{free designs}D.I.Y Tutorial:: Make your own decorative sticky tape

Have you seen the gorgeous Japanese washi paper tape that is around at the moment? If you haven't, here's some examples...

     
images from www.cutetape.com

So, this got me thinking...wouldn't be great if you could make your own decorative sticky tape? So I did. AND, I'm going to show you how and share my designs with you. You can use any of the designs you like.

How to make your own decorative sticky tape.

Here's what you will need.

PLUS...your roller cutter and either florist wire, elastic or even a garbage tie, and some glue/sticky tape

 

I looked around for awhile to see what I could find to make the tape.

I found this!

Double sided tissue tape from Officeworks. This stuff is fantastic. It's super thin (the thickness of sticky tape) and it comes in various widths-12mm, 18mm and 24mm. You can order it online here.

Another great product is double sided sheets of A4 adhesive paper. Also shown in the photo. I'm sure there's lots around, but I got mine from here.

(note: the tape designs given below are made to fit the 24mm tape...but I'm sure with a bit of fiddling you can make them fit the other widths.)

Next you'll need to print off my designs. Click on the link to download your pdf designs.

 Download your free Red Brolly decorative sticky tape designs-pdf here


These fit to your standard A4 paper...just make sure you have the printer settings set to print without borders. This will make the match up easier. You will need to print several copies so you get a great useable length of tape.

 

Next, you'll need to get your roller cutter, cutting board and rule. Carefully slice the designs into strips.

Unroll some of the tape, but don't cut it. When you do this you'll notice one side will have removable paper. Leave it there. On the sticky side, carefully place your chosen design onto the tape. Get the next strip, taking your time to match the design, place the next strip onto the tape. Continue until you have enough length of tape. Once you have your tape long enough, cut the tape.

Repeat this for each of the designs you wish to use.

Alternatively, if you have the sheet of double sided sticky paper, you would just need to place the Red Brolly page of designs straight onto one side of the paper, and then slice into strips.

Once you have your tape, you will need to make your tape holder.

I found some wooden cotton spools and used these.

Using a piece of regular sticky tape or glue, secure one end of your decorative tape onto the spool. Then all you need to do is wind your tape onto the spool.

Next, to secure your decorative tape and stop it from unwinding, I used some florist wire. I threaded a piece through the middle of the spool and twisted it tight into one place-holding the tape securely in place and preventing it from unwinding.

TA-DA!

This has so many applications. You don't only have to use my designs, you could design your own, use some gorgeous paper you love, or even use up your fabric to make stunning fabric tape to wrap all of your lovely homemade goodies in.

Here's some quick tape I made using French General fabric.

I would love to see some of your finished projects and gorgeously packaged goodies. Next posting I'll show you some ideas for using decorative tape...it's not only for packaging!

 

 

 

 

Comments

[Says Jo in Tas]

This would be a fabulous way to use up those selvages too, great idea!!

[Says Leeanne]

You are one clever and generous person!

[Says Margaret]

Amazing simply amazing

[Says Jan Knight]

You constantly amaze me Bronwyn!!! What a great idea. Thanks so much for the info. You're a clever chook!! :) Chook is a term on endearment for me so don't be upset at being called a chook! :)

[Says Anneliese]

While working on a tutorial for DIY paper tape I decided to do a search and found yours so I included a link in my post. I love your use of wooden spools! I used a different adhesive tape and paper I made by scanning some fabric I had. You can view the post here: http://www.aestheticnest.com/2011/09/craft-diy-printed-paper-tape-washi-tape.html#more Thanks!

[Says Gargi]

This is incredible... thank you so much for sharing it with us, I'm sure going to make these :)

[Says jogrybali]

Thanks Bronwyn for sharing your invention. This is really fantastic.
Jogry/bali

[Says waste management services]

Cool ideas! My daughter loves the duck design tapes. To fellow moms, just a reminder, let us dispose our garbage properly after arts and crafts.

[Says Shar]

Why can't I copy your tutorials? So frustrating. I need visual aids (something on paper) to remind me how to do something. Please let me know how to print. Thank you! Your blog and ideas are awesome, and I so want to keep them.
Shar