Think Crate :: Back-to-School Projects

CP Gal: Sophie Crespy

My girl entered second grade this year and I really wanted to document how excited she was about learning more. I dug into the amazing Maggie Holmes "Flea Market" collection to find embellishments that would relate to school and believe it or not, I found many! I mainly used chipboard pieces and die-cuts that I then arranged and layered to create a fun "panel" of displayed frames, all school related: the earth, the typewriter, the star...a kind of "back to school" mood board if you like.

I played with three main colors: pink, green and black, all which can be found in my photos. I backed the frames with my favorite matching colored patterned papers to make them stand out from the pink background. Then, I placed my embellishments making sure all the colors were evenly spread throughout the layout. The touches of gold are also perfect for the theme and add so much light thanks to the hue's reflective nature. I'm sure my girl will shine in second grade!

I also wanted to share this simple way in which I use the pins from the Maggie Holmes "Flea Market" collection: as bookmarks! They make the most lovely bookmarks ever and look so good on my bedside table!

Yes, this collection is most ideal for back to school projects!

CP Gal: Jeanette Lee

So, how do you start a school themed layout when your papers and products don't deem fit for the theme? I simply pulled out embellishments from the Crate collections in my stash that I knew would work without a hitch! For example, I opted for papers that included a number pattern, an alphabet background and a ruler ledger paper. I then partnered them with a typewriter and clock.

With minimal school themed products at my disposal, I went the direction of die-cutting; it fills up the space and also, acts as an embellishment all it's own. I die-cut a series of words centered on the subject of "school" and placed them next to my photo. Lastly, using the same black cardstock, I used a punch to create a torn notebook edge - I scrunched it slightly to give it a worn look for added dimension. It lends an authentic "torn notebook paper" feel.