Taking the time to shop for school supplies before the first week begins doesn’t exempt you from having to buy more items along the way. You might have forgotten a pencil case, or your child might want something a friend brought to class. However, before you break into the piggy bank to purchase more supplies or trendy clothing, do your homework and see if the item can be recreated at home with recycled materials. Below are some ideas to get you started.
Bookmarks are essential for kids of all ages, but you don’t really need a fancy $5 metal one. Really anything could substitute as a bookmark — you could use a beautiful orange fall leaf or a skinny twig from the backyard. Another option is making a flower or herb seeded paper bookmark. With ground cinnamon or dried herbs, your child will enjoy reading his/her book in company of wonderful aromas. Then when the bookmark is no longer needed, it can be planted outside.
Sure, you can use a brown paper bag to cover your books and notebooks, but depending on how picky your kid is, this idea might not fly. Instead of purchases patterned book covers, you can make one by reusing an old bandana. Girls can kick the style up a notch by adding rhinestones, lace, stickers, etc.
What girl can resist a purse? Just because your young girl might be yearning for a new purse doesn’t mean you can afford the one she wants. So what your’e going to have to do is compromise by making a couture jean purse with an old pair of cut-off shorts or jeans. After the strap and basic pocket design are put together, your child can add an appliqué or jewels to customize it.
For little ones who need a place to store lunch money and other treasures, you can create a plastic bottle frog tote. By connecting two ends of a plastic pop bottle with a zipper, you will have an easy to use tote that will look great on your child’s desk.
Even if these recycled crafts aren’t what you had in mind, you can find more craft ideas online. With these options, you can save money and not have to run out to the store so often this school year.
