Back to School Crafts Middle School doesn’t have to be limited to preschool paper plates. If you’re looking for something practical yet creative that actually fits an 11-14 year old, I put this list together for you.
Maybe you’re wanting to make something useful for your desk or just have some fun before classes start again. These projects are easy enough to tackle but look cool enough to actually use, from personalized supplies to room decor.
1. DIY Locker Grade Numbers
If you’re looking for a way to mark your locker or just want personalized numbers for a display, this is a neat project. Make large, sturdy numbers representing your grade level and cover them with cool designs. You have to try this because most store-bought ones are generic.
How to Make It
- Use sturdy cardboard and cut large number shapes for your grade (e.g., a big ‘7’ or ‘8’).
- Arrange and glue decorative elements like patterned paper, small school supplies, or old maps.
- Finish with a clear sealer or laminate for durability.
Styling Your Numbers
- Choose a central theme like travel, science, or your favorite books.
- Use strong double-sided tape or magnets to attach them to your locker.
- Coordinate colors with your other locker decorations.
Supplies Needed
- Sturdy cardboard
- Decorative papers, old maps, or small small objects
- Craft glue or hot glue gun
- Scissors or craft knife (with adult supervision)
- Clear sealant or laminate sheets
2. Dinosaur Desk Organizer
Keep your desk tidy with a dinosaur-shaped pen holder that doesn’t scream ‘preschool’. Perfect for teens who still love dinosaurs but want something that looks more mature, this DIY project combines functionality with fun. I’m lowkey obsessed with how good this looks.
Making Your T-Rex Holder
- Clean several cardboard tubes of different sizes.
- Cut the tubes and arrange them into a cool dinosaur shape like a T-Rex.
- Glue the tubes together to create multiple storage compartments.
Painting Your Creation
- Use acrylic paints to cover the cardboard.
- Choose a sophisticated color scheme, like matte black, metallic bronze, or even camouflage.
- Add subtle details with paint markers if you like.
Materials
- Cardboard tubes (various sizes)
- Strong glue or hot glue
- Acrylic paints (matte black/bronze recommended)
- Paintbrushes
- Scissors
3. Cardboard Smartphone Stands
When your phone needs a resting spot, this simple cardboard project is a great use-case. Avoid clunky plastic stands and build your own custom smartphone holder using just a few pieces of sturdy cardboard, ideal for middle schoolers.
Designing a Basic Stand
- Cut out two primary cardboard shapes for the base and backrest.
- Create notches for them to easily slot together securely.
- Ensure the design holds your specific phone size.
Personalizing Your Design
- Paint or cover the cardboard with cool decorative tape or paper.
- Use different textures like glitter cardstock or denim.
- Add your initials or a simple doodle.
What You’ll Need
- Thick cardboard pieces
- Sharp craft knife (with adult supervision)
- Ruler and pencil
- Marker
- Decorative tape or paint
4. Pressed Flower Name Signs
If you’re wanting to bring a bit of the outside indoors, creating a pressed flower name sign is a relaxing activity. This works well if you love nature and want a personalized touch for your room or even your locker inside.
Preparing Your Flowers
- Collect a variety of flat flowers, petals, and leaves.
- Place them inside thick books or a flower press to dry.
- Leave them for at least a few days until completely flat.
Arranging Your Sign
- Lightly sketch your name or initials on quality cardstock.
- Use tweezers to carefully place and glue the pressed flowers along the lines.
- Add some smaller natural details for extra texture.
Items to Collect
- Various wild flowers, petals, and leaves
- Thick books or a flower press
- Quality paper or cardstock
- Craft glue (clear drying)
- Tweezers
5. DIY Personalised Bookmarks
When you’re settled into reading a good book, having a cool, custom bookmark is always better than just folding the corner. This is a quick and easy way to create something useful and fun before school starts.
Creating the Base
- Cut out several bookmark shapes from colorful cardstock.
- Punch a hole near the top for a ribbon or tassel.
- Reinforce the hole with clear tape if needed.
Decorating Ideas
- Use doodles, quotes, geometric patterns, or a simple collage.
- Experiment with layered paper or even embroidered details.
- Keep it simple or go for a complex design.
Crafting Tools
- Colorful cardstock
- Scissors
- Hole punch
- Ribbons, yarn, or tassels
- Markers, colored pencils, or paint pens
6. Leaf Print Lanterns
Bring a bit of nature-inspired light into your space with this leaf print lantern craft. This is an easy way to change the feel of a room without much effort, creating a cozy glow perfect for middle schoolers’ desks or shelves.
Preparing the Leaves
- Collect and clean flat, distinctively shaped leaves.
- Ensure they are completely dry before painting.
- Choose a variety of leaf sizes for different patterns.
Printing the Pattern
- Gently brush paint or printmaking ink onto one side of a leaf.
- Carefully press the leaf onto thin paper or vellum.
- Remove the leaf to reveal a clear, natural print.
Making Your Lantern
- Glue your unique leaf prints onto a clean glass jar or a simple lantern frame.
- For extra charm, wrap twine around the top.
- Place an LED tea light inside for a soft glow.
Materials Checklist
- Flat leaves
- Fabric paint or printmaking ink
- Soft paintbrushes
- Thin paper or vellum
- Craft glue
- Clean glass jar or lantern frame
- LED tea light
7. Summer Memories Scrapbook Kits
Capture all your best moments with a personal scrapbook kit you can easily put together before school starts back. This project is a perfect way to remember summer camp or vacations, making an ideal keepsake for middle school students.
Making a Simple Book
- Create a basic book structure by folding and binding paper with ribbon or thread.
- Use simple craft glue to secure pages together.
- Add a durable cover using cardstock or decorative paper.
Kit Items
- Include things like photos, ticket stubs, maps, and drawings.
- Collect different colored pens, patterned papers, and stickers.
- Pack everything together in a nice box.
Supplies You Need
- Small notebook or plain paper
- Patterned papers and cardstock
- Photos from summer
- Glue stick and tape
- Variety of stickers and decorative tapes
- Colored pens or markers
8. Upcycled Tin Can Pen Holders
Before your desk gets cluttered with new school supplies, this upcycled project is a great fit for organizing pens. Most posts show ideas that don’t work for bigger pre-teen desks, but these are customizable and sturdy.
Preparing the Cans
- Thoroughly clean empty tin cans and ensure there are no sharp edges.
- Soak to remove labels completely.
- Let them dry fully.
Decorating Techniques
- Paint with cool designs like stripes, geometric shapes, or even metallic effects.
- Cover with patterned paper, fabric, or twine.
- Use layered materials for a unique look.
Stuff You’ll Use
- Empty tin cans (various sizes)
- Craft glue
- Paints (matte and metallic recommended)
- Decorative papers, fabric, or twine
- Scissors or craft knife
- Protective gloves
9. Friendship Bracelets
Making friendship bracelets is always a fun and socially active project before school begins. This works well if you want a simple way to connect with friends or just create something colorful for yourself to wear.
Knotting Basics
- Choose multiple colors of embroidery thread.
- Start with basic knotting techniques like forward or backward knots.
- Tape or clip your threads down to hold them steady.
Design Options
- Experiment with different patterns like stripes, chevrons, or diamonds.
- Add beads or small charms for extra flair.
- Play with varied thread thicknesses.
Basic List
- Colorful embroidery threads
- Scissors
- Tape or a clipboard to hold threads
- Assorted beads or charms (optional)
10. Washi Tape Notebook Decoration
When your plain school notebooks feel boring, this quick washi tape activity will help customize them in minutes. Perfect for everyone who wants a simple layout change without any messy painting or drilling.
Design Layouts
- Create simple patterns like horizontal or vertical lines.
- Design cool geometric shapes or layered effects.
- Combine different washi tape colors and prints.
Protecting Your Work
- Use clear adhesive laminate to protect your designs from wear and tear.
- Avoid generic phrases like “ultimate transformation” – it’s just useful!
- Ensure all tape edges are pressed down firmly.
Craft Items Needed
- Plain notebooks or binders
- Assorted washi tapes (various patterns/colors)
- Scissors
- Clear self-adhesive laminate (optional but recommended)
Getting ready for school doesn’t have to be boring. I put this list together because finding creative projects for middle schoolers that don’t look childish is lowkey tough. If you’re wanting some easy ways to prepare that actually look cool, these ideas focus on useful items you’ll enjoy making and using.
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