Michaels gets ready for back-to-school

IRVING, Tex. Michaels has dozens of back-to-school project ideas for personalizing notebooks, lunch boxes, backpacks, lockers and more through The Knack, Michaels' resource for moms and teachers that helps enrich kids' lives through creativity.

Project ideas are available online at www.michaels.com/theknack. Michaels will also host a free back-to-school event at all U.S. and Canada stores on Saturday, Aug. 15 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., where kids can personalize pencil boxes.

"For kids who feel anxious about going to school, having a personalized school-related item in their classroom can serve as a comforting reminder of home," said Lena Zettler, director of psychology and behavioral health for Cook Children's Medical Center in Fort Worth, Texas. "The skills used doing crafts are important, whether a child is entering kindergarten or is approaching the teen years."