The Ultimate DIY First Day of School Sign-Speech Bubble-Style -

24 Shares

The First Day of School sign has become a ubiquitous Fall symbol marking kids’ annual milestones as they progress into a new grade.

Everyone puts one together and then proudly snaps the picture of their precious pride and joy to then share on line with family and friends.

As I was about to embark on this social media, sign-building bandwagon, I couldn’t help but wonder if it was really necessary and of course, if I would do it-how could I create the Ultimate DIY First Day of School Sign.

Like it? Pin it to read again later.

Back to school. Such a busy time of year. So much to do to get ready-fresh school supplies, fresh outfits, fresh lunch and breakfast ideas, and of course…the fresh spankin-new First Day of School Sign.

I’ll admit, I was a little bit late to this social media led trend. I couldn’t understand why everyone had to label their kids.

I mean, really? My mom never made us wear signs in our pictures growing up and we did just fine. Sure years later, if a stray pic didn’t end up in the correct album, we might’ve had to do some Nancy Drew sleuthing and deduce that said picture was taken in XYZ year but it was fine because we had clues–outfits, hairstyles, backgrounds, missing baby teeth, etc.

So I really didn’t understand the need. Honestly, it just seemed like more work for the already overworked busy mom (aka moi).

But like most trends…eventually I caved.

When it was time for my oldest child to take her first giant leaps into Elementary School, I decided to jump on the First Day of School Sign Bandwagon.

I spent hours combing Pinterest for the perfect design because if I was going to do this, I was going to do this!! And it was going to be the best darn homemade sign ever!

But to my surprise, I couldn’t find a single idea that didn’t cover up the child’s special First Day of School outfit. And then it hit me–I needed a sign like you’d use in a photo booth.

How to Make a Photo Booth Style Back to School Sign

What You’ll Need

12 X 12 sized cardstock -1 or 2 colors
markers or chalkboard pen
pencil and scissors
masking tape and possibly glue stick
photo-booth sticks (wooden dowels) or culinary skewers (available at the local grocery store)

Steps to Create the Speech Bubble Back to School Sign-OPTION 1

I decided to make mine chalkboard style so I used black 12 X 12 Chalkboard paper.

I wanted the signs to look like giant speech bubbles so I took a pencil and drew out a speech bubble shape.
Then I cut out the shape and carefully wrote out what I wanted to say in pencil.
When I was happy with the text, I went over it with the white chalkboard pen.
Next, I taped my speech bubble to the wooden rod. At this point, I realized it was a bit flimsy, so I went back and traced another piece of card-stock to use on the back to reinforce it.

Steps to Create the Speech Bubble Back to School Sign-OPTION 2

I’ve created a printable if you’d like a pre-made speech bubble instead.

Download the printable
Print out the appropriate year (ex: Kindergarten, first grade, etc) on card stock.
Cut out the speech bubble.
Attach the wooden dowel to the back with tape. If any of the edges flop, you can break a wooden dowel into a smaller piece and attach it across to give it more structure. (See my video above for a demonstration).

Again-here’s the link to download the above printable.

Tips and Tricks (aka Lessons Learned)

You want the speech bubble strong enough so that it stands flat. You can either use really thick card stock or just use a couple wooden dowels to hold the sign in place so it doesn’t flop over. I’ve added a video to this post so you can see what I mean.

Voila: The Ultimate DIY First Day of School Sign-Speech Bubble-Style

Before you go–I’d love to hear your thoughts:

School Sign–Yes or No? Leave me a comment below.

Tell Your Story-Live Creatively

Sign up for our newsletter and receive the On-The-Road Photography Checklist! Never miss another important photo opportunity again.

admin

HI! I’m a Shana, self-proclaimed Media Mixologist, wife, and mom to two little girls. I love to mix up cocktails of crafts, recipes, wellness, family and business with just the right amount of sparkle to help you shine everyday. So, grab a glass, and let’s celebrate the cocktail of life!

Pin24

24 Shares