Washi Tape Wednesdays
Washi tape addicts unite – join in if you’re wild for washi!
OK, who doesn’t love washi tape? Anyone?
We’re addicted!
Totally. Devotedly. Addicted.
And we’re betting there are at least a few of you who feel the same way.
So, we’re kicking off a new series, a series that’s all about washi tape!
Now you might be wondering, “How much can we possibly say about washi tape?”
Well, we assure you, plenty!
And we’re starting right now, beginning with its origin story, followed by a simple (and super cheap!), re-purposed storage option.
Now before we get started,
what do YOU want to know about washi tape?
(Besides how to get your hands on more, more, more!)
Share your thoughts in the comments
and we’ll do our best to oblige!
You might just
WIN some wonderful washi
just for doing so!
Now fasten your seat belts because we’re off…to Japan!
Washi Tape, The Origin Story
What is ‘washi?’
Well, the word “washi” comes from wa ‘Japanese’ and shi ‘paper,’ and the term is used to describe paper made by hand in the traditional manner. (Source: Wikipedia)
So then what is ‘washi tape?’
Washi tape is Japanese paper tape.
And how is it that this tape came to be?
MT, a company known for quality washi tapes, shares this:
“Since long ago, paper masking tape has been used industrially in all kinds of ways. Kamoi Kakoshi in Japan has been making specialty paper adhesives for almost 100 years.
In 2006, the company received an email from 3 women in Tokyo who were using their industrial tapes in beautiful craft projects. Amazed by this surprising and wonderful usage, Kamoi Kakoshi invited the women to visit their factory. This visit inspired the development of an entirely new and original category of tape: MT brand washi tape, colorful tape which is easy to tear by hand and reposition on nearly any surface.” (Source: – The MT Washi Tape Story)
Washi Tape – What Do I Do With It?
For those who might not yet be familiar with (and addicted to) this type of decorative tape, and for those who have quite a collection and need ideas for putting it to good use, there are TONS of ways to use this repositionable, often semi-transparent tape:
- as decoration on papercraft projects (think scrapbook layouts, cards, tags, mini albums, notebooks, etc.);
- in planners (to bring attention to special days or events, or just to liven up boring, white pages);
- to make ‘happy mail’ even happier;
- for creating labels and flags, banners and bows, tabs and pulls, rosettes and even fancy twist-ties;
- to create coordinated gift-wrapping;
- as a way to label your tools and possessions;
- for modifying plain notebooks or stationery;
- to make snazzy party decorations;
- for personalizing everything from your keyboard to your car;
- and heck, you could even decorate yourself with it!
And we bet you can come up with even more ways to use this happy little supply!
Got ideas?
Share ’em, won’t you?
Washi Tape – How Do I Store It?
Is your washi collection out of control?
Yeah, we know the feeling!
But we also have lots of ideas for you – let’s get that washi under control!
Washi Tape – Storage Option #1: A Re-Purposed Embroidery Hoop
As I was wandering the aisles of my local craft store recently, I swung by the needle arts aisle, a favorite destination for a gal who started embroidering when she was 10 years old (thanks Oma!).
And as I approached the embroidery supplies, scanning the pegs for something new and exciting (come on, you know you do this too!), I was suddenly struck by a re-purposing opportunity, an opportunity to put to use something I own quite a few of.
Yup, you guessed it, embroidery hoop turned washi storage!
I started checking out the various hoop types (plastic vs. wood) and sizes (tiny vs. HUGE) and opening mechanisms (small screw vs. large clip) and eventually settled on a wooden hoop that’s 10″ (a size I believed would accommodate quite a few rolls of washi tape) and quick and easy to open and close.
And yes, even though I own a bunch of these hoops, I wanted to try out my idea with a new one, one that I’d be able to recommend to y’all if it worked as well as I thought it would.
Considering this hoop was only $1.67 (thanks Hobby Lobby!), I wasn’t too worried about wasting money if it turned out that this hoop didn’t work as I’d predicted it would.
And besides, I could always use the hoop for another craft project or for storing something else (ribbon anyone?!).
But low and behold, it worked perfectly!
And just in case you’re concerned that it would be difficult and/or time-consuming to remove rolls, or add new rolls as you collect buy them, this type of screw opening (shown below) makes that process super quick and easy.
And quite honestly, I wouldn’t take rolls off to use them – just grab the visible end, pull out as much tape as you need and tear!
Now if you have dexterity issues, you might want to check out hoops with a larger screw and/or a clip closure, but keep in mind that the screw, clip and ‘bend’ of the hoop must fit through the washi tape roll opening.
No room for storing a hoop such as this one on or near your work surface, but still want to keep your washi handy?
You could always hang the filled hoop from a rail or drawer handle, or in a closet!
Well, that’s it for usage and storage ideas today – we hope you find them useful…and fun!
During the coming months (maybe even years!) we’ll be sharing examples of the usage ideas listed above, as well as incorporating your requests and ideas into what we share.
Oh, and we’ll be offering you lots of options for organizing and storing your washi!
So make a note in your calendars and get ready for lots of shares from our Washi Tape Wednesdays series!
Thanks for tuning in today
and if you like the ideas we shared today,
please share this post with your crafting buddies –
we’d sure appreciate it and we bet they would too!
Have a great weekend,
Steph & The PCC Team
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