Washi tape has become a bullet journaler's best friend when it comes to decorating and organizing. This thin, patterned tape can add color, divide sections, accent productivity trackers, and more. Read on for tons of washi tape ideas to make your bullet journal or planner as cute and functional as can be!
## Decorating the Exterior
You can instantly jazz up the outside of your journal or planner with washi tape accents:
- Tape a strip along the edge of the front cover for a quick border. Scalloped edging tape adds whimsical flair.
- Create a geometric pattern like chevron, herringbone, or crisscross stripes with alternating colors of washi.
- Use small tape flags to decorate the corners or edges of pages.
- Cover any scratches or dings by taping matching patterns over the spots.
- Spell out your name, year, or motivational words using slim strips.
- Accent the binding with tape in coordinating or contrasting shades.
## Section Dividers
One of the most functional ways to incorporate washi is using it to create section tab dividers. Here are some divider ideas:
- Cut skinny strips to write section titles on so the tabs stay slim.
- Layer contrasting skinny strips and stagger them for a colorblock effect.
- Use patterns or textures, like florals or glitter tape, that fit the section's theme.
- Line the edge of plain tabs with weiner or scalloped tape borders.
- Create small tape flags and adhere them in rows along the tab's edge for a staircase effect.
- Cut tape into shapes like circles, triangles or leaves to scatter along the tabs.
## Monthly, Weekly, and Daily Spreads
When setting up your calendar spreads each month/week/day, washi can both decorate and organize:
- Use strips to bracket off each day's box section. Vary color or pattern by day.
- Line the very bottom with washi tape for a bright baseline.
- Tape off columns on weekly views to separate days, or schedule categories within days.
- Add a motivational quote or affirmation with skinny tape strips.
- Flag important days or appointments by adding small pieces of contrast tape.
- Tape off the current day to make it stand out. Change the color each day.
## Trackers and Logs
Your fitness, mood, habit, or savings trackers can also benefit from washi tape:
- Line graph baselines with brighter tape so they really pop.
- Tape off columns or rows to divide tracker categories visually.
- Circle or box each day's entry with coordinating tape.
- Create "levels" with horizontal strips of tape to fill in as you progress.
- Use tape flags to quickly identify standout days.
## Borders and Accents
Washi tape shines when used to accent layouts and add creative flair:
- Run strips vertically along the page edge for a quick taped border.
- Outline or box in key sections like calendars or trackers to highlight.
- Layer two contrasting tapes along the edge for a colorblock look.
- Style headers or titles by putting them within a taped shape or banner.
- Use tape to create fun frames for photos or journaling space.
- Accent blank areas with geometric tape patterns as filler.
- Flag or bookmark important collections of pages.
## Functional Tape Tips
When decorating with washi tape, keep these functional tips in mind:
- Add strips strategically within spreads so they don't cover up content when pages turn.
- Tape vertically whenever possible to avoid bumps and peeling with opening/closing.
- Anchor the beginning and end of tape strips under other elements or with small pieces to prevent lifting.
- Use removable tape like masking tape on exterior covers so washi doesn't leave residue with removal.
- Prioritize function over form by taping off calendars before adding decorative elements.
- Choose removable washi tape if decorating rental books, desks, or items that will be reused.
# Get Inspired and Get Taping!
However you choose to use it - as accents, dividers, or full coverage designs - washi tape is a game changing supply for bullet journal and planner decoration. Take inspiration from these ideas and then add your own personal flair. Let washi tape take your organization and productivity to creatively cute new heights!
## Decorating the Exterior
You can instantly jazz up the outside of your journal or planner with washi tape accents:
- Tape a strip along the edge of the front cover for a quick border. Scalloped edging tape adds whimsical flair.
- Create a geometric pattern like chevron, herringbone, or crisscross stripes with alternating colors of washi.
- Use small tape flags to decorate the corners or edges of pages.
- Cover any scratches or dings by taping matching patterns over the spots.
- Spell out your name, year, or motivational words using slim strips.
- Accent the binding with tape in coordinating or contrasting shades.
## Section Dividers
One of the most functional ways to incorporate washi is using it to create section tab dividers. Here are some divider ideas:
- Cut skinny strips to write section titles on so the tabs stay slim.
- Layer contrasting skinny strips and stagger them for a colorblock effect.
- Use patterns or textures, like florals or glitter tape, that fit the section's theme.
- Line the edge of plain tabs with weiner or scalloped tape borders.
- Create small tape flags and adhere them in rows along the tab's edge for a staircase effect.
- Cut tape into shapes like circles, triangles or leaves to scatter along the tabs.
## Monthly, Weekly, and Daily Spreads
When setting up your calendar spreads each month/week/day, washi can both decorate and organize:
- Use strips to bracket off each day's box section. Vary color or pattern by day.
- Line the very bottom with washi tape for a bright baseline.
- Tape off columns on weekly views to separate days, or schedule categories within days.
- Add a motivational quote or affirmation with skinny tape strips.
- Flag important days or appointments by adding small pieces of contrast tape.
- Tape off the current day to make it stand out. Change the color each day.
## Trackers and Logs
Your fitness, mood, habit, or savings trackers can also benefit from washi tape:
- Line graph baselines with brighter tape so they really pop.
- Tape off columns or rows to divide tracker categories visually.
- Circle or box each day's entry with coordinating tape.
- Create "levels" with horizontal strips of tape to fill in as you progress.
- Use tape flags to quickly identify standout days.
## Borders and Accents
Washi tape shines when used to accent layouts and add creative flair:
- Run strips vertically along the page edge for a quick taped border.
- Outline or box in key sections like calendars or trackers to highlight.
- Layer two contrasting tapes along the edge for a colorblock look.
- Style headers or titles by putting them within a taped shape or banner.
- Use tape to create fun frames for photos or journaling space.
- Accent blank areas with geometric tape patterns as filler.
- Flag or bookmark important collections of pages.
## Functional Tape Tips
When decorating with washi tape, keep these functional tips in mind:
- Add strips strategically within spreads so they don't cover up content when pages turn.
- Tape vertically whenever possible to avoid bumps and peeling with opening/closing.
- Anchor the beginning and end of tape strips under other elements or with small pieces to prevent lifting.
- Use removable tape like masking tape on exterior covers so washi doesn't leave residue with removal.
- Prioritize function over form by taping off calendars before adding decorative elements.
- Choose removable washi tape if decorating rental books, desks, or items that will be reused.
# Get Inspired and Get Taping!
However you choose to use it - as accents, dividers, or full coverage designs - washi tape is a game changing supply for bullet journal and planner decoration. Take inspiration from these ideas and then add your own personal flair. Let washi tape take your organization and productivity to creatively cute new heights!
