My kids start school next week and I am not okay with it. Their summer was so short and with the fun activities we did it sped by. I’m in a weird limbo of trying to be prepared for back to school, and being in denial that our summer break is over. Family travels are fun all year long, but there’s something special about those long summer road trips we take. I’ve been trying to bury my sadness in crafting, and today I’ve got some DIY composition books that are the perfect way to preserve your travel memories. Some links contain affiliates, all opinions are my own.
customize your own DIY composition books
This project is super simple and gives your kids the opportunity to personalize their school supplies! It’s also a great way to reuse some of those summer memories you picked up along the way. I also have an SVG file with various labels you could use for the front of your notebooks. If you don’t have a cutting machine though, you could also use sticker labels or letters!
using reclaimed paper and items
To cover my DIY composition books I used maps and postcards. This is such a fun way to use all those great maps and brochures you get while you’re traveling. Although I’m not a packrat, I always find them hard to throw away! There are so many fun things from your travels you could decorate your notebooks with!
- used maps
- theater or concert tickets
- travel brochures
- calendar pages
- postcards
- pressed flowers
materials needed:
- old maps or postcards
- Mod Podge
- notebook labels (SVG file below) or letter stickers
- die cut machine, such as a Silhouette or Cricut (if using the labels file)
- scrapbook cardstock (if using the labels file)
You might also like these map crafts:
more back to school crafts
If you’re ready to get into the crafting spirit, here are some more back to school crafts! My friends at Team Creative Crafts have pulled together some fun crafts and printables that are perfect for this time of year.
How to Bake Rainbow Stack Cakes from Laura at Me and My INKlings
Back to School Color By Number Free Printable from Lindsay at Artsy Fartsy Mama
Clay Pot Apple for Teacher Craft from Beth at Creatively Beth
Free Printable Back to School I-Spy Game by Laura from Laura’s Crafty Life
How to Make a Cover for a Spiral Notebook from Smitha at Smiling Colors
Crocheted Shark Pencil Bag from Erica at Five Little Monsters
Back to School DIY Barbie Bag from Debra at Debra Quartermain Designs
Free Printable Back to School Notebook Cover to Color from Beth at Creatively Beth
DIY Resin Apple Keychain from Lindsay at Artsy Fartsy Mama
Glitter Mason Jar Pencil Décor from Laura at Me and My INKlings
Free Printable Pencil Can Wrapper from Liz at Liz on Call
Student Planner Free Printable from Beth at the Ruffled Daisy
How to Pick the Best Felt Tip Pen from Jenny at Jenny’s Crayon Collection
Back to School Flag from Blanca at Creativities Galore
Free Printable Back to School Activity Page from Lindsay at Artsy Fartsy Mama
Back to School Free Printable Lunchbox Notes from Laura at Me and My INKlings
Upcycled Wine Cork Apples for Teacher from Beth at Creatively Beth
