Arts and crafts are a vital tool for childhood development. Not only do crafts foster creativity, but they also contribute to the development of communication skills, teach kids to listen and be attentive, build their self-esteem, and help children hone their fine motor skills. Yes, crafts are truly an essential part of learning.
Speaking of learning, are you and your child ready for school? This school year may be filled with uncertainty and new learning methods, but no matter what, kids are going to need supplies for the year. Whether in the classroom or the living room, supplies are needed to get work done, keep things organized, and even stay safe.
So, why not prepare for school while promoting your child's development? We've gathered several DIY projects for must-have supplies for the school year. So, gather up some paper, glue, and safety scissors - here's a list of easy and affordable DIY back-to-school projects that kids and grown-ups are guaranteed to love!
Bumblebee Supply Holder
Whether on a classroom desk or on a table at home, school supplies get scattered about very quickly. Students need to keep pencils, pens, highlighters, scissors, and the other frequently used materials close by and neat, so that nothing gets lost or ruined. This bumblebee holder is an adorable solution to keeping things organized!
Materials:
- empty can
- yellow yarn
- black yarn
- googly eyes
- bubble wrap
- black paper
- Mod Podge glue
Directions
- Paint a thin layer of Mod Podge glue onto the can.
- Starting from one end, wrap the yellow yarn around the can - the glue will help it stick. Reapply glue as needed if it dries out.
- Apply glue to areas where you want to make black stripes.
- Wrap black yarn over the yellow yarn, following the glue you added in step
- Cut wings from the bubble wrap.
- Cut strips of black paper for the antennas out of the black paper. You can wrap them around a pencil or your finger to get a twirly effect.
- Glue the eyes and wings to the outside of the can. Attach the antennas on the inside to hide their edge.
- Allow to dry before using.
No-Sew Bandana Face Masks
Let's be honest for a moment. This school year is going to be extremely different from any we've experienced before. In the wake of the worldwide pandemic that has changed how we live indefinitely, face masks are going to be a more common accessory when out in public. The CDC has advised how to make effective face masks at home - and all you need is three materials, no sewing required!
Materials:
- bandana - let your child pick one out with a fun design or their favorite character.
- hair ties or rubber bands
- cone shaped coffee filter
Directions:
- Lay the bandana flat on a table. Fold in half, and then unfold so that you can see where the center is.
- Cut the coffee filter horizontally across the middle.
- Place the wide section of the filter in the middle of the folded bandana.
- Fold the bottom of the bandana up to the middle, covering the filter, and fold the top down over it again, covering the filter completely.
- Loop a rubber band or hair tie around each end (left and right), leaving a few inches of fabric, so each side looks like a candy wrapper.
- Fold the excess material over the band, with each side meeting in the middle, adding another layer to the mask.
- When wearing, have your child put a band over each ear, making sure the material fits snugly to their face so that it stays in place. | via Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Shark Fin Bookmarks
A new school year means new books! Teachers often assign reading materials to their students, sometimes all year around. This shark themed bookmark features everyone's favorite fish, and it's fun and easy to make.This bookmark will be of great use throughout the school year and beyond!
Materials:
- gray card-stock
- blue popsicle sticks (painted yourself or store bought)
- blue glitter glue
- hot glue gun
- blue marker
Directions:
- Cut the shape of a shark fin out of the card stock. If your child is old enough to handle safety scissors, they can do this step themselves.
- Using the hot glue gun, attach the paper shark fin to one end of the popsicle stick. Let dry.
- On the back of the stick, have your child or you write their name in marker, in case they ever misplace the book they are reading.
- Let your child decorate their bookmark's stick and fin with the blue glitter glue. One idea is to make wavy lines on the stick, as if it were water.
- Allow to fully dry before using.
Easy Watercolor Book Bag
Students love backpacks that stand out; and as you know, the cooler the backpack, the higher the cost. However, plain white book bags are fairly cheap, and letting kids personalizing them assures they'll have a book bag that is worth showing off!
Materials:
- plain white backpack
- fabric markers
- spray bottle filled with water
- paper towel
Directions:
- Spray the backpack with a very light mist of water. Don’t soak it - the goal is to make it lightly damp so the marker slightly bleeds as you color.
- Using the markers, add color over the entire surface of the backpack. Be sure to alternate the colors you’re using. Don’t worry about saturating the bag with ink - scribbles will do just fine!
- Once you’ve covered a portion of the backpack’s surface with marker, spritz some water over the ink. The more water you add, the more the colors will bleed together, creating a cool watercolor look.
- Use a paper towel to soak up any extra water that isn’t being absorbed
- Seal the color with heat by tossing the backpack in the dryer for a few minutes until it is dry again. You can also air dry the backpack and then run over the colorful surface with an iron. |via momtastic.com
Let us know if you create one of these DIY projects by liking and tagging us on Instagram @itouchwearables and Facebook @itouchwearables. Also, be sure to check out our new articles published daily and the latest styles on iTouchWearables.com!
- Gabby
