Back to school crafts

It’s not always easy to inspire them, but if you’re a bit crafty, it’s not too early to get your kids thinking about heading back to school. Plus, a project or two might help them beat those summertime doldrums.

Pinterest might inspire you with things like apple notecards, creative toppers for pencils, or blinged-out notebooks. Bottle caps plus glue and magnets equal locker décor. A simple shoebox can turn into an organizational wonder for homework projects with a little imagination.

Here are a few fun and easy back to school craft ideas:

Lap desk

Nothing prepares a child more for school time than a lap desk. Don’t settle for a ho-hum desk. With the Mine To Design Lapdesk, your child can create his or her own masterpiece. The kit includes everything from markers to stickers and gemstones. Mine 2 Design Lap Desk, on sale $6.99 sale (plus 3% Cash Back), michaels.com

Spruce up supplies

It doesn’t cost a fortune to personalize your own school supplies. It’s a great time to stock up on those notebooks, with door-busters at stores like Target or Walmart. Take that stack of magazines you’ve been collecting and cut out a few images of your child’s favorite things – be that an action figure, movie star or a favorite dessert. Add a bit of glue and you’ll have a personalized notebook. We found a Mead 5-Star, Five Subject notebook at deep discount at Walmart. Mead 5-Star Five Subject Notebook, on sale $4.87 (plus 3% Cash Back), walmart.com

Apple pencil holder

The start of the school year means it’s time for apple décor for the elementary school crowd. A mason jar, a bit of paint, some fabric and you have a pencil holder that will brighten the desk of any teacher – or child. Paints, jars, brushes and fabric are all available for little cost and 2% Cash Back at Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Stores. Here’s the “recipe” for this apple treat from Jo-Ann Fabric.