Washi tape is a fun craft supply to use in all sorts of crafts, including journaling.
It can be used as a permanent part of the layout as a way to add color or texture. But it can also be used as a tool during the design process, to block or mask an area.
When I started journaling, I learned various techniques by trial and error. Some worked and others didn’t. At first, I steered clear of washi tape because it ruined some of my layouts. I’d place a strip of washi tape on the notebook and when I tried to reposition it, the paper would either rip or a thin layer of the paper would end up on the tape itself.
After a few failed attempts, I had a washi tape epiphany while wrapping Christmas gifts. Soon there after, I started adding and removing washi tape to my journal layouts without any issues. I used the technique while creating this layout. Check it out below.
Supplies
- Notebook
- Ruler
- Washi Tape
- Distress Ink (Black Soot #3)
- Ink Applicator Tool
- Ranger Bubble Stencil
- Acrylic Block
- Alphabet Stamps
- Black Archival Stamp Ink
- Tombow TwinTone Marker (Red)
Step One
I started this layout by placing washi tape on both sides of the notebook. The washi tape serves two purposes. It serves as a mask, to help prevent inks, stamps, or other designs from going past the tape line and it provides a straight line separating the creative portion with the weekly layout.
Here is my number one rule. Whenever I use washi tape I make sure to prep it first. This process will lessen the stickiness of the tape, making it easy to remove from the notebook. When the tape is too sticky (almost always) I place the strip on my jeans, remove it, and put it down on the jeans again (several times if needed). Try it. See how the adhesive is wearing off?
Step Two
Next, I applied a light shade of black Distress Ink with an Ink Applicator Tool to the outer portions of the washi tape. Then I placed a stencil right on top and added a darker layer of black distress ink.
Step Three
After stenciling both sides I created the weekly layout portion with a red Tombow TwinTone Marker and a ruler.
Step Four
Last, I added the month and days of the week to the layout with a newly released alphabet stamp set by The Sassy Club. I used this acrylic block to hold the stamps and this black stamp ink.
