Use Washi Tape for 15 Fun Back-to-School Projects, It's Easy

Washi Tape for Back-to-School Projects

Back-to-school season brings fresh notebooks, sharpened pencils, and a whole world of creative potential. One simple and fun supply that kids can use to express themselves is washi tape—glitter tape, patterned duct tape, and more. It’s affordable, comes in endless styles, and is easy to use for all ages. Whether kids are organizing their school supplies or personalizing their locker, decorative tape turns ordinary school tools into customized masterpieces.

Here are a variety of imaginative and easy ways kids can use washi tape for back-to-school projects. Be sure to check out our TapeEz in action, showing how it helps create neat edges and makes finding the washi tape end quick and easy—perfect for kids and adults alike

1. Customize Notebooks and Binders

Plain composition books and three-ring binders become much more exciting with a few strips of colorful washi tape. Kids can:

Create patterns like stripes, chevrons, or checkerboards using different tape colors and designs.
Frame the edges or corners of a notebook cover for a neat, tidy look.
Use letter stickers or stencil letters in combination with tape to add their name or subject title.
Use tape to separate sections inside a binder by decorating the divider tabs with different tape themes.

This not only helps personalize their supplies but also makes it easier to distinguish between subjects at a glance.

2. Label School Supplies

Kids often misplace pencils, rulers, or even lunchboxes. Decorative tape can help prevent that by acting as both a design feature and an identifier:

Wrap a strip of washi tape around pencil shafts, scissors, or glue sticks.
Add a piece of washi tape to the corner of a folder or book and write the child’s name with a permanent marker.
Decorate a lunchbox or water bottle to stand out from similar ones in the cafeteria or classroom.

Tape adds flair while also serving a practical purpose—less lost stuff!

3. Make a DIY Pencil Case

Give kids a chance to design their own pencil case using clear zip pouches, small boxes, or even empty containers. Here’s how:

Take a plain zippered pouch and decorate it with washi tape in fun colors.
Wrap a small tin or box with different patterns to turn it into a stylish supply container.
Add labels like “Markers,” “Pens,” or “Erasers” with matching tape themes.

This turns a basic organizational task into a fun craft project.

4. Decorate Lockers

Lockers can be cold and boring—but not with decorative tape! Tape is a great temporary decorating option that won’t damage surfaces. Some locker ideas include:

Create wall art or geometric shapes inside the locker.
Add washi tape borders around small mirrors or magnetic boards.
Use tape to create a schedule chart on a locker door with sections for each weekday.

Kids can even change the design mid-year when they want a refresh, all without tools or adhesives.

5. DIY Bookmarks

Bookmarks made from decorative tape are fast, fun, and functional. Here’s a simple method:

Cut a rectangle of sturdy cardstock or index card.
Cover it with strips of decorative tape.
Punch a hole at the top and tie a ribbon or yarn through it.
Optional: laminate for extra durability.

Kids can create themed bookmarks for different subjects or gift them to friends and teachers.

6. Backpack Tags and Keychains

Avoid confusion in the backpack room or bus line by helping your child make a one-of-a-kind tag:

Use decorative tape to cover a cardboard cutout or plastic tag.
Write the student’s name and grade on one side.
Use clear packing tape or laminate to protect it.
Attach it with a carabiner, key ring, or zip tie.

Kids can even make matching tags for pencil pouches, lunch bags, or sports equipment.

7. Color-Coding Homework or Folders

Organization becomes easier when everything is color-coded—and washi tape makes it visually appealing:

Assign a different washi tape design to each subject (e.g., blue stars for math, pink flowers for English).
Wrap a strip around the top edge of each notebook or folder.
Apply the same tape to corresponding textbook covers or homework folders.

This method is especially helpful for younger students who are just learning how to stay organized.

8. Make a Mini Bulletin Board

Kids can create a portable mini bulletin board for their desk or locker:

Use a piece of corkboard, foam board, or cardboard.
Cover the edges with decorative tape.
Create faux “frames” on the board with different patterns.
Add push pins or clips to hold photos, notes, or reminders.

This encourages kids to stay on top of assignments or just enjoy displaying their favorite memories.

9. Jazz Up a School Calendar or Planner

Most schools encourage (or require) students to use planners. Tape can help:

Use different washi tape designs to separate weeks or months.
Create borders for important dates or assignment deadlines.
Use smaller pieces of washi tape as removable tabs or bookmarks.
Make a color key: one design for tests, one for projects, one for holidays.

This adds visual interest and helps students track important tasks.

10. Create Desk Organization Labels

Help kids set up a homework station at home that stays neat:

Use washi tape to make labels for trays, bins, or drawers.
Wrap the edges of pencil cups or storage boxes for a coordinated look.
Create sectioned-off areas on a desktop using washi tape as borders (ideal for organizing papers or devices).

This adds structure while letting kids have fun with colors and patterns.

11. Decorate Tech Accessories

Laptops, tablets, headphones, and chargers often look alike. Prevent mix-ups by using tape to:

Wrap headphone cords or charger cables.
Add decorative borders around a tablet case.
Customize a mousepad or laptop stand.

Just make sure the tape doesn’t block any ports, vents, or functionality.

12. Create Inspirational Quotes or Affirmations

Positive thinking boosts motivation. Help kids tape up their favorite encouraging messages:

Use tape to mount printed quotes or hand-drawn affirmations on notebooks, folders, or lockers.
Create a “quote of the week” display on a wall or board using a tape frame.
Use tape borders to add flair to a chalkboard or dry-erase board with rotating motivational phrases.

This supports emotional wellness as much as organization.

13. Design DIY Flashcards

Studying gets more fun when flashcards are decorated:

Cover the edge of each card with tape to reinforce them and add color.
Use different tape colors for different subjects or categories.
Add a border to the “answer” side for quick flipping and visual separation.

These make test prep and classroom review more appealing.

14. Embellish Art or Science Projects

Kids can use tape to enhance their school presentations:

Add decorative borders to a science fair display.
Create tape “frames” for photo exhibits or posters.
Use it as a design tool in dioramas, model buildings, or scrapbook-style projects.

Decorative tape is cleaner and easier to manage than paint or glue—perfect for classroom workspaces.

15. Create a DIY Reward Chart

Help younger kids stay on task with a fun sticker or tape-based chart:

Use a poster board or notebook sheet as a chart base.
Add tape to create grid lines for tasks and days of the week.
Let kids choose a different piece of tape to mark completed tasks.

This works well for homework routines, reading logs, or chores.

Final Thoughts

Decorative tape isn’t just a crafting supply—it’s a creative tool for self-expression, organization, and motivation. With a few rolls of washi or patterned duct tape, kids can bring personality and joy to their school year in ways that are both simple and meaningful. These fun back-to-school projects help students take pride in their materials, stay organized, and build excitement for learning.

Whether your child is in kindergarten or middle school, decorative tape is a low-mess, high-fun way to get the school year off to a bright and colorful start.