7 Back to School Organizing Solutions

Catch these ideas live on Seattle’s KOMO-TV Tuesday, August 23rd at 4pm

7 Back to School Organizing Solutions

The start of school signals a switch from the lazy days of summer to busy days filled with school, homework, sports and activities. Here are creative ways to corral papers and supplies and keep the family organized. All items available at Ben Franklin Crafts and Frames in Redmond.

Colorful Stacking Trays

As soon as the kids head back to school, the papers start flowing. Control the clutter with these simple colorful stacking trays.

Materials: 2 Wooden Trays, acrylic paint: DecoArt America in Lavender and Bright Orange, two rolls of patterned washi tape and letter stickers.

1. Paint the trays and let them dry.

2. Add a coordinating strip of washi tape to each.

3. Add letter stickers “In” and “Out”

Perpetual Block Calendar

Make this darling calendar once and use it forever. It’s compact size and bright colors make it perfect for a student’s desk.

Materials: wooden calendar block set, acrylic paint: DecoArt Americana Calypso Blue and Primary Yellow, Small Calendar Block Kit from Vinyl Words, coordinating pattered scrapbook papers, scissors and Mod Podge.

1. Paint the base of the calendar yellow.

2. Paint the blocks blue.

3. Add patterned scrapbook paper to the base (trim in to fit) and adhere to wood with Mod Podge.

4. Add other patterned paper to blocks and adhere with Mod Podge.

5. Add vinyl to blocks.

Chalkboard Organizer

Keep those desk essentials separate and organized with the easy project.

Materials: round wooden organizer, chalkboard paint, chalk or Bistro Market.

Directions:

1. Paint wooden organizer (it may take 2-3 coats for desired effect)

2. Use chalk or Bistro Marker in indicate what supplies go in each section.

3. Add supplies.

Hexagon Pencil Holder

Keep pencils and pens within reach (and neatly organized) with this DIY Hexagon Pencil Holder.

Materials: 3 wooden hexagon pencil holders, thin making tape, acrylic paint in Glorious Gold, Snow Titanium White, gloss varnish and wood glue.

Directions:

1. Use thin masking tape to make two strips in the middle of the pencil holders (line them up so make sure the tape is in the same spot on each).

2. Paint the areas above and below the tape Snow Titanium White.

3. Paint the area between the tape Glorious Gold.

4. Remove tape.

5. Add  coat of gloss varnish.

6. Use wood glue to glue the three wood pieces together.

Stained Wooden Organizer

If a smaller pencil holder is better for your space, here’s a nearly effortless project. This make s great teacher’s gift!

Materials: wood cup, FolkArt Home Decor Wood Stain.

Directions: Add one coat of stain to the cup and let it dry.

Frame Organizers

A simple 12 x 12 can mean instant organization for your family. Pop a piece of metal inside to make it a magnet board, or place a piece of scrapbook paper behind the glass for a pretty dry erase board.

Materials: 12 x 12 frame, metal insert, 12 x 12 piece pf scrapbook paper, magnets and Bistro Markers.

Weekly Schedule Board

Keep the whole family on track and up to date with this Weekly Schedule Board.

Materials: Large fame, Weekly Schedule Vinyl, Bistro Markers and pattered poster board.

Directions:

1. Separate the glass and frame

2. Apply the “Weekly Schedule” vinyl to glass

3. Add a large piece of pattered poster board to the frame.

4. Use Bistro Markers on the glass, easy to wipe off with a cloth or paper towel.