Washi Tape

An empty notebook, a nice pen, and a roll of washi tape. Sometimes, that's all you need to suddenly feel inspired to create something.

Washi tape is decorative tape that you can use to adorn your notebook, journal, planner, gifts, and basically anything that could use a touch of extra color. It's easy to tear by hand, you can use it in various ways, and thanks to the immense variety of colors and patterns, there's almost always a roll that perfectly suits your taste.

And that's precisely the danger.

You might only need one roll. But then you see another with tiny flowers. And one with birds. And one with a pattern that you don't really know what you'd use it for, but that's a problem for later, of course.

Washi tape from unique illustrators and brands

At Drawables, you'll find an extensive collection of washi tape from illustrators, designers, and unique stationery brands. From colorful flowers and animals to graphic patterns, subtle designs, and striking prints.

We mainly select our washi tape based onillustration and character. Not an endless collection of the same patterns, but rolls that make you happy as soon as you take them out of your drawer.

Our collection includes washi tape fromBloemkolie, Claire Paul, Esther Bennink, Nutmeg and Arlo, Fin Studio, Finest Imaginary, Hello Vonnie, and Niaski.

What is washi tape?

Washi tape is a decorative paper-based tape. The name refers towashi, traditional Japanese paper made from natural fibers.

Unlike ordinary adhesive tape, washi tape is primarily intended to add beauty: to a page, gift, card, or other creative project.

What makes washi tape so enjoyable is that it feels much less "permanent" than regular tape. You can tear off a piece, stick it on, remove it, and start over if your first attempt wasn't as brilliant as you thought.

Many washi tapes are also easy to tear by hand. So you don't need scissors for every small piece.

This makes washi tape particularly suitable for creative applications such as journaling, scrapbooking, and bullet journaling.

What do you use washi tape for?

The fun thing about washi tape is that there are no official instructions for use.

You can use it to stick something down, but you can also use it purely because it makes a page look nicer.

Washi tape for journaling

Washi tape and journaling are an excellent combination.

Use a piece of tape at the top of a page, create a border with it, or use different patterns to distinguish different sections of your journal.

A blank page can sometimes be a bit intimidating. Put a piece of washi tape on it, and suddenly it looks like you've already started.

And sometimes that's exactly what you need.

Washi tape for your bullet journal

You can also use washi tape in a bullet journal in all sorts of ways.

For example, to:

• decorate a weekly overview
• separate different sections
• mark important pages
• create a color theme
• add a small accent to a spread

You don't have to create complete works of art on your bullet journal pages, by the way. A small piece of tape is sometimes enough.

Washi tape for gifts

Wrapping a gift with plain paper is fine.

But add a nice piece of washi tape to it, and suddenly it looks like you've put in a lot more effort.

We won't tell.

For example, use washi tape to attach a gift tag, add a small detail to your gift, or combine different types of paper.

Washi tape for cards and paper

Cards, letters, envelopes, and other paper projects can also be easily personalized with washi tape.

Combine different patterns, stick a piece over an edge, or use tape as part of your design.

Washi tape for photos and memories

Washi tape is also useful for sticking down photos, tickets, cards, and other small memories in a journal or scrapbook.

Because it's decorative, it immediately becomes part of the page.

Which washi tape suits you?

That might be the hardest question.

Not because there are so many different kinds, but because there are so many fun ones.

Flowers and plants

For those who like to bring a bit of nature to paper. From small flowers to larger botanical illustrations.

Animals

Birds, frogs, bears, cats, and all sorts of other animals appear in our collection.

Colorful patterns

For when your journal could use some more color.

Graphic washi tape

Clean patterns, shapes, and lines for a slightly calmer or more modern look.

Narrow washi tape

Handy for small details and subtle lines. Ideal if you don't want to cover half a page immediately.

Washi tape is perfect if you like to tinker a bit

Perhaps that's ultimately the best way to explain washi tape.

You don't have to be an illustrator. You don't have to be good at drawing. You don't have to know complicated journaling techniques.

You tear off a piece of tape.

You stick it somewhere.

And you see what happens.

Maybe it becomes a beautiful page. Maybe it needs to move a little. Maybe you stick another pattern next to it.

There's little that can go wrong.

And if it does go wrong?

Just remove it again.

Combining washi tape

It gets extra fun when you combine different tapes.

For example, you can combine one striking tape with a subtle pattern. Or use different colors from the same color family.

Another fun approach is to match your washi tape to your journal page.

Do you have a page about a trip to the sea? A blue pattern.

An autumn page? Warm colors and leaves.

A list of things that make you happy? Something with flowers, stars, or... well, something that makes you happy.

There are no real rules.

Discover our washi tape collection

At Drawables, you'll find a large collection of washi tape from various illustrators and stationery brands. From cheerful and colorful designs to botanical patterns and subtle details.

View all washi tape →

Frequently asked questions about washi tape

What is washi tape?

Washi tape is decorative paper-based tape. It is widely used for journaling, bullet journaling, scrapbooking, cards, and other creative projects.

What do you use washi tape for?

You can use washi tape to decorate notebooks, journals, and planners, but also for gifts, cards, photos, and other creative projects.

Can you easily remove washi tape?

Washi tape is generally less permanent than many other types of tape and can often be removed from paper. How easy that is depends on the type of surface and the tape.

Is washi tape the same as masking tape?

Not entirely. Although both tapes may look similar to paper and some applications overlap, washi tape is primarily used as decorative and creative tape. Masking tape was originally used mainly to tape off and protect surfaces during, for example, painting.

Can you use washi tape in a bullet journal?

Certainly. Washi tape is very popular for bullet journaling. You can use it for decoration, color coding, borders, page markers, and organizing your spreads.