Washi tape, originally from Japan, is more than just decorative adhesive. Made from durable Japanese paper, this lightweight and repositionable tape comes in endless colours, textures, and patterns. That’s why washi tape for journaling has become a favourite tool among students, creatives, and stationery lovers. Unlike regular tape, washi tape doesn’t leave sticky residue, making it easy to move and reuse whenever you need.
If you love journaling, don’t miss our guide on how journaling boosts mental health.
Now, let’s explore 10 creative ways to use washi tape in journaling and make your notebooks more fun, organised, and personal.For more inspiration, check out this YouTube tutorial on washi tape ideas.
1. Creative Borders and Page Dividers
Using washi tape to decorate borders adds both function and beauty to your journal. Frame specific sections, separate daily logs, or design neat page layouts. Layering thin and thick journal tape gives depth, while patterned edges bring creativity into your spreads.
Additionally, washi tape borders help create visual balance, making your pages look tidy and well-organised. You can experiment with seasonal designs like florals for spring or stars for night themed spreads to match your journal’s mood. Over time, these borders also act as quick visual cues, helping you instantly locate important sections in your notebook.
2. Highlighting Important Information
Instead of highlighters, use patterned tape strips to mark dates, headings, or key passages. Metallic or glitter designs are perfect for marking special events. For students, these accents make note-taking more organised and visually appealing.
3. DIY Washi Tape Page Tabs and Bookmarks
Navigating a notebook becomes much easier with handmade tabs. Fold strips over page edges to create instant bookmarks or colour-coded markers.For example, use different rolls to mark to-do lists, reflections, or study notes. You can even cut arrow shapes or rounded flags for a more stylish look.
If you’re a visual learner, check out this quick YouTube tutorial on making washi tape tabs. It’s a simple guide that shows how to fold and cut the tape into practical, creative bookmarks.
4. Attaching Photos and Mementos
Want to preserve tickets, photos, or letters? This Japanese paper tape offers a safe, non-damaging way to attach keepsakes. Create scrapbook-style pages by framing photos with patterned strips. If the hold feels weak, add glue underneath without losing the design.
5. Artistic Patterns and Designs
Unleash creativity by cutting tape into shapes and arranging them into geometric patterns, mosaics, or abstract spreads. Try layering pastels with watercolour art for a mixed-media look. These designs make great backgrounds for quotes or mood boards.
6. Labelling and Study Organisation
Light-coloured tapes can double as labels—just write on them with a permanent marker. They’re perfect for categorising notes, to-do lists, or study sections. Students often colour-code flashcards or highlight textbooks with them.
7. Fixing Mistakes and Reinforcing Pages
Don’t tear out a page because of errors! Neutral rolls can cover smudges or repair torn paper, while patterned strips turn accidents into art. Your journal stays intact and stylish.
8. Decorative Edges for Aesthetic Journals
Apply patterned strips along notebook edges for a layered, colourful look. Alternate different rolls for each page or stick to one design throughout a section. This trick adds style while making sections easier to find.
9. Trackers and Grids
Instead of drawing every habit tracker, use colourful strips to build calendar grids or checklists. For mood tracking, assign each tape style to a rating. Functional and decorative, this method makes trackers more motivating.
10. Tip-Ins and Backgrounds
Use strips as hinges to add extra pages, cards, or artwork into your journal. Alternatively, cover entire pages with coordinated designs for colourful backgrounds. This technique is perfect for adding pockets, journaling cards, or memory-keeping elements.
Transform Your Journal with Decorative Tape
This Japanese paper tape is more than just stationery—it’s a versatile tool for journaling, organisation, and creative expression. From borders and tabs to trackers and backgrounds, it blends beauty and function effortlessly.
Because it’s easy to use, repositionable, and endlessly available in designs, it empowers you to create a journal that reflects your personality. Grab your favourite rolls today and start experimenting—you’ll quickly see that the possibilities are truly endless
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