Back to School Crafting

It is back to school time already!  And while my kids are finished with their education for now (well, except for a grad student son-in-law), this time of year is always a significant date on the calendar.  For me, it is the end of summer and the beginning of fall. 

This year is especially significant for me. I have a big-time homecoming anniversary coming up and my little cousin is graduating from that same high school as well.  It is a time of introspection (as was my 35th anniversary!) and happiness. 

You know me- whenever there is an event of any measure, I have to do some sort of craft.  As a hostess gift for a special family's back-to-school party, I made some fun little tailgating/party "treasures". 

Everybody needs a custom "koozie"! I made a set of four, with one of them personalized for the senior. I prefer the Siser heat transfer vinyl for my projects.  It is less expensive than Cricut brand and I have a cute little shop down the street with every color and type you can imagine.  I have a Cricut Mini Press that I use on a low setting for these crafts.  I also make sure to place a piece of parchment paper between the press and the blank.  This is especially important with the foam koozie. I have even been known to do a little ironing with that little machine- I love it!  

Ever since I learned to customize napkins for my Star Wars cocktail seen here, I have been slightly obsessed.  These napkins with the school name and mascot are fun for a class party, committee meeting with snacks or of course- tailgating! 

Of course, a tailgate party is not complete without stadium cups! I used a regular adhesive vinyl with this project.  I usually point a blow dryer on low to make sure that my vinyl is firmly attached. 

Often, my biggest problem is packaging! Sometimes you just need to get creative! 

I thought this was a cute option for the koozies.  I use these clear treat bags for a lot of different things, including packaging personalized gift items. 

Making stickers is another crafting obsession of mine.  I always put a Gardenias and Glitter sticker on the back of my handmade cards and packaging.  Hopefully it lets the "giftee" know that I made this especially for them.  I like to cut my stickers on a vinyl setting so that I can easily peel them off of the sheet. 

Speaking of stickers, I made this "Bruin" in school colors to decorate the gift bag. I am still learning, but I think I need to calibrate my Print and Cut settings a little.  

I am so excited as we move into this new season! We have a lot of football to look forward to, as well as some homecoming celebrations and of course all of the fall holidays!  Look out- there are a lot of good times (and crafting!) ahead! 

I hope you are enjoying these last days of summer/first days of fall! Thanks for stopping by today! 

~Cynthia