As I may have mentioned before, I love bringing in new ideas and techniques into my scrapbook toolbox. It keeps the hobby fresh and interesting, and motivates me to scrap and use up my stash.

One of the best ways I’ve found to discover new techniques is to attend one of Lain Ehmann’s free monthly scrapinars. Each month Lain hosts a live, online scrapbooking class that focuses on a specific topic. The classes are free when they are live, but are made available for replay at a small fee about a week later.

A couple of my favorites are all about washi tape, and are taught by the marvelous Monica Bradford of Scrap Inspired. (In case you were wondering, all affiliate links!) The first class Washi Wahoo! was a great place to start exploring creative ways to use washi. The second class Washi Wahoo Too! goes even further, and explores ways to make your own washi!

If you have wondered what the big deal is about washi tape and don’t know why anyone would buy it, or if you’ve bought it because you loved how it looked but are completely flummoxed about how to use it, these classes are for you. Trust me, you won’t be disappointed by these classes. Plus Monica is super fun!

Just a quick warning. After watching these, you are going to want to buy lots and lots of washi! You can find lots of washi at Two Peas in a Bucket. Love their selection.

If you have used washi tape before, do you have a favorite? Do share!

I love Washi tape. Have you ever seen it or used it? It’s pretty fun.

Washi tape is a low tack, slightly translucent, patterned tape. It’s originally from Japan. It comes in a wide variety of colors, patterns and widths. A lot of scrapbookers have fallen in love with the stuff, but have no idea how to use it.

If you just think about Washi tape as a shape (a long thin line) ideas for how to use it will start occurring to you right off the bat.

Use it instead of ribbon or a thin piece of paper to add a line to your page:

Cut the ends at angles to make arrows and banners:

Make a frame around the outside of your picture:

Cover shapes with washi:

That should get you started on thinking about ways to use washi tape. Later this week, I’ll link you up to a couple classes that you absolutely should buy, because they are jam packed with ideas to get washi tape out of your stash and onto your page.