15 DIY Supplies That Will Actually Make You Excited for School

Every new school year is an opportunity to reinvent yourself — starting with your school supplies.

Summer is almost over, so it's time to prepare yourself for back to schoolmadness. Before you dip into your lunch money fund to pay for pencils and paper, get creative with some budget friendly solutions that show off your studious side.

See also: 8 Obsolete School Supplies and the Tech That Replaced Them

Don't let the last days of summer get you down. This fall, you're going to rule the school.

• 1. Nerdy Bowtie

  

  The only thing more important than pencils and paper on the first day of school is looking good.

  Image: Etsy LaurenPerkin

• 2. Pocket Protector

  

  Nerds no longer need to fear messy pockets or spending tons of cash on store-bought protectors ever again.

  Image: Etsy annebvinyl

• 3. Notebook Paper Tote

  

  Show everyone what a serious student you are with this clever tote bag. Plus you'll always have a spare piece of note paper handy.

  Image: Liz Stanley Say Yes

• 4. Belted Covered Notebook

  

  If carrying around a heavy back pack isn't your style, try an old-fashioned belted cover.

  Image: Courtney Kennedy Always Rooney

• 5. Floppy Disk Notebook

  

  Tech geeks will love recycling some old hardware for a unique notebook that is cool enough for school.

  Image: Etsy Fishstikks

• 6. Composition Notebook iPad Cover

  

  Try using your old school composition notebook to cover your new iPad if you're planning on going digital this year.

  Image: Lil Blue Boo

• 7. Embroidered Notebooks

  

  Plain, cardboard notebooks don't express your creative soul -- jazz them up with some colorful embroidery floss instead.

  Image: Etsy CuriousDoodles

• 8. Leather Notebook Cover

  

  A classy, minimal leather cover is perfect for keeping your books, laptop or tablet clean and giving you a polished, studious look.

  Image: @love_aesthetics on Instagram

• 9. Corner Page Bookmarks

  

  These quirky bookmark monsters love to devour fine literature almost as much as you do.

  Image: Etsy fallingupp

• 10. Washi Tape Pencils

  

  Dress up those plain yellow pencils with patterned washi tape. Then you'll always know when your lab partner doesn't return them.

  Image: Etsy TheAqabaBoutique

• 11. Felt Pencil Roll

  

  Staying organized is the key to success, but it doesn't have to break the bank. Make an easy, no-sew roll for all your pencils and pens.

  Image: Etsy feltapp

• 12. Custom-Shaped Paperclips

  

  Boring paperclips aren't your style -- so make them your own. Create a custom shape that is all you.

  Image: @banthebanana on Instagram

• 13. Eraser Flash Drive

  

  This two-in-one tool is great in both art class and computer class. Plus you can keep would-be thieves away.

  Image: Etsy JustJest

• 14. Chalkboard Lunch Bag

  

  A fun chalkboard lunch bag is perfect for keeping a to-do list or just a fun lunchtime activity.

  Image: Linda Facci Facci Designs

• 15. Metallic Alphabet Magnets

  

  Decorate your locker with these glitzy alphabet magnets.

  Image: Kristin Gentry Kojo Designs
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