Four Simple Ways for Beginners to Use Washi Tape

If you're new to washi tape, or you've been collecting rolls at home without ever using them, here are four easy ways to start creating—or to happily use up some of the tape you've been saving.

1. Make a bookmark

You only need a few things: a piece of cardstock (as the base), your favorite washi tape, a hole punch (optional), and a ribbon (optional). The bookmark below uses the IEEBEE Monet washi tape set, with purple-toned tapes in different widths applied lengthwise along the bookmark. It looks balanced overall, and it also rewards a closer look at each roll's design. You can put the same tape on the back, or switch to a different pattern. If you'd rather have a single pattern across the whole bookmark, you can cover it with just one roll. This one is worth a try for any book lover.

2. Make a greeting card

Materials: a blank card, your favorite washi tape, stickers (optional), and writable stickers or paper (optional). The card below uses the IEEBEE black-and-gold washi tape set. First, cover the inside page with tape as a base, then add a writable sticker on top for your message. You can also leave a blank space for writing as you apply the tape, if your card is meant to be written on. Finally, add butterfly, rose, and planet stickers in matching tones for a few extra elements. This works well for a friend or family member's birthday, or for holidays.

3. Make a journal page

Materials: your journal, your favorite washi tape and stickers, and a pen. First, a quick note on the difference between journaling and collage. Journaling usually focuses on function—leaving room to write or make plans—while collage leans more toward art, where the visual effect is the main goal. Washi tape works well for journaling, not only because today's tapes are decorative and well-designed, but also because they're easy to use: just stick them along the edges of a page for a nice decorative effect. The page below uses the IEEBEE Cute Carnival washi tape set. The paw-print and cat tapes along the edges are simple, but they decorate the page nicely. If you're just starting out with journaling, using washi tape along the page edges is worth trying.

4. Make a collage

Materials: a collage book, your favorite washi tape, stickers, and craft paper. The collage below looks vintage and ornate, but it isn't actually that complicated. The IEEBEE vintage gold-foil washi tape set is inspired by Mediterranean architecture and includes many tile patterns, which makes it great for collage beginners. The center of the page below is two nested rectangles, and cutting and arranging this tape is easy to do. Most of the remaining tape is arranged symmetrically around the center, which keeps it simple and balanced. Finally, place a piece of vintage flower-vase paper inside the frame made of tape—this keeps the style consistent while creating a visual center. If you enjoy collage, try a similar approach with Mediterranean tile tape and a symmetrical layout.

If you'd like to read more about washi tape and journaling, visit the blog on our website. If you're interested in IEEBEE washi tape and want to use our products in your own projects, or add new styles to your collection, head over to our washi tape collection. And if this is your first time hearing about IEEBEE, you can read our first blog post. See you next time!