needed a backpack for school, a tote or messenger bag wasn’t cutting it.  I had this old one that was perfect in terms of pockets and other features, but it had seen better days.  After a bit of sprucing up…

…It looked like this.  I first washed it really well and cut of the mesh pockets on the front and sides.  I never used them anyway.  I also made a few repairs like re-stitching some seams and the like.  Then came the fun part.  I hand-stitched thin lace along all the zippers and pockets.  Afterward I threaded some thin pink ribbon through the lace.  I replaced the zipper pulls with more ribbon to finish.  Now it’s pretty and functional again, ready for my first class.  I wish I was too.
Here’s the updated list:

• Pens
• Binder
• Lunch bag
• Backpack
• Button
• Scarf
• Doll house

Four down, just three more to go.  The next one will be up by Friday with another surprise.

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Pretty Supplies

Not wanting to put things off too much (since when?), I got started right away and completed two projects.

First, I got these pens at Wal-Mart for 74 cents for a 15 pack.  Cheap price and they write quite well.  The problem is how plain they look.  How to fix that?

Modpodge anyone?  I cut strips of tissue paper and brushed on Modpodge before wrapping around each pen.  When they dried, I gave each pen a coat to protect.  Simple to do and the results are pleasing.  For the four pens on the left, I experimented with using scrapbook paper.  They look pretty cool, but it isn’t something I would recommend.  The scrapbook paper is a little too thick and it makes it hard to stick the caps back on.  Tissue paper is a-ok. 

Next is the binder.  I still have my old binder from last year, but I needed a second one.  This one I already had lying around the house.  It just needed the special touch.

Enter the binder cover.  Just like the last one I made (see Clean and Covered) except this one is pink and lacy.  I added a couple of tiny bows because not only do they add such a nice touch, but without them I can’t tell which side is the front side.  See I can be practical sometimes.
Here’s the updated list:

• Pens
• Binder
• Lunch bag
• Backpack
• Button
• Scarf
• Doll house

Two down, five to go.  The next one will be up either tomorrow or Friday.

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A Little Sharing and a Reminder

A couple of things to share today.  First, the weather.  Like a week ago or so there was a sort of small thunder storm around here.  I didn’t mention it before because it didn’t seem to be a big deal until I saw this…

It’s a palm tree nearby my house.  Yep, it was hit by a bolt of lightening.  Now it’s charcoal.

It’s completely black the whole way down.  It makes me wonder, can trees continue to live and grow after being hit?  I hope so, so does my little friend there to right.  You seem him right?

Here he is, this is one of my neighbors.  His name is Domino and in case it isn’t obvious, he is a donkey.  He lives with a couple of horses too, but I can’t remember their names.  It’s strange, I see him a lot but I don’t actually know his “people”.  That’s how it always seem to be.  I know almost nothing about my neighbors, but I know all their pets.

The second thing is something cute.  This is my nephew on his way to school.  Today was his very first day of Kindergarten.  Oh, but don’t worry, he wasn’t scared at all to go to school.  He couldn’t wait to go and now he can’t wait to go back tomorrow.  I know this because his “mommy” dragged me out of bed this morning and insisted I go with them.  I got a cute photo and free donuts out of it.  The school provided breakfast to the parents of kindergarteners.  Score.

One more thing, don’t forget to enter my little contest.  The deadline is tomorrow evening after all and the winner will be decided this Saturday.  Can’t wait.

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To Mothers and Good Literature

It’s a little late, but Happy Mother’s Day.  Maybe not that late, my sister still has people saying it to her.

Anyway, as usual I made a little something for my own mom this year.  And as usual I didn’t have the guts to give it to her directly.  So she received this discreet little pouch as delivered by my niece.

Inside were a couple of my lovely button broaches (see Button Broach: A Tutorial) and a pretty handkerchief.  I made the handkerchief in a slightly different way than usual.  It’s hard to describe, but I think I will definitely be making more like this in the future.

Next, I found myself in need of a case to hold pens and pencils and such, one that would essentially be squish-proof.  The solution?  A hardcover book.

I took an old hardcover book I had lying around and carefully removed the innards.  Don’t worry, the pages are still completely intact.  I stuck them in the dust jacket to read later since the story sounds interesting.  It’s kind of like turning a hardcover book into a paperback.

All I had to do was make the pockets and lining then glue them inside the cover.  Then I made the strap to keep it closed.  It closes with Velcro, I tried to use snaps but it didn’t turn out right.  Of course I glued on a large button just for show.  It was a lot of fun to make.  I thought about making another one, a larger one this time.  The problem is I can’t find a book with a large sized cover that I can remove without causing too much harm to it.  I’m not one of those people that can completely destroy an interesting book in the name of crafting.  Sigh.
Here’s the updated list:

• Gift
• Pencil case
• T-shirt recon
• Pink dress
• Shorts
• Patterns
• Shoes
• Striped skirt
• Mazes

Two down, seven to go.  The next one should be up by Saturday.

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Back from the Chaos with Something Pink

I can’t believe how busy this week has been.  Frantically trying to buy/find/return textbooks while still attending classes mostly on time and completing assignments and reading.  Also getting through crowds of people on and off campus and long lines while trying to buy/find/return textbooks and etc.  I kind of felt like a chicken with it’s head cut off.  Anyway, most of that has been settled and I managed to get everything organized enough to not go insane.  I managed to finish the last projects on my list too, sacrificing sleep in the process, but that’s normal.

The first is this skirt.  I guess it’s obvious by now that I like wearing pink.  I have made three different pink dresses, a matching bag, a cute sweater, and various pink hair accessories already.  But I realized I had yet to make a pink skirt.  Now this one is a little fuller this most of the skirts and dresses I made in the past, so making was slighter more challenging due to the extra fabric to deal with.  I tried to keep it simple with a small ruffle and a couple of pin tucks.  I wanted to have three or four pin tucks, but after how long it took to do the first two I decided just two was perfectly fine.  I still think it looks pretty except for one thing.  The fabric is extremely prone to wrinkling, have I mentioned how horrible I am at ironing?  It could be worse though.

The next project, is these bags.  I finally got the hang of my Knifty Knitter, at least using it as a long loom.  The instructions said it could be used as a round loom too, so I thought I would try that.  That I only I could think of to make that way was these simple little bags.  I didn’t even need instructions for them, and for a beginner knitter that’s easy.  The straps and button loops are crocheted, and I though about adding a fabric lining but decided against it.  These bags are only about 5-6 inches longish and I thought a lining would bulk them out too much.  I had intended to put them both in my shoppe, but I’m thinking of keeping one for myself.  They are cute and they’re the perfect size to toss in keys and such to head to the grocery store or the post office or something simple like that.  Tempting.

Here’s the updated list:

• Business cards
• Lip balm holders
• Pins
• Potholders
• More doll clothes
• Hook reuse
• Pink skirt
• Tote bag
• Skirt
• Bags

Ten down and out.  Finished on time too surprisingly.  Now I have get back to studying or whatever.

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Where Are My Priorities?

Sorry I sort of disappeared this weekend.  At least here I did, I wasn’t completely scarce on twitter and the Zibbet community.  Basically I got carried away with crafting and preparing for today.  Today is the first day of the Fall semester.  Now along with the usual stuff I do (crafts, blog, the shop, sleep?), I have to try to find time for classes and studying.  No worries, I will still manage to post regularly.  At least as regularly as I unusually do.  Would love to post more frequently, but that’s probably not going to happen knowing me.

Anyways, I finished two more projects this weekend including this skirt.  I used the same fabric I used for the skirt from my sewing class since I had plenty leftover (See It's So Huge).  Yes I know it doesn’t look like a skirt.  That’s the brilliant thing about it, the bib and straps are removable.   Two looks in one.  With the bib, it kind of reminds me of Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz, only not blue.  I guess that’s why I like wearing it so much. 

Next, the shopping bag.  I got this old promotional tote bag from my sewing class.  Another item no one wanted.  It is of course useful and all, but not too pleasant to look at.  A simple touch is all it needed.

Looks better now.  I cut off a couple inches from the top because I thought the bag was wide enough but definitely too tall for me.  I removed the straps before cutting since they were already the perfect length.  I then pinned on the ruffle and stitched in place.  The ruffle was one I had on a dress I made.  I thought it weighed down the dress too much, not a problem on this bag.  Anyway, the ruffle covered the logo on the bag perfectly while giving it an unique touch.  All I needed to do then was reattach the straps and re-hem the top of the bag.  Now I have a frilly bag that is perfect for shopping and running errands.  Yay!

Here’s the updated list:

• Business cards
• Lip balm holders
• Pins
• Potholders
• More doll clothes
• Hook reuse
• Pink skirt
• Tote bag
• Skirt
• Bags

Eight down, just two more to go.  Should have them done by the end of this week.

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Up to 18

It’s been hectic around here lately.  I started classes this week.  So it seems like all I’ve been doing lately is running here and there finding classrooms, getting supplies, downloading required materials, dealing with homework, etc.  But I think I have everything under control, at least now I do.  And of course I said I would probably have to make a few more things for school and I definitely do.  I needed an extra class so I signed up for a basic sewing class.  I know, I have been sewing for how many years and I’m taking a basic class?  I thought it would be a good idea, a way to brush up on the skills I haven’t perfected (zippers, button holes, ironing, taking my time, etc.)  It’s also a good excuse to go fabric shopping and such, it’s “school” supplies.  So anyway, here’s my latest list.

Project List #18

• Needle case
• Mug cozy
• Pants
• Hair accessories
• Brooches
• Necklace
• Other jewelry
• Food
• Top
• Skirt

Given my current schedule and all, I should have this all done before the end of July.

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A Little Cardboard and Biology

This is something I’ve been working on for a project for school.  I guess it kind of looks like a big, blue cardboard drum.  I drew pictures of the the lifecycle of Dipetalonema recoditum(it’s an internal parasite) and glued them around it.  Hence the reason for the circular shape.  Then I glued on more information on the other sides.  I think it looks great, and I guess my drawing skills aren’t too bad considering that I haven’t really done much drawing in oh so many years.  Now the only problem is getting it to class tomorrow, that and presenting it orally.  Not entirely looking forward to that.  It could be worse, I could end up accidentally leaving it at home.  Now that would be a nightmare.  

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More Goodwill Friends

Today I had an interview for my externship, at a great little animal clinic in Gilbert, AZ.  I think it went fairly OK, except for the fact that I was almost 30 minutes late.  After I got off the bus, I accidently went the wrong way.  I had to call and tell them I was lost, what a great first impression. 

On the bright side, the place is conveniently located across from a Goodwill location I hadn’t checked out before.  Oh the goodies I did find. 

Each of these baggies hold two Bratz dolls in near perfect condition.  Priced at 2.99 each, they were quite a deal.  You’d pay almost that much for the shoes alone, especially considering how hard it is to find the shoes.  I am only keeping two of them, my mom wanted the rest.  She still hasn’t mentioned what her plans are yet, I think either she wants to sell them or give them to her grandchildren as gifts.  It’s funny, the one with the green shirt and short plaid skirt looks like the girl on NCIS.  That is one of my mom’s favorite shows.  Maybe she will keep that one.

I also grabbed a bag with various ribbons in it.  It was half-off at only a dollar.  I love the printed blue trim with the lacy edge, I think it would be great for making more headbands.  I’m not sure what I am going to do with the big blue wire-edged ribbon.  I am bound to think of something eventually.

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Draw! A School Update

In class today, I drew blood.  Not my own, from a dog. 

He’s name is Sysco and I drew blood into a syringe from his cephalic vein, without passing out!  I wasn’t even nauseous, well maybe a little.  I guess forcing myself to watch it being done all these months really paid off. 

In case it isn’t obvious to those who haven’t been following, I’ve always had a thing about needles and getting shots.  The thought of being at the other end of the needle seemed so far off, until now. 

Just think, if I can handle this maybe I can handle other scary things, like giving blood.  Whoa!  One thing at a time.  For now I’m glad, maybe I really am ready for anything.

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Biology and Felt Collide

I haven’t really touched base in a while about how I’m doing with my  classes.  It’s been okay so far, still getting mostly As and all.  This is the cell model I made for my current class.  All the other students thought the idea of models and dioramas sounded so junior high.  I’m thinking, whatever, it’s fun to do and easy to get a decent grade.  So I got it done right away.  It’s not even due for another week.

For the base I used cardboard, again, made in the shape of a round lid.  I thought about making cute little boxes while I was at it, but let’s stick to one thing at a time.  For all the parts, I used various scraps of felt, some braided trim for the mitochondria, and I used part of an old zipper for the endoplasmic reticulum.  I had used the zipper for another project and it was too long, so I cut it down to size.  I’ve been saving the cut off part forever, it’s funny what things become useful down the road.  I once patched up a pair of shoes with a appliqué I saved from a shirt I cut up many years before.  I actually wear the shoes more than shirt now. 

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