Back-to-School Crafts: 10 Projects to Make Before the First Bell

The lazy days of summer are winding down, and if your calendar already has a first-day-of-school countdown on it, you know what that means: it's time to craft. At Create With 614, back-to-school season is one of our favorites — it's the perfect excuse to break out the vinyl, fire up the press, and send the kids (and their teachers) off with something handmade and totally theirs.

Whether you're personalizing supplies for your own crew or building up a little maker business to sell, here are 10 back-to-school projects to tackle before the first bell — along with the supplies to pull each one off.

For the Students

1. Name-labeled water bottles & tumblers

Nothing gets lost at school faster than a water bottle. A personalized name design fixes that — and looks adorable doing it. Sublimation blanks give you a permanent, dishwasher-friendly finish, or keep it simple with a vinyl name decal on one of our stainless steel tumblers.

2. Custom backpack tags & keychains

A little leatherette tag on the zipper makes any backpack one-of-a-kind (and easy to spot at pickup). Our laserable leatherette comes in tons of patterns and colors — perfect for name tags, initials, or a favorite character.

3. Personalized shirts for the first day

“First Day of 2nd Grade” shirts are a photo-day classic. Grab some heat transfer vinyl, cut your design, and press — you'll have a keepsake and a great picture. Make a matching “100th Day” version now while you're at it.

4. Pencil pouches & supply bags

Personalize a canvas or nylon pouch with HTV initials or a fun saying. Quick to make, easy to sell in sets.

5. Locker decor & magnets

Mirrors, magnetic bins, and mini whiteboards all get an upgrade with a vinyl monogram or a pop of pattern. A great way to use up leftover HTV and adhesive scraps.

For the Teachers

6. “Best Teacher” tumblers & mugs

Start the year on their good side. A sublimation tumbler or mug with their name and subject makes a thoughtful welcome-back gift that lasts all year.

7. Classroom name signs

A framed or engraved door sign — “Mrs. Smith's Class” — is a lovely welcome gift. Our laser goods and leatherette make quick work of it.

8. Teacher lanyards & badge reels

Every teacher needs one, so make it cute. HTV or a small leatherette patch turns a plain lanyard into a personalized favorite — and these sell like crazy in the fall.

For the Home (and the Side Hustle)

9. A ready-to-sell back-to-school bundle

Bundling is where makers make money this time of year. Pair a name tumbler, a backpack tag, and a shirt into a gift set, or offer a “teacher starter kit.” Stock up now so you're ready when the orders roll in.

Ready, set, craft

Back-to-school season goes fast, so grab your supplies early. We're your craft headquarters right here in the 614 — swing by for our warehouse tent sale this Saturday in Gahanna. Tag us in your finished projects; we love seeing what you make!

Happy crafting,
Create With 614