DIY School Supplies: Tropical Themed Paper Decor

Hi everyone, it’s Natalie from Doodlecraft! I’m thrilled to be here showcasing a fabulous paper craft. I love paper, it’s inexpensive and easy to use to decorate with. I also love anything tropical! Flamingos and pineapples are everything right now! Decorate simple DIY school supplies to make a great statement as you head back to school. This tropical vibe helps summertime last longer. Paper crafts are my favorite–let’s get started!

Tropical DIY School Supplies:

Darice Memory Book or Notebook
Crayola Dual-Ended Colored Pencils
Darice Plastic Pencil Case
Darice Tropical Craft Dies
Die Cut/Embossing Machine
Bright Colored Paper
Adhesive

These new embossing dies by Darice are incredible. Sandwich and stack the dies with a piece of bright colored paper. One pass through the machine to cut the paper. Then re-stack the “sandwich” set to emboss. Run it through one more time. Every embossing/die cutting machine is slightly different, so check the details of your machine to get the best possible effect with the dies.

After the first pass, it cuts the outline. The second pass imprints the details into the shape. It’s perfection.

Cut a piece of blue paper to fit under the wire binding of your notebook. Then cut a different color of paper to fit the lower portion. Tear the top edge of the paper to give it a fun “water’s edge” look. Use a tape runner or other adhesive to adhere the paper to the notebook. Tape the top layered paper on next.

Make lots of colors and varieties of these darling tropical things. I love the combo of bright colors and tropical shapes. I flipped one of the flamingo’s over to get a mirrored effect and I think it works.

Now if the kids are decorating their own DIY school supplies, let them at it. Use a glue pen for small details, like the neck and legs of the flamingo. Then glue and stick them all over the notebook and pencil box. You can use clear packing tape like lamination and cover the entire thing row by row if desired. This will keep edges from snagging in a backpack. They will look shiny and laminated (but are harder to photograph).

Cut some small triangles and decorate them with tropical shapes, punch holes and thread some twine for a darling pennant banner. Great for a back to school party, decoration or even to hang in a locker!

These dual ended colored pencils are so much fun! I just love the bright colors.

This pencil case is my favorite. It’s compact, but perfect for a set of pencils and a sharpener. Perfect for travel too.