Thursday, July 26, 2012

WASHI????

If you are a papercrafter you have likely heard about (or at the very least will soon hear about) Washi tape. This product is invading the crafting world with a vengeance.

Washi tape is basically a pretty, high quality masking tape.
You can tear it, stick it, reposition it, write on it...and so much more. The low tack adhesive makes it extremely easy to use (and reuse).

Washi tape originated in Japan and is commonly made using fibers from the bark of the gampi tree, the mitsumata shrub (Edgeworthia papyrifera), or the paper mulberry, but also can be made using bamboo, hemp, rice, and wheat. Washi comes from wa meaning Japanese and shi meaning paper.

Numerous companies in the crafting world now make Washi tape (or their version of it seeing as its not actually made in Japan). Bella Blvd, We R MK, Studio Calico, 7 Gypsies, Cosmo Cricket, Crate Paper, Queen and Company, and Heidi Swapp all joined the Washi takeover. Tim Holtz has a tissue tape and Little Yellow Bicycle released a vellum tape to compliment their Splash Collection.

Each tape is unique. They have varying colors (neutrals/darks/lights/pastels/neon), designs (polka dots/ wood grain/flowers etc) sizes and themes (birthday/halloween xmas). Some come 2 rolls in a pack, others 3 in a pack, some just a single roll. Some are thick and have a paper backing, some are thin and transparent. The options are endless.

Here is some info about each of the main companies that manufacture Washi tape.

7 Gypsies tape: package of 3, not transparent, thicker than regular Washi tape, removeable/repositionable, good for stamping on, also have fabric tape available, low tack

Prima canvas tape: package of 3, not transparent,low tack

Tim Holtz tissue tape: set of 2, transparent, very low tack (does not stick well),

K& Co. Smash tape: somewhat transparent, midway between a masking tape and a Washi tape, low tack,

Hambley: great for beginners, 2 smaller rolls and 1 larger roll in a package, wood grain, doiley, script, low tack, can be layered for effect,

American Crafts decorative tape: thicker than Washi, low tack

American Crafts and Amy Tangerine teamed up: this is good starter set, neutral colors, wood grain,ruler,

Martha Stewart paper tapes: holiday tapes, most are not transparent, thin, low tack,4 different sizes in a package,

Real "Washi Tape":

MT brand or Kamoi: available through Etsy

It is important to look at the size of the roll to ensure you are getting your moneys worth. Most of the main brands have lots on there rolls but a couple of companies provide significantly less.

At Loonie4scrapbooking we currently have some We R MK Washi tape in stock for $3.79 + tax. The package contains 2 rolls each with 26 feet (52 feet total). One roll is 15mm wide; the other is 10mm wide.  


We are also able to get the following brands of Washi tape:

Cosmo Cricket: Ruler or Hello for $8.79 each+ tax
Contains two rolls each with 16 yards of washi tape. Acid and lignin free. Imported.

Cashmere Dame Washi Tape by Glitz: 33 Feet for $3.49 each + tax. Available in Chevron or Cherry

October Afternoon: OCTOBER AFTERNOON-9 To 5 Collection or Woodland Park or Cakewalk: Washi Tape. This paper tape is great for borders; layering; and collages and can be written or stamped on for added flair. This package contains one 8-yard roll of Washi Tape. Available in several designs (each sold separately). Imported.

HEIDI SWAPP-Day Glow: Neon Tapes. These assorted brightly colored tapes are the perfect accent to your paper crafts! The intense pop of color add excitement and energy to any piece! Package contains 4 tapes in assorted widths. Each tape is 5 meters long. Acid and lignin free. Imported.
$6.79 + tax

There is also more coming available for preorder.

Hope you find this useful and if you want to learn more I invite you to look at some videos on YouTube or better yet grab yourself some Washi and have fun experimenting...I know I will! Have fun!!