The Fun Book

• Notebooks
  
  Create a colorful Fun Book by using adhesive shelf paper or wallpaper to recover books and make them more durable. If it's a binder or hardcover notebook, simply trace the open book onto the paper, leaving a few inches extra to go around to the inside of the cover, and apply it carefully to the book like a new book jacket. If it's a spiral-bound notebook, trace it closed and cut out two covers; one for the front, and one for the back.
  Cut out paper shapes such as stars, suns, flowers and animals, and adhere them to the book covers. For a personalized notebook, stick a self-adhesive vinyl photo pocket on the front, and insert your child's favorite picture---pets, friends or a special place she's visited.
  
  

The Fun Book Bag

• Jeans Bag
  
  Make a stylish bag for carrying your Fun Books. An easy and creative way to make a whimsical and durable book bag is to use an old pair of jeans or shorts. Zip and button them up, turn them inside out, and cut off the legs a few inches below the crotch. Sew the leg openings shut, turn it right way out, and you have a bag that looks like jean shorts, complete with built-in pockets.
  Use the leg material to make a shoulder strap, or simply thread two colorful cotton belts through the belt loops, one on the front of the pants and one on the back, for tote bag handles.
  
  

The Fun Locker Organizer

• Locker Fun
  
  Make a locker organizer. Metal lockers are institutional in appearance, but crafting some cool locker organizers changes the vibe completely.
  To begin, take some sheets of colored craft foam, and cut a 9-inch square from one piece, using pinking shears or decorative craft scissors for a fancy edge. Fold two opposite corners in to meet in the center of the square, and a third corner up from the bottom, slightly overlapping the edges of the other two---it should look like an envelope. Tape the flaps together from the inside with packing tape, stick down the overlapping edges of the third corner flap with white glue, and place a heavy object such as a book, on top until dry.
  Decorate the center where the three corners meet. Cut out some shapes from different colored craft foam, such as circles or flowers, and use a paper fastener to hold it in place. Then glue a couple of strong magnets on the back---one at the top corner, which is left open, and one at the bottom. Stick it inside the locker to hold pencils, notes, and other supplies.