Back to School projects with Aly Dosdall! (psst...and a giveaway!)

Well, it’s that time of year again to say goodbye to the lazy days of summer and get back to school, busy schedules, and playing the role of the family taxi driver.  Ha!  In preparation for busy schedules and lots of homework and school artwork coming home, I decided to create some projects that will help me and my girls keep track of things and stay more organized.  These projects would also make wonderful gifts for any teachers you know.

 
Supplies: patterned paper, 6x6 paper pad, die cuts, cardstock stickers, alpha stickers, baker’s twine, ribbon, felt flowers, buttons (Jillibean Soup); gem (Darice); brads (Basic Grey); hole punch (McGill Co.); eyelets (Making Memories); eyelet setter (Making Memories); circle punch (EK Success); corner rounder (Creative Memories); foam dots (American Crafts)

Fridge Magnets

To help keep school artwork and papers from piling up and getting lost in the shuffle, I took some plain old fridge magnets we had acquired for free from local businesses and covered them with some of my favorite 6x6 patterned papers and embellishments so my daughters can hang their artwork and school reminders proudly on our fridge.  The 6x6 paper size was perfect for these smaller scale projects.

 

Altered Notebooks

I wanted my girls to have a place where they can write down all of their school assignments, announcements, and projects and keep track of everything so I bought some composition books (here in the US they are 40 cents right now) and altered them.

 

To create these altered notebooks, I first traced the front and back covers separately on some patterned paper.  I then cut out the front and back pieces and rounded the corners.  Then I cut a 2 ½ inch wide strip of paper for the spine.  I adhered the covers first, and then the spine.

 

Next I created a ribbon closure for the book by punching a 1/8 inch hole in the back cover in the middle about ¾ inch away from the outer edge and attaching an eyelet.  Then I doubled over a 10 inch length of ribbon and tied it in a knot.  I threaded the ribbon loop through the eyelet starting from the inside of the back cover so the knot stopped the ribbon from going completely through the eyelet.  I trimmed the excess ribbon below the knot.

 

Then I pulled the ribbon around the notebook to the front and marked with a pencil where the brad should be to hold the ribbon loop closure.  I then attached a brad to the front cover where I had marked.  Be sure to attach it loosely enough so that the ribbon can fit underneath the brad and keep your notebook closed.  Cover the prongs of the brad on the inside of the front cover with a sticker or a punched paper circle. 

To finish off your notebook, decorate the cover with your favorite embellishments, stickers, labels, etc.  Bonus tip:  I created the look of a scalloped border on the covers by punching 1 inch circles of patterned paper, cutting them in half, and lining them up next to each other along the edge.

Thank you for letting me share these projects with you--I hope they’ve inspired you.  Happy back to school crafting!

--Aly

Aly Dosdall has recently launched her first self-paced class at Big Picture Classes titled Doable DIY Décor. In this first-of-it's-kind class at Big Picture, Aly will take you step-by-step through three adorable and totally doable home décor projects using items you probably have hanging around your home. You will learn some basic crafting techniques (Mod Podge anyone?), how to alter some household items, and you’ll see just how versatile your scrapbook supplies really are. You can display these projects in your own home, or give them as gifts to your friends and family. 

And to celebrate Aly is giving away a free spot in her class to a lucky SCT blog reader!!!  If you’d like to be considered for this giveaway, leave a comment below telling us about a home décor project you’ve made recently, or if you haven’t yet then tell us about one you would like to create.  Comments will remain open until Tuesday, September 13th!  Good luck!

Comments

[Tammy]

I recently made a vision/dream board from a cork tile

[Katie]

I just altered two inexpensive picture frames with lots of scrappy paper & embellishments for my daughter's bedroom.

[Roberta]

These ideas are really cute and do not have to be for school. Thanks for the chance to win a spot in the class.

[Vicki]

I made a ribbon holder out of a paper towel holder. I want to make a yarn globe!
Thanks for the giveaway!

[Sarah A.]

I just altered a printer's tray for my daughter's room. I'd love a spot in this class!

[Penny Douphinett]

I always wanted to do home decor, but lack the confidence to start on my own. This class would be perfect for me.

[Lorrie Everitt]

I've been collecting small frames that I'm planning on using for some wall art ... going to paint them all the same colour and then go to town with my pictures and scrapbooking supplies!

[Andrea Murdock]

I haven't altered anything recently but picked up the coolest pail at a garage sale that is just begging to be re-purposed!

[Jeri]

I love altered projects. These comp books are adorable and I love the magnets personalized with photos of your girls. That's a fab idea. I also love Home Decor projects so I'd love to win a spot in Aly's Decor class.

[Sue Ann Hoang]

I've been using my long strips of scrap paper to weave and make new weaved boxes, cups and other containers to store my loose supplies.

[Julie E]

The kids and I recently made a photo collage using an old unused (ugly) picture frame that we painted. And we added funny sayings and word bubbles to the pictures. It turned out great!

[Alycia]

My most recent project was a lamp shade for my daughters 'butterfly' bedroom. However I've never used modge podge, but just purchased some and have it sitting next to my computer waiting to be used ~ maybe on a fall wreath. Would love the join the class and learn some tips and finish some home decor projects. Thanks for the chance to win.

[Amy Coose]

Since I've been pregnant, I haven't done much in the home decor area, but I am dying to try an embroidery hoop decor project.

[Lynne]

My daughter and I just made an altered comp book for her to use as her writing journal at school

[Maryann]

I made a wallhanger with inchie art recently and have often made loads of magnets and other kinds of wallhangers too, and also some different lampshades as well.
I would so love a place on this class, that´s for sure.

[bunnyfreak]

I want to cover the composition book we use for our finances.

[Kirsten J]

I have some canvases just waiting for me to get up the nerve to paint them for my daughter's room....

[Roxanne McCleary]

I covered a cocoa tin with patterned paper and ribbon, and it makes a pretty place to store my pencils/pens!

[Melissa]

I covered and decorated a cork board for my jewelry! Thanks for the chance!

[rkokes]

I made wall hangings for my son, and for my daughter!

[Tracey]

I created some scrapboxes that included the baby's birth announcement and other floral ephemera - so cute! Perfect keepsake gift for baby (and mom!).

[Kelly]

I've been making aged signs out of canvas. I love making crafts for the house! What a great class idea!

[MaryAnn]

I painted some chipbaord containers to hold my stamps, address labels and stationery.

[Jan]

I've finally (after 40 years) finished remodeling the entire house--inside and out. I'm working on a book that tells what the house originally looked like (my memories), journaling about the changes, and pictures of the current. Just got up to the bathroom!

[Amy K]

I've recently done some wall vinyl for our home. I adore Aly's work. Thanks for the chance to win.