Creating Washi Tape with Masking Tape

Washi tape seems to be one of those "must-have" art supplies among us mixed-media + collage artists.

I bet you have seen many varieties of this delicate, transparent tape - decorated in just everything you can imagine. You can find washi tape in varying widths + decorated with glitter, butterflies, mustaches (ha haa), text, numbers, faces, inspirational words, scriptures (my fave!)...the list goes on.

I finally decided to try my hand at making my very own - you know - so I don't spend a fortune on buying them. This girl likes to buy in bulk! So, my experiment begins... 

Creating Washi Tape with Masking Tape

I already had two rolls of semi-transparent masking tape on hand, so I used them. (You can purchase them from the Dollar Store, too!)

Next, I had to find a surface where I could lay the tape down + reposition, if needed, without tearing it.

I create hand-made stencils and templates with transparencies so I had a lot of them in stock. I decided to use a clean transparency as my base to keep the tape stationery while I stamped.
...worked like a charm!

STEP 1 // Cover the entire surface of the transparency with strips of masking tape. 

STEP 2 // Select a variety of stamps + inks you want to use

 

RubberMoon Alphabet stamp + my own, hand-carved numbers stamp

STEP 3 // Ink the stamps

I really like the coverage of VersaFine inks (by Imagine Crafts / Tsukineko). They are archival, instant dry pigment inks and the colors stay bold and vibrant - perfect!

For this project, I used Onyx Black and simply applied the ink by dabbing a generous amount on top of the stamp I was working on.

Oh, look at these cute pandas! I LOVE me some pandas! 

STEP 4 // Drying time + Varnishing

Now, the only complaint I have about working on masking tape is that it takes forever for the ink to dry. I did use a hairdryer to speed up the drying process but once the ink was dry, it still smeared just a bit.

I'd recommend letting them dry overnight and spraying them with a matte finish varnish to protect them.

Other stamps used: Script and border flourish stamps from Stampendous Stack Art Kit; Butterfly (A Stamp in the Hand Co.)

*Note: this project has been submitted to: Mixed Media Monthly Challenge #6  - STAMPS!*

 Overall, I'm super happy with the results!

Have you ever made your own washi tape? If so, add a link in the comment section...I'd love to see it!


Happy creating, xoxo