Washi tape fun — beyond the planner page
20 Creative Ways to Use Washi Tape (Beyond Your Planner)
Greetings, Planner Friends! I’ve been down sick for a week, and today is my first real attempt at getting back to my desk. It hasn’t been fun, but I’m finally feeling ready to ease back into normal life. With a little help from my assistant, I thought I’d kick things off with a fun topic: washi tape — not for your planner this time, but all the other creative ways you can use it.
Washi tape has become a favorite for planners and journal lovers, but it can do so much more than decorate a weekly spread. If you have drawers full of unused rolls, this is your moment. Washi tape works anywhere you want color, pattern, a quick label, or a little personality — without the commitment of permanent glue or messy paint.
Today I’m sharing practical, creative ways to use washi tape outside your planner. These ideas are fast, budget-friendly, and work even if you don’t consider yourself crafty.
1. Label Storage Bins and Jars
Washi tape makes labeling easy and clean. Add a strip to a glass jar, pantry bin, craft container, or charger box. Write on it with a Sharpie and peel off when you want to change the label.
2. Mark Charging Cords
If your family shares chargers, mark each one with a different tape pattern. It keeps cords from disappearing and makes yours easy to spot.
3. Decorate Bookmarks
Create sturdy bookmarks with cardstock and strips of washi tape. Use one pattern or mix a few for a layered look. Punch a hole at the top and add ribbon if you want a polished finish.
4. Seal Envelopes
Instead of using stickers or plain tape, use a strip of washi tape as a decorative seal. It adds charm to greeting cards, thank-you notes, and pen-pal letters.
5. Add Borders to Photos
Give your printed photos a scrapbook feel without glue. Place washi tape along the edges or use small “photo corner” pieces made from folded tape.
6. Dress Up Gift Wrapping
Washi tape instantly upgrades plain kraft paper or inexpensive white gift wrap. Use three strips as a faux ribbon, create stripes, or add a scalloped border.
7. Personalize Phone Cases
If you have a clear phone case, run strips of washi tape inside the case so they show through. It’s temporary, easy to switch out, and makes your phone look custom.
8. Make Easy Wall Art
Cover a picture frame mat with strips of color. Or create a geometric design directly on a wall — washi comes off without damage.
9. Decorate Light Switch Covers
Remove the switch plate, add tape in your favorite patterns, and trim the edges cleanly with a craft knife. It adds personality to a room without paint.
10. Create Drawer Dividers
Line the edges of drawer organizers with tape to add color and make them easier to spot.
11. Mark Calendar Dates on a Paper Wall Calendar
If you use a wall calendar or dry-erase board, use washi tape to block multi-day events. It’s neater than highlighters and peels off cleanly.
12. Decorate Notebooks
Plain composition books instantly look better with a few strips of tape on the spine, corners, or front cover.
13. Make Page Tabs for Books or Workbooks
Fold tape over the edge of a page, trim it square, and you have a durable, colorful tab for quick reference.
14. Customize Pencils and Pens
Wrap washi tape around the barrel of pencils or dry-erase markers. It looks fun and also keeps people from “borrowing” them permanently.
15. Add Color to Keyboard Keys
Add small pieces of washi tape to a few keys — like ESC, Return, or the arrows. This is helpful if you want a quick way to find certain keys or add a pop of color.
16. Frame Kids’ Artwork
Washi tape makes instant “frames” on the wall or fridge. It peels off cleanly and lets you swap artwork often.
17. Decorate Clipboards
Cover the border or back of a clipboard with washi tape for a custom look, especially for church notes, Bible study, or schoolwork.
18. Create Simple Party Decor
Use washi to make drink-marker flags on straws, decorate plastic cups, or add color to serving trays. It’s fast and doesn’t leave residue.
19. Mark Items for Church or Events
If you volunteer or serve at church, use washi tape to mark Bibles, binders, or supply bins so they’re easy to identify when working with groups.
20. Add a Touch of Color to Your Laptop or iPad
Run a strip along the edge of your laptop or tablet case. It adds personality but comes off cleanly whenever you want a different look.
Washi tape is one of those supplies that can do far more than people expect. Once you start using it everywhere — for organization, quick labeling, low-commitment decorating, and small DIY projects — you’ll realize it’s far more than just planner decoration.
Try one or two ideas from this list and see how far a single roll of tape can go.
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