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,

Sweet and simple birthday card.

I got some new washi tape and haven’t had much of a chance to use it yet. This just had to be fixed! So when I made a birthday card to send to J’s dad I just had to break it out!

I took both of these photos on my iPhone using the instagram app — love this app like crazy! I’m sideoats on instagram if you’d like to follow me.

Here’s a bit about the supplies that I used besides the washi tape! First off, it’s kind of hard to tell, but the Paper Source luxe white notecards have a nice texture to them.

The new cupcake stamp is by Basic Grey! It’s in the NEW PB + J Collection and will be coming to stores soon. (YUM.)  The patterned paper is from the older Life of the Party 6×6 paper pad – love how you can mix old and new, don’t you?

I colored the cupcake using Copic markers — wanted it to look really chocolatey and rich and delicious. Then to finish it off I just added some brown gems.

Happy Birthday, Dad!  We love you!

Father’s Day cards!

This year I found the perfect papers to make cards for my Dad — and J’s Dad too! I’m so excited that I’m going to post them now instead of waiting until Sunday. (Dad, if you’re reading this then step away from the computer right now, ha ha!)

Okay, the rest of you can check them out!

When I spotted this Rocket Age paper from October Afternoon I let out a huge internal “GAH!” (Didn’t want to startle anyone.)

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