10 Things To Make With Washi Tape That Will Blow Your Mind!
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There are so many things to make with washi tape that your problem may end up becoming an embarrassment of riches! Decorations, crafts, even jewelry – can be put together using this unique crating tape that is definitely taking this little corner of the world by storm.
Washi tape is also known as “Japanese masking tape” if you’ve ever seen this alternate labeling. The literal definition of the word “washi” is the material that it is made from – rice paper.
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Semantics aside, it’s a little bit different from traditional masking tape you might see in the hardware store in that it is a little transparent. And instead of that one plain beige color, it comes in multitudes of colors and pretty patterns!
Some of the Coolest Things Are Made From Washi Tape!
If you have ever used painter’s tape, washi has got about the same amount of adhesive power. It goes down on most surfaces and can be removed easily without gummy residue left behind.
One other big difference is that washi tape rolls tend to be smaller than your typical roll of masking tape. Here’s some rolls I got on sale at Hobby Lobby one afternoon (Aren’t they cute?)
Where versatility is concerned, it can easily stand toe to toe with colorful duct tape. You can tear it or trim it as needed. There are gazillions of things you can do with washi tape, so without further ado, let’s dive in!
(Oh, and this list is not exhaustive by the way)
Washi Wall Decorations
Its easy adhesive and removal makes it perfect for wall decal art. Need an easy-peesy way to decorate the walls of your new dorm room, or to embellish your walls like a champ with the same kind of wallpaper accents you can do yourself? Look no further, this tape has got you covered!
Hair Ornaments
I love this adorable hair bow I found made out of strategically folded washi – What do you think? Too cute! And if mastered you won’t have to worry about the tape sticking to your hair either. A great accessory piece, and other than the tape you just need a few bobby pins.
Image credit: JustKatie05
Bookmarks and book covers
All you need in addition is some cardstock cut to the right size, strategic wrapping with the tape and presto, you’ve got a one of a kind bookmark. But don’t stop there, if you want to embellish your reading collection in style, as well as your journal notebook covers, washi tape the binding and/or the front too with your own pretty patterns.
Toothpick adornments
If you’ve got a catering gig and you want to dress up those appetizer trays a little with unique looking picks, all you need is some flat toothpicks. Wrap a piece of the tape around the end of the toothpick,folded in the middle, and you can trim the ends too or use a die-cut device to make scalloped edges.

Cute little flags made from toothpicks and washi tape
Jar lanterns
Got a nice little mason jar collection? Wrap some washi tape around the jar perimeter to create colorful lanterns that can hold a tealight candle. With the tape being semi-opaque, the candlelight will really make a great visual statement!
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Pencil or pen caddy
Wrap tape around a tin can perimeter for a great upcycled storage caddy. Consider alternating colors for stripes or floral patterns which look great too.
Pro Tip: Because washi tape has less adhesive sticky power, it may curl back a little from non-linear objects like mason jars. Consider the application of an adhesive sealant like Mod Podge to your finished washi projects for added permanency.
Make one of a kind greeting cards
This is your go-to embellishment for the next special occasion card. Don’t forget, you can write on it too! Although it rends easily, you can trim it with scissors and create flanged or scalloped edges for your designs. Or you can embellish a cutout, like this one below:
Make some washi canvas art!
Using a substrate like a canvas, panel or masonite board you can go to town with this tape. Of all the things you can do with washi tape don’t overlook the obvious; its use as an artform. You can make abstract patterns or geometric shapes, by periodic cutting and strategic placing; or if you’re feeling avant-garde, tear that stuff up in different size pieces and create a collage like effect that will really grab attention. Below is a great example of both techniques 🙂
Make some jewelry
Yes, believe it or not, you can make jewelry too! Consider using a pre-made substrate like a wooden bangle bracelet that you can easily wrap the tape around. Another cool idea is to use safety pins, wrap small pieces of tape around the sides of them and you have the makings of a great twist on the classic safety pin bracelet that is originally made with small beads.
Image credit: CreativeMominCZ
Adorning gift wrap
Washi is great to use as a gift wrap adornment on the cheap in place of ribbons, also some parts of it can be used for gift tags.Why would I squander a dime on gift paper, and ribbon,when…I have access to tissue paper, drawing and sketch paper, brown paper bags….ALL of which are pliable, easy to cut and fold.
Grab some markers, some washi tape, glitter paint, and then get busy coloring or doodling all up and down the perimeter of the present….you’ve pretty much got the equivalent of a sheet of fancy printed stuff.
So What Are YOU Going To Washi Today?
Well, that’s a wrap-up, some of the most clever and creative things to make with washi tape that have minimal overhead cost and just need a little imagination to get you going. Realize this is just a warm-up guide, though, perhaps there are other ideas you can think of using the above list as a jump-off point?
Happy Washiing!
Creative Commons Photo Attributions: echilds41
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