Everyone I know is mumbling the same exact thing under their breath right now: How can it be halfway through August already? How can it be time for back to school supplies and teacher assignments and class schedules? Where exactly did summer go?

I’m right there with them, wondering all of those things. Some parents are so so ready for school to start and the routines to return. Others are mourning the loss of all the extra family time. I’m somewhere in the middle: I love seeing more of my girl (they’re only little for so long!) but I have to say, working from my home office is upside down and inside out right now. So the return of the school schedule is also appealing! Let’s focus on the good things about school with some fun DIY projects to get us in the  mood.

Pin Eraser USB Flash Drive
Tutorial via Instructables

This is the cleverest USB DIY I’ve ever seen. Do you think it’d be hard to remember what it really is? Would your kids loose it right away? Love that it can still be used as an eraser! 

Ombre Notebooks
Tutorial via Jade and Fern

My girl loves gold, but sometimes the bling is just too over the top for me. This ombre effect is a much more sophisticated way to bling up your notebooks!

Notebook Lunch Bag
Tutorial via Design*Sponge

Lunch it up old school with this hand sewn lunch bag – I love the idea of adding a handmade message to the outside! What would you write?

Stamped Pencils
Tutorial via Camille Styles

Come up with your own perfect quotes to make learning easier: inspirational, funny, or full of love. It’s easy with this quick stamped pencil tutorial. You could even stamp names on for a personalized touch!

Notebook and Clipboard Makeovers
Tutorial via A Bubbly Life

Colorful tape makes everything better, am I right? Check out these innovative ways to use it to upgrade everything in your backpack using the sticky stuff!

Pictured at the top of this post: Color Blocked Pencils, tutorial via The Crafted Life.