If you've ever scrolled through planner or bullet journal photos and wondered how people get those neat, colourful borders and cute little accents, the answer is usually washi tape. It's one of the easiest and most affordable ways to make a page, a card or a gift look special, and you don't need any artistic skill to use it.
Here's a quick beginner's guide to what washi tape is, how it's different from regular tape, and 10 easy ways to use it.
What is washi tape?
Washi tape is a thin, decorative masking tape that originated in Japan. The name comes from washi, the Japanese word for traditional paper. It's lightweight, slightly translucent and comes in thousands of prints, from simple solid colours to foil-stamped florals and tiny illustrated animals.
How is washi tape different from regular tape?
- Tears by hand – no scissors needed, and a torn edge looks nice on the page.
- Low tack and repositionable – you can usually lift it and move it if you place it wrong.
- You can write on it – perfect for labels, dates and headers.
- Gentle on paper – it's less likely to rip pages than clear packing tape.
10 easy ways to use washi tape
1. Planner and bullet journal borders
Run a strip along the top or side of a page to frame your week. Wider 20mm tapes make bold headers, while thin 5mm and 15mm tapes are great for dividing days.
2. Headers and labels
Stick down a piece of solid or light-coloured tape and write your heading right on top. It's an instant way to make a page look organized.
3. Seasonal spreads
Match your tape to the season. For fall, try something like SAIEN Fox & Fallen Leaves or a Halloween print like Trick or Treat.
4. Photo and ticket corners
Cut small triangles to hold photos, concert tickets or receipts in a scrapbook or travel journal without glue.
5. Gift wrapping
Skip the plain tape and seal presents with a cute print. A strip across plain kraft paper looks surprisingly polished.
6. Handmade cards
Layer two or three coordinating tapes across the front of a folded card, add a sticker, and you've made a card in under five minutes.
7. Envelope and snail mail seals
Seal envelopes and pen pal letters with a pretty strip. It's easy to open and adds personality.
8. Decorating everyday items
Personalize pens, notebooks, laptop edges, phone cases or storage jars. Because it's low tack, it's easy to change later.
9. Wall art and room decor
Hang lightweight posters and prints, or make simple geometric patterns around a desk area or dorm room.
10. Pair it with stickers
Washi tape and flake stickers are best friends. Lay down tape as a "ground" or background strip, then add stickers on top to build little scenes.
Tips for getting started
- Start with 3 to 5 rolls in colours that go together, rather than one of everything.
- Mix widths – one wide statement tape plus a couple of thin ones gives you lots of options.
- Store rolls away from heat and sunlight so the adhesive stays fresh.
- Test on delicate paper first, especially on thin journal pages.
Where to buy Japanese washi tape in Canada
At Meowa Meowa, we carry a big selection of Japanese washi tape, including cute and seasonal designs from SAIEN and World Craft. Whether you're just starting out or adding to your collection, browse our full washi tape collection and find your new favourite roll.
Happy taping!