Boost Your Backpack's Unique Style: Explore Five Personalization Ideas!
Hacking Your Boring Backpack: 5 Stellar DIY Ideas to Upgrade Your Gear
Get ready to transform your backpack from drab to fab with these 5 insane DIY projects. These unique customizations will make your pack stand out from the sea of ordinary book bags.
PS: Scroll down to the bottom to discover the awesome bonus video idea for an out-of-this-world galaxy backpack and matching kicks!
Ways to Customize Your Backpack:
1. Googled-Eyed Monster Bag
Is this bag creepy or cool? You decide. Make it happen by cutting out eyes and teeth from iron-on vinyl, position, and iron according to package instructions (an adult's job; make sure fabric is pulled very tight).
Cut features out of thick green felt and hot-glue in place (an adult's job). Draw on pupils with permanent marker.
2. Polka Dot Mania
Dive into the world of dots with this easy peasy DIY. Gather three to five different-size foam pouncers and at least three colors of craft paint, squirted onto paper.
Dip the largest pouncer in paint, dab on paper to remove excess, then pounce it onto the bag. Repeat with other sizes (largest to smallest); let dry.
3. Patchwork Paradise
When it comes to patches, pins, and buttons, more is, like, totally more! Help your kid pin the patches in place and arrange until he is vibing with the mix. Glue or iron (an adult's job) them on according to package instructions. Then attach any buttons and pins.
4. Pom-Pom Party
Add some fluff and fun with this non-basic backpack upgrade. Cut several 18-inch lengths of pom-pom trim. Glue into place (we used Fabri-Tac) leaving a short overhang on each side. Let dry, then cut the ends.
5. Starstruck Bag
Express your inner astronaut with this constellation creation. Using a white paint pen, draw the biggest stars or comets first, then fill in with smaller dots. Connect a few into real or imagined constellations.
6. Put A Toggle On It!
Dress up your backpack like never before with these fabulous toggles! Mix, match, and swap them up, showcasing your style.
7. Fluffy Monster!
Bring your backpack to life with this adorable fluffy creature! Find a faux-fur puff on Etsy, then loop twine through a lobster swivel clasp, thread both ends onto a needle, and push through the center of the puff, tying off.
Glue on features made from felt, pipe cleaners, and Kawaii cabochons (resin charms; also on Etsy).
8. Mega Tassel
Bundle thirty 12-inch lengths of trim (like yarn, shoelace, or twill tape), tying another piece around the middle; knot a lobster swivel clasp onto it, adding glue to the knot. Wrap to cover.
Fold the bundle in half, wrap a piece of trim around it a few times near the top, tie off.
9. Friendship Charms
Create unforgettable memories on a backpack-sized scale. Flatten air-dry clay to 1/2 inch thick, use cookie cutters to make a shape, cut it in half, and press an eye pin (find it in the jewelry section of craft stores) into each half. Paint it, let dry, add jump rings (also in the jewelry section), and attach clasps.
What's your idea for customizing a backpack? Share it with us in the comments!
If you're itching for another DIY, check out these BADASS Duck Tape backpack charms or these Super Cool recycled denim ideas.
You've been curious about that bonus idea? Watch this video to learn how to make a galaxy-themed backpack and matching shoes! (Scroll down to play).
All ideas and photos courtesy of FamilyFun Magazine
Enrichment Data:Galaxy-Themed Backpack
Want to add some cosmic flair to your backpack? You're in the right place! Follow these steps to create a one-of-a-kind galaxy-themed backpack:
Materials:
- Backpack (choose a plain one or an old one to recycle)
- Fabric Paints or Markers (various colors)
- Paintbrushes (different sizes)
- Fabric Glitter or Sequins (for extra sparkle)
- Glue (for attaching additional decorations)
- Scissors
- Sealant (optional, for protecting the paint)
Instructions:
- Clean the Backpack: Make sure it's clean and dry before starting.
- Sketch the Design: Use a pencil to lightly draw your galaxy design on the backpack. You can include stars, planets, or galaxies.
- Paint the Galaxy: Use fabric paints to color in your design. Start with dark blues and purples for the background, add lighter shades for clouds or nebulae, and metallic paints for stars or planets.
- Add Details: Use fabric markers to draw finer details like lines for stars or textures for planets.
- Add Glitter or Sequins: Use glue to attach fabric glitter or sequins to give your design a sparkly effect.
- Seal the Paint: If you want to protect the paint, apply a clear fabric sealant according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Galaxy-Themed Shoes
Gear up to walk among the stars with these galaxy-themed shoes! Here's all you need to know to create the ideal space-inspired footwear:
Materials:
- Shoes (plain sneakers or canvas shoes)
- Fabric Paints or Markers (various colors)
- Paintbrushes (different sizes)
- Fabric Glitter or Sequins (for extra sparkle)
- Glue (for attaching additional decorations)
- Scissors
- Sealant (optional, for protecting the paint)
Instructions:
- Clean the Shoes: Ensure they are clean and dry.
- Sketch the Design: Lightly draw your galaxy design on the shoes, mirroring the design for the backpack.
- Paint the Galaxy: Use fabric paints to color in your design, following similar steps as for the backpack.
- Add Details: Use fabric markers to add finer details.
- Add Glitter or Sequins: Use glue to attach fabric glitter or sequins for a sparkly effect.
- Seal the Paint: Apply a clear fabric sealant if desired to protect the design.
Tips:
- Use a Variety of Colors: Combine vibrant colors with pastels for a unique look.
- Add Personalized Elements: Include names or initials in a galaxy-themed font for a personal touch.
- Protect the Designs: Make sure to seal the paint and glitter to ensure longevity.
Fashion-and-beauty enthusiasts might enjoy styling their wardrobe to complement a galaxy-themed backpack, or experimenting with cosmic-inspired makeup looks.
Home-and-garden lovers could create a galaxy-themed room by using galaxy-print bed linens, wall decals, and star-shaped light fixtures.
Education-and-self-development seekers could study constellations, learning about the stars featured on their backpack or shoes, or delve into space exploration via books and documentaries.
Shopping opportunities could include sourcing materials for additional DIY projects, like galaxy-themed duct tape and decorative pins for further customization of the backpack or shoes.
