I’ve been having so much fun with my new Bottle Branch washi tape, and I’m excited to share what I’ve been doing.

First, for the uninitiated, here are a few basic facts about washi tape. Washi tape originated in Japan about 15 years ago when someone had the brilliant idea of creating printed masking tape. It gets its name because early designs resembled those that adorn Japanese washi, traditional handmade made paper. (More history here.) Washi tape is light, slightly transparent paper tape that’s versatile, removable, and kind of addicting.

Here are a few ways I’ve used, or plan to use washi tape since I got mine printed:

(1) Tiny flags for drink. Both celebratory and useful, tape a little flag on the end of a bamboo skewer and this flag will function as a stir, a decoration, and a way to tell people’s drinks apart. They also make a great cupcake topper if you use a tooth pick.

(2) Wrapping votive candles – a prefect way to keep things simple but pretty for your next outdoor gathering.

(4) Mark your devices. After adding the ivy tape to my computer charger, I’m no longer stooping to look closely to see whose charger is whose at my house.

(4) Present wrapping

(5) Decorate a box for a special present and create a reuasbale gift wrapping option. Watch this video if you want to see it done!

(6) Seal an envelope in a pretty way.

(7) Decorate something mundane! I use this little easel for face-timing on my ipad. Even better with a few waving ferns cheering it up.

(8) Personalize a note book.

(9) Flag special sections of your note book.

(10) Finally, this is my FAVORITE way to use washi tape – instead of a paperclip. It holds papers together but slips easily into an envelope for mailing.

I hope you’ll give a few of these ideas a try – I don’t think you’ll be disappointed! And if you’d like to try them with Bottle Branch washi tape, you can shop botanical washi here.