New Washi Tape Sticker Trick!

Washi tape stickers are my favourite! (If you've been reading for awhile, you'll notice that lots of things are my favourite!) I love the versatility of washi tape and being able to transform tape into stickers is a huge part of that.

But it's always really irked me that craft punches chew up washi tape covered backing papers* so I've always just hand cut shapes. Time consuming... but if you love washi tape stickers, that extra time (usually) feels worth it.

But then, last week, I had an aha moment and now punching stickers is so simple!

The trick? Card stock!

Layer a piece of card stock under your washi tape covered backing paper*, then punch your shapes, making sure that the punch cuts through the card stock first.

*release paper, waxed paper, parchment paper, sticker backing paper...

Bonus - colourful card stock confetti!

Stick, layer, punch. Repeat. Easy washi tape stickers for envelopes, gifts, scrapbook pages, walls....

Happy crafting!

Make Four Leaf Clovers

While we usually don't do much to celebrate St Patrick's Day around here (basically, if they don't make a chocolate-covered-marshmallow treat in honour of a holiday, it doesn't really make it onto our radar), I had a hankering to make four leaf clovers. Maybe it's an end of winter craving for green!

These four leaf clovers are a super simple sticker that you can use any way you please. Here's how:

Start by applying strips of washi tape to your favourite backing paper. Parchment paper or the non-waxed side of waxed paper work well.

For each clover, cut four small hearts out of the washi tape covered paper.

Build your clover one heart at a time so that the points of the hearts meet in the middle.

These lucky washi tape clover stickers would be super cute decorations for cards, gift tags or to decorate gifts, don't you think?

How would you use washi tape clovers?

Washi Wrapped Pencils

 

Just popping in with a quick DIY idea to share!

I was sitting at my desk and (miraculously through the mess) I spotted this fab multi-pattern roll of washi tape and a blank pencil and I thought they might make a good pair. And, indeed they do! Not only that, it's pretty much the simplest way to make a washi tape covered pencil that I've come across.

All you need is a pencil and piece of medium width washi tape. This one is 28mm wide. Cut a piece of tape the same length as the wooden part of the pencil. Lay the pencil on the piece of tape, lining up the tape with the ferrule*, and then wrap the tape around the pencil.

Voila! A 5-minute 2-minute DIY to try. (I did mine in a little less than that so they are a wee bit wrinkled - you should smooth out the wrinkles as you go.)

(I detail two other washi tape pencil ideas in my book - they're suited to all sorts of tape widths rather than such a specific one).

*Ferrule is the fancy name for the metal ring connecting the pencil to the eraser.

Make Pyramid Paper Pouches

Awhile ago, I promised to show you how to make these pyramid-shaped paper pouches. We got in some new origami paper this week and so it seemed like the perfect moment. These vintage-inspired florals aren't particularly Autumn-y, but they are a cheerful reminder of Spring in the midst of a blustery week!

Want to try? They're really easy and all you need is paper, scissors and washi tape.

Start by cutting a piece of origami paper in half. Or any pretty paper will do really. You need a piece of paper that's twice as long as it is wide.

Connect the 2 short ends of the paper with a piece of tape, creating a tube. Cut off the excess tape ends or fold around to the inside of the loop.

Now here's where it gets a little tricky... well, tricky but pretty easy once you get the hang of it! Position the tube so that the washi tape-d seam is in the centre. Flatten one side of the tube so that your pouch takes on a shape not unlike a tube of toothpaste. Fold a piece of washi tape over the flattened end of the tube. Trim off any excess tape.

Before you do the next step, you'll want to fill your pyramid pouch - candy, little love notes, confetti are all the perfect size!

Rotate the pouch so that the center seam is now on the side. Flatten the open end of the pouch, creating the pyramid shape.  If your pouch looks flat like an envelope, turn it 90 degrees and try again. Fold a piece of washi tape over the open end. Trim off any excess tape.

Clever, right? Bet you can't make just one!

Happy crafting!

Make Origami Envelopes

Cute paper envelopes combine origami paper and washi tape in one sweet package - no fancy folds or tricky techniques required! A few folds, a bit of tape and some simple cutting and you can transform your favourite patterned papers into handy little envelopes.

Choose a subtle combo of tape and paper or something a bit bolder. I think these pretty floral papers and simple polka dots are a perfect pairing!

To make your own, all you need is origami paper, washi tape and a pair of scissors. Here's how:

1. Mark the bottom centre point - just a small fold or a little pencil mark will do! Fold the right side in to meet the centre. Crease firmly.

2. Fold the left side in to meet the centre. Crease firmly.

3. Apply a strip of tape along the centre seam. Leave about 3/8" (1cm) at the bottom and 1" (2.5cm) at the top uncovered.

4. Fold the bottom 3/8" (1cm) up. Crease firmly.

5. Apply a strip of tape to secure the open end of the bottom fold. Trim off excess tape at the sides of the envelope.

6. Fold top 1" (2.5cm) down. Unfold. Make an angled cut from the left side of the fold to about 5/8" (1.5cm) in on the top edge. Repeat on the right side.

7. Cut off the extra paper flaps at the fold. Ta dah! You've made an envelope!

These cute envelopes are lovely for dressing up a handwritten note or to package a gift card. Adjust the size of the envelope by choosing larger or smaller sizes of paper.

Happy crafting!

Going Dotty For Dots

We just added a variety of mini washi tape stickers to the shop and I'm rather enamoured with the possibilities of these adorable dots! Here are 3 ways to use them:

1. Add some confetti dots to outgoing mail - they're such a fun surprise on the back flap!

2. Basic tags look cute dressed up in dots. Wouldn't these be sweet on a baby shower gift?

3. Multicolour dots give a blank notebook some personality. Start with a plain purchased notebook or make your own out of printer paper, card stock, a couple staples and some washi tape.

How would you use these mini washi tape dots?

Washi Tape Pineapples

I must admit that I've still got pineapples on the brain - but washi tape pineapples this time!

How cute are these stickers? Perfect for adding some tropical washi flavour to cards, crafts and wrapping.

It's as simple as applying strips of overlapping tape to parchment paper and then cutting out the pineapple shape.

Then peel and stick wherever you please. I think a trio of neon pineapples on the front of a card is a fun way to say hello (or perhaps aloha)!

Add A Little Washi Tape Flavour...

I'm a big fan of the Vegetable Lover washi tape we have in the shop right now. But, to be honest, sometimes I find these illustrated rolls challenging - how to use them to their full advantage rather than just sticking a strip on the back of an envelope - not that there's anything wrong with that, but I do like options!

And then it hit me - the veggie tape was the perfect match for the plain wooden recipe box I had tucked away in the cupboard. A simple strip around the edge of the lid...

Plus an accent sticker right on the top. Perfect! And how cute is that tomato?

I've left this unsealed... because indecision is my middle name and I might just want to give this box a different look somewhere down the line... but for more durability, I'd recommend adding a coat or two of Mod Podge or a similar sealant to keep your washi tape in place and looking fresh.

I'd love to know - how do you use wide illustrated rolls of tape like this one?

For more project ideas using illustrated washi tapes, check out these recipe cards, stickers and notecards.

DIY Washi Tape Gift Tags

It's all grey and rainy today, so I couldn't resist having a little fun with bold colour!

Card stock, washi tape and a couple of punches are all you need to craft up a multitude of fun gift tags in colourful stripes.

Start by covering a piece of card stock (white or cream works best) in strips of washi tape. Throw together any colours, patterns or widths you please. There are no rules here.

Use a large craft punch to punch circles from your washi-covered card. I used a 2-inch (5cm) punch. But go ahead, use any size or shape you have.

Continue taping and punching until you're satisfied.

Use a small hole punch to make holes in each circle - instantly transforming them from giant confetti to gift tags.

Tie one on! For added fun, apply washi tape stripes and use a fun colour of twine.  More colour, more fun!

If you're like me... ahem, no self-control... you might end up with heaps more tags than you need. If so, why not share your pretty creations? Slip a handful of tags into clear polybags...

Then add a colourful header card and a little more washi tape.

Want to add text to your tape too? Check out this easy tutorial.

Well, that was fun! How do you use washi tape for wrapping gifts?

Happy crafting!

The Kirigami Project - Week 12 - Double Sakura

Perhaps my favourite blossom of them all is the extra frothy double petal cherry blossom. Of course, a real double petal cherry blossom has more than 2 layers of petals... but allow me a little creative license please! I love the idea of a blossom within a blossom in that iconic sakura shape.

Want so see some real double petal blossoms? Scroll down to the bottom 2 pictures in this old post. Sigh, so pretty! Have I mentioned that it's snowing... anyway, back to the blossoms!

To create your own Double Sakura kirigami design, use the template below and the 5-point Folding Pattern.

Ready to create all the blossoms you can cut?

The free monthly printable template is now available!

Click on the image above to access and print the free templates. Then fold, trace & cut as many lovely kirigami pieces as you please.

We would love to see your kirigami creations! Use the hashtag #thekirigamiproject on Twitter and Instagram so we can see your versions of March's designs.

Happy crafting!

The Kirigami Project is a collaborative creative project from Marisa Edghill of Omiyage and Geri Jewitt of The Languid Lion. Marisa creates the kirigami designs and Geri whips them into template shape! Each week In 2014, we will bring you a new kirigami design to fold and cut.