Back-to-School Scrapbooking Products

This post is from design team member and contributing writer Jean Manis.

The return of students to school in the fall presents a mixture of emotions for families including excitement and nervousness, usually simultaneously. A new schedule and new routine quickly replace less structured summer days. This transition period is an event many scrapbookers want to capture in a layout, and there are plenty of traditional and digital supplies on the market, some just released this past month. Think beyond the tried-and-true. You don’t have to scrap with a triadic scheme of primary colors or include an apple or a school bus to give the page an academic feel, especially when documenting the return to school for students in middle and high school.

Wondering how to best capture this special time in your photos? Rebecca Cooper provides a free, downloadable photo checklist with fifty photo ideas for back-to-school on her blog. She also provides terrific photo tips for capturing the event.

Remember “back to school” isn’t a single moment or a one-time photo opportunity. There are many signs of the new school year to be discovered-be willing to look for them. Additionally, be honest in your journaling. It’s okay to admit that the transition is difficult.

Looking to get inspired with your crafting now that your kids are back in school? Consider taking an online course. Here are just a few of the wide variety of courses scheduled to begin this fall:

Back to Basics: An Introduction to Photoshop Elements for Crafters with Renee Pearson
Copic Craze 101 with Michelle Houghton
Inspiration Showcase with Jennifer McGuire
The Good Life with Amy Tan

Traditional Supplies

Geek is Chic by Imaginisce
Just-released collection of bright-colored papers and elements, including stamps, stickers and die cuts.

Oxford Collection by Basic Grey
Recently released collection of papers, brads, elements in a sophisticated color palette suitable for boys and girls, as well as teens.

Off to School by Fancy Pants Designs
Soon to-be-released collection includes papers, alpha stickers, chipboard elements, and other embellishments.

Basic Quick Strips Stickers by KI Memories
Sticker strips in a neutral color palette to add a graphic punch to your edges.

Round Binding Edge Edger Punch by EK Success
Punch adds a spiral notebook edge to scrapbook papers.

Measure Up by Technique Tuesday
Assorted set of clear stamps adds a subtle academic element to a scrapbook layout.

Digital Supplies

Smarty Pants by Erica Zane
Large digital kit includes papers, alpha set, a template, and a variety of embellishments suitable for younger students.

Road to Success by Karen Funk
Sold as a complete kit, as well as separately, the digital kit includes solid and patterned papers, stickers and other elements well-suited for students of all ages.

A Day in the Life by three paper peonies
Digital kit includes solid and patterned papers and a variety of elements, including word art, to document day-to-day activities.

School Zone Papers + Elements by Kim Jensen Design
Kit of patterned paper and coordinating kit of school-themed elements with a grungy feel that works for older students.

Hello Days Paper Collection by Ali Edwards
Collection of monochromatic, softly-patterned papers.

Layer Works No. 79 by Studio Double-D
Template includes frames for four photos along with embellishments, title, and journaling space. Although the template is designed for a celebration, it could easily be adapted to work for the new school year.

Ledger Papers by sahlin studio
Vintage-feel assortment of ledger papers work as a background neutral or patterned paper in school layouts.

Traditional Layouts

homework… by Wendy Sue

school days by lghahary

Back to School by paperwife

Pre-K by stidwell

Back 2 School by Kelly Goree

Digital Layouts

The Best Teacher by CindyB

First Day by annamarieje

new school supplies by mamabee

trial run by Kjersti_W

First Day Tears by digishoes