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Four Ways to Use Washi Tape

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For months I saw washi tape at craft stores and thought to myself, “That’s cute. What the heck would I do with it?” A simple Google search of “washi tape uses” will show thousands of ideas. The four I’ve got to share today are by no means original, but they’re how I’ve used washi to make things a little more colorful around our house.

Four Ways to Use Washi Tape

1. NAME TAGS FOR CUPS
This takes just seconds to decorate plain white cups and add guests names. I didn’t bother to cut the tape; just tear and stick on. So flippin’ easy.

2. CODE YOUR CALENDAR
I use three different colors of tape for this: one for my stuff, one for Stu’s stuff, and one that affects both of us. It’s such a nice visual and really helps you get an overall picture of the month. *As much as I try, I can’t get away from needing a paper calendar…I use one on my computer that’s more detailed but I just like being able to write the big stuff down and have it up at all times.

3. DECORATE A PLAIN FRAME
I purchased this clear plastic frame from Wal Mart for less than $1. You could do so many cute patterns and even write messages on the tape if you wanted. These would be make inexpensive gifts too.

4. PERSONALIZE A NOTEBOOK
Like the last idea, this one takes a plain issue and jazzes it up. You can buy the most simple (cheap) notebooks  and customize them however you choose. This would be a fun back to school project for kids. Plus, they’d be the only one in their class to have a “one-of-a-kind” creation.

Speaking of back to school…

Today was the first time since kindergarten (hello, 1987) that I did not go back for the first day of school. All my teacher friends and their kids started today. This week I would normally be living in my classroom and hunting down the bargain bins to find everything I need to start the year. I would have picked out my “first day” outfit, spent last night getting my classroom just perfect, and showed up to school this morning with butterflies in my stomach and iced coffee in my hand…

Except that I didn’t. For the first time in almost a decade I did none of those things. Instead, I wore yoga pants. I took Gemma on a walk with another work-at-home momma and her girls. I grazed on my lunch instead of scarfing it down in 14 minutes. I took as many bathroom breaks as I needed. I didn’t glance at the clock 42 times to make sure I was on schedule.  I worked when Gemma napped and even managed a conference call. It felt like a HUGE life change. (In case you missed it, read more about my decision to stay home here.) I realize that technically my first day as a WAHM was in June.  Being a teacher it didn’t feel real until today when I wasn’t there standing at the door greeting my students for the first time, listening to a symphony of clanging of locker doors and bells ringing.

There was a hint of bittersweet emotion as I reflected on things…I will miss the amazing people I worked with and the sense of community you get from working in a school. After 3:30, I texted my teacher friends to ask about their first day back. It felt surreal being on the other end of that question. In a way I’m leaving part of my identity at school. “I’m a teacher,” no longer works to explain who I am. I have experience, credentials, and a network of contacts in education. Now I am a newbie parent and start-up business owner who several times a day feels very shaky filling both of these roles. I’m not nearly as confident in what tomorrow brings as I would be if I had entered the classroom this fall…I think there’s beauty in that. I feel a bit raw today but am trying to “lean in” to the uneasiness that comes with such a huge life change.

Oh, and here’s one more thing you can do with washi tape…

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Comments

  2. meet.make.laugh. says

    I also just bought my first few rolls of washi tape…. and have yet to use it! These are great ideas though 🙂 I think I might just start with plain old using it to wrap gifts…. haha ~Stephanie

  3. Kelli says

    Great post! Adorable pic of your little one!

    I love your honesty…what a wonderful new chapter in your life.

    Kelli
    tales from a traveling teacher

  4. yours truly, melissa says

    I could comment on so, so many things from this post. First – GEMMA! Cutie! 🙂 Look at her eyes, so beautiful.

    Also love washi tape! I actually just stocked up on my own supply. Love how you used it on the calendar. I too have to have a paper calendar. I use the calendar in my phone, have a family calendar I hang on the fridge, AND use a personal planner. I’m crazy like that! I love picking out brand new calendars every year… and writing in them.

    • Heather {The Lovely Cupboard} says

      You’re not crazy at all-that’s how I roll too, girl!! (Or maybe we are both equally nuts.) I think I like shopping for calendars and planners more than actually using them.

      I’m kinda’ obsessed with G’s eyes…Hope they stay the same color:)

  6. Stephanie Allen says

    love washi tape & i’m never quite sure what to do with it…except seal cards & letters! thanks so much for the tips.
    also, i recently became a SAHM after 12 years in the classroom. i can only too well relate to your feelings! & today being a friday…there was always kind of an electricity in the air at school on friday. i can’t quite explain it, but i’ve been especially missing that feeling. maybe because my weekends aren’t all that different from my weekdays! don’t get me wrong, i LOVE the choice i made (to stay home) & feel so grateful a choice was there to make, but autumn & back to school…it’s a special thing!

    • Heather {The Lovely Cupboard} says

      Stephanie, YES! The Friday buzz. Totally get it. We always had “spirit days” on Fridays when we could wear jeans, tennis shoes, and a school t-shirt. I found myself wanting to wear my “Friday uniform” today. It feels SO weird not even buying school supplies.

      Thanks for sharing your story. The more ex-teacher/professional moms who tell me they don’t regret their choice helps me to think I won’t either!

  7. Tan says

    Congrats on your first day of not going back to school! I can’t imagine how strange it must feel. Hurrah to making it work! So proud of you girl.

  8. Stephanie Norris says

    Wahi tape is the best invention ever! I used it on my 4th of July water bottles and it held up like a charm in the ice water. That stuff is the bomb. I know it was a bitter sweet day for you, but seeing that beautiful baby, you made the right choice 🙂

  9. Dana Burnich says

    I totally relate to your teaching comments! It’s definitely bittersweet, but a tad more sweet than bitter 😉

    I feel pretty lame-o because I didn’t even know washi tape existed! I’m losing my edge!

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