10 Gorgeous Washi Tape Ideas for Your Bullet Journal

Do you love washi tape as much as I do? I have to admit I’m developing a slight obsession with it, and I’m always on the lookout for washi tape ideas for my bullet journal.

Not familiar with washi tape? Wondering why so many people love it? Or looking for washi tape ideas too?

Read on to find out more…

What is washi tape?

Washi tape is a thin (semi-transparent) decorative adhesive tape made from Japanese paper. (The word Washi comes from wa meaning ‘Japanese’ and shi meaning ‘paper’)

Washi is made from the natural fibres of Japanese shrubs such as gampi, mitsumata or paper mulberry, which makes it tougher than paper made from tree pulp.

The Origins of washi tape

The story starts in 2006 when 3 women from Tokyo got in touch with the specialist paper adhesive company Kamoi Kakoshi with a request.

The women had created a beautifully designed mini book using Komoi masking tape and requested that the company manufacture more tape in a variety of new colours.

The company had never considered a use for their tape outside of the industrial painting context and, impressed by the book the women had created, they worked to fulfil the women’s request.

The result was 20 new colours, like a set of coloured pencils, and the beginning of a new brand, MT (literally, Masking Tape). They’ve since gone on to create an incredible range of beautiful colours, patterns, and designs.

Although washi tape is now made by other manufacturers in Asia, MT brand is still considered by many to be the best quality.

These days washi tape is available to purchase in many stores worldwide, as well as online via Etsy, Amazon and specialty stationery websites.

These are some of my favourite MT wash tapes available from Etsy.

Why is washi tape so popular?

Washi tape is beloved by bullet journal enthusiasts, artists and crafters all over the world for being both beautiful, practical, and incredibly versatile.

Washi tape is:

available in pretty much every design, colour and pattern imaginable
available in a variety of widths
easily removed, and doesn’t leave a sticky residue behind
reusable – it’s easy to peel and reposition
durable but flexible, and it can be easily torn by hand

You can also write on washi tape – pencil works well, and most pens, but not every type of ink. Test your pens first to see.

How can you use washi tape in your bullet journal?

Washi tape can be utilized in your bullet journal in so many beautiful and practical ways. Take a look at these 10 gorgeous washi tape ideas for your bullet journal.

Washi Tape Swatch Page

Once you have collected a few different types of washi tape, it makes sense to have a washi tape swatch page in your bullet journal to organize them and see your favourites at a glance.

Here are 10 gorgeously simple ideas to display your washi tape collection