A+ on Back to School Organization

With school starting soon it's time to come up with a plan for all those school papers, notes and schedules, and prized photos. Here are three creative ideas to make your job easier all through the school year!

Cork Board Organizer A place for everything and everything in one place was our goal for this handy wall organizer. Corral team schedules, school notes, and a calendar of activities in one central location. There's even room for last minute wrapping supplies, cards, keys, grocery lists and calculators so early mornings won't be so frantic.

We started with an 18" x 24" framed cork bulletin board and painted the frame black. A 12 1/2 x 14" piece of sheet metal was placed on the left side and pushed under the frame at top and left sides (be careful of sharp edges). A ribbon covers the raw right edge, held in place by decorative tacks. Place the tacks so the shaft is just to the right of the metal and the tack heads will also hold the metal to the cork board.

An inexpensive paper-covered cardboard office organizer was bolted to the bulletin board. Use a drill to go through the sheet metal so that the bolts also secure the bottom edge of the sheet metal. Drill holes along the bottom edge of the frame and screw in cup hooks for keys.

We used the cork side of the organizer for a calendar, photos, and mementos. On the metal side, a magnetic notepad holds a grocery list and colorful magnets hold notes. The bin holds an address book, notepad , calculator, school schedule, as well as pens and pencils, gift wrap, ribbon, tape, and blank cards. With this quick-to-make accessory, keeping track of appointments, events, and daily activities will be a breeze.

School Paper Organizer

Over the years, quite a few papers and art projects come home to reside on the refrigerator. When the fridge gets full, what do you do with them? Choose your favorites and keep them in style with this clever school paper organizer. A portable paper file is perfect for a year by year collection of those important papers. Dividers in file are decorated with scrapbook letter stickers to spell out each grade. A wallet size photo of the child is mounted next to each word to show the progression of school portraits through the years. More tips for decorating this organizer are in our scrapbook feature.

Friends Photo Organizer

Collect photos of friends like you'd collect coins—literally. A half dollar coin collection folder (available at craft stores) becomes a compact and cute photo gallery of favorite school friends with a few embellishments and decorations. Wallet size pictures of friends are organized and available, making this project a lasting memento for your child. Make one for every year. You and your child will love sharing favorite memories of each school year. More tips for making the Friends Photo Organizer are in our scrapbook feature.

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