If you’re thinking of adding a little flair to your journaling, cards, or letters, look no further than introducing washi tape to your crafts! Essentially a multipurpose type of traditional Japanese paper made from natural fibres, washi usually features a beautifully textured surface with a variety of beautiful prints and colours. It’s also durable, waterproof and kid-friendly, with no sharp scissors required to cut through the material. In the form of an adhesive tape, washi is perfect for bringing all kinds of craft to the next level!
Love collecting washi tapes but hoarding them much faster than you can use them? Here’re 6 creative ways to use up your stash (so you feel better about your next washi purchase):
1. Jazz up your journal, cards, and letters
Pictured above: Otter Washi Tape on our Otter Pocket Notebook
Give your cards and journals a refined look by using washi tape as a border. Simply snip a strip of washi tape to match the horizontal or vertical length of your page, and apply it along the edge. This subtle decoration adds an elegant accent that frames your content beautifully, making each page feel complete.
2. Track your habits
Mood tracker designed with washi tapes (Credit: @bujowithpau)
Habit trackers are wonderful for keeping track of your progress when it comes to building new habits or to shed unhealthy ones. From mood trackers to water logs, there’re a multitude of different ways to draw up your charts for tracking, and washi tapes can easily be incorporated to indicate your daily progress.
3. Flag out special occasions in your planner
Pictured above: Koala Washi Tape on our 2025 Stargazer Planner
Highlight memorable dates and special occasions by creating washi tape flags for your planner. Start by snipping a short length of washi tape. Next, cut a ‘V’ on one end and save the resulting triangle for the next idea in this post.
Attach the washi tape flag to any page in your journal to mark important events. This simple yet creative trick not only organizes your schedule but also infuses your planner with a personal touch.
4. Decorate your page with mini buntings
5. Easy access with pretty page tabs
Pictured above: Aurora Washi Tape on our Koala Pocket Notebook
If you use a planner, you’d know that page tabs are immensely helpful for marking important pages. Most of our annual planners already include die-cut tabs, but if you’re using blank journals or notebooks, creating your own unique tabs has never been easier with washi tapes!
To achieve that, all you have to do is cut a short length of washi tape and adhere one-third of it along the top of your page. Fold the tape in half and stick the remaining section to the back of the page. Repeat this process along your notebook to mark sections or important pages. These custom tabs not only help with navigation but also lend a unique, handcrafted feel to your planner.
6. Attach notes, photographs, and receipts
Washi tape is an essential tool for anyone who loves to personalize their stationery. Its versatility not only enhances the aesthetic of your projects but also offers practical solutions for organization and creativity. We’d love to see your washi tape creations—tag us on Instagram with your finished projects and share the creative love. Happy crafting!