Please tell me I’m not the only one who loves school supplies and stylish desk accessories. There are so many fresh designs right now, but that obsession can get expensive fast. With a few smart choices and a little creativity, you can transform inexpensive finds into a coordinated, budget-friendly homework station.
When the new Scotch Expressions line of decorative tapes arrived, I knew exactly how to use it: thrifted and budget office supplies customized with colorful tape. I found a metal tray and a small wooden box with nice details that would work well on a desk. After two coats of glossy white spray paint, the pieces became a perfect blank canvas for pattern and color.
The Scotch Expressions collection includes washi-style patterns, decorative masking tape and printed shipping tape in a wide range of colors and prints. The best part: these tapes are easy to apply and remove, so you can switch your look without buying new accessories. I used two rolls of patterned masking tape to add color to a stapler, tape dispenser, notepad, file folders, a file organizer and a small canister of push pins and paper clips. A little bit of tape on each item instantly pulled everything together.
Everything came together quickly, and then I remembered the iPad. Allison’s school has moved to iPads for many classes, which means fewer textbooks and more devices to keep track of. Since tablets typically come only in black or white, a decorative tape trim is a fast, reversible way to personalize a device and make it easy to spot among classmates’ gear.
This is a quick and easy iPad makeover that works on most tablets. When you’re ready for something new, simply remove the tape and apply a fresh pattern for an updated look.
How to Customize an iPad
- Place decorative tape around the edges of the screen, overlapping slightly at the corners for a neat finish.
- Leave a small gap for the front-facing camera or carefully cut a hole with a precision blade.
- Fold the tape over the edges and smooth it down. Use a sharp utility knife to trim neatly around the home button and cutouts.
- Add a short piece of tape to the charger cable or the plug so chargers are easy to identify when many devices are charging at once.
Tip: go slowly and press firmly as you apply the tape to avoid bubbles. If you prefer, use thinner washi-style tape for curved edges and heavier masking tape for flat surfaces.
We are both thrilled with how a little tape updated her workspace. The finished desk looks coordinated and cheerful, and most of these items are sturdy enough to take to college next year. Swapping out tape colors and patterns will give her a fresh look when she’s ready for a change.
Scotch Expressions tapes are sold at many office supply retailers and online. Because the tape is removable and available in so many prints, it’s a practical, low-cost way to refresh school gear, tech accessories and desk storage.
What is your favorite way to get organized for back to school?
Disclaimer: This post was sponsored by Scotch Expressions. As always, all ideas and opinions are my own.