Pom-Pom Backpacks, Letterboards, and More Back-to-School DIYs

You might not be making toys in your workshop, but with all your holiday crafts, the elves aren't the only busy bodies this time of year! Invite your pod over for a weekend of DIYs to get your #HandmandeChristmas off to a good start. With pillows, wreaths, and ornaments, there's a little something for everyone here.

DIY Paper Poinsettias

Finally! Christmas florals that aren't harmful to your kitties. We think these crepe blooms are even prettier than the real thing. (via The House That Lars Built)

DIY Cornstarch Holiday Ornaments

Kick it old school with a craft you probably haven't done since grade school. The only difference is that now your ornaments will be the freshest around. (via Club Crafted)

DIY Pom-Pom Oven Mitts

A set of these mitts along with a spatula, a tasty cookie mix, and some measuring spoons would make for the perfect last-minute gift. (via A Kailo Chic Life)

DIY Painted Jingle Bell Wreath

With this wreath on your front door, all your holiday guests will be announced with a festive jingle. (via Handmade Charlotte)

DIY Rainbow Christmas Stockings

Keep it Kawaii this month with festive rainbow decor. Santa will be delighted to fill each stocking with the very best stuffers. (via A Bubbly Life)

DIY His & Hers Ornament Wreaths

What better way to display all your personal faves than on a wreath? When you're cramped for space or just don't have time for a tree, a wreath is the perfect alternative. (via PMQ for Two)

DIY Reindeer Drink Stirrers

Looks like Rudolph had one too many cocktails, which is why he's got that adorable red nose. (via Lovely Indeed)

DIY Holiday Wreath Glasses

Photo booth props are the best part of any party, so you better make 'em good! Your BFFs will be fighting to wear these adorable wreath glasses in the group shot. (via Bright & Bubbly)

DIY Ice Skate Pillow

Traditional yet chic, this pillow project is perfect for your glam Christmas decor. (via A Beautiful Mess)

DIY Christmas Tree Cactus

Spread some cheer by adding trim and ribbons to your plants and cacti. You'll get the Christmas vibe without all the hassle of hauling a tree around. (via Sugar & Cloth)

DIY Holiday Wax Sachets

For a handmade gift exchange, these naturally scented sachets are like a candle, but without the flame. (via Hello Glow)

While summer is officially over, beautiful fall foliage is finally cropping up with our favorite palette of reds and oranges, so why not bring the look inside with some gallery wall art? These leaf-filled, rich-hued DIY's will look fab and save you a ton of money for new investment pieces (like that crazy new statement mirror decor trend you've been eyeing).

DIY Autumn Leaf Garland

Hang a cheery garland or two for all the fall get-togethers on your calendar. (via Make + Tell)

Printable "Sweater Weather" Print

New sweaters and new art go hand in hand, right? Luckily this print is free, so you'll just need a frame to make it really stand out. (via Lovely Indeed)

DIY Anthropologie Wall Art

You'll save some cash and have have a lot of fun making this DIY. (via Brit + Co)

DIY Fringe Wall Hanging

Enjoy those beiges and browns in all of their glory before the holiday decor vibes really kick in. (via Studio DIY)

DIY Layered Fan Art Piece

Pieces that jump off the wall at you will always leave more of an impression. And while it's not time to spook your guests with Halloween decor yet, you can hit them with some bold color. (via The House That Lars Built)

DIY Paper Shapes Art

And all at once, summer collapsed into fall... along with its more muted color palette. These amber hues remind us of a pile of leaves. (via Sugar & Cloth)

DIY Mini Purple Fall Wreaths

What's better than a big fancy wreath? Three small ones that you can mix and match and arrange to suit your constantly changing decor needs. (via PMQ for Two)

DIY Wooden Block Mosaic Art

All your project offcuts can find a purpose in this assembled piece. (via A Beautiful Mess)

DIY Modern Fall Wreath

The simple beauty of a hoop wreath with a scroll of text will capture even the strongest of summer-loving hearts. (via Craftberry Bush)

DIY Abstract Geometric Painting

Wild brush strokes that look the way the crisp wind feels? You can't get more autumnal than that. (via Dans Le Lakehouse)

DIY Wall Art Weaving Hack

The larger weavings can be hard to put together, but with this hack you can speed through a big one in no time. (via Paper & Stitch)

Elle remembers "sobbing" during one particularly emotional Dakota Fanning movie.

“When Elle’s in anything, it makes me feel it deeper,” Dakota Fanning said at TheWrap’s Power Women Summit on December 3. “She never can fully disappear into a character totally for me as her sister. She obviously does an amazing job, but I’m always gonna see my little sister a little bit.”

And Elle is just as touched by Dakota's roles, and remembers "uncontrollably sobbing" after seeing Now Is Good, a movie where Dakota's character was dying of cancer. “Because it was my sister, I had a real traumatic reaction after that premiere and the screening,” Elle says. “Obviously the acting, but it was something felt on a deeper level.”

“I’m doing this job, I’m an actor because my sister started before me and I watched her,” Elle continues. “I wanted to do exactly what my big sister wanted to do.”

And their movies have also made an impact on everyone who watches them.

When Brit + Co caught up with Dakota Fanning at the world premiere of The Watchers, I had to ask about one of her most iconic movies: Uptown Girls. "I love it," she says of TikTok memes and edits giving the movie new life. "It's nostalgic for people who are kind of around my age, who grew up watching that movie, I think it's like a comfort movie for people. And so I love that people are still revisiting it and loving it. And maybe now that everyone's older [they're] understanding different things about it."

Dakota starred opposite Brittany Murphy, who also had roles in movies like Clueless, 8 Mile, and Girl, Interrupted. Brittany passed away in 2009 when Dakota was 15. "I loved Brittany so much and I still miss her," she says. "So anytime that she has, you know, a moment where people think about her is also nice."