It’s time for back to school. No more lazy mornings and pool days basking in the sun…until June rolls around next year. I know, so sad. Jessica’s oldest son starts Kindergarten this year, which is also a sad reality of ‘letting go’ just a little, adjusting to a new norm of waking up early and getting out the door in a semi-organized fashion everyday and the realization that no matter what we do, they still grow up.

To make the first day of school even more fun for the kiddos this year, we made easy, DIY favors for the kids and teachers…and it was a great activity for our kids to practice writing their names.

All you need is college ruled paper, a printer, Elmer’s Glue and Crayola crayons.

Follow the photos above if you’re a visual person, and read the instructions below if you need it in words:
1. Use Microsoft Word to print your personal note on the top-right side of the paper. We typed, “It’s going to be a noteworthy year. your friend,”
2. Fold the paper in half with text visible on top.
3. Fold the paper in half again.
4. It should look like this.
5. Cut the top two layers on the top blue line.
6. It should look like this.
7. Cut a curved arch on the back two sheets of paper.
8. Use Elmer’s Glue to glue the edges together. You will have extra edges on the back flap and front flap, so add a little glue there too.
9. Add Crayola Crayons and sign name.

{images via j. sorelle}