Have a ton of Washi? Here are 10 ideas to use Washi.

Hello. My name is Rosaline…and I am a washi tape addict. If there was a support group for washi tape addicts, I would be a member. LOL.

For those who don’t know what washi tape is…let me give a little background on these colorful, wonderful jems. Washi tape originally comes from Japan and is known as “masking tape.”These “masking tapes” are made of natural fibers (such as bamboo) or from native Japanese trees. In the United States, “masking tape” is known as washi tape. Washi tape comes in a variety of width sizes (very thing to think), textures (such as smooth, matte, and glitter), colors, and there are even some that are laser cut into designs.

I have over 200 washi tapes in my collection. I have found numerous ways to use washi tape. I would like to share some of those ways now. Enjoy! Happy Crafting!

1: Paperclip Page Flags

Source:cleaverbirdbanter.com

Paperclip page flags are easy to make. They go great in planners and for organizing all your papers. I use these paperclips to color code documents pertaining to the Crafty Rose Emporium business. To make these cuties: Take your favorite washi (I suggest using the regular width washi), wrap it around the longer part of the paperclip, and cut a triangle at the end. It’s the simple! 🙂

2: Deck Out your Computer Keyboard

Source: makingitwithdanielle.com

This project might be a little more challenging but I found it to be a lot fun. Find 1 or 2 of your favorite washi tapes (preferably ones with multi designs on it —such as the picture above). Start cutting down the washi tape to size and stick away! If it helps, you can take a black sharpie marker (anything that won’t smear) and write the letters and symbols on top of the washi.

3: Organize your cords

Source: simplyspaced.com

This is how I organize all my cords at home. So convenient and I love the pops of color! This idea is also great for labeling all those charging cards that we all have.

5: Make a colorful garland/banner

Source: crafthubs.com

Grab your favorite colorful washi tapes and twine/string…and go to town!  These garlands are great for birthday parties and decorations. I’ve used washi tape garlands to decorate packages and gifts.

6: Cover your laptop

Source: suitsandaprons.wordpress.com

This is a fun project to do! It’s simple and quick. Take some of your favorite washi tapes and start making a design on the cover of your laptop (or the back of you tablet). There is no right or wrong way to do this. The designs are endless!

7: Decorate your notebook/binder

Source: inkandadventure.blogspot.com

This idea is simple and fun to do. Take any of boring notebook or binder and transform it into your own piece of colorful art.

8: Colorful Picture Frames

Source: en.paperblog.com

When I buy wooden picture frames I decorate them with paint and washi tape. The designs and colors are endless! This project is a great project for children of all ages.

9: Jazz up a candle 

 

Source: popsugar.com, orientaltrading.com, withablast.net

This project is very simple. Take a few of your favorite washi tapes and some candles (all different sized candles work). You wrap the candle completely or you can leave gaps. It is entirely up to you!

10: Design your Own Phone Case

Source: allfreekidscrafts.com

This idea is just as simple as the washi tape notebook/binder. The color schemes and themes are endless. Be creative! My latest washi tape phone case was unicorn themed!

 

 

Month Long Special Offer In My Store!

Hello, my crafty friends! I would like to mention an offer I am running in my eBay store. This offer is valid from April 10, 2017 and ends May 10, 2017. Here is how the offer works:

Buy $5-$15 worth of items, receive 1 free surprise item.
Buy $11-$20 worth of items, receive 2 free surprise items.
Buy $21-$30 worth of items, receive 3 free surprise items.
Buy $31+ worth of items, receive 4 free surprise items.

Surprise items are chosen at random. No special requests allowed. Total amount does not include any applicable sales taxes or shipping costs.

Remember, I list items to my store on a weekly basis so there always something new to see. Thanks! Stay creative! And happy shopping! 🙂

Link to my store (just in case the other links don’t work): http://stores.ebay.com/craftyroseemporium/

 

My Recommended Craft Idea Books – Part II – Children’s Edition

Hello, my wonderful crafting friends! This is part two of my recommended craft idea books. This part focuses on children arts and craft books. I used to be a former teacher and these are some of the arts and craft books I have used in the art center of my classroom. I remember my former students having a blast using the ideas I pulled out of these books. I hope you can use these arts and craft ideas in your classroom or with you children at home. Enjoy! Stay creative! 🙂

Arts & Crafts Busy Book: 395 Activities by Trish Kuffner (Editor: Bruce Lansky)

This book is filled with tons of simple and entertaining arts and crafts for children of all ages. This book contains holiday projects and activities, recipes for making play dough and clay using everyday household ingredients.  The best thing I loved about this book is that it gave my former students a chance to show off their creativity and expressive themselves. I also noticed that these projects and crafts helped with their focus and helped them build their fine motor skills. I really suggest you check this book out. This book can be found on Amazon. The book can also be downloaded onto the Kindle.

Star Wars Origami: 36 Amazing Paperfolding Projects from a Galaxy Far, Far Away… by Chris Alexander (Foreward: Tom Angelberger)

This books was a blast when I was substitute teacher for a 9th grade history class. I remember the teacher not leaving a lesson plan so I had to improvise. I pulled this book out of my emergency substitute teacher bag and handed out some paper. I projected the book onto the SmartBoard and had the students follow along. The students had blast! In the book you can create some of the famous characters in the Start Wars movies –R2-D2, Yoda, Boba Fett, and Princess Leia. I bought this book on Amazon.

The Toddler’s Busy Book: 365 Creative Games and Activities to Keep Your 1/2- to 3-Year-Old Busy by Trish Kuffner

This book is by the same author of the first book I mentioned. This book is gear towards babies and toddlers. I used this book when I taught preschool children. This book contains a bunch of arts and crafts that keep boredom away while teaching children mathematics, motor-skills, and language development.  This book can be bought on Amazon and cheaper on eBay.

Draw 50 Animals: The Step-by-Step Way to Draw Elephants, Tigers, Dogs, Fish, Birds, and Many More… by Lee J. Ames

I found 4 copies of this book at a book sale at my local library. I thought it was a good investment to purchase all 4 copies. Turns out I was right. I had included these 4 books in my substitute teacher bad and was able to use them when I had to fill in for a teacher for an entire week, there was always extra time at the end of each class period. I was able to distribute the books to groups of students who wanted draw. It was a big hit! I suggest you purchase a copy of this book. This book can be bought on Amazon. The book is also available on the Kindle.

 

My Recommended Craft Idea Books

Hello, my crafty friends! Sometimes thinking of some creative crafty ideas can be a challenge (even after browsing thousands of Pintrest pictures). When I get “crafters block” I usually get ideas from crafting related books. I have a decent collection of crafting books that I have procured from thrift stores and garage sales over the years. I would like to share my top 5 favorite crafting idea books. I hope these books will spark some creativity within you! Happy Crafting! Enjoy! 🙂

Stitch ‘N Bitch Crochet: The Happy Hooker by Debbie Stoller

I found this book on a shelf at a thrift store. My first thought was “what a creative and funny title.” The author, Debbie Stoller, writes about a variety of topics related to knitting and crochets while pairing it wish lovely instructional illustrations and color photography. This book can be used by novice knitters and crocheters to the experienced. There is something for everyone in this book. You can find this book on Amazon. This book is also available on Amazon Kindle.

Art Before Breakfast: A Zillion Ways to be More Creative No Matter How Busy you Are by Gregory Danny

I bought this book off of Amazon last year and I absolutely love it! Last year, I got super busy with life that I had put my love crafting on the back burner for about 5 months. This book made me realize that no matter how busy you get, there is always small ways to be creative. Being creative doesn’t have to involve something huge. The author, Danny, writes about how creating small projects, through visual creativity (or quick art), can be part of a healthy life. I bought this book on Amazon. This book is also available on Amazon Kindle.

Enchanted Forest: An Inky Quest & Coloring Book by Johanna Basford

I know this isn’t really a craft idea book. But just hear me out…ok? This is one of my favorite adult coloring books of all time. I color in it when I am stressed, can’t sleep, and when I have “crafters block.” It seems like when I have a “block” I gravitate to my coloring book which gives me inspiration. By the time I color half of the coloring page, I have a list of craft ideas in my head. So, why not try this adult coloring book out…it helps me, it might help you as well! I bought this book from Michaels Craft Store. However, I believe it is a little bit cheaper if you buy it off of Amazon. Also, I use Prisma Premier Colored Pencils to color in my book.

The Complete Photo Guide to Cardmaking: More than 800 Large Color Photos by Judi Wantanabe

I absolutely love this book! It is such a great book to get ideas on card making using photographs. I think using photographs when card making makes cards more personal and the heart. This book provide beautiful illustrations, materials needed, and step-by-step instructions on how to put the card together.  You can get this book off Amazon. This book is also available on Amazon Kindle.

Sewing (5th Edition): Sewing For Beginners – Quick & Easy Way To Learn How To Sew With 50 Patterns for Beginners! by Kitty Moore

I consider myself a novice/beginner when it comes to sewing. Last year I learned how to use a basic sewing machine. This book was perfect for me and I was able to complete 2-3 of the sew projects in the book. The author, Moore, will teach you the basics to sewing. Along with the basics, it comes with easy-to-understand sew instructions. I bought this book on Amazon. This book is also available on Amazon Kindle.

You’re going to LOVE this!!

Hello My Crafty Friends! I would like to make a surprise announcement… After some careful consideration, I have decided to start making handmade stickers. The plan is to create decorative stickers, functional planner stickers, and quote stickers. I was thinking of opening an Esty shop for this but have decided to sell them on my eBay store instead (for ease and simplicity). 

I don’t know exactly when I will start selling these handmade stickers but when I do, I will definitely let you know.  Please stay tuned! 

To keep up-to-date on what I am up to, please check out and follow my social media platforms.

IG: @craftyroseemporium1

Twitter: @craftyrose1

And visit my eBay store to check out all the NEW listings!