There’s always one drawer in the house filled with loose paperclips, extra rubber bands, pencils, binder clips, Sharpies and who knows what else. It’s hard not to stock up when everything is on super sale the day after school starts. And you never know when you might need an extra composition notebook (or five). But the time has come to put those extras to good use. Here are 40 DIY projects that will help you reuse, repurpose and revamp your office supplies.
1. Book Clutch: This no-sew craft lets you hold on to your favorite classic novel long after the pages are torn and falling out. But don’t throw those pages out just yet. We may be able to find a use for those, too. (via Brit + Co)
2. Binder Clip Shelving: Indecisiveness can usually be a pain, but not this time. Rearrange this bookshelf as many times as you want with the help of a few binder clips and a little imagination. (via Handmade Charlotte)
3. Paperclip and Pom-Pom Bookmarks: Put all those extra paperclips in your junk drawer to good use. These adorable bookmarks will make sure you never lose your place again. (via Raising Up Rubies)
4. Pencil Eraser Stamp: Turn your pencil eraser into a tiny heart stamper and leave your mark on everything from greeting cards to gift wrap. (via Brit + Co)
5. Washi Tape Notebooks: Dress up plain notebooks and pencils with our BFF: washi tape. Mix and match your favorites to create a one-of-a-kind design or make an entire coordinating set. (via Lia Griffith)
6. Watercolor Cards: Grab those leftover paints from your kid’s kindergarten class, and whip up a set of cards that are truly a work of art and not just something you grabbed on the way to the checkout line. Tip: Keep the insides blank so you can customize your message for any occasion. (via Brit + C0)
7. Metal Ruler Mirror: Turn underrated metal rulers into something worth stopping to stare at. This mirror will add an unmeasurable amount of interest to any room. (via Mosaic Works)
8. Colored Pencil Necklace: A girl can never have too many colorful accessories, so here’s one more to add to the bunch. This would also make a great gift for your favorite teacher or crafty gal pal. (via Minieco)
9. Compass Painting: Create geometric works of art with ease and use your compass for something way more fun than math. Get even the tiniest hands involved and sneak in a lesson about shapes and colors at the same time. (via Housing a Forest)
10. Dipped Ruler Pencil Holder: Who knew rulers were good for more than just drawing straight lines? Use them to dress up a plain soup can to create a pencil holder that totally rules. (via Eighteen 25)
11. Thumb Tack Candle: Don’t waste your money on fancy candles that are too expensive to burn. Dollar store candles and a pack of thumb tacks are all you need to make these golden beauties. (via The Blissful Bee)
12. Polka Dot Cups: Finally. A real purpose for those paper reinforcers we always buy but hardly ever use. Now you can have perfectly polka dotted glasses in no time. (via Brit + Co)
13. Sharpie iPhone Case: Phone cases can be surprisingly pricey and finding one that’s truly unique can be quite the task. Take matters into your own hands and dream up a design that’s all your own. (via Expect the Unexpected)
14. DIY Dry Erase Book: Keep little ones busy with this dry erase book made from a three ring binder and page protectors. They will get a kick out of drawing funny mustaches and accessories on everyone in the family. Don’t worry, you can have a turn when they go to bed. (via All for the Boys)
15. Eraser Stamped Tote Bags: All tote bags are not created equal. Make sure your bag helps you stand out in a crowd with a design that is as lovely as you are. (via Domestic Fashionista)
16. Cheetah Print Chair Covers: Take plain IKEA slipcovers, a few sharpies and a free afternoon and you’ll have new chairs that look like they’re straight out of a designer catalog. (via Little Green Notebook)
17. Color Block Crayon Candles: Don’t get rid of all those broken crayons. Turn them into something new. These color block candles are the perfect, easy way to add a dose of color to any room. (via Brit + Co)
18. DIY Custom Eraser Stamps: Making your own stamps can seem intimidating, but this tutorial proves otherwise. Erasers are the perfect stamping medium and will have you carving out your own patterns like a pro. (via Gathering Beauty)
19. Nailhead Side Table: It’s time to start scouring the free section on Craigslist. Take any piece of furniture from dilapidated to designer with this simple nailhead trim. (via Decor Hacks)
20. Ruler Wall Hooks: Create this fun piece with a few rulers, wall hooks and a little stain. Not only does it look great, it’s functional, too. (via Susie Harris)
21. Melted Crayon Painting: Color outside the lines with this freeform painting. An original work of art is in your budget when it’s made with melted crayons. (via Gathering Beauty)
22. Paperclip Garland: Less of a DIY and more of an office supply upgrade, a paperclip garland can add a festive touch in seconds. Take it to the next level with layers of different colors. (via A Subtle Revelry)
23. Pencil Desk Accessories: Pull out that pack of pencils you grabbed during last year’s school supply sale and give your desk a total revamp. Make one or all three, either way these projects are no.1 in our book. (via Brit + Co)
24. Cord Keepers: Keep all your cords and chargers close at hand with a couple of binder clips. Are the plain black and silver clips too boring for your taste? Give them a facelift with a little spray paint and strips of washi tape. (via Yahoo)
25. Composition Book iPad Cover: An iPad cover for $2.99? No, this is not a joke. This Kate Spade inspired composition notebook case can be yours for less than a latte. (via Lil Blue Boo)
26. DIY Yarn Bowl: Keep your yarn from rolling away with this DIY project. If you’re a knitter you can thank us later, and if you’re not, you’ll want to be. (via Pocket Pause)
27. Thumb Tack Paper Lanterns: Card stock and a thumbtack are the only supplies you’ll need to make these original luminaries. Use them inside with flameless tea light candles to keep your love for this project burning strong. (via Lines Across)
28. Binder Clip Picture Hanger: Picture frames can be bulky and draw attention away from the print inside. Keep things simple and airy by hanging your pictures with binder clips. This also means putting less holes in your walls since you can just change out the prints next time you get bored. (via Shoplift Vintage)
29. DIY Book Planter: Just because a book is falling apart doesn’t mean it’s destined for the trash. Give old books a new life as succulent planters. Use the fake variety to make this a more permanent project. (via Green Wedding Shoes)
30. Half Moon Stud Manicure: Page enforcers to the rescue again. Get this half moon mani without the salon price tag. Use a lighter color combo to keep things neutral or go bold instead. The choice is yours. (via This Fashion is Mine)
31. Sticky Note Calendar: Create a calendar that is always ready for last minute changes. Post-it notes make it easy to color code school and work events and move tasks from one day to the next without dealing with clumpy layers of whiteout. (via Martha Stewart)
32. Globe Pendant Light: Take that old globe for another spin and transform it into a cool pendant light. It will have all your friends searching far and wide for another just like it. (via Apartment Therapy)
33. Accessory Organizers: Is there anything binder clips can’t do? This time they’re keeping all your accessories from turning into a tangled mess in your bag. (via Brit + Co)
34. Rubber Band Stamp Roller: An ordinary rubber band turns a tool originally made for putting up wallpaper into a rolling stamper. This is one project that definitely gets our stamp of approval. (via Just Something I Made)
35. Book Letters: Use old books, strips of newspaper or even junk mail to make blank wooden letters from the craft store into ones you’ll want to keep on display with this easy to follow tutorial. (via Little Things Bring Smiles)
36. Cork Jewelry Holder: Tight on space? Cork tiles and T pins make a great jewelry display that lets you see everything at once and can also be customized if you happen to splurge on a few more fancy jewels. Oh la la. (via Not Martha)
37. Rubber Band Stamp Trick: More of a why-didn’t-I-think-of-that than anything else, this tip will make stamping words easier than ever. A simple rubber band around the stamps ensures that everything is evenly spaced every time. (via Happiness is Homemade)
38. Dotted Neon Wrapping Paper: Instead of having one roll for every holiday, neon stickers from the office supply store and brown kraft paper make the perfect wrapping paper for any occasion. (via Frolic)
29. Binder Clip Photo Line: Display your favorite pictures without filling your walls with frames by using binder clips and string. And when you take another great picture, you can grab a clip and add it to the line instead of having to decide which frame to empty. (via Apartment Therapy)
40. Elmer’s Glue Tie Dye T-Shirt: Next time you want to try your hand at tie dying, draw out a glue doodle first and let it dry. The result will be something that’s totally noteworthy. (via U Create)
What’s your favorite way to reuse your office supplies? Keep us posted below!
