What is Washi Tape? 7 Ideas on How to Use Washi Tape

Washi tape is a must-have for any crafting enthusiast! This decorative tape, made from traditional Japanese paper, comes in a dazzling array of colors and patterns. With its versatility and easy-to-use nature, washi tape can transform ordinary objects into extraordinary art pieces.

Whether you’re a seasoned crafter or just getting started, you’ll love the endless possibilities it offers. In this blog, we’ll dive into what makes washi tape so special and share seven creative ways to use it in your projects. Let’s get started and add some washi tape magic to your life!

What is Washi Tape?

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Washi tape is a decorative adhesive tape made from traditional Japanese paper. The name comes from “wa,” meaning Japanese, and “shi,” meaning paper. Unlike regular masking tape, washi tape is made from natural fibers like bamboo, hemp, or the bark of trees native to Japan, such as the mulberry, mitsumata shrub, or gampi tree. This gives washi tape its distinct texture and durability.

One of the most appealing aspects of washi tape is its versatility. It is easy to tear by hand, can be repositioned without leaving residue, and comes in a wide array of colors and patterns. Whether you’re looking to add a subtle accent or a bold design, there’s a washi tape for every occasion.

Additionally, washi tape is popularly known as MT (Masking Tape). Its combination of beauty and functionality makes it a favorite among crafters and DIY enthusiasts worldwide.

Types of Washi Tape

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Washi tape comes in a variety of types, each suited to different uses and preferences. Here are the main types of washi tape:

Patterned Washi Tape

Description: Features a wide array of patterns, including stripes, polka dots, florals, and more.
Uses: Perfect for creating intricate designs and decorative borders.

Foil Washi Tape

Description: Incorporates metallic elements, such as gold, silver, or holographic foil.
Uses: Great for adding a touch of glamour and shine to your projects.

Wide Washi Tape

Description: Wider than standard washi tape, often measuring around 1 inch or more.
Uses: Excellent for covering larger surfaces, such as book covers or creating bold wall art.

Thin Washi Tape

Description: Narrower than standard washi tape, typically around 5mm in width.
Uses: Ideal for detailed work, such as outlining, labeling, or creating intricate patterns.

7 Ideas on How to Use Washi Tape

1. Decorating Notebooks and Journals

Personalizing your notebooks, planners, or journals with washi tape is a delightful way to add a personal touch. Whether you’re organizing your thoughts or documenting your day, washi tape can elevate your stationery to a whole new level. Here’s how you can get started:

What You Will Need:

• Washi tape (choose your favorite types and patterns)
• Notebooks, planners, or journals
• Scissors (optional for precise cutting)

Begin by selecting a color scheme or theme that inspires you. With washi tape, you can easily create borders, design unique cover patterns, or even craft section dividers inside your notebooks. The best part? If you ever feel like switching things up, carefully peel off the tape and start anew! Adapt your stationery to reflect your current style and mood.

2. Gift Wrapping

Add a special touch to your gift wrapping by using washi tape. Secure wrapping paper, create decorative elements, or even craft custom tags and cards. The variety of patterns and colors available can transform a simple package into a work of art.

What You Will Need:

• Washi tape in festive colors and patterns
• Wrapping paper or gift bags
• Scissors for cutting tape and paper

Start by choosing a theme or color scheme that matches the occasion. Use the washi tape to embellish the edges of your gift wrap, create bows, or secure tags with flair. You can also layer different tapes to create unique patterns and textures. Let your imagination guide you as you personalize each gift with a touch of creativity and love. Your recipients will appreciate the extra effort and the beautiful presentation that only washi tape can provide!

3. Wall Embellishment and Décor

Transform your living space with washi tape! Whether you’re renting or just love changing up your décor, washi tape is perfect for creating temporary art on light switches, Smart devices, photo collages, even framed wall art. Here’s how you can make your walls pop:

What You Will Need:

• Various rolls of washi tape in colors and patterns of your choice
• Scissors for cutting tape to size

Start by envisioning your design—geometric shapes, abstract patterns, or even frames for your favorite photos. The beauty of washi tape is its flexibility; you can experiment freely knowing it can be easily removed without leaving marks. Update your wall art to match your mood, the season, or simply for a change of scenery. Mix and match tapes to create stunning, personalized designs that reflect your unique style. With washi tape, your walls can become a dynamic canvas that evolves with your creativity!

4. Card Making and Scrapbooking

Enhance your handmade cards or scrapbook pages with washi tape—it’s like adding a touch of magic! Here’s how you can bring your projects to life:

What You Will Need:

• Washi tape in various colors, patterns, and widths
• Cardstock or scrapbook paper
• Photos, embellishments, and markers for additional decoration

Start by choosing your base—whether it’s a greeting card or a scrapbook page. Use washi tape as borders to frame your creations or as a creative way to attach photos and memorabilia securely. The tape’s decorative properties add texture and color effortlessly. Experiment with layering different tapes to create unique patterns or use them to highlight important elements. Personalize each piece with handwritten messages or doodles directly on the tape. With washi tape, your cards and scrapbooks will not only look stunning but also reflect your personal style and creativity.

5. Phone and Laptop Accessories

Personalize your phone case, laptop cover, or other tech accessories with washi tape—it’s a game-changer for tech lovers! Here’s how you can give your devices a stylish upgrade:

What You Will Need:

• Washi tape in various colors and designs
• Clean, dry surface of your phone case, laptop cover, or other accessories

Start by cleaning the surface of your device to ensure the tape adheres well. Then, let your creativity flow as you apply washi tape to create patterns, stripes, or even intricate designs. Mix and match tapes to match your mood or seasonal themes. The best part? If you want to change your device’s look, simply peel off the tape—it won’t leave residue behind! This affordable and customizable solution allows you to showcase your personality while protecting your gadgets. With washi tape, you can make your tech accessories as unique as you are!

6. Fashion Illustration

Washi tape isn’t just for paper—bring it into your fashion illustrations for a fun and unique twist! Here’s how you can use it to enhance your designs:

What You Will Need:

• Washi tape in various colors and patterns
• Sketchbook or drawing paper
• Drawing pencils, markers, or pens

Start by sketching out your fashion designs on paper. Use washi tape to add colorful accents, create patterns, or even outline clothing details like seams or accessories. The tape’s easy-to-use nature allows you to experiment freely, adjusting your designs as you go. Whether you’re creating runway-worthy looks or casual street style, washi tape adds a tactile and visual element that sets your illustrations apart. Mix and match tapes to explore different textures and create depth in your drawings. With washi tape, your fashion illustrations can become vibrant expressions of your creativity and style!

7. Flashy Earrings

Transform your jewelry collection with washi tape! Here’s how you can create eye-catching earrings that reflect your unique style:

What You Will Need:

• Washi tape in vibrant colors and patterns
• Earring hooks or studs
• Scissors for cutting tape to size

Start by selecting your favorite washi tape designs. Cut small strips or shapes from the tape and apply them to the surface of your earring hooks or studs. You can layer tapes to create patterns, or use solid colors for a bold statement. The lightweight nature of washi tape ensures comfort when worn. Experiment with different combinations and styles to match various outfits or occasions. These DIY earrings not only add a pop of color to your ensemble but also showcase your creativity and flair. With washi tape, you can make every pair of earrings a reflection of your personal fashion sense!

Staff Tips:

We recommend to customers who are crafting with washi tape to apply a sealer over it to ensure it stays put. Depending on the brand of washi and or the surface the washi gets applied to – it can peel up. A lot of washi tape has similar sticky to a Post-It note. A sealer we like is by Ranger- Multi Matte Medium because it dries matte – not glossy and only a very thin layer is needed. Mod Podge or spray sealer are also good options.

Finally- though not it’s intended use, paper crafters often use Washi tape for functionality in other crafting techniques. Such as to hold down die cuts in specific placement on cutting mat before running through die cut machine. Or to tack down paper project before stenciling so paper doesn’t shift while working on it. Another great use for washi is to mask off areas that you don’t want to get ink or stamped images on. Crafters like to do this because washi tape is so affordable and typically a roll of washi is so generously long that using a little for crafting techniques helps the crafter feel like they are getting more for their money when they can use the washi in more than just for decoration.

Conclusion

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Exploring the creative possibilities of washi tape opens up a world of artistic expression and personalization. Whether you’re enhancing your everyday items like notebooks and tech accessories or diving into more specialized projects like fashion illustrations and homemade gifts, washi tape offers versatility and charm.

Its easy application and removal make it a perfect medium for experimenting with different designs and styles, allowing you to effortlessly update your décor, stationery, and accessories to match your mood or the occasion. From simple yet elegant gift wrapping to intricate fashion sketches and personalized home décor, the possibilities are limitless.

Let your imagination run wild as you explore the endless ways to use washi tape, turning everyday objects into works of art that reflect your creativity and style.