Everyday Washi Tape

This past week was “Decorative Tape Week” on the My Mind’s Eye blog. For my post, I decided to share a few everyday uses for decorative tape that you may not have thought of before. There really are so many uses for the tapes, which makes them a versatile supply to have in your  stash! I especially like the splash of fun color they give everyday items around my house. Here are a few ideas that you might want to give a go!

DRESS UP MECHANICAL PENCILS

At the beginning of the school year, I bought each of my kids a  large pack of mechanical pencils. The barrel of the pencils are white  … which makes them the perfect canvas for some decorative tape fun.  Check out the pencils now!

Before: Plain Jane Pencils

After: Happy, Colorful Pencils! Yay!

ADD COLORFUL LABELS TO YOUR STORAGE CONTAINERS

I love using containers to organize my scrapbook supplies. But as  my stash grows and changes, I often switch around the contents to adapt  to my different needs. I needed a way quick and easy way to label my  containers that wouldn’t take a lot of time or be too permanent. Decorative tape to the rescue! The low tack adhesive  on the tapes make them ideal for this purpose. Here is what you will  need: your favorite My Mind’s Eye decorative tapes, a piece of  cardstock, a computer & printer, and a permanent marker.

First, type the words that you would like on your labels in a  clear, easy-to-read font. Print the words onto a sheet of cardstock.

Apply decorative tape over the words, centering the words top to  bottom. This is easy to do because of the tape’s semi-transparent  quality. Use a black permanent marker to trace the words onto the  decorative tape.

Finally, peel the tape off the paper and apply to your storage containers. Voilaaaa! Easy and FAST! … and CUTE to boot!

USE DECORATIVE TAPE TO REINFORCE 3-HOLE PUNCHED PAPERS

Recently, I created a study binder to use at church. I created a  divider for each monthly topic using cardstock and my Silhouette  Electronic Cutting Machine. The dividers are functional, but I know that over time the holes on each divider will begin to wear down and possibly tear. I needed a way to reinforce the holes, so I again pulled out my decorative tapes.

I ran a length of tape down both sides of the punched holes and  then used my craft knife to carefully trim the excess from the holes. I  love the fun punch of pattern the tapes add to my study book! Do I dare  say that the tape makes it more fun to study? 🙂

DECORATIVE TAPE STORAGE

While I love my decorative tapes, I needed a good way to store  them. Previously, they were all tossed in a box together, but I had to  dig through the box and I couldn’t easily find the colors or patterns I  needed. Here is a great way to store all of your decorative tapes using an upcycled cardboard, aluminum foil or wax paper container.

First, cut a wood dowel a little larger than the width of your  container. Next, use white gesso to paint the box and the dowel. Using a punched circle as a template (find a size that is slightly larger than  your dowel), trace the circle onto each end of the box. Use a craft knife to cut out the holes.

If desired, use patterned paper to line the inside of the box.  Decorate the outside of your box. I used decorative tapes and a label  that would indicate the colors inside the box.

Next, add your rolls of tape to the box, and insert the dowel  through the center of the box, threading the tapes on the dowel as you  go. The box stays closed with the help of a Sticky Back Velcro dot.

I love my box! My tapes are now stored neatly in my desk drawer by  color and the serrated edge of the box makes using the tapes a breeze!

Thanks for letting me share these ideas with you today! I hope you found some useful ways to use decorative tapes.

Have a wonderful weekend!