The Wonders of Washi

Hi Friends! It's Suzanne, Rebecca's momma, and I'm happy to be back here on the PPP to share some ideas of what you can do with a fun but humble crafting supply - washi tape.

First, what is washi tape?  It's a low-tack rice paper tape that comes in a variety of widths, styles and colors. It is also known as Japanese masking tape.  You can get washi tape at craft stores, from online retailers, and even at the dollar store, though the decorative tape at the dollar store stretches the definition of washi tape as it's a little thicker and less translucent than traditional washi tape. 
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I've gathered a fairly large collection of washi tape over the years because it's a cheap thrill. A roll of washi tape is generally less than $2 and since it comes in so many beautiful colors and patterns it's always fun to pick up a few rolls when it feels like my craft supplies are feeling a little flat.  I’ve gotten some in sets and as single rolls from Michaels and Stampin’ Up!.  Some comes from the Dollar Store, some from Staples, some even from IKEA.  The large wide black rolls are chalkboard tape that can be used for labeling.

​First and foremost, washi tape is used in paper crafting. I've used it on several greeting cards as you can see here. I started with basic white card bases and a piece of 12 by 12 embossed cardstock which I cut into 6 4 by 5 ¼ inch mats. I selected coordinating washi tapes and laid them on a white piece of cardstock to use as a focal image on my card. 

​Since washi tape is low tack I extended the washi over the edge of the card and stuck it down on the back so that when I glued the focal image on the card it would be held in place. A simple stamped sentiment finishes the card. Because the washi tape is so thin, there's no added bulk to cards made with it so they are very mail friendly and requires no extra postage. You can see that I punched out the mat for the sentiment of my card before laying down the focal image so that the mat of the sentiment would match the mat of the card. 

 I've begun working on the third set of these cards and decided this time to add my washi tape directly to the embossed mat. My first choice of washi tape was the one with butterflies on it, but after laying down the first strip I decided I didn't like it. This shows one of the great things about washi tape. 

​I was able to pull it up and put another tape down without ruining the embossed paper. This is because the tape is so low tack that the tape does not immediately bond with paper that's it is adhered to.  

​Paper crafts is not the only thing that you can do with washi tape. On Easter, I realized I’d forgotten to buy decorative napkins. I did however have some pink napkins and some washi tape with Easter eggs on it. Voila - Easter napkins a few moments later!

​Here’s an incredibly wonderful smelling but incredibly boring looking candle made a whole lot cuter with a little bit of washi tape in matching colors to the wax.

​A kalanchoe plant from Trader Joe’s adds a beautiful spot of color to the dining room table but the pot it came in leaves a little to be desired.  Sliding into this glass cylinder vase with some Spanish moss in the bottom and a few stripes of this wood grained tape really elevates the look.  

​Finally, as renters, we can’t make any permanent changes to our apartment.  We can add a little personality, though, with a few stripes of washi tape across a very plain bathroom mirror.  The washi helps to bring a little of the shower curtain color over to the other side of the bathroom.

I hope this post has given you some ideas on how you could add some life and color to some dull spots in your home.  See you next time!

Rebecca here: today's photo on the homepage is provided by the website building program I use, Weebly.