Back to school with a bang thanks to Craft

Busy with a major move and last-minute family vacation scheduled right before the new school year we here at Otterhop have slacked big-time in bringing you all the stellar back-to-school goodies circulating around the crafting world. And let me tell you, there's some juicy stuff waiting to be tried.

Thanks to Craft for doing their job we have a great spring board ready for us to jump off of and right into the first weeks of institutionalized academia. Their collection of back-to-school DIYs range from lunchbox snack-y snacks to creative revamps like this cool t-shirt to kid's gathered dress tutorial to lunch sack whip-ups and much, much more...all homemade with love, all too-cool-for-school.

Craft contributor Brooklyn makes an excellent point about back-to-school consumerism stating "Back to school is a great slogan for selling things. Every fall a frenzy of shopping begins and old and worn supplies are replaced with something brand spankin' new. Last year's clothes are outgrown, last year's lunchbox was misplaced, last year's backpack is filthy and broken. Manufacturers know this, and they capitalize on it. As consumers, we can change that pattern. Instead of buying something new for back to school, try mending, renewing, and repairing something."

Check out her tutorial for repairing an old backpack, perfect for recycling last year's backpack. But if you've already shelled out the money for a new one still give this how-to a try and make last year's bag a back-up. Trust me, you'll be glad you did when sport comes home at the end of the 2nd week of school with a broken zipper on his expensive new pack.

Speaking of packs, check out this link for sewing a cutie-pie messenger bag posted on Craft from Calli at Make It Do. This one even comes with a sweet printable iron-on template.

A delicious school year is upon us ready to be devoured. Craft proves that having cool taste in back-to-school gear doesn't mean breaking the bank or compromising your green lifestyle.