I have been collecting washi tape for a few years now, but I still remember the first couple of rolls I got and what an amazing invention I thought patterned tape was. It’s like stickers, but on a “never ending” roll. Recently I’ve finished two different rolls of tape, so they’re not infinite – but I think it can feel like that when you have a lot of them…
I don’t want a huge collection of tapes, because as you might know – they age and the stickiness can fade, or they get so sticky you can’t unroll the tape! That is one reason I don’t want to buy buy buy tape.
It kind of feels silly to buy more, a little counter-intuitive when the rolls will last so long, right? But there are so many new patterns that are calling to be brought home – so what to do? What can we do about this luxurious dilemma?
I am going to demonstrate a splendid solution for you all today!
Make a washi tape sampler – and share your riches with a friend!
It’s quick, easy and super fun. And you know I love sharing and swapping stuff, right?
I have been making Washi Tape Samplers for years, and I love them. I recently sent one in a Newsletter Giveaway that I hosted, along with a lot of collage papers and stuff, so when I created the sampler I turned the camera on and made a quick tips tutorial video.
Check it out below.
How to make a Washi Tape Sampler
A video tutorial, with some ideas on why you should make a few sampler too, as well as a question about doing a washi tape swap… does that sound like something you’d be interested in?
If you can’t see the video above please click the link Washi Tape Sampler Video and subscribe to Studio iHanna on YouTube when you’re there.
Also let me know in the comments here or on YouTube if you want to be in a swap of washi tape samplers? I’m considering it, but not sure it would be doable yet…
Here are the washi tape sampler I made in the video, and one I did a few months back out of paper and plastic sticky paper:
You can also make a sampler out of a used plastic gift card, or any size you like. Small is good for the pencil case. Bigger works great for storing some different tapes in your hand bag or at the office.
I make washi tape samplers with my favorite tapes, to remember to use it more, or to share with friends. It is perfect to send to pen pals. I think it is lovely to share a bit of all your tape beauty with others!
My favorite kind of samplers are color coded, like this one in black and white, where the tapes are almost finished:
I have a lot of washi tape now. Well, not a lot compared to some of course, but with my modest standard I think it’s quite a lot and I really love all the different patterns I’ve gotten over the years.
Washi Tape storage
I have written how I stored washi tape upright before, but right now, this is my favorite way to keep a few favorite rolls together on the table.
Using a metal ring, that is made for keeping embroidery floss together. It’s easy to open if you want to switch out rolls or move them around and easy to hang on the wall, or keep close on the table when I’m journaling in one of my traveler’s notebooks. Love it.
What is your favorite way to use washi tape? I’m planning to make another video where I demonstrate my own favorite way to decorate with washi or deco tape, so stay tuned. And please share below if you want to swap washi tape with a few others, or just one (depending on how much postage you wanna spend)? I’d love to know.
Further inspiration
- Subscribe to iHanna’s Newsletter – to get notifications of future swaps
- Follow me on Pinterest for washi ideas, craft and art inspiration – and more
- Read previous washi tape blog posts that I have written
Oh and some bonus video content, in case you missed it:
Index Card Collage with lots of GOLD – day three video, also on YouTube.
Have a great week!
I really like the blue and white tape on the sampler on the far right, the one right above the butterfly tape. Would you happen to remember what company makes it?
I would be happy to take part in a washi tape sampler. I live in Canada.
Great idea! I am going to suggest it in my groups. I am open to a Washi tape sampler swap.
ps: The video is way too long for such a simple concept.
Hi Hanna – I really like your washi tape storage method on the medal ring, that way you can see all the different patterns.
I’m definitely interested in a washi tape sampler swap, it would be fun!
Kristen
Oh wow Hanna… you just gave me the per.fect.idea to have my fave tapes laying on the table… a ring! (They sell it here as ‘bookbinding rings’) I had a special altered ‘box’ to keep my washi tape stored (see this post from 2012) but it didn’t work for me at all ’cause when I would want to use the ‘tape in the middle’ it required taking off the former tapes and it often became a mess on my table… so after the move to our new appartment (in April) I just put all my washi tapes in a shoe-box… but it’s not the best solution either. The ring (or maybe rings, it would be fun to have a lot hanging somewhere in my studio) seems like a wonderful idea to me! Thanks for visiting my blog just now, my blogging (and blogvisits) slowed down with me moving houses and decorating and now – as you saw – I’m busy sewing a jacket for my son. Yep, he’s a grown young man (it’s his 26 b’day) and I am that old ;) I hope the sun is shining at your place – it’s a Summer (and warm) day overhere… enjoy your day!
Fun video, Hanna! Thanks for sharing your tip with us! Now, I’m off to go make a washi tape sampler of my own!
Hi Hanna, I love your blog! Even when I feel grumpy if I read your cheerful words I smile :)
I just wanted to say (and no I am not an advertiser) that the TRUE washi paper tape made in Japan- like MT brand- is amazing and my personal favorite with tons of amazing beautiful designs- yes that can be ‘dangerous’ for shopping! but MT will never become sticky and make annoying adhesive marks all over itself and my fingers. I definitely have found that the cheaper brands, as well as those which call themselves washi but really are not, will get unusable after awhile, so I also learned the hard way!! I’ve had some of my MT paper washi tape for at least 10 years if not more. I can peel (& unpeel) freely with no problems. Thank you to my Japanese friends for introducing me to MT, love it.
Regards from NYC!