What is Washi Tape and how do you use it? | Washi Tape FAQ | BBB Supplies

Unleash your creativity with washi tape, the magical material that has taken the crafting world by storm. We will delve into the world of washi tape, uncovering its endless possibilities and revealing the secrets behind its popularity.

With its vibrant colors, unique patterns, and adhesive properties, washi tape has become the go-to tool for crafters, artists, and DIY enthusiasts. Whether you're decorating your planner, personalizing your journal, or adding a touch of whimsy to your home decor, washi tape offers a versatile and easy-to-use solution.

But what exactly is washi tape? Derived from traditional Japanese paper, washi tape is made from natural fibers, providing it with a delicate yet durable texture that sets it apart from regular adhesive tape. Its low-tack adhesive allows for easy removal and repositioning, making it ideal for both temporary and permanent projects.

In our FAQ, we will explore the endless creative possibilities of washi tape, including decorative techniques, innovative uses, and insider tips from seasoned crafters. Get ready to embrace the magic of washi tape and unlock your inner artist!

What the washi tape anyway?

I assume everyone knows what washi tape is, right? Wrong!! Even though washi tape is wildly popular and has so many uses, there are still people who ask me what the tape I am using in my videos and social media is called. Today, I am going to explain what it is, why it is so amazing, and what you can use washi tape for. Allow me to introduce you to the best thing, you maybe did not know you needed in your life.

I have had multiple people comment on my social media posts asking what is that “interesting tape you are using?”. I was telling my beau about the comment, and he said, well, honestly, I still don’t know what washi tape is. Pardon me while I pick my jaw up off the floor, this is a man I have lived with for over ten years. He knows I have been featured in HGTV and by Kelly Wearstler, and that it’s a popular item, since I make my living selling it, but he honestly did not know what it was after all these years. I guess if the man I share my life with does not know what it is, there are others out there. I will not rest until everyone knows what washi tape is, knows how to use it, and has at least one roll of it in their life!

The basic definition is that washi tape is a popular and versatile crafting material that can be used for a variety of purposes, from scrapbooking to decorating. This article will provide everything you need to know about washi tape or maybe more than you ever wanted to know (LOL), including the history, how to use it and where to find it.

 

How do you pronounce the word washi?

But first, to answer another frequently asked question. It is pronounced Wash-e. The word 'Wash' plus the sound of the letter 'E'. Sounds like 'waa·shee'. Surprisingly, this is my second most asked question in our comments. 

 

What is washi tape?

Now lets get into the good stuff! Washi tape is a type of adhesive tape made from sustainable natural fibers (usually a Japanese shrub like ganpi, kozo, mistumata or hemp). It has been popular in Japan, for hundreds of years.  It was used for Japanese arts like shodo and origami.

And now we have modern Washi tape which has become increasingly popular all over the world as a crafting material.

It was first commercialized in 2006, by the Kamoi Kakoshi Company and was used for industrial purposes. You might know them by their street name ‘MT’. The O.G. of Washi tape. MT Tapes started it all. They were the first to produce the tape with vivid colors and patterns. We still carry MT brand tape in our shop actually, but washi tape has such high demand these days there are plenty of manufacturers. We produce our own designs of washi tape, as well as curate other small business designers to sell in our shop. We’ve been in the business of washi tape since 2012… 10 years of washi has been wonderful!

 

Why is washi tape so popular?

There are a few reasons why washi tape has become so popular in recent years.

First, it's very versatile. You can use washi tape for a wide variety of projects, from journaling to scrapbooking to gift wrap to home décor and almost all crafts. Plus, it can stick to numerous surfaces, including metal, plastic, and wood, and bonus, comes off without any nasty residue.

Second, washi tape is relatively inexpensive. Even as designs become more intricate, it still remains a great crafting material for people on a budget.

Third, washi tape is so easy to use. It's not messy like other crafting materials such as glue or paint, so it's perfect for people who don't want to deal with the hassle of cleanup. It also tears easily saving you from using sharp scissors for a kid friendly craft option too.

Finally, washi tape comes in a wide variety of colors and patterns. This means that you are certain to find washi tape to match any project or décor style.

Also, bonus points that Washi Tape is environmentally friendly. Since it is made from highly renewable resources, and its biodegradable. And in case you were wondering, yes you can recycle washi tape too!

 

How is Washi Tape Made?

Washi tape is made of thin, delicate Japanese paper. The fibers in washi are much shorter than those in traditional western papers, making it much stronger and more flexible. Washi is also usually made using a mixture of different plant fibers, which gives it its unique texture and appearance. (also, why it is eco-friendly too!)

To be honest, I have mixed research on how it was and is made today, but for us, we make an adobe file with our own designs and our printer handles the rest, so there may be a better resource out there in the world wide web than us.  

 

How do you use washi tape?

Washi tape is so versatile there are literally endless possibilities for how you can use washi tape. We of course bring you weekly DIY projects and bullet journal tips to help you get some creative ideas, but it truly amazes me how many uses people can find.

Here are just a few ideas:

- Wrap gifts with patterned washi tape instead of boring old wrapping paper.

- Decorate your walls with washi tape in fun patterns and colors.

- Decorate house plant pots, picture frames, and other home décor items

- Use washi tape to create unique and personalized cards and scrapbook pages.

- Make your own labels and tags for storage containers using washi tape.

- Dress up plain notebooks and journals by decorating them with washi tape.

- Bullet Journaling, Planners and decorating your calendars or to-do lists.

- Make your own custom DIY stickers by cutting out shapes from washi tape.

- Create unique dividers for your notebooks or planners.

- You can use it to hold down paper for painting or create a border to avoid going outside the lines.

Head over to our Instagram page for all sorts of DIY, BUJO and Craft Projects using Washi tape.

 

Where can you buy washi tape?

Washi tape is available at most craft stores, as well as many online retailers. You can also find washi tape at some office supply stores, since it's become a popular material for making labels and tags. And of course, this our main product here at BBB Supplies, so we tend to think we have the best selection. (wink, wink) Plus, you help support small business when you buy from us. We design our own tapes, as well as, offer a small curated collection of other washi designers, mostly women owned and small business owners just like us!

 

Now that you know all about washi tape, it’s time to get creative! Just grab a roll (or two, or ten) and start exploring all the possibilities. Your imagination really is the only limit!