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INTRODUCTION Maybe it’s because my mom was a teacher, but I’ve always felt a certain responsibility around crafting. Not just to do it and show others the projects I create, but also to teach people how to make them. I truly believe that anyone can be creative; it just takes some practice and commitment (and even a few fails). It’s not necessarily something you will be instantly good at. One thing that helps people learn how to be makers is to start with simple supplies so that they aren’t intimidated. And that leads me back to why I started a blog on washi tape. I saw how easy it was to use, how pretty it was, and a lot of potential for many projects. I’ve always had an affinity for Asian-inspired style and design, so when I saw my first roll of washi tape, the creative wheels started turning. I honestly think I got my first roll of washi tape for free, and when I started the blog Washi Tape Crafts, I hadn’t even used it that much. But as I did with one of my other craft blogs, Mod Podge Rocks, I decided that part of my learning process would occur while I was writing the blog posts. I would try out projects and experiment, and feature others doing the same thing. When I began my blog, I didn’t see that many people using washi tape (outside of other bloggers), but now it’s starting to become somewhat of a craft cultural phenomenon. Major retailers sell these fun-patterned tape rolls, and we all just grab them off the shelves with maybe a few ideas of how to use them. And honestly the question I get asked most often is, “I love washi tape, but what can I do with it?” I really want you to have a great experience with washi tape and this book—I know you’re going to love playing, experimenting, and generally being creative. I encourage you to “go crazy” with your tape and not be afraid. Washi tape is truly one of those craft supplies that is “no fail,” and there aren’t very many that can be said about. We’ve included several rolls of washi tape with this book. If you make a project, I’d love for you to share it with me at amy@washitapecrafts.com. I get absolutely thrilled to see what others are making with washi tape, because there really is no end to the possibilities. Now enjoy the book and get washi’ing! CHAPTER 1 TOOLS AND TECHNIQUES One of the great appeals of washi tape is that it is so easy. It’s fairly foolproof. But there are still particular tools and techniques that will all but guarantee crafting success. As with any craft, it’s wise to be prepared. WHAT IS WASHI TAPE? I get this question a lot, so let’s start at the very beginning: Washi tape is a low-tack tape, traditionally made of paper, that’s most commonly used in craft projects and design work. In Japan, where it originated circa 2006, it’s simply known as “masking tape,” but in its short and prosperous life in the United States, it has become known as washi tape (wa meaning “Japanese” and shi meaning “paper”). Today, many people use washi tape as a generic term to describe any patterned tape on a small roll that is tearable and repositionable, even if it’s not technically made of paper—but true washi tape is paper-based. In Japan, washi is commonly made using fibers from the bark of the gampi tree, the mitsumata shrub, or the paper mulberry; it can also be made using bamboo, hemp, rice, and wheat. Though washi tape is made of paper fibers and is easy to tear, it is surprisingly strong—once it’s on a craft project, washi tape holds up nicely to wear. I think it’s just magical! HOW TO USE THIS BOOK I’m excited to share the 110 washi tape projects in this book with you—they represent a variety of styles, types, and looks, ranging from very easy (requiring only a few supplies) to more advanced (requiring a few more supplies—and maybe a little more time). Use this book as an inspirational tool to guide your own washi tape projects. You can complete the project exactly as it’s shown, but I encourage you to customize the idea to your needs, to get creative, and—most important—to have fun!
