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WATCH: Get creative with these back-to-school book covers

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Bashiera Parker

With the first day of school on our heels (officially kicking off on Wednesday 15 January 2020), it’s time to start polishing those shoes, making sure that uniform still fits and buying in that back-to-school stationery.

But we know full well that it’s not always easy to get everything together, what with the kids still on holiday and having them chime in at the store wanting the very best of what’s on the shelf.

Well, it’s Parent24 to the rescue, as we’ve put together a few ideas to keep the kids occupied until school and make shopping simpler and, dare we say, affordable.

With these creative ideas you can buy a roll of brown paper, cover their school books and have them decorate them on their own. They’ll be the coolest kids in school with these book covers!

Watch the video and check out our tips and tricks below to see how to make these book covers.

Geometric pattern covers

Tools

  • Book to cover
  • Brown paper
  • Masking tape
  • Paint and paintbrushes

Tips and tricks

  • Always cover your work surface so that you don’t get paint all over the house. It might be a good idea to also make sure the kids wear old clothes just in case they get paint on themselves.
  • Be sure to use masking tape. It’ll cover the parts you don’t want any paint on and it’s not too sticky, which means it won’t rip the paper.
  • Don’t do too many layers of paint on your brown paper. Remember it’s thin and the wetness of the paint might make it warp. Don’t be alarmed if it does anyway – once it dries you’ll be good to go.

Lacey covers

Tools

  • Book to cover
  • Brown paper
  • Paper doily
  • Glue stick
  • Scissors

Tips and tricks

  • We used a white paper doily, but you also get other pretty colours, including gold and silver. Alternatively, the kids can paint the doily any colour they want and let it dry, before sticking it onto their cover.
  • Be sure to use a glue stick. Runny glue could seep through and ruin your brown paper.

Splash covers

Tools

  • Book to cover
  • Brown paper
  • Piece of paper
  • Sticky tack
  • Diluted paint and paintbrushes

Tips and tricks

  • Splashing is a lot of fun, but remember, it’s also a huge mess. Be sure to cover the work surface and wear old clothes.
  • Dilute the paint you have so that it’s liquid enough the splash. Too much paint will warp the brown paper though. So not too much splashing!
  • We suggest using the middle section with no splash to write the subject and your child’s name.

While we have no doubt that these book covers will come out wonderfully, they’re no good if they get damaged. Be sure to buy plastic covers or contact paper to protect your little one’s beautiful creations.

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Read more:

5 tips to get back to school ready

Keep their gear in tip-top shape

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