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DIY Preppy College Binder Covers

7/23/2015

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It's THAT time of year again. Time to buy cute school supplies that you will ultimately lose or not use. (Aka these binders that I bought for my senior year of high school and hardly touched) Anyways, college is here, and being the preppy DIYer I am, I decided to kill some free time and make binder covers for my various classes. 
This method is AWESOME for organization freaks like me, or people on the run that quickly need to stuff their supplies in their backpack. This little DIY insures that you grab the correct one, while being fun and cute at the same time. 
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Obviously the supplies here are pretty self explanatory. 


You'll need:
- Printed Background
(I used these from one of my favorite blogs, or you can use the ones I made below)
- A binder with a clear front pocket
- Colorful Markers
- Stencils
(I got mine at Michael's, but you could just write it on there)
- Ruler
(or you could just wing the letter spacing like I did) 


              

 
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When printing out the background, make sure you check on your print settings that you have the photo "fit to page" not "fit to image". After printing out the background, lay the first stencil and being to color it in -keeping in mind how many letters you need to fit into the space-. 
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Now that you've seriously tested your patience in getting it to look nice, sit back and look at your handiwork! Slip the binder cover behind the clear pocket and you've got one snazzy binder. 

HERE ARE SOME BACKGROUNDS TO USE

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The "Complete" College Dorm Packing List

7/22/2015

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Pathetic Excuse for a “Bed”

  1. 2 Pillows

    • (make sure you buy ones like the ones you usually sleep with)

  2. Foam Topper

    • (Target sells 1.5 inch memory foam ones for $30)

  3. Mattress Pad

    • don’t splurge if you’re also buying a foam topper

  4. At LEAST 2 sets of sheets

    • check with your school to see what size sheets you will need

    • NO twin sheets will not fit an XL twin mattress

    • invest in breathable sheets for the summer and jersey sheets for the winter

  5. Comforter

    • before picking a color: 1) consult your roommate, 2) remember that you won’t be washing this often, 3) consider your other decorations

  6. Curtain

    • many schools supply window coverings, but the websites aren’t always specific. Give the school a call or wait to buy curtains until you see the dorm room.

  7. Alarm Clock

    • (don’t get battery powered)

  8. Body Pillow

    • this is obviously optional, I don’t plan on bringing one

  9. Blankets

    • the fluffier the better


Decor to “make it your own”

  1. Backrest Pillow

    • the “chair” the schools supply are about as comfortable as the wooden ones in the library.

  2. Chair

    • if you don’t like the supplied one, turn it into a plant holder and buy a new one

    • or if you have the space, buy a comfortable one to chill in

  3. Lamp

    • one for your desk (and the late night study seshs)

    • one for the floor (it might be taller than you, so find a cute guy to carry it for you)

  4. Full Size Mirror

    • something to hook over the back of the door or stand up in the corner

    • if you plan on hanging it up, make sure you figure out how to hang it up without destroying the wall

  5. Ottoman (miniature)

    • you can buy cheap “pop-up” ones that double as seating and storage

  6. Rug

    • you’ll probably want to hide the ugly carpet or flooring

  7. Wall Art

    • this could be string lights, a tapestry, posters, paintings, stickers, a cork board, dry erase sticky things

  8. Wall Clock

    • in the case the wall clock wasn’t enough


Organization So You Don’t Cry

  1. Storage Bins

    • always buy FOLDABLE

    • there is beautiful space under your bed and in your closet, use what you have

  2. Storage Cubes

    • there are fabric ones that can be put on shelves for assorted toiletries or randoms

  3. Hangers

    • Bed, Bath, and Beyond has an overwhelming amount of options, from wooden to felt and plastic to wire.

    • don’t forget about belts and scarves and jewelry, they make special hangers for all of those things

  4. Stick on hooks

    • great for wet towels, rain jackets, winter coats, or anything else you need to hang up

  5. Risers

    • great for your bed if you’re not bunked or lofted

    • also awesome if you are provided a shelf that isn’t bolted to the wall. It will give you some extra storage underneath.

  6. Bulletin / Dry Erase Board

    • you’re probably one of “those” people that likes lists

  7. Batteries (AAA and AA)

    • for your label maker...don’t lie, you want one now

  8. Tool Kit

    • for when you order that cool thing from ikea that you have no idea how to put together

  9. Sewing Kit

    • even if you are a guy, you need one. BUTTONS ARE UNRELIABLY SEWN ON

  10. Safety Pins

    • when you bloody your fingers trying to sew, resort to safety pins.

  11. Duffle Bag

    • you’ll probably have a few from move in, send most of them back with your parents, but keep one for traveling to and from home and neighboring colleges.


Cleaning Supplies (JK WE DON’T CLEAN)

  1. Paper towels

    • you won’t to wash orange juice covered hand towels

  2. Napkins

    • you know the muffins in the cafe are cumbly

  3. Clorox Wipes

    • “What’s that green goo on the back of the door…?”

  4. Hand Vacuum

    • if you’re TRULY a clean freak

    • your RA probably has a vacuum, don’t buy one

  5. Trash Can

    • DO NOT GET WIRE, you’ll regret it, especially once it gets wet and starts to rust

  6. Trash Can Liners

    • or you can reuse place bags from the store


Personal Dingbats

  1. Shower Caddy

    • something that will not easily mold

  2. Hair ties, head bands, and clips

    • even for you guys (I see you over there with the man bun)

  3. Shampoo and Conditioner

    • things you should still splurge on, even in college

  4. Hair brush & Comb

  5. Styling Tools

    • curling iron and straightener

    • both roommates probably don’t each need to bring a blow dryer, bring 1

  6. Bath Towels

    • full size & washcloth size

  7. Shower Flip Flops

    • avoid foot fungus

  8. Small First Aid Kit

  9. Medications

    • prescriptions, cold medication, ibuprofen, advil, midol, sunscreen, itch relief cream, allergy medication, tylenol

  10. Deodorant

    • for the happiness of your fellow students, please bring enough

  11. Lotion

    • cuz you ashy

  12. Toiletries

    • no need to be embarrassed

  13. Make-up & Make-up Remover

    • and cases that hold them

  14. Nail Kit & Polish & Remover

  15. Q-tips

    • so many uses

  16. Razors & Shaving Cream

    • this goes for both genders

  17. Hand Soap

    • just a bottle on hand in case the bathroom is all out

  18. Toothbrush & Toothpaste

    • bring extras

  19. Mouthwash & Floss

  20. Tweezers

  21. Laundry Detergent / Softener / Dryer Sheets

    • if you don’t know how to do laundry, ASK. The last thing you want to do is dye all you whites red.

  22. Stain Stick

    • because you aren’t as graceful as you look

  23. Iron / Steamer /Ironing Board

    • some of these may be provided, ask and see

  24. Tissues

    • because you will get sick at some point


YUMMY YUMMY FOOD

  1. Microwave

    • check the max wattage allowed by your school

  2. Mini Fridge

    • check the max size allowed by your school

  3. Reuseable Water Bottles

    • many schools are going “eco friendly” and have water bottle refill stations with filtered water, so don’t bring the costco sized pallet of water bottles

  4. Plates / Cups / Cutlery

    • disposable

    • if you want to be “eco friendly” only bring a few of each and clean them in the sinks

  5. Coffee Maker

    • for the 3 am study sessions that have you feeling some type of way

  6. Coffee

    • for the coffee maker obviously

  7. Tea

    • even if you don’t like it, drink it, it’s good for you

  8. Mugs / Travel Mugs

    • for coffee before and during your 8 am class

  9. Chip Clips

    • to preserve the last of the doritos

  10. Sandwich sized baggies

    • for everything + food


Actual School Supplies…

  1. Laptop

    • LOOK FOR DISCOUNTS, they are EVERYWHERE for students (I got my macbook at Best Buy for so cheap with their student deals)

  2. Mouse / Mouse Pad

    • for when you’re actually sitting at your desk

  3. Planner

    • invest in a cute one that will make you want to use it, then USE it

  4. Post-its

    • in EVERY color and size

  5. USB Drive

    • these are just about obsolete, but it might be nice to have when you’re not using your Google Drive (as I am now)

  6. Calculator

    • check and see what type you’ll need for your math class

  7. Computer Lock

    • if you have anything (except the newest MacBooks) you have a port for a lock to lock your computer to the desk.

    • YOU MIGHT TRUST YOUR ROOMIE, BUT DON’T TRUST EVERYONE YOU/ YOUR ROOMIE BRINGS IN THE ROOM

  8. Mini Stereo

    • if you can find a waterproof one, buy it

  9. Phone Chargers

    • bring one, and then a backup

  10. Power Strip

    • there generally aren’t enough outlets in the dorm rooms

  11. Extension cord

  12. General School Supplies

    • binders, dividers, sheet protectors, hole punch, stapler, index cards, markers, sharpies, paper, notebooks, loose leaf paper, paper clips, pens / pencils, planner, pocket folders, manila folders, post its, ruler, scissors (at LEAST one pair), tape, glue, whiteout, calendar


Misc things that I forgot to stick up there

  1. Fan

  2. Febreze

    • in whatever form you like

  3. Door stop

    • great for move in day and for meeting new people. They will smell coffee and come knocking

  4. Head Phones

    • lots and lots of pairs

  5. Umbrella

    • mini and full size

  6. Flashlight

    • for that bug that crawled under the desk at 1 am

  7. Health Insurance Card

  8. ATM Card

  9. License / ID

  10. Student ID

    • if you don’t bring this, stay home, just stay home


HOPEFULLY YOU KNOW HOW TO PACK CLOTHING.

IF YOU’RE NOT LOCAL, ASK LOCALS ABOUT THE GENERAL WEATHER. PACK ACCORDINGLY.

*pack clothes in trash bags for easy transportation*




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The Start of Something Beautiful

7/15/2015

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So I've deviated from the knitting world and crept into the crochet universe, and this is the beginning of my "Granny Square Blanket" . I think I have too much fun with various colors. This is an exciting new way to use up my scrap yarn!
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Want to make one of your own?
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    Hi, I'm Allie

    Just a college girl on a mission to do everything

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