Back to School Supplies "Cake"

I can't believe it's already that time of year! My oldest is going into first grade. I've seen supply cakes all over Pinterest, and I decided to tackle one of my own for Jackson's new teacher. I combined a few different ideas into one.

First, I created a colored pencil "vase."

I used a mason jar, but because of the lip around the top, the pencils ended up uneven. I had to pull them off and start all over again! The next time, I got smart and added a few rubber bands around the bottom to even things out. I hot glued the pencils on, making sure the brand name was facing in. I even used a level to make sure they were staying straight!

Next, I made the base of the cake. I cut a circle out of a cereal box for the bottom and glued orange paper over it. In the center, I put Styrofoam circles from the Dollar Tree and placed the crayon boxes around it. The circles were 4 inches in diameter, and 6 boxes fit around it. I attached them with tape so that the boxes wouldn't have to be torn apart to get off of the base. I used green ribbon to line it.

The pencil vase sat in the middle. I added 3 glue bottles in front of it to fill the rest of the space. Those I attached with hot glue. I put two more glue bottles upside down inside the mason jar and added a few Expo markers on top. Secured with a rubber band, I wrapped them in green ribbon as well.

I'll add a tag to it, and it will be ready for Jackson to take to his teacher. I hope tomorrow starts a great year! 

Good luck to all of you sending your children off to school!!