No Washi Needed: Transforming Tip-Ins

Washi! Washi! Washi! I’m sure most of us are familiar with washi tape. Wikipedia describes washi as a “traditional Japanese paper. The word washi comes from wa meaning ‘Japanese’ and shi meaning ‘paper’.”

With that said, the United States has Americanized the product and sells a less traditional version. The designs on American washi tape range from a pretty solid color to a strip of bright and colorful tacos or paint splatters or a slew of other things. Design and color often depend on what you want to use washi for.

Oh yes! This post is not about washi tape! It’s about what we can use in place of washi, when the color and/or graphics on the tape will take away from your Bible page or art project. Let’s be honest. Sometimes we need to attach and/or hinge things to a page and washi tape just isn’t ideal.

Discovery

I’m consistently on the lookout for new products and how to use old products in new ways. I instruct workshops on Bible journaling at our local college. I feel it’s important for me to “discover” all there is to know about the process of faith-based art, so I can share that information and the myriad of techniques with my students and visitors to this blog.

I’ve been searching for quite some time now (probably since I began my Bible journaling journey) for a translucent, washi-like tape, that has a matte finish and blends into Bible paper. My un-artsy husband suggested Scotch tape, which reminded me he probably didn’t know about washi or matte tape of any kind. LOL.

During a recent score at Tuesday Mornings, I was able to find a couple rolls of Tim Holtz tissue tape, which is very similar to washi. The tapes are amazing, one with a music note pattern and the other with dictionary print. I really enjoyed using these products and noticed that the tissue tape sort of blended into the page. And of course, that got me thinking!

What Am I Even Looking For?

After using Tim Holtz tissue tape, I wondered if I could find plain tissue tape with no design. I had no idea what someone would use tissue tape for, besides my crazy idea to replace washi. However, this stubborn girl searched Amazon and found tissue tape with no design. I found one called self-adhesive hinging tape.

What’s My New Idea?

I regularly find journaling cards and such that I would love to use as a tip-in in my Bible. However, most of what I want to use is small lovely art cards that should be the focal point of the page. When attaching a beautiful watercolor lion to a Bible page, washi tape (even the solid colors) take the focus off the artwork. The truth is washi tape does not look good on everything, no matter how cute the pattern. (gasp!)

So how could I attach tip-ins without using washi tape?

 

TISSUE TAPE! That’s right! I can adhere my tip-ins with the tissue tape, which is transparent and blends into the page.

Finishing Touch…

Today’s post may be short, but I am beyond excited to share my crafting discovery with you today. No doubt, Bible journaling brings immense joy to my life and I love all the endless supplies and techniques used in the process. However, I think we sometimes forget it’s not about who creates the prettiest picture. Bible journaling is meant to be God-focused and I’m forever grateful to be able to spend time with Him creatively.

Honestly, has it ever really been about bright and colorful taco tape? LOL!

Products discussed and used in this post: