After this free planner post a few weeks ago, quite a few of you guys had some questions about washi tape. Some of you had never heard of it before and to me, it never gets old with all the possibilities. It’s reminiscent of Hello Kitty at the mall in the 80’s. I would get ten kinds of excited if I was allowed a trip to the store, and their fancy tape was always one of my faves. Anyone else have an unhealthy borderline 80’s kid addiction to that and/or Lisa Frank? Emerson just discovered some of my childhood books and we went on a total reading binge. Barbie looks like she was on some Farrah Fawcett perm hype and Ken wears his pants dangerously high. There was also Poochie and The Four Seasons Fair. Remember Poochie? Bueller? You’re welcome. For that complete derailment of rational thought.
Back to tape + my point:
I guess the post really should have been called “pretty tape” because I like to mix it in different finishes: fabric, glitter, and fun designs. It’s so common now, you can find it at nearly any craft store and online. (The kind you see below is from Michaels (near the scrapbooking section) and Amazon.) It’s perfect for organization, and spiffing up a lot of little, every-day kinda things. So today, I thought I’d cover a few of our very favorite super simple projects for your desk with pretty tape.
1. Use it in your planner.
To mark the months, days, weeks special events… and any upcoming kinda things. I’m a global learner, and it helps me. I actually remember things by marking them this way. Forever nerds unite.
And along those same lines… if you don’t have any stick on-tabs… just make your own to mark your spot in your favorite book.
{See what I did there?} Simply fold it in half with each sticky side on both sides of the page you wish to mark. Then leave it as a little square/rectangle, or cut the end in the shape of a flag. Tada! Instant marking for just about anything with pages. Write on top with a pen if you want to be super amazing.
2. Paper clips and clothes pins
And anything else remotely useful at your desk. These are just some plain old clothespins that I spiffed up, along with some paper clips from tarjay. Because sometimes it’s eye candy that can help you step into high gear with your bad (organizing/task-accomplishing) self.
3. Dress up your sketch book.
Or any other plain-jane book for that matter. From kinda cool to one of a kind in less than five minutes.
4. Make your filing pretty
Add it to any folder, file or little container. It’s an easy way to keep up with your stuff when you know what’s where. And it’s pretty. That’s all.
5. Instant art
Take any old plain frame, and layer different designs for instant punches of fun at your desk. Or anywhere else you’d like to add it. Because you are awesome.
6. Dress up your containers.
Change any boring container at your desk into something glitzy. A five-second wrap around can transform any old jar or glass holder.
7. Make your matte fabulous.
I kind of feel like everyone in the universe probably has these Ikea frames in their home or office… somewhere. And if not, then some version of it. Break out the matte, add a little tape (see a fun glitter version, here) and tada! For extra spiffiness… paint the frame, too.
8. Monogram it
Take any letter you can find in the aisle of any craft store (you may have noticed that green M in the photo above) and spiff it up with washi tape. Ours was painted from a previous project but you can add a bit of whim with just a strip – no paint required. Or cut your own from cardboard, with a few simple steps (here.)
9. Writer’s Block
Take any plain old pencils, and give them a whole new look.
On another note, my kids think I’m so cool. See: my new form of bribery incentives with home school.
10. Cool Convos
Take this + after adding a little tape to the back of your phone, cover it. Tada! Instant personalized, funky cover.
These are just a few of our favorite ways to add a little personality to your desk space… and organize it, too.
Have an inspired day!
Kyla F says
I love this post Ashley! Washi tape is one of my little delights in life and I will definitely be putting these ideas to use. Thank you for sharing 🙂
ashley @ the handmade home says
Thank you, sweet Kyla! Yes, it is a little delight, isn’t it? It’s the little things. SO much fun! I’m glad you might be able to use it!
Annie says
This is just perfect. I actually didn’t know what washi tape was until this post. So thank you for explaining that. ;D These are great ideas.
ashley @ the handmade home says
Yay Annie! So glad that helped! It’s addictive for sure!
Gina says
I love this! I was just working on my tape projects and planner this weekend. I might have a new addiction. 🙂
Tania says
Omighosh Lisa Frank!! YES. My favorite was the dolphin with the rainbow beach ball…you know the one right?!! Leaping majestically out of the water with that smile? Glory. Glory. 🙂
Why am I on etsy buying more Washi tape right now?!!? Because everything you did is gorgeous. I am using some Washi tape right now to make some chair legs not so boring…it’s an easy non-permanent fix. Love it. 🙂
ashley @ the handmade home says
Yes! The dolphin! And the lab, and unicorn and cheetah and musical notes. ;}
Mindy says
Washi tape question- I have a little stash that I bought forever ago from Pick Your Plum, but it’s not very sticky. For example, I made some chip clips from clothespins, but I CAN NOT get the tape to stay stuck. I know it’s not supposed to be permenant, but I’m wondering if I got a bad batch or something. Do you have trouble getting yours to stay stuck? (I tried doing ball jars too, and those were a total bust!)
ashley @ the handmade home says
Hey Mindy! That’s a great question. I find that some tapes stick better than others, based on how they’re made. If I’m wrapping some tape around something, sometimes, I’ll add a clear piece in a hidden area to make sure it stays stuck. Seems counter productive, but at least it sticks that way. I have had the same problem at times depending on the roll, and you’re not alone. I hope that helps a little. ;}
Amanda says
OMG! I had totally forgotten about the Poochie pink plastic heart shaped box full of make up and nail stuff I had. Can now exactly remember the little nail stickers in the set. Me=SuperNerd!
Washi tape is the best. Love your ideas. Haven’t tried sticking it to binder clips yet. Good idea, I am off to try it. Thanks for sharing!
The Style Sisters says
Great ideas! Come link up to centerpiece Wednesday and share these ideas with us. http://thestylesisters.blogspot.com/2014/01/centerpiece-wednesday-108.html
Tennille Mykula says
Great ideas! My daughter is crazy about washi tape. I’ll show her your post and let her imagination run wild. And thanks for the link for a clear cell phone case. I’ve been looking for one to decorate with Sharpies instead of paying $40 for a colorful that I’m sure I could make myself. I just might have to order your art books at the same time since Santa missed the memo 😉
Kerry says
Brilliant ideas will be trying these out xx
Meadows East says
I’m so glad these are easy to find in stores now! I just a blogger recently who had used bigger strips of it to dress up the inside of an archway in her home. It was a neat idea for renters who may not be able to paint or do much with the walls.
Rachel Wright says
I have been addicted to site since I found it! Thank you so much for all the creativity and for sharing it.
ashley @ the handmade home says
Thank you, Rachel!
Jenny Jenkins says
This is a great site. I love all the ideas here. I just recently got new windows from conservation construction of dallas, and I am very eager to get more projects done in my house. My house is very tiny and It’s good to know you believe in making the home you live in your dream home instead of just moving–expecially since buying a new home is not an option for us right now.
ashley @ the handmade home says
Awe so glad these are ideas that hopefully you can use! And YES! You get on that dream home! It’s going to be amazing. ;}