Chances are pretty good you have heard about Washi tape. Whether you are a scrapbooker, crafter, or DIY extraordinaire, you have had to come across Washi rolls. But, do you know what it is and all the ways it can be used?
Washi Tape is a crafters dream. This product can be used in various ways and is easy to cut, shape, and remove.
If you have any questions regarding the Washi tape, continue reading this article which will address what this product is, how it is used, and so much more.
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The Origin of Washi Tape
For years, Washi fabric was frequently used to create crafts, mend clothes, create paper crafts, repair clothes, and make origami art.
In 2008, A well-known tape manufacturing company, Kamoi Kakoshi, released their first line of decorative “masking tape,” two years after some customers requested more colorful and interesting options, mimicking Washi fabric.
This particular tape didn’t take long to gain popularity, and crafters everywhere started buying it up and requesting more.
This traditional Japanese natural fiber tape comes in a massive amount of different designs and colors, making it perfect for crafts and decorations.
What is Washi Tape Used For?
Because Washi tape is a combination of blended rubber, it is a durable, sticky, versatile product that tears easily and can be used on many different surfaces. Washi tape never leaves behind any messy residue and can be used for almost anything.
Below are a few different ways you can use Washi tape.
Scrapbooking
Scrapbooking is probably one of the most common crafting projects that use Washi tape. This is a great way to create nifty borders, fun pictures, and perfect frames.
Wrapping Gifts
If you want your gifts to look unique, try taping your wrapping paper down with decorative Washi tape instead of traditional bows and ribbons.
Decorating Your Notebooks or Folders
Many people will use Washi tape to decorate their favorite folders and notebooks by adding different colors and designs. This is a great way to personalize your school or work supplies fashionably.
Wall Art
Thanks to its no-residue properties, you can use Washi tape to decorate your room by creating fun shapes and designs with different colored stripes. Utilize this product to make unique borders, creative pictures, or to put your name on the wall.
Photo Frames
Another fun craft you can try is creating photo frames with your choice of Washi tape. Using this tape can make it easy to showcase and easily frame your favorite photos, posters, or paintings, whether sticking them to your wall or folding your tape in half and turning it into an actual frame.
Create Labels and Organizational Tools
Use your Washi tape to organize your paperwork, containers, or pretty much anything else around the home by creating fun and fashionable labels. You can also use this tape to create graphs, maps, and schedules to keep your life on course.
10 Unique crafts and creations
While we already mentioned a few different popular ways to use Washi tape, there are tons of actual crafts and creations that you can make with your products.
- Try linking pieces of this product together to create a beautiful Washi bracelet.
- Cut tiny squares and decorate your computer keyboard to make it match your personality.
- Who wants boring pencils in their backpacks or office? Use the Washi tape to give them a more vibrant look.
- Use Washi tape to create a road map on the floor of your kitchen, letting your little one’s race cars all day, with an easily removable track.
- Decorate plain mason jars with your favorite Washi tape colors and designs for beautiful candle decor.
- Are you in need of a new bookmark or luggage tag? This durable, colorful product is a great way to create your own.
- Design your own diary. Use the Washi tape to personalize a notebook to make it the perfect place for all of your secrets and dreams.
- Protect and decorate your laptop shell with different types of Washi tape
- Make your water bottle as unique as you are by creating unique designs with this product.
- Don’t like the look of your cell phone case? Spice it up with some great colors and shapes
We could keep going for quite a long time, but it is safe to assume you get the point.
Teachers and Classrooms
Teachers can utilize Washi tape in many ways to organize, decorate, and add excitement to the classroom. This is a fantastic option for making the world’s best bulletin boards, labeling seats and desks, or organizing your space. (not to mention adding to your craft supplies.)
Nail Art
Washi tape is easy to cut and is fairly flexible, making it ideal for creating fun nail art, allowing you to match your fingers and toes to any outfit or event.
Types of Washi Tape
Technically there is only one type of Washi tape, which is the kind produced in Japan many years ago. However, this tape has picked up many names and tons of followers and copycats since then.
Here are the many names you might hear when shopping around for this decorative type of adhesive.
- Washi tape
- Decorative masking tape
- Decorative adhesive tape
- Washi adhesive tape
- Washi masking tape
- Japanese paper tape
- Decorative tape
- Deco tape
- Craft tape
- Sticky tape
- Paper tape
- Silk tape
- Decorative Duct tape (Duct tape is its own brand but has many great designs, sizes, and colors and is used for the same reasons.)
Washi Tapes Most Used Colors, Shapes, and Styles
It is nearly impossible for us to include all of the designs offered by Washi tape manufacturers, so we decided to list the most popular options available on the market today.
- Solid colors- Pastels, neon, fluorescent, metallic, glitter
- Floral prints- Roses, lotus flowers, pear blossoms, daisies, sunflowers, etc.
- Animal prints- Leopard and tiger spots, zebra stripes, cow spots, paw prints, etc
- Animals- Domestic, wild, reptiles, prehistoric, mythical
- Shapes- Hearts, stars, polka dots, stripes, arrows, triangles, squares, etc
- Food- Donuts, cherries, apples, popcorn, pineapples, etc.
- Holiday themes- Christmas, Valentines Day, Thanksgiving, Halloween, Easter, etc
- Lace
No matter what type of project you are working on, there is a great chance there will be a Washi tape pattern perfect for the job.
The Best Way to Store Washi Tape
With all of the fabulous styles, colors, and sizes Washi tape comes in, you are going to need an easy and organized way to store your Washi tape. Luckily, there are tons of great ideas out there that make keeping your Washi tape accessible and out of the way.
Shoe Boxes
Grab an empty shoebox and line your Washi tape up one by one, side by side, all around the edges, then take the end of the tape roll and stick it to the lip of the shoe box, keeping the rolls in place and the tape easy to grab when it is needed.
Thread Rack
Place your Washi tape rolls on a thread rack just like you would spools of thread. This is another quick way to display your options in an easy-to-access manner.
Paper Towel Holder
You can grab a couple of cheap paper towel holders from just about anywhere. Instead of sticking your next roll of paper towels on it, stack your Washi tape up in an organized, coded fashion.
Rope
Hang a rope across the wall horizontally, then thread the Washi tape rolls through the rope providing a quick, easy, and affordable way to organize your crafts.
Washi Tape Organizer
When all else fails, head on over to your local craft store and purchase a Washi tape organizing station. These are not too expensive and can fit plenty of tape rolls neatly.
Washi Tape FAQs
Do you still have questions regarding the use of Washi tape? Hopefully, we have those answers here.
Is Washi Tape Expensive?
Not at all. Washi tape will cost about $1-$2 per roll and even cheaper when purchased in large packs.
Why Use Washi Tape Over Other Options?
There are many different benefits to using Washi tape. Some of these benefits include:
- It’s waterproof
- It’s durable
- You can write or draw on it
- It doesn’t leave residue
- Versatile and can be used on almost any surface
- Comes in tons of colors and designs.
Where Can You Buy Washi Tape?
Washi Tape has become so popular you can purchase it at just about any store you go to or online such as department stores, craft stores, Amazon, dollar stores, etc.
What is Washi Tape Made Out Of?
Washi tape is made from Japanese paper made from natural fibers such as bamboo, Gampi tree, rice, hemp, and wheat.
Summary: Everything you need to know about Washi tape
The properties of Washi tape make it a unique and fantastic option for daily use, whether it is for creating crafts, organizing your life, or improving the look of your items. No matter your style or unique taste, there is a Washi tape for that.