Reusable DIY First Day of School Sign

You want to do something to commemorate that special day every year for your kids because it helps get (or keep) them excited about the first day of school. You also love looking back at these photos through the years and watching your tiny human grow into his or her own person. Of course, you’re also a busy mom with a ton of stuff to do. This reusable DIY first day of school sign lets you collect those precious photos while not adding yet a another project to your to-do list every year.

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Collage of Kids Holding first Day of School Signs with text overlay - Reusable DIY First Day of School Sign

 

[bctt tweet=”This reusable DIY first day of school sign is seriously perfect for capturing that special day! After the first day, simply store it away until next year.” username=”diyadulation”]

With 3 kids in school now, I knew I didn’t have the time to make 3 separate first day of school signs each year. The end of the summer and back to school season is hectic enough without piling on extra work.

That’s why I wanted to create something that was pretty, fun, and reusable year after year. This reusable DIY first day of school sign is perfect. We were able to get all of the photos in about 10 minutes which was amazing, and still had plenty of time to be ready for the first day.

 

Smiling Child Holding First Day of School Sign

Note:

I used the First Day of School printable from this month’s Monthly Subscription Bundle. (Not a part of it? Get your subscription here.) Alternatively, you can use any first day of school printable you like for this project. Remember to change the color of the chalk marker if the background of the printable you use is lighter than mine so that those awesome facts show up in your photos!

 

Materials for First Day of School

Reusable DIY First Day of School Sign Materials

Step 1

First, print out your First Day of School printable and set aside.

 

Stack of Colorful Translucent Rulers

Painted Back of Translucent Rulers

Step 2

Then open your rulers and paint the back of them with white acrylic paint. I bought 2 3-packs from the Dollar Tree so I had extra. I chose to use 2 blue rulers, 1 green, and 1 pink.

Step 3

Set you rulers aside and allow the paint to dry.

 

Glass Removed from Snap Frame

Step 4

While your rulers dry, pop the glass out of your Snap frame.

 

First Day of School Printable in Snap Frame

Glass over First Day of School Printable in Snap Frame

Step 5

Place your First Day of School printable inside and return the glass to the frame.

 

Blue Rulers Glued to Long Edges of Snap Frame

Step 6

Next, glue 2 of your dry, painted rulers to the long edges of your frame with hot glue. I ran a line of glue along the inch edge of the ruler then pressed it firmly to the frame. You don’t want too much overlap over the glass of the frame or it covers your pretty printable.

 

Green and Pink Rulers Glued to Short Edges of Snap Frame

Step 7

Finish the frame by gluing your remaining dry, painted rulers to the short edges of your frame.

Step 8 (Optional)

For a cleaner look, wipe the excess paint that is on the front of the rulers after they are attached to your frame. The paint comes off with a damp cloth or paper towel.

 

Chalk Writing on First Day of School Sign

Step 9

Use your chalk marker to fill out the details on your sign for one child.

 

Smiling Boy Holding First Day of School Sign

Step 10

Take your cutie’s photo then use a damp paper towel followed by a dry paper towel to remove the chalk marker.

 

Smiling Girl Holding First Day of School Sign

Step 11

Repeat for each of your kiddos then store for next year!

 

Close up of Sign with text overlay - Reusable DIY First Day of School Sign

This reusable DIY first day of school sign is seriously perfect for capturing your tiny humans’ growth each school year. After the first day, simply store it away with the extra school supplies you’re hoarding for inevitable refills until next year. Not only is this a totally easy-to-make project, but it already checks one thing off of next year’s back to school to-do list!

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Close up of Sign with text overlay - Reusable DIY First Day of School Sign