--- title: 7 DIY Projects To Get You Ready for Fall Semester description: Check out seven do-it-yourself projects, all of which can be put to good use once fall semester begins on Monday, Aug. 20. image: https://blog.jjc.edu/hubfs/Blog_Images/survival%20kit.jpg --- [Joliet Junior College Home Page ![Joliet Junior College Home Page](https://blog.jjc.edu/hubfs/RGB%20JJC%20Wolf%20Outline%202-Color%20Purple%20White.svg)](https://jjc.edu/) - [Apply Now](https://jjc.edu/getting-started/admissions/apply-now) - [My JJC](https://stujjc.sharepoint.com/) - [iCampus](https://icampus.instructure.com/) - [Technology Resources](https://www.jjc.edu/technology-resources) - [Giving](http://www.jjc.edu/giving) Open Search ![](https://www.facebook.com/tr?id=224127874799132&ev=PageView&noscript=1) ![](https://www.facebook.com/tr?id=224127874799132&ev=PageView%20&noscript=1) - [Getting Started](http://www.jjc.edu/getting-started) - [Admissions](http://www.jjc.edu/getting-started/admissions) - [Admitted Students](https://www.jjc.edu/getting-started/admitted-students) - [Pay for College](https://www.jjc.edu/getting-started/pay-college) - [Register for Courses](http://www.jjc.edu/getting-started/register-courses) - [Schedule a Visit](http://www.jjc.edu/getting-started/schedule-visit) - [Academics](http://www.jjc.edu/academic-areas-study) - [Academic Interests](http://jjc.edu/academics) - [Crawford Honors College](https://jjc.edu/getting-started/admissions/honors-college) - [Credit for Prior Learning](https://jjc.edu/student-resources/transfer-information/prior-learning) - [English as Second Language | ESL](https://jjc.edu/community/department-adult-education-literacy/english-second-language-and-citizenship) - [High School Diploma | GED](https://jjc.edu/community/department-adult-education-literacy/illinois-high-school-diplomaged-and-basic-skill) - [Search for Classes](https://selfservice.jjc.edu/Student/Courses) - [Online Learning](https://www.jjc.edu/online-learning) - [Student Resources](http://www.jjc.edu/student-resources) - [Bookstore](http://www.jjc.edu/student-resources/bookstore) - [Career Services](http://www.jjc.edu/student-resources/career-services) - [Disability Services](https://jjc.edu/disability-services) - [Mental Health & Wellness](https://jjc.edu/student-resources/mental-health-wellness) - [Library](https://library.jjc.edu/home) - [Multicultural Student Services](https://jjc.edu/student-resources/center-multicultural-access-success) - [Registrar](https://www.jjc.edu/student-resources/registrars-office) - [Student Advising](https://www.jjc.edu/student-resources/student-advising-center) - [Testing Services](https://www.jjc.edu/student-resources/testing-services) - [Transfer Resources](https://jjc.edu/student-resources/transfer-information) - [Tutoring & Learning Center](http://www.jjc.edu/student-resources/tutoring-learning-center) - [Veterans Resources](https://jjc.edu/student-resources/veterans-resource-center) - [Campus Life](http://www.jjc.edu/campus-life) - [Athletics](http://jjcwolves.com/) - [Cafe/Food Services](http://www.jjc.edu/campus-life/food-services) - [Child Care Services](https://jjc.edu/campus-life/child-care-services) - [Student Activities](http://www.jjc.edu/campus-life/student-activities) - [Student Rights](https://www.jjc.edu/campus-life/office-student-rights-responsibilities) - [Sustainability](https://jjc.edu/campus-life/sustainability) - [Community](http://www.jjc.edu/community) - [Adult Education](https://jjc.edu/community/workforce-education-adult-ed-literacy) - [Continuing Education](https://www.jjc.edu/community/continuing-education) - [Facility Rentals](http://www.jjc.edu/community/facility-rentals) - [Small Business Services](https://jjc.edu/jjc-entrepreneur-business-center-getting-started) - [Vendors](http://www.jjc.edu/community/vendors) - [Workforce Development](http://www.jjc.edu/community/workforce-development) - [About JJC](http://www.jjc.edu/about-jjc) - [College Leadership](http://www.jjc.edu/about-jjc/leadership) - [Inclusive Excellence & Advocacy](https://jjc.edu/about-jjc/office-inclusive-excellence-and-advocacy) - [Employment](https://www.jjc.edu/about-jjc/college-leadership/administration/human-resources/jobs-careers) - [Freedom of Information](https://jjc.edu/about-jjc/freedom-information-act) - [History](http://www.jjc.edu/about-jjc/history) - [Institutional Effectiveness](http://jjc.edu/about-jjc/institutional-research-effectiveness) - [Locations](https://jjc.edu/about-jjc/campus-locations) - [Places of Interest](https://jjc.edu/about-jjc/places-interest) - [Police & Safety](https://www.jjc.edu/about-jjc/college-leadership/administration/finance-administrative-services/police-and-safety) - [Strategic Plan](https://jjc.edu/about-jjc/strategic-plan) Search Together we can find what you're looking for: Enter your search term: Search Close Search - [Getting Started](http://www.jjc.edu/getting-started) - [Admissions](http://www.jjc.edu/getting-started/admissions) - [Admitted Students](https://www.jjc.edu/getting-started/admitted-students) - [Pay for College](https://www.jjc.edu/getting-started/pay-college) - [Register for Courses](http://www.jjc.edu/getting-started/register-courses) - [Schedule a Visit](http://www.jjc.edu/getting-started/schedule-visit) - [Academics](http://www.jjc.edu/academic-areas-study) - [Academic Interests](http://jjc.edu/academics) - [Crawford Honors College](https://jjc.edu/getting-started/admissions/honors-college) - [Credit for Prior Learning](https://jjc.edu/student-resources/transfer-information/prior-learning) - [English as Second Language | ESL](https://jjc.edu/community/department-adult-education-literacy/english-second-language-and-citizenship) - [High School Diploma | GED](https://jjc.edu/community/department-adult-education-literacy/illinois-high-school-diplomaged-and-basic-skill) - [Search for Classes](https://selfservice.jjc.edu/Student/Courses) - [Online Learning](https://www.jjc.edu/online-learning) - [Student Resources](http://www.jjc.edu/student-resources) - [Bookstore](http://www.jjc.edu/student-resources/bookstore) - [Career Services](http://www.jjc.edu/student-resources/career-services) - [Disability Services](https://jjc.edu/disability-services) - [Mental Health & Wellness](https://jjc.edu/student-resources/mental-health-wellness) - [Library](https://library.jjc.edu/home) - [Multicultural Student Services](https://jjc.edu/student-resources/center-multicultural-access-success) - [Registrar](https://www.jjc.edu/student-resources/registrars-office) - [Student Advising](https://www.jjc.edu/student-resources/student-advising-center) - [Testing Services](https://www.jjc.edu/student-resources/testing-services) - [Transfer Resources](https://jjc.edu/student-resources/transfer-information) - [Tutoring & Learning Center](http://www.jjc.edu/student-resources/tutoring-learning-center) - [Veterans Resources](https://jjc.edu/student-resources/veterans-resource-center) - [Campus Life](http://www.jjc.edu/campus-life) - [Athletics](http://jjcwolves.com/) - [Cafe/Food Services](http://www.jjc.edu/campus-life/food-services) - [Child Care Services](https://jjc.edu/campus-life/child-care-services) - [Student Activities](http://www.jjc.edu/campus-life/student-activities) - [Student Rights](https://www.jjc.edu/campus-life/office-student-rights-responsibilities) - [Sustainability](https://jjc.edu/campus-life/sustainability) - [Community](http://www.jjc.edu/community) - [Adult Education](https://jjc.edu/community/workforce-education-adult-ed-literacy) - [Continuing Education](https://www.jjc.edu/community/continuing-education) - [Facility Rentals](http://www.jjc.edu/community/facility-rentals) - [Small Business Services](https://jjc.edu/jjc-entrepreneur-business-center-getting-started) - [Vendors](http://www.jjc.edu/community/vendors) - [Workforce Development](http://www.jjc.edu/community/workforce-development) - [About JJC](http://www.jjc.edu/about-jjc) - [College Leadership](http://www.jjc.edu/about-jjc/leadership) - [Inclusive Excellence & Advocacy](https://jjc.edu/about-jjc/office-inclusive-excellence-and-advocacy) - [Employment](https://www.jjc.edu/about-jjc/college-leadership/administration/human-resources/jobs-careers) - [Freedom of Information](https://jjc.edu/about-jjc/freedom-information-act) - [History](http://www.jjc.edu/about-jjc/history) - [Institutional Effectiveness](http://jjc.edu/about-jjc/institutional-research-effectiveness) - [Locations](https://jjc.edu/about-jjc/campus-locations) - [Places of Interest](https://jjc.edu/about-jjc/places-interest) - [Police & Safety](https://www.jjc.edu/about-jjc/college-leadership/administration/finance-administrative-services/police-and-safety) - [Strategic Plan](https://jjc.edu/about-jjc/strategic-plan) - [Apply Now](https://jjc.edu/getting-started/admissions/apply-now) - [My JJC](https://stujjc.sharepoint.com/) - [iCampus](https://icampus.instructure.com/) - [Technology Resources](https://www.jjc.edu/technology-resources) - [Giving](http://www.jjc.edu/giving) Open Search # JJC Blog Learn more about student life and what you can accomplish at Joliet Junior College in our blog. # 7 DIY Projects To Get You Ready for Fall Semester Posted by [Sam Ritz](https://blog.jjc.edu/author/sam-ritz) on Aug 6, 2018 8:08:00 AM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) ![7 diy projects to get you ready for fall semester jjc joliet junior college](https://blog.jjc.edu/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog_Images/diy%20banner.jpg?width=600&name=diy%20banner.jpg) Are you creative? Love do-it-yourself (DIY) crafts? Want to stay occupied before classes begin in just a few short weeks? Look no further than this blog, where we list seven DIY projects that will get you ready for fall semester!  **JJC fall classes begin Monday, Aug. 20.** Haven't had the chance to apply? There's still time! Visit [jjc.edu/apply](http://www.jjc.edu/apply). **![book cover 7 diy projects to get you ready for fall semester jjc joliet junior college](https://blog.jjc.edu/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog_Images/book%20cover.jpg?width=350&name=book%20cover.jpg) 1. Textbook Covers** First, pick up your textbooks from the [JJC Bookstore](https://bookstore.jjc.edu/). Then get your creative juices flowing so you can create your very own textbook covers! **What You'll Need:** - Heavy duty paper (butcher paper or grocery sack paper) or fabric & thread - A ruler or measuring tape - Scissors - Art supplies (for decorating) - Tape (for paper cover) - Iron (for fabric cover) - Pins (for fabric cover) **How to Make a Paper Cover:** [Click here for step-by-step directions](https://onecreativemommy.com/diy-book-cover/)**How to Make a Fabric Cover:** [Click here for a video tutorial](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A5Ub6KvDe-0)   **![survival kit 7 diy projects to get you ready for fall semester jjc joliet junior college](https://blog.jjc.edu/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog_Images/survival%20kit.jpg?width=350&name=survival%20kit.jpg) 2. Survival Kit/Emergency Kit** A survival kit is just what you'll need for school emergencies. Grab a tupperware container or sack and start packing! Then keep this in your backpack or the trunk of your car. **You'll need:** - **Back up school supplies:** like pens, pencils, erasers, paperclips or post-it notes - **Basic first aid items:** like bandaids, general pain relievers (Tylenol/Advil), antacids, allergy medicine and cough drops - **Personal hygiene items:** like spray deodorant, toothpicks, breath mints/gum, hand sanitizer and chapstick - **Packaged snacks:** like trail mix, pretzels, candy or granola bars - **Important information:** like who to contact in case of an emergency (your parents, your doctor, etc) -   - **Miscellaneous:** like cash, an extra phone charger, batteries and water bottle  Feeling ambitious? [Check out this easy, no-sew tutorial on how to create a pouch](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HYBGtigLmLw) you can use for your kit.    **![pencil pouch 7 diy projects to get you ready for fall semester jjc joliet junior college](https://blog.jjc.edu/hs-fs/hubfs/pencil%20pouch.jpg?width=400&name=pencil%20pouch.jpg) 3. Pencil Pouch** There are plenty of DIY options out there for pencil pouches, depending on your skill level and how much time you want to spend. Check out a few tutorials below! **Duct Tape Pencil Pouch:** [See the video tutorial](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TyJyxkjMTPo)**Sewn Pencil Pouch:** [See the video tutorial](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i1AsfZRYlRM)**No Sew/No Zipper Pencil Pouch:** [See the video tutorial](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9GyhlMPEIFs)   **![7 diy projects to get you ready for fall semester jjc joliet junior college bullet journal](https://blog.jjc.edu/hs-fs/hubfs/bulletjournal1.gif?width=400&name=bulletjournal1.gif) 4. Bullet Journal** Have you heard of [bullet journaling](https://kalynbrooke.com/life-and-style/time-management/how-to-start-a-bullet-journal/)? Bullet journals are notebooks with little bulleted dots on the pages instead of lines. They allow you to customize the journal in your own way. You can draw [your own calendar](http://zenofplanning.com/bullet-journal-monthly-spreads/), create a checklist, make [habit trackers](https://www.planningmindfully.com/habit-tracker/) and more! [Check out this blog for some bullet journal page ideas](https://www.organizedmom.net/must-pages-need-bullet-journal/) or visit [bulletjournal.com](http://bulletjournal.com/) to learn more. **Not an artist?** No problem! Use a binder instead of a journal and print customizable pages online. [Check out these free printable bullet journal pages](https://lifeismessyandbrilliant.com/free-bullet-journal-printables/).   **![flower pen 7 diy projects to get you ready for fall semester jjc joliet junior college](https://blog.jjc.edu/hs-fs/hubfs/flower%20pen2.png?width=400&name=flower%20pen2.png) 5. Flower Pens** Tired of lending out your pens and never getting them back? Create a duct tape flower pen and your borrower will be sure to remember to return it! This fun craft only takes a few minutes and the only thing you need is a pen, scissors, a ruler and duct tape. [Click here to see the video tutorial.](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p-37aL0sN40)   **![canvas tote 7 diy projects to get you ready for fall semester jjc joliet junior college](https://blog.jjc.edu/hs-fs/hubfs/canvas%20tote.gif?width=350&name=canvas%20tote.gif) 6. Tote Bag/Backpack** Decorate a backpack or canvas tote to use for fall semester! Check out [these totes](https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_i_1_11?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=canvas+tote+bag&sprefix=canvas+tote%2Caps%2C205&crid=Q27XRRSIT96B) on Amazon, then choose paint or fabric markers to make your own design. **Feeling ambitious?** Check out [this sewing tutorial](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8BNt6uRmZiM) to create your own tote bag from scratch.      **![erasers 7 diy projects to get you ready for fall semester jjc joliet junior college](https://blog.jjc.edu/hs-fs/hubfs/multiplying%20erasers.gif?width=300&name=multiplying%20erasers.gif) 7. **Erasers**** Did you know that you can mold your very own set of pencil erasers from [eraser clay](https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B00OA6T8TO/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=15121&creative=330641&creativeASIN=B00OA6T8TO&linkCode=as2&tag=squirminds07-20)? Choose your own design or check out [these step-by-step directions](http://squirrellyminds.com/2016/08/10/diy-four-ways-to-make-diy-erasers/) to learn how to make specific shapes with molds, cookie cutters and more.  **Not registered for fall classes yet? There's still time!** Visit [jjc.edu/apply](http://www.jjc.edu/apply) to apply or register for classes using [MyJJC](http://my.jjc.edu).   **Related Posts** [10 Unique Classes You Can Take at JJC](https://blog.jjc.edu/10-unique-classes-you-can-take-at-jjc)[What to Expect Your First Semester at JJC](https://blog.jjc.edu/what-to-expect-your-first-semeter-at-jjc)[6 Ways to Unwind and Relieve Stress](https://blog.jjc.edu/6-ways-to-unwind-and-relieve-stress)[10 Questions to Ask Your Professor](https://blog.jjc.edu/10-questions-to-ask-your-professor)[What You May Not Know About JJC](https://blog.jjc.edu/what-you-may-not-know-about-jjc) \*\*\* **Like this post? Check out:** **[![Learn How to Get Started: JJC Graphic Design](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/487869/3f27f1a6-5227-4590-a0f6-8a3997dd1ee9.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/487869/3f27f1a6-5227-4590-a0f6-8a3997dd1ee9)** Tags: [For New Students](https://blog.jjc.edu/topic/for-new-students), [Just for Fun](https://blog.jjc.edu/topic/just-for-fun) ### Subscribe to Email Updates ### Recent Posts ### Posts by Topic - [Just for Fun (67)](https://blog.jjc.edu/topic/just-for-fun) - [Tips & Tricks (67)](https://blog.jjc.edu/topic/tips-tricks) - [About JJC (65)](https://blog.jjc.edu/topic/about-jjc) - [For New Students (52)](https://blog.jjc.edu/topic/for-new-students) - [Community (32)](https://blog.jjc.edu/topic/community) - [Careers (26)](https://blog.jjc.edu/topic/careers) - [JJC Experts (18)](https://blog.jjc.edu/topic/jjc-experts) - [Student Services (18)](https://blog.jjc.edu/topic/student-services) - [Holidays (17)](https://blog.jjc.edu/topic/holidays) - [Summer (16)](https://blog.jjc.edu/topic/summer) - [In-Demand Jobs (14)](https://blog.jjc.edu/topic/in-demand-jobs) - [Online Learning (14)](https://blog.jjc.edu/topic/online-learning) - [Money Saving Tips (13)](https://blog.jjc.edu/topic/money-saving-tips) - [COVID-19 (8)](https://blog.jjc.edu/topic/covid-19) - [Majors (7)](https://blog.jjc.edu/topic/majors) - [Study Abroad (7)](https://blog.jjc.edu/topic/study-abroad) - [Student Voices (6)](https://blog.jjc.edu/topic/student-voices) - [Financial Aid (5)](https://blog.jjc.edu/topic/financial-aid) - [Healthcare (5)](https://blog.jjc.edu/topic/healthcare) - [Culinary (4)](https://blog.jjc.edu/topic/culinary) - [FAFSA (4)](https://blog.jjc.edu/topic/fafsa) - [History (4)](https://blog.jjc.edu/topic/history) - [MakerLab (3)](https://blog.jjc.edu/topic/makerlab) - [Mental Health (3)](https://blog.jjc.edu/topic/mental-health) - [Recipes (3)](https://blog.jjc.edu/topic/recipes) - [Safety Tips (3)](https://blog.jjc.edu/topic/safety-tips) - [#BelongAtJJC (2)](https://blog.jjc.edu/topic/belongatjjc) - [Art (2)](https://blog.jjc.edu/topic/art) - [Automotive (2)](https://blog.jjc.edu/topic/automotive) - [Continuing Education (2)](https://blog.jjc.edu/topic/continuing-education) - [Corporate and Community Services (2)](https://blog.jjc.edu/topic/corporate-and-community-services) - [Radiologic Technology (2)](https://blog.jjc.edu/topic/radiologic-technology) - [Romeoville Campus (2)](https://blog.jjc.edu/topic/romeoville-campus) - [Scholarships (2)](https://blog.jjc.edu/topic/scholarships) - [Theatre (2)](https://blog.jjc.edu/topic/theatre) - [Transfer (2)](https://blog.jjc.edu/topic/transfer) - [Virtual Tours (2)](https://blog.jjc.edu/topic/virtual-tours) - [Wiley's Pack (2)](https://blog.jjc.edu/topic/wileys-pack) - [#JJCHeroes2020 (1)](https://blog.jjc.edu/topic/jjcheroes2020) - [Adult Education (1)](https://blog.jjc.edu/topic/adult-education) - [Application (1)](https://blog.jjc.edu/topic/application) - [Athletics (1)](https://blog.jjc.edu/topic/athletics) - [Bookstore (1)](https://blog.jjc.edu/topic/bookstore) - [CDL (1)](https://blog.jjc.edu/topic/cdl) - [Cleared4 (1)](https://blog.jjc.edu/topic/cleared4) - [Disability Services (1)](https://blog.jjc.edu/topic/disability-services) - [EEAS (1)](https://blog.jjc.edu/topic/eeas) - [English as a Second Language (1)](https://blog.jjc.edu/topic/english-as-a-second-language) - [Fine Arts (1)](https://blog.jjc.edu/topic/fine-arts) - [High School Equivalency (1)](https://blog.jjc.edu/topic/high-school-equivalency) - [JJC Alumni (1)](https://blog.jjc.edu/topic/jjc-alumni) - [Job Fair (1)](https://blog.jjc.edu/topic/job-fair) - [Music (1)](https://blog.jjc.edu/topic/music) - [Respiratory Therapy (1)](https://blog.jjc.edu/topic/respiratory-therapy) - [Resume (1)](https://blog.jjc.edu/topic/resume) - [Social Media (1)](https://blog.jjc.edu/topic/social-media) - [Student Ambassadors (1)](https://blog.jjc.edu/topic/student-ambassadors) - [Supply Chain Management (1)](https://blog.jjc.edu/topic/supply-chain-management) - [Virtual (1)](https://blog.jjc.edu/topic/virtual) - [graduation (1)](https://blog.jjc.edu/topic/graduation) see all [![Joliet Junior College](https://blog.jjc.edu/hubfs/Logos/RGB%20Wolf%20Outline%202-Color%20Purple%20White.png)](https://jjc.edu/) 1215 Houbolt Road, Joliet IL, 60431 [815.729.9020](tel:815.729.9020) - [Visit us on Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/JolietJuniorCollege) - [Visit us on Instagram](https://instagram.com/jolietjrcollege/) - [Visit us on X](https://twitter.com/JolietJrCollege) - [Visit us on TikTok](https://www.tiktok.com/@jolietjrcollege?) - [Visit us on YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/user/JolietJrCollege) - [Visit us on Flickr](https://www.flickr.com/photos/jolietjuniorcollege/sets/) - [Contact Us](https://www.jjc.edu/contact-us) - [Academic Calendar](http://www.jjc.edu/academic-calendar) - [JJC News & Events](https://jjc.edu/news-events) - [College Catalog](http://catalog.jjc.edu/) - [Bookstore](http://www.jjc.edu/student-resources/bookstore) - [Employment](https://jjc.edu/about-jjc/college-leadership/administration/human-resources/jobs-careers) - [Privacy Statement](https://jjc.edu/jjc-privacy-statement) - [Accessibility](https://jjc.edu/accessibility) - [Directory](https://jjc.edu/directory) - [Right To Know](https://jjc.edu/right-know-information) - [Title IX](http://www.jjc.edu/title-ix) © 2024 Joliet Junior College All Rights Reserved location time logo-full alert arrow calendar check close cta-chat cta-pencil cta-pin facebook flickr google-plus home instagram logo-shield menu minus number-one pinterest play plus plus2 search stat-1 stat-2 stat-3 twitter vine youtube tiktok