TL;DR version: you can use washi tape for almost unlimited things in your junk journals and scrapbooks, from borders and edges to hinges, ephemera securing and even layering and backgrounds. It’s an easy to use material, very forgiving and easy to rearrange, and comes in an enormous range of widths, lengths, colours and patterns, so there’s bound to be some you like and can enjoy experimenting with.
A versatile tool that has become a staple in junk journaling is washi tape, with its myriad of colours, patterns, and textures, it can transform any journal spread from ordinary to extraordinary. Let’s look at some of the most fun ways to use it in your journals, with some inspiration and tips from my own experiences along the way.
Understanding washi tape and its uses
What is washi tape?
Washi tape originated in Japan and is made from natural fibres, such as bamboo or hemp. It is known for its delicate texture, beautiful designs, and low-tack adhesive that allows it to be easily removed without damaging the pages. It comes in a wide range of widths, lengths, and patterns, making it incredibly versatile for different crafting projects. If you’re interested in learning more I’ve got a whole blog on what washi tape is that covers a more detailed history of it.
Washi tape is both strong and thin, making it ideal for use in crafts and creative projects. Its adhesive properties don’t leave a sticky residue, making it easy to use and reposition if needed. Its sheer and semi-transparent nature adds dimension while allowing existing images and text on pages to show through. This makes it perfect for use in scrapbooking, journaling, card making, and all kinds of other paper crafts.
The benefits of using washi tape
- Colourful and versatile: Washi tape comes in a wide variety of colours, patterns and textures to coordinate with virtually any theme, holiday or season. Whether you’re creating a festive Christmas card or a summery page spread, there’s a washi tape that’ll work great for it.
- Affordable: Compared to other crafting supplies, washi tape is relatively cheap and can be found both online and in most craft stores. This makes it a great option for those on a budget who still want to add a touch of creativity to their projects beyond their collected “junk” ephemera.
- Easy to use: One of the best things about washi tape is how easy it is to work with. It can be easily cut, torn or layered to fit various sizes of paper or photos. It’s forgiving of removal and replacement, and excess can be easily stored (I recommend a sticker book) so there’s minimal wastage even if you overestimate the amount you need for a cut.
- Portable: Because of its compact size and lightweight nature, washi tape is relatively easy to store and transport. This makes it the perfect crafting supply to take with you on the go, and you can stash it easily in even the most compact home crafting space.
Choosing your washi tape
Types of of washi tape
There are endless possibilities when it comes to the types of washi tape available. You’ll find solid colours, polka dots, stripes, florals, animals, seasonal themes and even metallic and glittery finishes. Special sets can include vintage, shabby chic, travel, or nature-inspired patterns and colours. Determine which look suits your style and theme best.
Picking colours and patterns
When choosing washi tape, it’s important to consider the overall aesthetic of your journal. Choose colours and patterns that complement each other, as well as align with the theme of the page. Avoid using too many contrasting patterns and colours, which can become overwhelming and draw attention away from your photos and content. Unless you want something that looks messy and chaotic, of course, which is perfectly valid!
Width and length of washi tape
The width and length of the tape are important factors to consider when planning your project. Narrower tapes are ideal for creating borders or adding thin accents, while wider tapes can act as a background layer, title, or larger design feature. Keep in mind that washi tape can also be manually cut down the centre for a thinner strip or at various angles to create unique shapes and designs, although this can be tricky when trying to trim lengthwise at a clean angle.
How to use washi tape in your journal
Create borders or frames
One of the simplest and most effective ways to use washi tape in your junk journal is to create borders and frames. Select a tape that complements the theme or colon palette of your page and apply it to the edges. This technique instantly adds visual interest and draws attention to the focal point of your journal entry.
Decorating page dividers
If you’re making (or considering) page dividers in your journal to help organize different sections and add structure, you can use washi tape to decorate these dividers, adding pops of colour and patterned motifs. You can create unique designs by layering different tapes or alternating between thin and thick widths.
Secure photos and other ephemera
Use washi tape to secure things to your pages as an alternative to glue. The low-tack adhesive of washi tape ensures that photos and ephemera can be easily removed or repositioned without causing any damage, which is great for those of us who can be a little indecisive on placements while building spreads!
Create tabs and bookmarks
Tabs and bookmarks are useful for quickly accessing specific pages or sections in your journal, or just adding fun off-page accents. Cut small strips of tape, fold them in half, and attach them to the edge of a page. This creates a functional and decorative tab that makes navigating your journal a breeze or just provides some cool page edge texturing.
Add decorative borders
Washi tape is perfect for adding decorative borders to your journal pages. Choose tapes with intricate patterns or designs that complement the theme of your journal entry. Apply them to the edges of the page or use them to create unique shapes and patterns within the page itself, and don’t be afraid to tear things up, mix and match, or otherwise get a bit eccentric with it for maximum creativity.
Design backgrounds
Transform the background of your journal pages by using washi tape as a decorative element rather than relying solely on deco or backing papers. Apply strips of tape horizontally, vertically, or diagonally to create a vibrant and textured backdrop for your writing or artwork. Experiment with different combinations of colours and patterns to see what kind of unusual shapes and frames you can make.
Embellish handwritten text
A lot of people like to add handwritten text for a more personal touch to their junk journals, and you can enhance your handwritten words by adding strips of washi tape as accents. Use them to underline important points, create bullet points, or even as a decorative flourish at the beginning or end of a sentence. Plenty of washi tape can be written on easily too, giving you even more options.
Layer and collage
Washi tape is perfect for layering and collaging in your junk journal. Tear or cut small pieces of tape and layer them over each other to create visually stunning collages. Combine tapes with different textures, patterns, and widths for unique themes and eye-catching effects.
Create pocket pages or hinges
Pocket pages are a fantastic way to store small keepsakes, notes, or ephemera within your junk journal when you don’t want to permanently stick them down. You can easily use washi tape to create small pockets by folding the tape over on itself, leaving one side open, or use it to make hinged pages-in-pages that can be opened or lifted. It also works treat for holding down tags if you aren’t a fan of punches.
Repair or mask mistakes
Mistakes happen, but that doesn’t mean you have to start over. Washi can come to the rescue when you want to repair a tear, cover up an ink smudge, or simply add a touch of creativity to a mishap. Cut a small piece of tape, apply it over the mistake (you might need a couple of layers, depending on the nature of the boo-boo) and voila, your spread is saved. Thanks, washi tape!
Tips for working with washi tape
Storing and organisation
Invest in a washi tape organizer or create your own by using a recycled cardboard box or plastic divider to store your tapes. If your collection is often used and mixed up, try using a binder and sticking your collection directly onto paper sheets. This way, you can flip through and see all your different patterns and colours before you go rummaging in the actual rolls.
Cutting and tearing
Use scissors to cut washi tape to a desired length or shape. In theory you could use a paper trimmer, but I’ve yet to have much success doing it this way without making a huge mess! You may also want to overlap some strips or create a diagonal edge to make more intricate patterns. Washi tape can be torn by hand for a more unique and handmade look, and it doesn’t even leave your fingers very sticky.
Remove and reapply
If you make a mistake or want to move a piece of tape, gently remove it and apply again. Unlike traditional tape, washi can be reused without damaging delicate papers or surfaces so it’s ideal if you’re laying over sensitive materials like photographs, photo magazine scraps or painted details.
One of my favourite journaling YouTubers, the marvellously skillful Johanna Clough, has made an excellent video showing some amazing and creative ways to use washi tape in your journals, which is well worth a look!
Washi tape is one of those genuinely versatile things for making your junk journal into something special, and the possibilities with it are pretty much endless, limited only by your imagination. It’s both inexpensive and relatively forgiving so easy to experiment with, even if you run totally wild and just end up with a big and vaguely sticky mess. So grab some rolls and give it a go!
