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For many, stationery supplies are a must-have luxury. They can help you develop ideas, practice gratitude, keep in touch with friends, and more. And while you don't need any fancy utensils to practice these routines, a little decoration can transform a blank page into an artistic design. Washi tape is one of the most popular accessories right now for embellishing journals, planners, notebooks, and more.

Originally from Japan, this adhesive has risen in popularity all over the world for its large array of cute and creative designs, its affordability, and for its versatility. Crafters and hobbyists are discovering more ways to incorporate this charming material into their creations, even using it in their home decor to cover coasters and outlets.

Here, we'll learn what washi tape is, how to use it, and see a selection of beautiful tapes to try.

Washi tape is a decorative masking tape made from traditional Japanese paper. The name washi comes from the Japanese characters wa 和 meaning “harmony” and also symbolizing Japan, and shi 紙 し  meaning “paper.” It is typically created using fibers from vegetation indigenous to Japan, such as the bark of the gampi tree, the mitsumata shrub, and the kōzo bush.

Washi tape is a popular adhesive for crafts and journaling because of its beauty and durability. Available in a wide variety of prints and colors, this tape can be torn easily by the hand and is both waterproof and heatproof. Plus, washi tape does not leave any residue when it is removed from a surface and remains sticky enough to be reused.

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From decorating planners to adorning mugs, there are many creative ways to use washi tape. Its versatility makes it a great material for experimentation, so don't be afraid to try something a little different.

Have a plain notebook lying around the house? Well, a colorful roll of washi tape can easily transform a blank cover into a unique design. Use one tape to solidly cover it in several strips or use a few to zigzag across the surface.

Most of the time, the enviable journal spreads you've seen on social media feature cleverly placed pieces of washi tape. Whether it's to divide sections with a floral motif, to embellish the page borders, or to frame some text, try incorporating some tape into your daily planner.

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While texting and messaging is an efficient way to keep in touch with long-distance friends and loved ones, receiving snail mail is always a special event. If you keep in touch with someone by sending letters, try decorating your next envelope with washi tape. You can create whimsical designs, and keep it secure by covering the opening.

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If you think your washi tape is beautiful enough on its own, then try incorporating it into your next art project. You can cut the tape into shapes to create a design by itself or combine it with other materials to create a funky collage.

There's nothing really unique about chargers, but with a little washi tape, you can easily change that. Use one or two to wrap around the adapter and create a pleasing pattern.

If you have washi tape for days, then a great customization project can be decorating the surface of your clipboard. Use it as an opportunity to mix and match patterns and make cool designs.

You don't need to spend a lot of money to spruce up your indoor garden. Wrap a little bit of washi tape around the rim of plain white planters to give them some instant flair.

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