Tuesday, February 12, 2013

last-minute washi tape valentines (for the young at heart)


Do you guys know about washi tape? I started noticing some projects pop up on Pinterest last fall and being the craft supply hoarder that I am, I had to get my hands some ASAP. Washi tape, in case you are still in the dark like I was, is a thin, decorative masking tape that looks like this.


It works really well to tack up photos/art instead of framing and is great for gift wrapping too. All major creative supplies stores like Michael's, DeSerres sell it and many small, local craft shops too. It should come as no surprise that it originated in Japan - every cute fad was big in Japan 5 years before it ever became cool in North America. Proof? Hello Kitty, maxi skirts, Harajuku style, bows. Case in point. On to the Valentines!

Most of you probably stopped giving them out years ago, you know, like, when you started grade six. I did too actually, but I made some on a whim last year to mail to a few university friends who I missed. This year, I got the itch again. D's niece and nephew were also coming to visit so I wanted to be able to give them a little something for the holiday. Here they are:


These are super-easy to make. All you need is washi tape, cardstock & pens. 1. Trace around a business card to make your base. 2. Press down a strip (or two!) of tape. 3. Write a lovey message. 

That's seriously all there is to it! These probably took no more than 5-10 minutes to make. The hardest part is deciding what to write on them. Once you get into a rhythm, it's easy to make a bunch at once. I think they'd be great for kids to bring to school or you could give them to your neighbours. These ones will be going to my co-workers - shhh! Don't tell.

Do any of you still give out Valentines or make a special card for your loved one? Got any washi tape projects for me to check out? Let me know!

xx Janelle

PS - I took these photos at night, which explains the laughable white balance. Forgive me! It's winter and it gets dark before I even get home...

16 comments:

  1. Such fun valentines with an old-school twist! I wrapped my V-day presents in either Kraft or brightly-patterned paper, adorned with all sorts of Washi configurations!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I love using kraft paper for wrapping 'cause it goes with everything! I did some fun washi stuff for Christmas too. Kindred spirits :)

      Delete
  2. Cute ideas!! I bought (dont judge) a super cute valentine, but I can't tell you about it yet, in case someone reads this before tomorrow! Miss yoU!

    ReplyDelete
  3. So cute and so original.. love them...

    ReplyDelete
  4. Love! Must get some washi tape ASAP! Thanks for sharing!

    ReplyDelete
  5. I love washi tape! I got my first rolls a few months ago and was hooked immediately. I used it to secure my son's valentines this year, but I didn't consider using a punch on it to make hearts. What a great idea :)

    Your valentines are so sweet! I love the way the washi tape looks on the kraft paper. There's something so homey about that combo. I hope your co-workers appreciate them!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you for your kind comments. My co-workers seemed to enjoy them.

      Delete
  6. What a terrific project! I love washi tape and your cards are absolute darling!

    ReplyDelete
  7. These are super cute! Love the color and font choices! You should enter your photos from this project into Craftbaby's Hearts Craft Challenge :-) http://www.craftbaby.com/contests/43/those-tiny-toes-hearts-craft

    xo,
    Candie

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks for the suggestion, but I'm Canadian, so I'm not eligible... :(

      Delete
  8. these are adorable! I'm so sad I didn't see them in time for V-Day...I'll have to remember for next year... :)

    ReplyDelete

Thanks so much for taking the time to comment. Your little notes always make my day!