Back To School Challenge By Chriss Hird

"Its the most wonderful time of the year!" I can hear the commercial in my head now! We've had a lovely summer, but by this time both my kids and myself are ready for structure again. They can't wait to get back to school, soccer, dance and all other scheduled events that September brings!

So my eldest daughter is off to Grade Four this year! She's no longer a Primary, but an Intermediate now! She's very excited, and one of the things she's looking forward to is her new array of school supplies. Gone are the crayons and paint discs, in with the calculators and math sets! Oh, and of course...BINDERS!


But of course she doesn't want just an ordinary blue or red binder. No! She needs fancy binders! I so understand this need, I think its a girl thing! So off I go to Walmart to buy her binders, only to find they cost anywhere between $10 - $20...EACH! Um, yeah...I don't think so. So whats a penny-pinching, scrappy mama to do? That's right, she's now got custom made fancy binders!

I so enjoyed making these for her, I kinda want one for myself now! Again, I pulled out my trusty Cricut to make the cute images and titles. This one uses the Once Upon A Princess cartridge.

Isn't she cute?! I used Bazzil Basics Swiss Dot Cardstock, My Mind's Eye Quite Contrary Collection, Maya Road Ribbon, in addition to some miscellaneous ribbon, and Queen & Co. buttons.


These sweet BFF's are my fave! They're so adorable! Cricut's Create-A-Critter cartridge provides you with these little cuties, plus many many more.

This binder also uses My Mind's Eye Quite Contrary paper in addition to October Afternoon's Hometown Line. So last year, I know, but it totally works! I added a little bling..and presto!

The backs of the binders are personalized with a little message for my daughter.


...and of course the close-up...


So if you don't really want to spend the big bucks but are prepared to spend a little time, you can create fabulous, unique school supplies for your kids too. I hope I've inspired you to pull out your stash and send a little something special along in the backpacks this September!

Back To School Challenge By Susan Tutt

Well, today all of my children are back to school and the house is quiet.......maybe a little too quiet. Is that possible? This morning was filled with the hustle bustle of making breakfasts, lunches and picking the perfect outfit for the first day. Every year I document this exciting first day of school with lots of photos.

This week my challenge was to create a back to school layout.

I love using school supplies on my back to school layouts!

This is an exciting time of year where our children are off to experience new adventures, meet new friends and learn, learn, learn! Create a layout documenting your childs first day of school! I can't wait to see what you create.