Back to school handcrafted pencil cases

School for the fall semester has begun for many of us and with it a renewed desire to organize that forever messy, and disorganized backpack or bag. We have all probably experienced the time when all we wanted is one pencil but could only find the pencil after digging around the bottom of your bag, and messing everything else up. When this happens it is often time to invest in a new pencil case but all the pencil cases that you find in Staples and Wal-mart have either been made in China that or they all have the same pattern that all you classmates have or both of these problems. When this happens and you are on the hunt for a original pencil case that wasn't mass produced over seas it might be time to start looking at some handmade pencil cases. This is a list of a few handmade and hand sewn cases that were made by people who then try to sell them on etsy.com. These cases have had actual work and love put into their creation and are sure to add more character to your bag's arsenal.

This pencil case made by teniamariecreations is made with the latest popular southwestern Navajo fabric. Beautiful colors and patterns. Fully lined with a quality Black cotton coordinating fabric on the inside.

Here we have a strange yet cheer pencil case with flower patterned skulls on black fabric all over it. This is definitely a one of a kind made by ZoesBagBoutique.

This is an attractive pencil case made by ARTNDECO DESIGN STUDIO using eco conscious fabric. This case is perfect to store pens, pencils, make-up brushes and other supplies. The image on the pencil case was printed with high temperature by high quality printer.

 This is a small pencil case made by  josieandmay - perfect for keeping just a few pens safe in your bag,
Made out of thick, thrifted material, it measures just 16.5 cm x 4.5 cm. It can comfortably fit pens or pencils that are 14cm long, and you can even sneak your USB stick in there too.

Back to school handcrafted pencils

School is just around the corner for some of us, and for some of the more unlucky(or lucky if you were looking forward to it.) ones have already started. This means for many households that you are currently in the middle of the back-to-school rush of finding all those school items that you had hidden in the corners during break. Bag, pencils, and notebooks to name a few are all in need, and for many these items are either in need of being changed for newer ones, or completely missing and in need of replacement.
Well for those of us in need of the forever dropped, and missing pencil here are some handcrafted, and decorated pencils that can show your originality, and spunk just by being in your back-pack. For some of these handmade pencils it almost seems a shame to sharpen them and actually use them, so if you buy them treasure them and try not to drop them.

Here we have 10 beautiful washi paper pencils. There are fireworks, reds, blues, stripes, golds, sakura blossoms, cranes, greens, fans, purples, pinks and blacks for your choosing. All of these were hand decorated by ColleenAndCohort on etsy.com.

These are some hand decorated gray patterned pencils by caitlynharris on etsy.com. They each have a interesting pattern and are sure to be a good addition to your school bag.

Here we have a set of six colorful paper wrapped pencils by Nicopapergoods on etsy.com. Each pencil is different. This 6-pack is only for $12.00 on etsy.

Here are six colorful and patterned pencils by artsyville on etsy.com. These pencils would be a new and colorful way to start your new school year for only $10 a pack.

Are you a fan of Harry Potter? Or do you just want a wand to match the magic that you work in your homework? Well either way here is a wand-pencil just for you by FriggleFraggle on etsy.com

Here we have a six-pack of pencils with encouraging words for that test or rushed work that you have to do. These were made by CharmAndGumption on etsy.com

Here we have Single Foil Stamped Pencils by HautePapier on etsy.com. These pencils were stamped in gold on black and would make a striking addition to your school day.

Here we have ourselves some rustic twig pencils. For that personal touch you can even have each pencil pyrographed with your choice of name or message. These are all handmade by lovelywoodcompany on etsy.com.

Back to school crocheted backpacks

School is coming up fast on many of us and who knows maybe it has already started for some of us. With school being right around the corner now is a good time to start looking for all those school necessities. You know the drill notebooks pencils erasers cloths and so on and so forth. You might have even started thinking about getting rid of that old faded backpack covered in random stains and buying a new one. Maybe you would like to buy one that shows your artistic and crafty character or style. The best way to do this is to buy a bag that was made by someone with these same characteristics. These are a few bags that have been made by people who release their artistic and crafty nature with a crochet hook and yarn. Have a look at these handmade crocheted bags that can put a little more color into your normally gray school days.

This is a hand crocheted colorful and durable
backpack with the measurements of about 12"x11". The straps are about 24" long when closed. Inside the bag there is a 4"x4" cell phone pocket. This was made by Scarfthemup on etsy.com with 100% felted wool.

"This is a crocheted bag in the the perfect size to hold a few books, your water, your lunch, or anything you might need for a day out. It is made of all cotton yarn and fabric liner. The colors include indigo, lavender, and turquoise. It's cheerfully decorated with lavender and turquoise beads and buttons." This was made by BillyGoatsBuffet on etsy.com.

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Here is one of my newly made drawstring backpack/bag. It was made out of material that I reconstructed/up-cycled into this handy bag. It is about 12x18 and has a crocheted pink white and blue pocket on the front with a button.
Made by me (Dreamcrafter) on etsy.com.

"Perfect Beach Tote. Sand can fall right through. Bottom is reinforced. Yarn is all cotton and washable. The size is very similar to a reusable grocery bag. Decorated with sand dollar charm and flip-flop charm." Made by BillyGoatsBuffet on etsy.com.

Here is one of my newly made drawstring backpack/bag. It was made out of material that I reconstructed/upcycled into this handy bag. It is about 12x18 and has a crocheted pink black and blue pocket on the front with a button.
Made by me (Dreamcrafter) on etsy.com.

This is a very modern bag made from bright yarn and doubled with fabric on the inside for extra strength. The belt is made from leather and can be removed if you wish. This was made by lilitohandmade on etsy.com

"A pretty trackpack. 15.5" across by 15" tall when laid flat. It has some give so it can stretch to fit many items. Handmade in acrylic yarn so it is machine washable when necessary. Straps are black in nylon parachute cord. Perfect for any outing where you want to keep your hands free." This was made by BitsndPieces on etsy.com.

"Going to Farmer’s Market? Beach? Yoga class? or Picnic ?
OKAY, This is absolutely perfect for you.
This is a crochet string bag made with 100%cotton yarn in earthy combination of green color." You can find this bag by thesuperfunklab on etsy.com

Fall handmade items

    Some of us are starting to notice the change in the air, and yes it does seem like our summer time might be soon drawing to a close. In fact, according to the official date it starts in roughly just a month from now on Sunday, September 22. It might be a head of time but now is  a nice time to start looking at all those wonderful handmade arts and crafts that you've been avoiding eye contact with while you were still able to wear a swimsuit without freezing. Have a look at these handcrafted items from some etsy.com crafters who are also revving up for the new season.
   If you would like to see my article about this on examiner.com click here.

Here we have a hand-knitted cowl/scarf by sewinthefaith. This cowl/scarf was made in bright blues and violet colors that can spiff up any outfit just by being there. Wear it wrapped around your neck as a scarf or pull it over your head to keep your ears warm.

  This is a beautiful crocheted poncho made by Dreamcrafter who makes and sells crocheted and felted items that she sells on etsy.com. This poncho here only costs $15 and would spice up any occasion.

Here we have a hooded poncho by WhatsOliviaWearing made in the very colors of fall. This would look cute on both children and adult for those chilly fall mornings. This poncho is for sale for $82 on etsy.com.

"This is a beautiful pair of hand made glass beaded earrings. These are made by weaving seed beads, bugle beads and 4mm rounds together in this classy southwestern style with bronze, beige, teal and brick red colors. They are very light weight for comfortable wear." This is by  carosell  on etsy.com.

This cup by ElenaLukatskyArt woud be a cute addition to any fall or winter day that you find yourself sitting out indoors. Would be a hand-warming jem for the day when you just want a cup of tea near the window while watching the leaves fall outside. You can find this item for sale on etsy.com.

This here is a crocheted made by ripnrollrugs rag-rug made in the muted yet bright colors of fall leaves. While this rug might be too beautiful to actually wipe muddy shoes and boots off on it would make a wonderful bedroom or living-room rug to add to your living space.

These beautiful knit leg warmers were made by Madebyfate on etsy.com and would be wonderful for that winter day when the only socks you can find are ankle-lets socks. These make a stylish accent for any outfit that also help against the weather. You can buy them for $50 from etsy.com.

Labor Day patriotic arts and crafts

Labor day by the Wikipedia definition is a holiday that celebrates the work and social contributions of workers and laborers in general. For many of us though we know of it as the day that we call the family over for a potluck and perhaps a picnic, if the weather permits it. For some others of us it might even have a patriotic feeling to it. Whether you love this holiday in the form of patriotism or in the family loving mood, we all know the feeling that this holiday gives us as being one that brings out the old fashioned American spirit of homemade happiness.
This homemade and handmade spirit of happiness can be found everywhere, but nowhere can you feel it as strong as in the arts and crafter's that you can find in flea-markets and craft shows. Even if you are unable to make it to one of these fun events you can still find these things online where the crafter's put their handcrafted items.
Here are a few of these homemade items that you can find online for those of us unable to leave
 house and home for the shows.
  If you would like to see my article about this on examiner.com click here.

"Here is a lovely pair of handmade glass beaded earrings. These are made by weaving seed beads together in this elegant presentation of American patriotic colors of red, white and blue. They are very light weight for comfortable wear. Pierced earrings come with a clear plastic backing highly effective in preventing loss of earrings." This is from Carosell's listing on etsy.com. If you wished to have a closer look at these earrings you can find them on etsy.com.

"Proudly display this patriotic wreath on Memorial Day, July 4th, Labor Day, Veteran's Day, Election Day and many other days that it is awesome to be an American!
18" inch wreath, measures about 19" completed." From HugsNKissesStudio on etsy.com who makes colorful wreaths for any holiday and season.

"Uncle Sam is ready for your lawn goose to spruce up your Holiday decor. Uncle Sam is made from felt, in a dark Navy color or Red, has matching Top Hat, with cotton vest, that has 3 buttons added for looks, and carries a flag in one of his wings(arms)." This is from ripnrollrugs on etsy.com who makes all sorts of funny and cute out fits for you resident lawn goose.

"This labor day invitation features a vintage inspired background with white stars and red stripes with a vintage font. Perfect for events other than labor day." This is by ShirtsbySarah on etsy.com who has digital designs for any event or holiday that you could think of in her etsy store.

And now for a slightly younger and more frayed look at patriotism and the Labor Day holiday by WhatsOliviaWearing on etsy.com. WhatsOliviaWearing's "store mission is to create garments that are one of a kind and promote an earth friendly approach to style."

"This is a brightly colored red white and blue framed four patch table runner. Great for decorating your table for the many occasions within the year. It measures 42" x 11" and is machine quilted." This is made by Sewinthefaith who works hard making beautiful quilted table runners for every household.