Do you have a boring, old, or worn out backpack? Here are some steps and suggestions to help you decorate a backpack to make it uniquely your own!
Steps
- Purchase a backpack, messenger bag, or any other type of bag. Department stores are a good place to look, but you could also look around thrift stores to find something that others are least likely to have. Think about your style and likings. Are you a girl, who wants something similar to a purse? Or do you like backpacks? Maybe you might even just want a tote bag. Your choice.
- Go to a craft store and look for neat things like beads, iron on patches or sew on patches, fabric markers or paint, stick-on jewels, and other neat things that you like. Don't worry too much about expressing your personality- it will show through in what you choose. If you're going to use beads or sew on patches, you will also want to buy some thread and a needle. Be creative.
- Apply iron-on patches (there will probably be directions on how to do this on the package for the patches, otherwise ask an adult or perhaps the person who runs the store at which you bought them). Try to keep things balanced and evenly distributed across the bag.
- Apply beads, threading the needle and tying a knot at the end of the thread. Poke the needle through the material of the backpack, starting from the inside and pulling the needle to the outside. Add a bead over the needle and let it slide down the thread, and then pull the needle back through to the inside of the backpack. Repeat until you have as many beads sewn on as you'd like and then knot the thread firmly on the inside of the bag.
- Keychains are great to add. Advice-add them from places you go. If you go to China, get a keychain there, and attach it on, because people will know you went there. Hand made ones let your fellow classmates stare in awe.
- Use fabric markers or paints; these are probably the easiest way to customize your bag. Draw or write all over your bag until you are satisfied with the result.
- Put all of your supplies away in case you want to use them again in the future.
- Fill your bag with your school supplies and take it to school to show it off!
Tips
- Or if you are an artist you can make your own stencil and spray paint it on.
- You can buy studs and see them on (they look really cool and trendy).
- Safety pins or duct tape can be used if you're going for a more rebellious look.
- If you are going for a more feminine look, try using sticky jewels, perhaps even using them to spell out your name.
- If you can't afford fabric markers or paint, whiteout works decently well.
- Staples can work well on thinner parts of a backpack-you can use staples to spell out your name.
Warnings
- Don't go overboard. Too much will make it seem like you tried too hard. And you obviously did.
- Make sure you ask your parents if it is okay to customize your backpack. Your backpack may get handed down to a younger sibling someday, so it may not be okay.
- Keep in mind that some schools have rules against pins or spikes and may force you to remove them.
- Don't put any obscene patches or buttons on your backpack, or else you may get in trouble with the school. This includes profanity, potty humor, and blood/gore.
- You don't have to have a new backpack.
Things You'll Need
- A backpack, messenger bag, or other book bag.
- Fabric pens, paint, or whiteout.
- Sew on patches
- Iron on patches (of cute animals, your favorite band, etc.)
- An iron (if using patches)
- Beads, thread, and a needle
- Sticky jewels or other sticky ornaments
- Duct tape and safety pins if going for a rebellious look
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