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Usually the cheapest back-to-school supplies are also the most basic and ordinary. Add some flair and customize plain school supplies with washi tape, decorative masking tape that’s both cheap (you can get 12 different rolls for about $7 here) and incredibly cute. Here are some ideas to get you started:

 

1. Transform plain pencils. 

13 Stunning Washi Tape Back-to-School Hacks

 

To sharpen these pencils, peel back the washi tape before inserting into a pencil sharpener. Or, if you’re worried about pencil sharpener issues, try decorating just the ends of pencils, near the eraser.

 

2. Add designs to book covers. 
13 Stunning Washi Tape Back-to-School Hacks

Forgot how to make book covers out of paper bags? Use these easy instructions.

 

3. Reinforce hole punches.

13 Stunning Washi Tape Back-to-School Hacks

 

 

 4. Embellish plain dividers.

13 Stunning Washi Tape Back-to-School Hacks
13 Stunning Washi Tape Back-to-School Hacks

 

5. Decorate clean, empty cans and use them to organize school supplies.

13 Stunning Washi Tape Back-to-School Hacks

 Decorate old cereal boxes, jars, empty pringles cans, cups, etc., and use them to organize as well.

 

6. Make paper clip flags.

13 Stunning Washi Tape Back-to-School Hacks

They work great as bookmarks!

13 Stunning Washi Tape Back-to-School Hacks

 

7. Make the utensils in school lunches fun to use.
13 Stunning Washi Tape Back-to-School Hacks

 

RELATED: 11 Mind-Blowing Ways to Use Kool-Aid

 

8. Adorn binders and notebooks.
13 Stunning Washi Tape Back-to-School Hacks

We recommend using white or another solid color binder as most of the washi tape is see-through.

 

 

9. Cover plain binder clips.

13 Stunning Washi Tape Back-to-School Hacks

 

10. Label events in a planner or calendar.

13 Stunning Washi Tape Back-to-School Hacks

 

11. Decorate an empty Pringles can, fill it with cookies, and give it to a new teacher.

13 Stunning Washi Tape Back-to-School Hacks

 

12. Make decorative clothespin magnets.

13 Stunning Washi Tape Back-to-School Hacks

Stick washi tape on one side, and glue a magnet strip to the other side. These are perfect for lockers!

 

13. Label different subjects’ notebooks. 
13 Stunning Washi Tape Back-to-School Hacks

 

UP NEXT: 2016 Back-to-School Stock-Up Price List

2016 back to school supplies

13 Stunning Washi Tape Back-to-School Hacks