Ways with Washi Tape

Available in countless colours and patterns this Japanese masking tape has hundreds of uses around the house.

Having taken the craft world by storm, Washi tape continues to be the go to decorating accessory and is perfect for jazzing up gifts and cards. Here we show you six ways to add colour and personality to your home with this cheap and cheerful tape.

Update a plant pot. To copy the middle pot, run tape around the ase of the pot. Measure quarter points around the rim and stick strips in a contrasting pattern running from top to bottom.

For similar pots, try the Papaja, £2.75 each, Ikea

. For similar washi tape, try Paperchase

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Create gift bunting. To make the idea (above centre) cut off 4cm of tape and fold over the twine. Repeat a few times, alternating with different tape. Create a flag effect by cutting from each corner. Wrap around a gift and secure in place.

Bakers twine, £3.50 per roll, Jane Means

. Pink candles, £3 for £16, Talking Tables

. Number five sparkler, £1.25, Partyrama

For similar washi tape try Oliver Bonas

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Decorate a bottle. Secure a band of giftwrap around a mini milk bottle using a piece of clear tape at the back. Run a strip of decorative tape around the top edge and tie baker’s twine around the bottle, then pop in a flower stem.

Baker’s twine, £4 for 10m, Peach Blossom

. For similar washi tape try Papermash

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Create your own pinboard. Stick strips of decorative tape diagonally across a cork tile, using masking tape between each for even spacing.
Peel off the masking tape, remove the tile’s backing paper, fold over the decorative tape’s edges under the tiles and secure them. Repeat on three tiles and stick all four to the wall.

Self adhesive cork tiles, £14.99 for 9, Nicoline range, Amazon

. For similar washi tape try The Fox and Star.

Update plain frames. Remove the frame’s backboard, then stick strips of patterned tape across the front, wrapping them around to the rear of the frame. When you have finished your pattern, replace the back.

Ribba picture frames, £2.75 each, Ikea

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For similar washi tapes, try washitapes.co.uk

Pretty up gifts. Finish off brown-paper packages with strips of decorative tape. Wrap two contrasting designs around your present for an off-centre cross.

Glass jar with ceramic lid, £2, Garden Trading

. Gold scissors, £9, HAY studio range, Nest

. For similar washi tape, try Peach Blossom

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Stylish Stationery. Personalise plain white or brown stationery by sticking in strips of patterned washi tape- try layering up different patterns across the flap of an envelope or use it to create the main design on the front of a birthday card. It takes hardly any time at all, but it will transform cards and envelopes.

For similar washi tape, try Hobbycraft.

Make a bunting cake topper. Decorate a simple sponge cake for a special occasion by making miniature bunting. Cut a length of twine that’s wider than your cake. Fold tabs of washi tape around it, then cut them into triangles. Make small cuts at the top of two paper straws. Push the straws into the cake, then thread the twine through and let the bunting hang in place.
Attach a second tier by tying the twine around the straws.

For similar washi tape try Ginger Ray.