Back To School Hacks
The science of standing out starts here. Turn preloved scraps into locker swag, folder art, and one-of-a-kind pencil cases.
Welcome, Prelove Scientists! This month’s experiment is all about school style, the Prelove You way. We’re testing whether secondhand scraps + a little imagination = A+ supplies. Spoiler: It totally does. So grab your glue sticks and goggles, and let’s take back-to-school prep into our own creative hands.
Spoiler alert: Yes, we can! Grab your lab coats (or an old T-shirt), and let’s get crafting.
Notebook Makeover
A new vibe for an old spiral.
Ingredients:
- Old notebook or composition book
- Fabric swatches, magazine clippings, stickers, or washi tape
- Mod Podge
- Scissors + imagination
Method:
- Cut fabric or paper into fun shapes (hearts! Lightning bolts! Random blobs!)
- Glue directly onto the notebook cover to create a collage-style masterpiece
- Add washi tape along the edges for extra flair (and durability!)
- Optional: Seal with a layer of Mod Podge to protect your creation
- Label your subject in bubble letters for bonus points
Parent Lab Report:
— Jordan, Parent Scientist
Pocket Pencil Tin
When mint tins become mighty.
Ingredients:
- Cleaned-out mint tin or glasses case
- Old stickers, washi tape, scrap paper, fabric
- Double-sided tape or glue
- Small pencils, crayons, or markers
Method:
- Decorate the outside of your container with stickers, paint, or washi tape
- Line the inside with soft fabric (cut from an old T-shirt or sock!)
- Fill with mini supplies and snap it shut for the most satisfying click
- Optional: Add your initials with a paint pen so no one “accidentally” takes it
Parent Lab Report:
— Sam, Parent Scientist
Custom Bookmarks
Because dog-earing is for amateurs.
Ingredients:
- Card-stock, cereal boxes, or old greetings cards
- Hole punch
- Yarn, ribbon, or shoelaces (for tassels!)
- Markers, stamps, or stickers for flair
Method:
- Cut your chosen material into long rectangles (bookmark-shaped, obviously)
- Decorate as desired: draw, sticker, write dramatic quotes like “Chapter One: Chaos Ensues”
- Punch a hole at the top and loop through yarn or ribbon to make a tassel
- Optional: Make a batch for the whole class and hand them out like scholastic valentines
Parent Lab Report:
— Reese, Parent Scientist
Reminder! Share your genius school supply upgrades with us @preloveyoukids to be featured in our Stories. We want to see your labels, tins, and chaos-powered notebooks. Lab goggles optional. School-ready confidence? Guaranteed.
