Washi tape seemed to come out of nowhere, but it’s now a must-have in any craft stash. It’s perfect for upcycling plain items and adding a splash of colour, plus it’s really cheap! It has great staying power, but is also really easy to remove without damage, even from painted walls. It’s no surprise it’s so popular! Check out our top 20 inventive ways you can use washi tape in your crafts and around your home.
1. Spice up a frame
Decorative picture frames can be expensive, so why not buy a plain, inexpensive one and embellish it yourself? Simply edge it with tape for an instantly funky feel. Follow the tutorial here.
2. Easy greeting cards
You can make quick but effective cards using washi tape - ideal for last minute jobs. Here, it's been used to make fun candles. You can find more ideas here.
3. Crafty vases
Upcycle old bottles and tubs into pretty vases by spray painting them and then decorating with coloured and patterned tapes. These would be perfect for placing around the tables at a wedding.
4. Stripy doorway
If you're feeling brave, take your washi tape crafting to the next level and decorate walls with it! Warning: this requires a spirit level and a steady hand!
5. Gorgeous gift bags
Make your presents stand out by decorating gift bags with pretty washi tape designs like these. Simply place strips of washi tape next to each other on plain paper, then cut out in your desired shape.
6. Washi tape scrapbook
Jazz up your scrapbook layouts by sticking pictures down with vibrant washi tape. You can also use it to make handy tabs.
7. Pretty pen pots
There's nothing worse than an uninspiring work space. Follow this easy guide from Trimcraft to make these pretty pots to hold your pens, pencils and tools
8. Nifty notebooks
Jazz up boring notebooks by covering them with washi tape stripes. You can even make matching pencils to make sure your stationery co-ordinates!
9. Peg magnets
Pegs are so useful around the home. Add magnet tape to the back and stick to the fridge, then hang notes and pictures from them. You'll need to add some colour with washi tape first of course!
10. Whip up a garland
Use your tape and this handy downloadable alphabet template to create fun garlands for celebrations. Splash out on lots of different washi tape patterns to make it bright and colourful.
11. Cheeky chopsticks
Is there anything that isn't made better by washi tape? Turn plain chopsticks into cute eating accessories in no time at all!
12. Paperclip flags
Never lose your page thanks to this genius idea. Hardly any tape is needed, making it extremely cost-effective.
13. No-frame frames
If you're renting, this is a great way to decorate your walls without damaging them. Get creative and enjoy your new frames.
14. Stylish planters
It really is the little touches that make a room. Decorate plain pots with flashes of washi tape for a stylish look
15. Get organised
Who needs highlighters when you can use washi tape? Best of all, you can write over it and even cut it into handy shapes, such as stars. Find more like this here.
16. Unique keyboard
Boost your creativity by brightening up your computer keyboard. Washi tape is translucent, meaning you can still see the keys underneath.
17. Washi wicker
If it's a flat surface and you want it jazzing up - just add washi tape. This clever design looks like woven tape, but it's really a cheat trick - find out how to do it with this handy tutorial.
18. Vibrant tea lights
This revamp takes two seconds but makes a real difference. These decorated tea lights would make a fantastic gift, or you could keep them all for yourself (we recommend the latter).
19. Contemporary coasters
Cover tiles with pretty washi tape, then coat with gloss to make one-of-a-kind coasters! These ones are particularly jazzy but you could also try plain tapes for a sophisticated vibe.
20. Posh presents
Make sure friends are excited before they've even opened their gift by decorating cheap brown parcel paper with strips of washi tape. Find more gift wrap ideas here
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