It can be a bit sad when summer comes to an end and the start of school approaches. But, instead of dreading it, start to look forward to it by making some DIY school supplies that are perfect for back to school. You can make your own adorable pencils, notebooks, school organizers and more!

1. DIY Pencils with Washi Tape

Washi tape is amazing at dressing up boring everyday objects like these pencils with fun patterns. Plus, it is so cheap & easy to do! (via Passion Shake)

2. DIY School Supplies Containers

Every time you reach into your bag to grab a paper clip, these adorable school supplies containers will make you smile. This is such a cute a easy way to upgrade your storage pots. While this tutorial uses custom stickers made on a Cricut, you can easily use any stickers from the store too. (via Fall For DIY)

3. Homemade Paper Clips Shaped Like a Heart

Using some pliers and inexpensive wire, you can create your own heart-shaped DIY paper clips for back to school. They are so cute you will be sure not to throw them out! Store them in a DIY storage pot like above or in a repurposed match box. You can even wrap your match box in washi tape to add a fun pattern. (via I Spy DIY)

4. Hand Stamped DIY Pencil Pouches

You can easily recreate the patterns on these cute pencil pouches using cheap DIY stamps. Check out the tutorial for all the details. These hand stamped pencil pouches are super functional for all storing your school supplies while also looking cute. (via Almost Makes Perfect)

5. DIY School Supplies Video Tutorial

If you haven’t already, subscribe to Nim C’s Youtube Channel for so many cute DIY school supplies projects. She has the most creative ideas and always creates playful designs with little faces drawn on them. Her creations remind me a lot of Japanese stationary you can find at specialty stores but so much cheaper when you make them yourself!

6. DIY Book Jackets

There is not much to enjoy about a calculus textbook, unless you cover it with these adorable DIY book covers! You’ll fall in love with textbooks from even your least favorite classes when they look this cute. If you are covering large textbooks, you can use kraft paper or wrapping paper with a cute design. (via Fellow Fellow)

7. Geometric Pencil Cup DIY Project

For a cute, colorful addition to your desk, try making this DIY pencil cup. You can even get the free templates online (linked in the post). She uses a mat board which you can probably find at a craft store, but you can also use a thin piece of cardboard or balsa wood. (via Tiny Prints Blog)

8. Modern DIY School Supplies Organizer

With this multipurpose desk organizer, you can store your binder clips, scissors, pencils or other school supplies all in one. It is super easy to make from foam board and washi tape too! (via Lovely Indeed)

9. Homemade Hanging Desk Organizer

Don’t you love when projects that look super complicated and expensive turn out to be quite the opposite? That is definitely the case with this gorgeous DIY hanging organizer. It is perfect to store all your DIY school supplies, especially if you have limited desk space. You could even make and sell these on Etsy as gorgeous as they look! (via The Lovely Drawer)

10. DIY Mud Cloth Notebooks

You’ll be excited to take notes when your notebook looks this cute! I adore the mud cloth pattern and it could not be easier to make. (via Idle Hands Awake)

For more DIY notebook ideas, check out our post: 15 DIY Notebook Ideas Perfect for Back to School

11. DIY Rattan Pencil Case

These adorable DIY rattan pencil cases are actually an Ikea hack! She got them for less than $5 and simply painted them with fun but easy designs that anyone could do. Such a brilliant and inexpensive back to school project. I am definitely going to pick some of these up on my next trip to Ikea. (via Delineate Your Dwelling)

12. DIY Clipboard Ideas

Spruce up a boring clipboard with this fun, gold leaf brushed design! Clipboards are not just for writing on either. You can use them an an inexpensive way to hang wall art or your various to-do lists and calendars. (via Lovely Indeed)

13. Clipboard Makeover in Minutes

In less than 5 minutes you can turn a plain clipboard into a fun statement piece. Literally all you need is a clipboard and colorful alphabet stickers. Write out your favorite quote or a fun phrase to motivate you through your school work. Beyond easy, right? (via Dream Green DIY)

14. DIY Confetti Pencils

Interestingly enough, this DIY school supply project uses other school supplies to make it. Having Inception flash backs? Don’t worry, they’re not the least bit complicated to make. With binder hole reinforcement labels and some paint you can easily recreate these fun, confetti pencils in no time. (via Make & Tell)

15. Marbled Pencil Cup Tutorial

If you’ve never used liquid gilding for a DIY project, prepare to fall in love. You will be shocked at how easy it is to make this luxe-looking marbled pencil cup. When your friends find out you made it, they will definitely be asking you to make them one. (via Lovely Indeed)

Caught the marbling fever? You can use this same technique to make countless other DIY items. Find out how to create a DIY marbled coffee mug here.

16. Free Printable Pencil Box

Simply download the template for this free printable pencil box, print out on card stock, and you’ll have it assembled in minutes. Doesn’t get much easier or cheaper than that! (via Design is Yay)

17. Easy DIY Mouse Pad

You will undoubtedly be spending some long hours at the computer screen working on essays, so why not spruce up your space. This DIY mouse pad is just what you need and it is completely customizable. You can pick out a piece of fabric or specialty paper so it fits your style perfectly. (via The Crafted Life)

Before your hectic school schedule starts, take advantage of your free time and try some of these fun DIY school supplies projects!