Tuesday, July 31, 2012

Chapter one: Washi Tape

A few months back, I did a post about my process for writing letters and the supplies I use to decorate my envelopes. A couple of people asked me about where I get my supplies so I thought I'd share my sources.

I'll start with the Washi Tape since that was the big superstar of the post.....


Would you believe me if I told you that all of my washi tape was purchased within the last 5 months? Prior to March, I didn't even know what washi tape was. But if you need to know anything about me, it's this: when I get obsessed with something, I go stark-raving, foam-at-the-mouth insane. You know how sometimes you joke about wanting to sell your kidney to buy something? Sadly, when I say it, I'm only 8.5% joking. Biology shouldn't have given me two of something if it didn't intend for me to sell one copy for washi tape. GEEZ. I go full-Hulk while buying, calm down after a few weeks, and only then look at the aftermath of how badly my wallet was hit. Ignorance is bliss people, ignorance is bliss.

My washi tape was mostly purchased from the following places:

1) Omiyage [wonderful seller right in Canada. They have a $7.50 flat-rate for shipping, and refund your money if the actual shipping cost is less than the $7.50. Great and honest to boot! But they sell out quite quickly, so if you find something you like, I suggest you purchase it lickey-split!]
2) Happy Tape [great seller with really neat 10-tape paks. However, the shipping is fairly pricey compared to the other places, so that can be a huge hit to the wallet]
3) Cute Tape [really great selection of washi tapes, but the selection of several items—which has to be done item by item—to the shopping cart is a total pain]
4) Deserres [a chain of art stores in Canada that offer practically everything you could need for art and some crafts, including washi tape! I rely on Deserres to keep me stocked up on pens as well]

There are also numerous stores on etsy that sell washi tape. Hello Bunnies and Papered Thoughts recently had great posts about other washi tape sources so check them out too!

I'm washi-ed out. Did you groan at the really embarassing pun? Me too. Let's not mention it again.

23 comments:

  1. Lovely washi tape! And you have loads! Thank you for the tips!

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  2. Wow! I feel better about my recent washi-buying binge now haha. I posted about washi tape just yesterday - I got a bunch from a store in Japan called uguisu and some from MOMA store in NYC.

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    1. Oooohhh pretty! The giftshop at MOMA is one of my favourite places in the world.

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  3. Nothing about your husband having to bring you to Deserres many many times under threat of violence. I think that topic should be coveted too

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    1. Well first off, I didn't covet that topic; I covered it. Second off, I wouldn't have to threaten you if you just did what you were told. Now quit clowning around and take out the garbage!!

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  4. Those are some great tips, thanks for sharing! And I love those green flowered ones in the right corner! :)

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    1. I'll let you in on a secret: they actually have dancing girls on them too! :) I think they're part of a set called woodcuts.

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  5. Wow really fun bright pretty colors of Washi Tape.
    Is Washi Tape just like Deco Tape.?

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    1. I think they're similar, but not quite the same. I believe Deco tape is like decorative plastic tape, but washi tape is transparent and made from rice paper. It's also low-tack so that you can move it around. But someone craftier and wiser than me can clarify for sure.

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  6. Ignorance is bliss!! You might've spent a lot, but your collection is pure awesomesauce (and i hate how the auto correct forces that word to become two). Thanks for linking to my post and the recommendations! I will definitely be checking those out.

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    1. Not a problem. Thanks for posting your sources too!

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  7. Double thumbs up for washi tapes!
    ^^

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    1. Between your thumbs and my thumbs, that makes quadruple thumbs up for washi tapes! Unless you have an extra thumb I don't know about...? ;)

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  8. Washiiiiii taaaaaape... I want more. My poor husband worries that I will go on a crazy washi tape binge on Etsy. Now I have more sources to make him worry about. Mwahahaha.

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    1. My job here is done. It makes me feel better when other people go on crazy washi tape binges too because misery loves company. That way, when I'm living on the streets (but stocked full of washi tape), I get to have a neighbour. Join me Felicia!

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  9. Haha. Thy post could have been written by me!!! Six months ago I didn't know what Washi tape was either. And. Now. I admit. Im an ADDICT! I've been on a Washi binge. I think I may have it out of my system. But only because I just bought like 15 new rolls! Hey. Have you tried fabric tape?!?!?! JuSt bought some... Will report back.

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    1. I just admitted to wanting to sell my kidney for washi tape. Now you want me to try fabric tape?!!! Contrary to popular belief, I don't have many miscellaneous body parts I can sell for material goods (the one disadvantage of not being a mutant!) so I'm staying far, far, far, away from fabric tape for now.

      But yes, please report back about the fabric tape. Because once I get the washi tape out of my system, I'm going to need a new obsession. ;)

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  10. OMG, Laura!!! You made me laugh so much today! Hahahaha! Thanks a lot for that! ;D I love you!

    And as for your stash of washi tape ... I'm speechless, girl! :O It's an amazing collection. I only have one little roll and I'm afraid to use it up, hehe.

    Happy midweek, sweet Laura! ;D

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    1. Thanks Miki! But you know, I'm happily married so I'm not sure anything can ever happen between us.... oh, I kid. :D I love you too!

      Happy Thursday, lovely Miki!

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  11. That's an impressive collection. I've been slowly building my own as well, but I'm clearly an amateur compared to you. I think I might be catching up soon though... There's a sale at deserres on Aug 5&6 with a coupon, so I'm hoping to find something good.

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    1. Ooohh, I know. I'm going to Deserres with that coupon too. Poor Deserres, it won't even know what hit it.

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    2. My thoughts exactly... But I think this is a good thing. We'll go gather up all the remaining tapes and papers and pens and whatnots so there will be space for new wonderful things to absolutely need!

      *groan* <-- just my wallet

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