10 Inspiring Ways To Use Washi Tape

What is Washi tape?

Washi tape is a high-quality decorative masking tape made from rice paper which has been adopted into the crafting world. It serves as a stylish way to adhere elements and embellish projects and can be cut, torn, written on. These days you can find a huge variety of Washi tapes from craft brands around the world in a plethora of patterns, colours and widths.

How to use Washi tape in scrapbooking

Washi tape started it's journey in the world of scrapbooking and is often available within new scrapbooking releases which co-ordinates with the rest of the range to give the crafter everything they need to immortalise those precious memories! Layer your Washi to create backgrounds, or use it to frame or adhere photos to your layout - the possibilities are endless!

How to use Washi tape in art journals

Arty journals are a firm favourite of those who love mixed media, they serve as the perfect opportunity to forget about the usual restrictions and dimensions of a card or layout and allow you to spill out your creative thoughts on a page. There is no right or wrong way of creating an art journal page, and Washi is perfect here for building dimension, adding annotation and securing pieces of art together. Click below to see Helen Colebrook's journey through a page!

Treat yourself to some gorgeous new washi tape from the selection at CraftStash

How to use Washi tape in bullet journalling

A relatively new trend on the crafty scene is bullet journalling, this is where you create a trackable diary which highlights areas of your life which you'd like to track. It's less decorative that traditional scrapbooking and art journalling and more a regular ritual - in this setting, Washi tape can help to bookmark, create margins and organise your thoughts into a neat system. The sky is the limit when it comes to the layout, you can use an empty notebook to start your journey or buy a bullet journal with some pages laid out already.

How to use Washi tape for accessories

Customise trinkets and accessories in the home with Washi to give them a personal feel. As you can see here, Lou has added two simple strips of Washi tape to give this plain candle more personality - a great idea for gifts! Not only that, she has added it to her keys for a funky look!

How to use Washi tape on walls

Because Washi tape is made from rice paper, it's relatively easy to bend into non-linear shapes which makes it perfect for use on walls! You could use it to mask out an area, or create a work of art for your walls. This simple design for a baby's room completely transforms the space, and can be easily removed at any time.

How to use Washi tape for labels

Although Washi tape is designed to add decorative touches, it's also extremely practical, and low-tack which is great for adding and removing to a variety of surfaces. Have you tried using Washi tape to create labels for household or crafty supplies as Lou has done here? Experiment with different tape and pens to get the desired look for your space!

How to use Washi tape for masking techniques

The low-tack quality of Washi tape means that you can use it to mask areas when crafting. Use your stash to mask off borders, frames and accents to ink or paint your cardstock. As you can see below, Lou has created a beautiful three-colour blend using Washi tape and Distress Oxide Ink without it spilling onto the rest of the cardstock. The Washi itself could then be used for a mixed-media project - no waste!

How to use Washi tape to embellish paper clips

Did you know you can create cute little banners for your paper clips to make them more visible using a short strip of Washi tape? Take your little tabs that one step further by stepping into a V-shape banner! Add these to your layouts, journals and diaries for that special crafty three dimensional touch.

How to use Washi to create mini bunting

Following on from the technique used to make Washi paperclips, add your pennant tape to a piece of baker's twine to create little bunting! Why not pop this bunting onto wooden skewers to act as a cake topper?

How to use Washi tape in cardmaking

Washi tape is so versatile that it's the perfect accessory to have on hand when cardmaking. Use your Washi tapes to create full backgrounds in different formations - stripes, checks, plaid, chevrons. Punch or die-cut washi pieces to create small patterned embellishments or use it to build designs as shown below with this fantastic Christmas tree!

Why not take it one step further and add decorative touches to gift wrap using Wash tape?

Watch our video to learn how to make your own Washi tape!

Happy taping!

Natalie