Magnetic hanging homework holder

Our new homework/school organizer hangs on the front door right where it can be seen from the kitchen table (aka homework table). It’s also conveniently located on the way out the door hopefully as a reminder to take it to school when needed.

It also features a recycled pencil holder made from a cardboard tube. Now Big Brother can keep at least one pencil in there with the hopes of it not getting lost or buried in a backpack.

hanging homework holder

hanging homework holder

Supplies Used:

Xyron Creative Station with
permanent adhesive cartridge
magnet/laminate cartridge
fabric
patterned cardstock
scissors
cereal box
cardboard tube
hot glue gun
ribbon
wood oval; small
ink pad
die cutter and letter die cuts (optional)
Instructions:

Cut the cardboard box sides on a diagonal stopping about a third if the way down.

hanging homework holder

You can do the fabric two ways with one being to make the box flat and cover it. I wanted it to be all different patterns and colors so I cut all the pieces separate making: 2 sides with the angled, a full-sized back piece, and the shorter front piece with the bottom still attached. I thought it would make the bottom a little bit sturdier having one of the sides uncut.

hanging homework holder

Take the back piece and trace it on to a patterned fabric of choice. Cut this out and send it to the Xyron Creative Station. The Creative Station is so awesome for projects like this! Not only does it cover from edge-to-edge with adhesive, it’s so much easier than hot glue to keep from wrinkling, fingers from accidentally getting burned, and a web of glue strings to pick off. It doesn’t use heat to use it making it perfect for even young children to use (with supervision).

hanging homework holder

Once the fabric is through, peel it off a little at a time sticking it to the full-sized back piece. I used a small box and my movie rewards card to smooth the fabric while pulling off the back. Trim off any overhang/frays.

hanging homework holder

Then, change the Xyron Creative Station cartridge to the laminate/magnet cartridge. Send the fabric-covered cardboard through making sure the uncovered side is face down. Trim away any excess. The fabric should now be laminated with the magnetic sheet adhered to the backside.

hanging homework holder

Cover the other three cardboard pieces with fabric on both sides as well as on the bottom section that attached to the square cardboard. This time I tried a different way. Instead of sending the fabric to the Xyron Creative Station, I sent the cardboard pieces through. Then I pulled the fabric over the top (pull the backing off first), pressed it down, and cut it with sharp scissors. Both ways work great!

hanging homework holder

Hot glue the now fabric-covered cardboard pieces together to create your homework holder.

hanging homework holder

Hot glue strips of ribbon to cover the cracks. I did the inside as well.

hanging homework holder

I used a small, wood oval on the front of the homework holder that reads ‘School Papers.’ First, I sent the oval to the Creative Station. Then I added striped cardstock and cut around the oval.

hanging homework holder

I added the words using our Diamond Press and small letter die cuts. The Xyron adhesive makes gluing the tiny pieces easy and mess-free. You could also stamp, write, or paint the letters on. The oval is hot glued in place.

HOW TO MAKE THE UPCYCLED CARDBOARD TUBE PENCIL HOLDER

Cover the outside and inside of fabric or cardstock. Add ribbon to jazz it up a bit and any other embellishments you’d like. Hot glue a cardboard circle to the bottom and then run the hot glue along one side. Press on to the side of the upcycled cereal box holder.

hanging homework holder

Now it’s ready to hang on the front door or refrigerator! Add pencils, homework, school papers, scissors, etc. The laminated back piece can also be used for reminder notes by using a dry erase marker.

Fingers crossed that the homework monster stays away this year, haha! I’m hoping it teaches Little Sister, who is starting kindergarten, to keep her school things organized rather than fall into the misplaced/forgetful homework scenario.

hanging homework holder

This DIY Magnetic Hanging Homework Holder could alternatively be used for bills, magazines, or anything else you find it usable for!

 

courtesy: artsymomma