Where to buy washi tape!

One of the most frequently asked questions I receive here on the blog is: “where do you buy washi tape?”  So, I decided to compile a list of my favorite places!

I realize that there are many (many!) awesome places out there that sell washi tape these days — this list is just of the ones that I personally have purchased from and that are still likely to carry washi tape. :)

One quick word on washi tape — I think of washi tape as being different from paper tape, masking tape, tissue tape, or fabric tape. To me, washi tape is made from Japanese washi paper and has a translucent quality about it (so that you can see  some of what is underneath the tape). It’s also easy to remove and reposition (much like a post-it note). The principle manufacturer is Kamoi Kakoshi Co who makes mt masking tape. As you are shopping, look for the brand on the inside of the tape roll. Tapes by Kamoi Kakoshi Co will have “mt” or “kamoi” on the inside. Here’s a great story about how they started making washi tape.

Okay enough chit-chat, on to the list!

First off, brick and mortar stores (some are also online):

• Anthropologie — they even have that super cute squirrel washi tape holder in the photo (J got it for me for Christmas, love!)
• Itoya in Tokyo (the Ginza location) — love this store so much!
• Paper Source - find it in their shops and online
• Kinokuniya Stationery and Gift - they are in Japantown in San Francisco — they also have a huge selection of pens from Japan. If you go, check out their bookstore just across the way for Japanese craft books, including books on how to use washi tape.

Online shops:

• Crafty Japan – Melanie is in Japan and has a HUGE selection of washi tape and other awesome Japanese crafty supplies (including hard to find gocco supplies!). She always has the latest and greatest tapes, and shipping time isn’t that bad either — orders always seem to arrive within a week. :)
• UGUiSU – ships from Tokyo to all over the world! They always have a great selection and other nifty things from Japan. Once again, shipping times aren’t long.
• Cute Tape – is based in the US and in addition to tape also has stamps and twine (yah!)
• Ginko Papers – the very first place I ordered tape from — and I still have some of those first rolls even 5 years later — washi tape seems to last forever! Ginko Papers makes regular trips to Japan to find new and nifty treats for their shop.
• Lotta Jansdotter – I am a huge Lotta fan and I was over the moon when I found out she has her own line of washi tape. Love.

Happy shopping,

Two more Mother’s Day cards!

Here are two more Mother’s Day cards I just had to share! The first one is for J’s Mom (Mom, if you are reading this stop now ha ha!)

I used my new typewriter to make the message on this one — love the typewriter so much! I’ll be writing a post all about it and places to look for typewriters/things to watch out for soon.

Also had to use my new Studio Calico Chevron Mask and Boss Lady Mr. Huey’s. Love how this looks — so soft and pretty! And I love the randomness of it too!

The crepe paper flowers are stickers by Martha Stewart — I’ve been hoarding them (er, saving them for a special occasion) for a while now.

Love the patterned paper too — it’s by Crate Paper. I used some more to create a card for J’s Grandma!

Love that stamp, I used it to make so many cards for my Grandma. Was thinking about her when I made this one.

Hope you have a great weekend, and wishing a very Happy Mother’s Day to all the moms out there!

Hugs,

I got a typewriter!

I am so happy! I got a typewriter — finally! I’ve been wanting one for years and years, but couldn’t find one, and when I did I was overbid. I made up my mind that I had to have one, and I started stalking ebay and etsy like a fiend! And it paid off, because I finally found the typewriter of my dreams.

I used it yesterday to make a Mother’s Day card for my step-mom — love how it turned out!

And I had to add a little zig zag washi tape (by Trendy Tape, found it at Archiver’s the other day) and twine!

My step-mom is an avid reader, so I made her a matching bookmark too!

Sure hope she likes it!

And I can’t wait to use my typewriter more! Yah! I gotta get better pics, was cloudy and rainy when I took these.

I’ve got more Mother’s Day cards to share too — can’t wait to show you!