LIFESTYLE // 2 ways to use Washi Tape

Hello!

Way back when (I was writing a very long essay at the time - probably on my 3rd draft) I was contacted by the lovelies at Prairie Charms to collaborate with them and their #PrairiePayItForward campaign. They took a generous 25% off their entire range and even more, they donated 25% of the order cost to the Make A Wish Foundation. I am an absolute sucker when it comes to a good cause and was too excited to contribute.

 I chose some washi tape and super pretty paper straws and patiently (okay not so patiently) waited for my beautiful parcel to arrive. Turns out it turned up whilst I was in my last exam at UBC so that day may have been the best day in a very long time. They even threw in more washi tape and the most lovely hair grips as well. How lucky did I feel? (Spoiler - very. Thanks guys!) Oh, and the packaging was just beautiful. If all of my post came in holographic envelopes I'd be forever happy.

I have decided to show you guys a couple of DIY ideas for using washi tape. Sure, it's super useful for scrapbooking and decorating your walls but there are so many other uses (as seen on Pinterest). I am no DIY guru but I have had a lot of fun doing these projects and hope you do too!

DIY 1: Washi Tape Polaroids

I love a polaroid photo. I really would like to get one of the Instax cameras but, with film being so expensive, I just cannot get myself to purchase one. Instead, I spend all of my time on Afterlight and Instagram to get a similar effect. However, what can I do with all of these photos after hours of choosing the right filter? Print them out of course!

These washi polaroids are super simple to make and kept me occupied for a good couple of hours. You can either get your photos printed professionally or, like me, print them out using my normal inkjet printer. I simply cut around the photo in approximate Polaroid dimensions (it was really rough) and used double sided tape to stick them onto a piece of cardboard. 

The type of card you want to use depends on what you want to use the photos for. I used really thick card and, when laminated/covered in sticky back plastic, would make lovely, personalized coasters. However, a nice thin cardstock would be perfect if you just wanted your photos on your wall. 

Now's the fun step: staring at the bottom, directly under your photo, start sticking the washi tape in neat rows. I then added the side pieces and finally the top to finish off. I think they look utterly fabulous and would look lovely if you had lots of co-ordinating tapes. 

DIY 2: The Make-shift planner

I am a notebook hoarder. I have lots and lots of notebooks that I love but have no use for. An A6 notebook? It's not quite lecture worthy is it? I have been browsing Pinterest and looking at all of the beautiful planners and their not so beautiful price tags. I thought - hey! Why not make my own! 

3 hours later and I have printed out a few calendars (I have somehow lost the link but will update asap!) and had stuck them in a blank notebook that I picked up in Chapters. 

I simply used some washi tape for special events/events that lasted more than one day so I could easily see which days I was completely unavailable. This will be much more useful for a day-to-day planner rather than my travelling month - honestly!

I'm currently using a page per day and, depending on what my focus is, I can change how I separate my page. It's completely up to you on what you want to put on the page but I usually split it into 3 sections: To-do list, Blog and Hydration (girl needs her 8 glasses of water!). If I am going to the gym I'll add a gym column too so I can take note of how much I did. 

It's as simple as that! Mine isn't the best in the world but once I get some new pens and make this a habit I'm sure it will look prettier. I really enjoy practicing fancy typography and trying to doodle (trying being the word!)

So that is all from today's DIY post. Have you got any interesting ways of using Washi tape? Let me know!