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Fun and Easy (and Frugal) Washi Tape Projects
OK, the washi tape craze is still going strong, even though it's been a few years since this very versatile tape hit the market and the craft rooms of crafters all over the world.
It was once expensive, only available at specialty stores and almost a collector item.
These days however, it's cheap, readily available at $2 shops, Kmart, Daiso, Costco, craft shops, online and just about every department store in the country.
And the ranges! From bold brights to pale pastels, subtle through strong patterns, there is a washi tape to suit your taste.
And to prove how versatile it is, here are some really fun, easy and frugal washi tape projects you can make for yourself or to give as gifts (Mother's Day is coming up!).
Where to Buy Washi Tape
Kmart - in the craft area. They have a gorgeous range of washi tapes, all themed and co-ordinated, and very budget friendly - 10 x 5m rolls for $5 in a handy storage tube.
Costco - if you have a Costco membership, buy your washi in bulk! C'mon, everything's in bulk at Costco, even washi tapes. Get 24 x 10m rolls for $19.99 - 83c a roll! And the range of colours and patterns is stunning.
Daiso - where else would you get beautiful washi tapes than at the source? Washi tapes are Japanese, and Daiso is the Japanese mini-department store that sells everything for $2.80!
$2 Shops - if you have a favourite $2 shop with a decent craft section it is sure to have a range of washi tape.
Craft stores - prices and range will vary, but expect to pay more than from any of the above stores.
It was once expensive, only available at specialty stores and almost a collector item.
These days however, it's cheap, readily available at $2 shops, Kmart, Daiso, Costco, craft shops, online and just about every department store in the country.
And the ranges! From bold brights to pale pastels, subtle through strong patterns, there is a washi tape to suit your taste.
And to prove how versatile it is, here are some really fun, easy and frugal washi tape projects you can make for yourself or to give as gifts (Mother's Day is coming up!).
Where to Buy Washi Tape
Kmart - in the craft area. They have a gorgeous range of washi tapes, all themed and co-ordinated, and very budget friendly - 10 x 5m rolls for $5 in a handy storage tube.
Costco - if you have a Costco membership, buy your washi in bulk! C'mon, everything's in bulk at Costco, even washi tapes. Get 24 x 10m rolls for $19.99 - 83c a roll! And the range of colours and patterns is stunning.
Daiso - where else would you get beautiful washi tapes than at the source? Washi tapes are Japanese, and Daiso is the Japanese mini-department store that sells everything for $2.80!
$2 Shops - if you have a favourite $2 shop with a decent craft section it is sure to have a range of washi tape.
Craft stores - prices and range will vary, but expect to pay more than from any of the above stores.
Project 1: Washi Tape Pegs
Pretty pegs are a lovely gift, and beautiful to use. Stick a magnet on the back and they're practical too.
You will need:
Washi tape
Wooden spring clothes pegs
PVA glue or Mod Podge
Cut a piece of washi tape the length of the clothes peg. Tape it down and smooth it out. Trim if needed.
Give the tape a coat of diluted PVA glue or Mod Podge to seal.
Glue a magnet to the back if you wish.
These pegs are for indoor use only.
Pretty pegs are a lovely gift, and beautiful to use. Stick a magnet on the back and they're practical too.
You will need:
Washi tape
Wooden spring clothes pegs
PVA glue or Mod Podge
Cut a piece of washi tape the length of the clothes peg. Tape it down and smooth it out. Trim if needed.
Give the tape a coat of diluted PVA glue or Mod Podge to seal.
Glue a magnet to the back if you wish.
These pegs are for indoor use only.
Project 2: Washi Water Bottle Vases
This is a great way to turn a disposable water bottle into something pretty and useful. Take a plain water bottle and make it your own with washi tape to create a unique and personal vase. When you get sick of the design, just peel the tape off and use different tapes to create a new pattern.
Simply wrap the bottle in strips or even stripes of the washi tape.
Couldn't get any easier!
This is a great way to turn a disposable water bottle into something pretty and useful. Take a plain water bottle and make it your own with washi tape to create a unique and personal vase. When you get sick of the design, just peel the tape off and use different tapes to create a new pattern.
Simply wrap the bottle in strips or even stripes of the washi tape.
Couldn't get any easier!
Project 3: Covered Journals with Matching Pencils
Perfect for Mum for Mother's Day, a simple notebook becomes something glamorous for taking notes, making shopping lists, planning - whatever!
To cover the pencil, tape over the eraser end. Then use white craft paint to paint the pencil white. Choose your washi tape. Run a strip of washi down the length of the pencil. Break off. Run another strip of washi down the pencil, matching it to the seams of the first strip. Use your fingers to brush it down firmly to make sure it sticks. Use a craft knife to trim the ends.
To cover the notebook, if it has a dark or heavily patterned cover, re-cover it using white printer paper. Start your pattern in the centre of the cover, running strips on the front, over the spine and around the back cover. Mix and match or co-ordinate designs and patterns and continue running strips of washi tape until both sides of the cover are completely covered. Fold the tape ends to the insides of the cover and press down. You can leave them as is, or cut pieces of coloured or white paper to size and stick down to cover the ends. Personally, I like to leave the ends of the washi showing as they create their own staggered design.
Perfect for Mum for Mother's Day, a simple notebook becomes something glamorous for taking notes, making shopping lists, planning - whatever!
To cover the pencil, tape over the eraser end. Then use white craft paint to paint the pencil white. Choose your washi tape. Run a strip of washi down the length of the pencil. Break off. Run another strip of washi down the pencil, matching it to the seams of the first strip. Use your fingers to brush it down firmly to make sure it sticks. Use a craft knife to trim the ends.
To cover the notebook, if it has a dark or heavily patterned cover, re-cover it using white printer paper. Start your pattern in the centre of the cover, running strips on the front, over the spine and around the back cover. Mix and match or co-ordinate designs and patterns and continue running strips of washi tape until both sides of the cover are completely covered. Fold the tape ends to the insides of the cover and press down. You can leave them as is, or cut pieces of coloured or white paper to size and stick down to cover the ends. Personally, I like to leave the ends of the washi showing as they create their own staggered design.