This year, I realized I didn’t have that many back-to-school decorations — and since I love seasonal decorating, I decided to make a few new things to add some charm and cheer to our space. Most of these crafts were super easy, used supplies I already had on hand, and gave me that cozy, school-days vibe I was craving.
Here’s what I made:
🍏 DIY Apple Bottle Vases
I started by making three cute bottle vases using empty glass bottles. I printed off some pretty apple-themed scrapbook paper and used Mod Podge to adhere the paper right onto the bottles. Each one is slightly different, which gives them character.
To finish them off, I added a little red ribbon around the top and tucked in some greenery stems. They’re simple, cheerful, and look adorable grouped together on a shelf or table.
🍎 Apple Garland from Yarn
Next, I made a fun little apple garland! I took red yarn and rolled it into small balls, then tied the top with brown yarn to look like a stem. For the leaves, I cut out a green fabric and hot glued it to the top of each yarn apple.
I did both red and green “apples” and tied them along a long strand of yarn to create a cute, colorful garland. It turned out so playful and fun — perfect for hanging across a mantel, shelf, or even on the wall near a homeschool station or classroom corner.
📚 Upcycled Wood Sign Decor
I had some leftover junk wood from previous projects, so I gave it new life with some school-themed Mod Podge magic. I printed out papers with apples, pencils, and rulers, then layered them onto the wood pieces with Mod Podge. I also painted around the edges with red paint to make the colors pop. These are great to tuck onto bookshelves or use as small standing signs.
🎓 Graduation Photo Block
This is something I originally did last year, but I’m still using it and love how special it feels. I printed out a graduation photo of my son and Mod Podged it onto a small block of wood. It’s such a personal and meaningful touch, especially during the back-to-school season when you’re reflecting on how quickly the years go by!
✏️ Kids’ Poem Wood Signs
I also found a book of children’s poems and picked out two that I really loved. I cut them out and Mod Podged each one onto another piece of scrap wood. Then I added a little hanger on the back so they can be hung or leaned on a shelf. They’re sweet,
nostalgic, and give that storybook classroom feeling — I just love them!
💡 Final Thoughts
All of these projects came together so easily, and they really helped me fill out my back-to-school decor. Whether you’re decorating for homeschooling, celebrating the start of a new school year, or just love apples and pencils as much as I do, I hope this gives you some ideas and inspiration!
Let me know if you try any of these or come up with your own twist!
—-Your Decorating Friend
Dandychandee 