Upcycled Soda Box Pencil Cases

I've got a daughter who is a pencil/crayon/marker/pen hoarder.

Seriously. (can't imagine where she gets that from :)

I thought that if I made her a fun case for her pencils, maybe she'll use them.  We shall see.

These cute pencil cases were made using a 12-pack Fanta soda box.  

Turned out adorable!  

And this one was from a 20-can Diet Coke box.

Each of my kids have requested one now, 

so I guess we'd better find some more soda boxes!

These would also make cute back to school teacher gifts!

You can make your own by using THIS TEMPLATE.

If you don't want to use soda boxes, 

you could also upcycle some cereal boxes, like THESE.

**a little tip** the pencils that I bought were too long for my cases.  

This could be solved simply by lengthening the box as you assemble it, 

or just sharpen your pencils before putting in your case.

{Favorite} Back to School Teacher Gift Ideas

Confession time.  

I didn't get around to making my kids' teachers Back to School gifts this year.  

Hiss....Boo!  

I'm disappointed in myself over not getting anything made, 

but figure we can make up for it later.

Since I was such a slacker this year, 

I thought it would be fun to take a stroll down memory lane 

and share some of my favorite gifts we've given their teachers in the past.

'From the Desk of...' Gift Set

Back to School Teacher Backpacks

Back to School Box of Goodies

And here's a few that would be great Back to School teacher gifts as well...

Water Bottle Drink Tag Gift

Custom Hand Sanitizer Bottles

I haven't decided yet what I'm making the kids' teachers for this year.  

Any ideas?

From the Desk of...{Teacher Gift}

My kids started school last week, and I wanted to make their teachers something special to start the year off right.  One of my favorite things to give as a gift lately is a 'From the Desk of...' gift set (template available for purchase HERE).  They're so versatile, and you can really customize them however you want. 

Here's what I ended up making for their teachers...

Included in the set were these cute printable 'Just a little note' cards (click HERE for free printable), & envelopes.

...a Post It Note holder (tutorial found HERE)...

...and a covered notepad (tutorial found HERE) ...

A bar of chocolate was also included, but didn't get a picture of that. 

I made a total of 3 sets, and the kids' teachers loved them!

If you'd like to see other 'From the Desk of' gift sets I've made, click HERE, and HERE.

Back to School Teacher Backpacks

My kids were excited to meet their new teachers and see their classrooms during 'Back to School Night'.  We couldn't show up empty handed, so each teacher got one of these cute backpacks filled with treats.

The backpacks were filled with a Post-It Note holder and some candy.

The teachers LOVED their gifts! 

FYI:
Backpack Tutorial can be found HERE
Post It Note Holder Tutorial can be found HERE
Apple Printables can be found HERE



Linking to these fabulous parties:

It's Stinkin' Cute Craft Thursday @It's Sew Stinkin' Cute
Show Off Your Stuff Party @Fireflies & Jellybeans
Get Your Brag On @Gluesticks

Pinwheel Backpack

One of my favorite blogs to stalk visit is Inking Idaho.  Becky always has THE CUTEST ideas for cards and paper crafting!  She has tutorials for sale on her side bar, and the newest one offered is a Birthday Backpack Tutorial.   I just HAD to have it!!

Here's my first attempt:

A view of the back...

Isn't it the cutest thing ever?!  My kids' teachers will each be getting one of these filled with some yummy treats on the first day of school.  I haven't got them finished quite yet, but will share them when I do!

2 Sketches 4 You...

I love checking 2 Sketches 4 You each week to see the new sketch, and the designers' take on it.  Card making is one of my favorite things to do, but it has been a looooong time since I've sat down and made a card based on the weekly sketch. 

This week I've had 'Back to School' on my mind, and couldn't resist making a school themed card using Laura's sketch.   

This was a fun sketch to work with.  It's definitely going in my 'idea' folder so I can use it again!


I'm linking to these parties:

It's Stinkin' Cute Craft Thursdays @It's Sew Stinkin' Cute

Back to School Teacher Gift

Today is a bittersweet day.  I sent my 3 older kids off to school this morning.  As much as I was looking forward to this day, now I find myself looking at the clock every few minutes, just waiting for the time when they'll be home.  I'm really looking forward to hearing all about their first day at school! 

We met their teachers last night at their 'Back to School Night'.  It was fun for the kids to see their new classrooms, and to visit with some friends that they haven't seen all summer.  It also gave us a chance to give each of their teachers a fun gift.

Here's a close up of what's inside the box...

*8- 4.25"x4" Notecards (I made them myself, but the idea was inspired by THIS).

*A Post-It Holder (directions can be found HERE)

*4 Binder Clip photo holders

*4 mini chocolate bars

And here's the box, all ready to go!  **Note:  I ended up tying jute around the box to help keep the lid on. 

The tutorial for the box can be found HERE from Inking Idaho.  I usually don't buy paper crafting tutorials (I love free stuff!), but this box tutorial is totally worth the $3.95 I spent on it!!




I'm linking to these parties:

Look What I Made! @Creations By Kara
Hoo's Got Talent? @Night Owl Crafting
Sugar & Spice Weekly Link Party @Seven Thirty Three
It's Stinkin' Cute Craft Thursday @It's Sew Stinkin' Cute