Washi tape: or how to not spend a whole paycheck

Everyone seems to have an obsession right now with washi tape, and it's easy to see why! All those bold colors and eye catching patterns make them hard to resist, at least until I see the cost!

I have been fortunate enough to get some basic  decorative tapes on clearance or sales but most of the "best" looking washi tape rolls can easily cost 5-10$. If you do decide to buy your washi tape, I recommend looking at Target's office supply section and Micheal's clearance sections. I was able to get a 4 pack of basic patterned tape at target for 4$, which comes out to just a dollar a roll. In the clearance section of Micheal's I have been able to nab rolls for as low as $.75!! I've noticed that the brand that usually ends up in clearance, at least at my store, is Recollections.

The polka dots are from Micheal's ( $.79), the  label tapes are from  American Science Surplus  (all for a dollar!), all of the tapes that are still in packaging are fabric/lace tapes that I got for $.79 each.

First 4 on left are from target, the shoes from micheal's (2 rolls for $1), the two flower rolls are from World Market but I think I spent about $6  

If you don't have an  luck shopping around, or maybe your purchases have left you wanting some more creative tapes, you may want to consider making your own! I did some research on the topic and there seem to be two ways to do this, either with masking  tape or double sided tape. Both ways are super easy and you can basically use anything that you have around the house!

For the double sided tape method you will need:

My creations! The tape is from American Science Surplus which is a great resource for mail art supplies! This tape is 3" wide so you can always cut it down, and it's extra sticky! The tapes here were made with tissue paper and wrapping paper.

Double sided tape! (the kind I use has peel off paper and makes it easier to store)
pretty papers, tissue paper, tracing paper (thin paper is best! Heavy scrapbook paper will not work particularly well!)
things to decorate with like stamps, ink pads, markers, paints
wax paper (if you do not have tape that has a paper peel off)

If you choose to decorate your  tape with any kind of markers, paints, or pencils, you may want to do that first.

Tear off a piece long enough to get your desired pattern and put it on your paper. Try to line it up as close to the edge as possible so you have less waste, then cut the strip out! If you are using the tape with a paper back, Congrats!! You have made your first piece of  patterned tape! If you are using the other kind of tape you just need to stick it to a piece of wax paper for storage. You can either cut it out from the sheet or use the sheet as one big storage spot!

This is a great way to use up some of those smaller sized pretty papers or gift paper from a birthday!

The first 4 strips are made with your average found around the house masking tape. The ones below it are  artist's tape which is whiter and a less waxy finish. I looked online to try to find more and it runs about $5 a roll it seems, but I'm sure you could find something similar at a hardware store!

For the masking tape method you will need:
Masking tape, artist tape, paper tape or any other name it may go by
wax paper
Markers, stamps, or anything for decorating

You will want to cut a big piece of wax paper if you want long pieces of tape. Stick the tape to the wax paper. This method goes faster since you can work on multiple strips at the same time.

And decorate to your heart's content!

I used two different types of tape and found that one type was a bit waxier which meant my markers didn't really stuck to it like I expected it would. So, I decided to ink up both sides with two marker colors to create an ombre sort of effect and smeared it with a tissue. The other tape I had was like working with regular paper, so my drawn designs stuck better.

Regardless of which method you use, you will be saving your hard earned money! Even if you have to go out to buy the tapes, it is only about a dollar per roll versus $3 and up! If you have any other diy washi tips, I'd love to know!

On the work table

Here are some pictures of what I've been working on lately. Some have already been sent out and some will be on their way soon! I have been trying to use up my paper stashes and have been working on all kinds of things!

A gesso over magazine trick. I really loved the image so I didn't alter it any, I just wanted that illustrated type look. It got a little wrinkled and the colors went wonky when I glued it to a postcard. I plan on hanging on to this one for a bit. It took a little more than an hour.

A pink postcard I made for mail me some art. It's a really  great site for homemade swaps!

Even beautified the pack!

A blue postcard for swap-bot. Basic collaging and some stamping.

Teacups! Made by putting gesso over Japanese book pages and using crayola markers over it. I love the look this technique has. Anyone else do this type of work?

A few pretty packages I sent this week.

Probably the prettiest piece of mail I've ever sent! It's made from an  old planner cover. The back of the planner had a little pouch, so I figured it would make an awesome envelope! Yay recycling!

I hate just tossing old planners, but it can be tricky to new projects with them!

It has been a busy week for rolos! I find that these suckers are faster to make than ATCs, for me at least. The one with a peacock does not have a home yet if anyone would like to set up a trade!

My favorite one that I made!

Second favorite! I'm trying to use up all of my security envelope paper! It's a daunting task!

The prize for most random goes to....

"Let the spirit of the adventure set the tone"

I have a whole stack of scrapbook paper that is just fancy lettering and words, but I'm having a tough time using it! This is one of the results...

I need a caption or a quote! Any takers?

APCs for a swap. I had fun making these by layer tissue papers and then just stamping over them. I think this works well when you have detailed stamps like these. The one on the top right corner is actually tracing paper over scrapbook paper. I stamped the main image and then stamped the other shape around the edges. Looking back I think I should have stamped the paper underneath and then stamped the main image on the tracing paper.

Security envelope ATCs. As much as I love the patterns on security envelopes, I find that it is actually a bit difficult to find a proper use for them! I like the way the one on the right came out, I think its because the colors just coordinate so nicely.

Anything fun on your worktable lately?

Altered Rolos

My first rolo ever! It looks alot like water colors, but its actually just marker on wet paper. I was inspired by Todd's beta fish.

My first rolo for a swap! An alphabet swap :)

It's time to introduce a new interest! They're called altered Rolodexes (or rolos for short). I had been looking in to what they are and what they can be used for before committing to any new supplies or swaps. Rolos are normally used as address filers in office settings (and can actually run a bit expensive!) so I think I may ultimately use mine as an address book too for pen-pals and such and letting the pen-pal decorate it herself! I've actually gotten to the point where it's a little tough to keep track of addresses, usernames, and likes/dislikes. I'd like to have some fun cards too of course! Goodness knows I have enough supplies! I made the mistake (again) of buying before digging around the house. It should be the first rule of every crafter!

My second rolo!

3rd time is a charm! This one was one of my favs!

The rolodex I found after buying 300 rolo cards! :x

Sorry for the crummy quality of the last few pictures! They're from my phone, but at least there's something to show you! 

What do you think? Would it be weird to send a blank one out to pals and have them decorate and put there info on it? I'd love any feedback! 

The book post

Since I've been MIA from the blog, you all have missed out on alot of mail art and crafty action! But no worries! I'm here to fill you in! First we will start with the bookish crafts!

I had an urge to make a book...from scratch...from  recycled stuff...for a secret santa thing (the game where you can steal each other's gifts) at work because I didn't feel like spending the allotted $20. So the paper is actually the old ugly work stationery that came from my dad's old company (some of you have probably seen me use it for letters!) that I cut down to size so you wouldn't see the logo. The fabric I actually saved from going in the trash at work. And the "hard" part of the binding is just a wheat thins box. I mostly followed this tutorial on instructables. Even though book binding is tedious and a bit time consuming it is extremely rewarding once you finish it! I'm actually making a min-notebook from the scraps of paper leftover from making this journal. Woo for reusing!

 I've been working on my smashbook/junk journal thing! It's so full and there's still so many blank pages! Do your junk journals look as messy as mine or is it just me?

So stuffed it can't even close!

Changed a few things around on the cover!

And last but NOT least a real book! okay a craft book with lots of pictures, but that still counts right? This gem of an art book is called Artist Trading Card Workshop. I borrowed it from the library last month and my boyfriend got it for me for Christmas! He's so thoughtful! Anyway I really recommend it if you're looking for new techniques to try out on your ATC's but I think most of these ideas can be used for whatever you feel like!

Anyone else try to bind their own books while I was away?

Random Crafties Galore!

So I haven't stopped crafting while I've been away from the blog! This past weekend on Atcsforall.com there was an APC-athon! APCs are alot like ATCs except they are on playing cards and usually show a corner of the card so you know which card of the deck it is. People like collecting different themed decks and its alot of fun once you get into it! Here are some of the cards I made this past weekend! Let me know if you have any cards you'd like to trade, I'd love to add to my collection!

Traded!

Painted background with a cut out from a card

Here are some older APCs I made earlier during the summer:

All fabric and ribbon experiment

A pile of old cards! Anyone want to trade?

A few weeks ago I decided to try my hand at making a Dottee Doll. A Dottee Doll is a little plush doll that has a hanger and a tail and usually has a very stylized face. They are ONLY traded and never sold. I wanted to give it a try since I have so many fabric bits around that I can't seem to find a home for. I think this is a great scrap busting project, it's just time consuming! I had a little trouble figuring out how to sew the hanger on right but I think I'll get it better the second time. What do you think? Does anyone else out there make Dottee dolls or have any tips?

ALSO I started another scrap busting project! I decided to try and make a draft blocker with the swatches that I have to cut for people at work that come back or would otherwise just end up in the trash. I am trying to only use the upholstery weight fabrics (so its a bit warmer/sturdier) so it will probably take a little while for me to finish it. But! I do have a whole boot-shoebox full of these swatches to make something awesome with! Among all of my other salvaged fabric haha. I'll put pictures up of it once it actually starts to look like something!

Anyone else planning cozy winter crafts? Scrap busters? I'd love to know what you're up to :)

Quick Craft of the week!!

I finally had a good idea for all my fabric book samples! I have hundreds of sample fabrics and books that were going to be thrown away at various places, but naturally I couldn't let them go to the landfill!

SO my idea that I woke up with one morning, which is probably an obvious idea for most fabric crafters, was to make drawstring pouches! I randomly decided at 10 last night to start the project without really drawing anything out or planning. I just grabbed the first sample fabric I found, some ribbon for the drawstring, and a needle with sturdy silk beading thread. (yes I know I'm unusual) Since I did so well at planning out this project, I don't have any process pictures! But this is what it looks like when it is finished! It is all hand sewn and took me about an hour total to make but it would probably go much faster on a sewing machine. I wish I had used different ribbons, but this was what I had on hand so it works well enough!

Its prettier blue than it's coming up as, I swear!

 I am thinking that they would be good to use as gift bags for the holidays (they're coming up!) and they're reusable too!

If I am persistent enough I might make a bunch more and put them up in my Etsy shop. What do you think? Do you make any reusable types of gift wrapping?