Back to School Care Package

Dear Reader,

I love buying school supplies.  I had fun with the experience as a child (shopping with my mom and the list provided by my school) and now enjoy thinking toward that experience with my son.  There is a wonderfully fresh feeling about starting the year off with new notebooks, ink pens that have a lot of writing-life in them, and pencils with completely unused erasers.

Over the last few years, I have tried to put together care packages for some family and friends who are starting a new year of school.  I find it a great opportunity to let them know that you're thinking of them, especially with extended family and friends to whom I don't send a birthday card or Christmas gift during the year.

I'm working on the finishing touches for a package headed out this week to a friend of ours, a young woman who is starting at a new school this year.  Here are a few of the standards that are making their way into the package:

{composition notebooks, highlighters, pens, dictionary, sticky notes, and a felt flower clothespin}

 And I also worked on a craft to send along - a pencil case.  I painted and then added decorative paper to the lid.  I sealed the box, hot glued a felt bottom to the box, and then added a mini chalkboard embellishment to the top.  The pencils are inside and ready to be sharpened!

I remember my back to school experiences always feeling somewhat bittersweet - excitement about a new academic year and what experiences to consider ahead, and yet also sad to let go of the carefree conditions of summer.  I imagine that words of encouragement, a thinking of you note, or small package may be a nice boost with school days and homework ahead.

I'm linking up with Heather today for Life Made Lovely Monday!