Blog

Jul 27, 2023

Back To School Crafts With The xTool M1

As the kids head back to school that means one thing – more time to catch up on things I want to do, especially crafting. What better to celebrate the quiet time than by making special DIY gifts for

As the kids head back to school that means one thing – more time to catch up on things I want to do, especially crafting. What better to celebrate the quiet time than by making special DIY gifts for my students and their teachers. Here are 11 back-to-school crafts to make with Tool M1.

The possibilities of cute crafts with the xTool M1 are endless. Not only does the laser machine laser etch and laser cut wood, leather, metal and more it also has a blade feature that slices through vinyl. Every craft on this list can be replicated with the versatile xTool M1.

One of the features that makes the xTool M1 unique is its ability to cut with both a laser and a blade. In the list of back-to-school crafts below, you will find projects that use both of these features. I hope you find inspiration from this list as you get ready to send your students back to school. For more information about the xTool M1 check out my previous post xTool M1 Laser Cutter Review And Easy Project Ideas.

Engraved Pencils

My very first project on my xTool (and still my favorite) – engraved pencils. I still remember the personalized pencils my mom bought me in elementary school. I thought it was so cool to have pencils with my name on them, now that I can bypass the middle man and make my own it’s even cooler! But it’s not just names, I put cutesy sayings on a set of colored pencils just to make my daughter smile. Get the digital file so you can make your own here.

First Day of School Signs

Step up those first day of school photos with your own personalized first day of school sign. I love the look of this one with your student’s name on top and wipe board material used to customize the sign year after year. Get the digital file so you can make your own here.

Silicone Bento Boxes

I’m obsessed with these silicone bento boxes. In fact, I’ve already ordered a blank one for each of my girls to engrave with their names. Cute and practical, even the high schooler says she would use it at school! KW Custom Creations has tons of great blanks for laser engraving including the silicone bento box.

Post-It Note Holder

Colorful Post-It notes make this simple project pop. Perfect for teachers, students and staff, I think everyone could use a Post-It note holder on their desk. (I even want to make one for me!) Get the digital file so you can make your own here.

Bookmarks

For every reader in your life. Add a pretty ribbon to complete these wooden bookmarks. You can personalize them further by adding “to” and “from” on the back. Get the digital file so you can make your own here.

Taylor Swift Inspired Teacher Shirt

We are in our Taylor Swift Era in this house and I know more than a few teachers who would appreciate this on a shirt. This is another easy project that uses the blade vs. the laser on the xTool M1 to cut heat transfer vinyl. Get the digital file so you can make your own here.

Teacher Gift Card Holder

Teachers’ favorite gift – a gift card, but make it cute! This is an easy, beginner-level laser project, but the recipient will be so impressed you made it yourself. Get the digital file so you can make your own here.

Apple Earrings

Nothing says back to school like these cute little apple earrings. Cut from thin basswood, you can paint all of the details with paintpens. What a cute gift for teachers and staff. Get the file to make your own here.

Custom Ruler

Move over boring wooden rulers. Not only does this one have a straight edge, you can trace circles too! For even more customization, you could engrave your child’s name. Get the file to make your own here.

School Years Picture Frame

How cute is this project?! This is another one I plan to make for myself. Keep all of those school photos in one place with this DIY school years picture frame. You could make it from plain basswood and paint it or use a pretty walnut and leave it raw. Get the digital file so you can make your own here.

Hand Sanitizer

I made this customized hand sanitizer for my daughter’s Kindergarten teacher and she refilled it all year. It’s an easy and practical gift for anyone – especially teachers. This is a great beginner project that uses the blade attachment for the xTool M1, not the laser.

Key Chains

Keychains have been a popular back-to-school accessory in our house since Kindergarten. Never mind that none of the kids carry keys, they are a fashion accessory on their backpacks and lunchboxes. I’ve only just started playing with acrylic, but I can’t wait to make some of these.