• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to footer

Your Visual Journal

Journaling + Sketchnotes + Bullet Journal Ideas

  • Start here
  • Blog
  • Course
  • Supplies
  • About
  • Contact
Does the whole idea of washi tape feel overwhelming? Do you even know what washi tape is? These ideas from Bullet Journal enthusiasts offer big visual impact with very little effort!

14 Easy but Brilliant Ways to Use Washi from Bullet Journal Junkies

February 8, 2020 • How to Journal, Journals and Supplies

Until I joined a bullet journal group on Facebook, I’d never heard the term “washi.”

It felt like a secret code word that you’d have to be in The Club to understand. 

And the term “washi” popped up so ubiquitously it was intimidating to ask. 

But I did ask! 

How do you guys use washi tape? Mind sharing spreads? (I'm a long time bujo addict, but I'm not sure what to do with washi.)

Here’s what I learned:

What is Washi? (The basics, please, in plain English.) And why the heck would a journaler use it? 

Washi is patterned masking tape, usually found in Japanese stationery stores and at craft stores in the States or online. (Amazon has a lot of options!) 

Think of it like paper ribbon that sticks to a page. 

Standard washi tape is usually 15mm wide (just over a half inch), but it also comes in other sizes, including 30mm (a little over an inch) and really skinny washi around 3mm.

Washi comes in solid colors, beautiful patterns, metallics, lace, and glitter designs. 

Okay. It’s pretty tape. So… why is it so popular with Bullet Journalers? 

Washi adds visual interest to your pages without the need to draw anything! It’s also a practical way to attach things to your pages in a visually beautiful way. 

(Like the receipt from that cafe where you had that great conversation. Or the crayon scribbled note from the 3 year old you adore. Or the napkin sketch you made when you’d left your journal at home.) 

Need some inspiration on how to use washi? (Want someone to explain what it is???) #washi #journaling #bulletjournal #bujoinspire #yourvisualjournal

Here are 14 creative ideas for journaling with washi tape!

1. Create subheadings. (Washi tape can make words pop.)

By strategically placing a piece of washi and writing on it, you can promote information on a page, much like a subheading in a magazine. Check out how Bujo_Anne uses washi to make the days of the week pop in this weekly spread. 

View this post on Instagram

I technically went back to work this week but I’m holding on to the winter break feels for as long as I can. Classes don’t resume until next week so until then I’m in partial denial. Also I realized that I’m using the bullet journal hashtags out of habit but I guess those don’t actually apply to my current setup…I had intended to keep making all of my spreads but I haven’t been making them a priority and it seemed like a waste to get rid of the guts that came with this planner. 🤷🏽‍♀️ #planner2020setup #2020setup #monthlyspread #plannerstickers #plannercommunity #supportsmallbusiness #beforethepen #beforethepen🖊 #sunshinestickerco

A post shared by Sierra Lamb (@perceptively_type_a) on Jan 7, 2020 at 6:48am PST

2. Add a theme to a page. (The pattern doesn’t have to stay on the tape.) 

Washi can add a thematic element that can easily copied through other elements on a page. In the design below, Jodi Trinkle starts with a washi tape that features banner flags, then carries that theme through the spread. 

View this post on Instagram

A few weeklies… Trying to get my calendar done by July 1, when my other finishes! #bujo #bujolayout #dearlilydesigns

A post shared by Jodi Trinkle (@joddog1) on Jun 12, 2018 at 6:49pm PDT

3. Create vertical borders for pages you want to refer to frequently. (They’re like a bookmark that never falls out.) 

Using washi to create vertical borders is a simple way to mark a page you want to refer back to frequently. It makes it easy to find when flipping through your journal. I use it for the spread where I’m logging the books I read this year. 

View this post on Instagram

Washi tape on the edges of pages make them easy to find when you need to refer to them often to add things. I’m using it this year to mark the books I read in 2020. . . . . #yourvisualjournal #journaling #bulletjournal #bujo #journal #washitape #bujoinspiration #bujolove #bujoinspire #dotgrid

A post shared by Cathy Hutchison (@cathy.hutchison) on Feb 2, 2020 at 4:50am PST

4. Block out the blank days on a calendar. (Make awkward space an asset.) 

What do you do with those empty spaces on a monthly calendar? Clare Gissane uses washi to transform them from humdrum to interesting, adding a colorful splash to her theme.. 

5. Layer a design. (Who knew tape could add such beauty and depth?)

Washi allows you to create artistic layers on a page. In this spread by @tea.stained.and.tattered, washi tape doesn’t just anchor the polaroids and the handwritten note, it adds to the beauty of the design.

View this post on Instagram

However you're spending today I hope its full of love and good cheer🎄❄ . . . . . #junkjournals #junkjournal #journallove #journalcommunity #junkjournaljunkies #thedailywriting #whatsonmydesk #junkjournaling #journalpages #gluebook #midori #midoritravelersnotebook #travelersnotebookcommunity #travelersnotebookinserts #travelersnote #stationeryaddict #loveforanalogue #midori #fountainpenaddict #travelerscompany #ephemera

A post shared by Tea Stained and Tattered (@tea.stained.and.tattered) on Dec 25, 2019 at 7:23am PST

6. Fashion page tabs. (Washi tabs = function + beauty.) 

Remember those handy page dividers in three-ring binders that separated your notebooks so you could easily locate the section you needed? @leona_wong13 uses that same technique in her journal, folding the tape to make tabs.

View this post on Instagram

#ほぼ日手帳 #ほぼ日 #手帳 #diary #hobonichi #日記 #stickers #washitape #紙膠帶 #maskingtape #文具 #文房具 #hobonichiweeks #hoboweeks

A post shared by @ leona_wong13 on Feb 2, 2020 at 4:05am PST

7. Cover a date in your planner when you need more space. (It happens.) 

Popular planners like the Hobonichi include pre-printed dates. But what happens if you need more room? @irene.plans uses washi tape to adapt the planner to her needs, while making it all look intentional. 

View this post on Instagram

📙I forgot to take daily notes one day, so I had to fill two daily pages yesterday. I decided to write on both of them in my own way. __ 📘Я на днях забыла сделать запись в ежедневнике, пришлось вчера заполнять обе странички в один день. Решила писать на обеих сразу вот таким странным способом. ___ #планер #планинг #ежедневник #блокнот #почерк #planneraddict #hobonichi #hobonichitecho #hobonichicover #hobonichi2020 #planner #stationary #канцтовары #канцелярия #планирование #еженедельник #скрапбукинг #monthlyplanner #plannercomm📙I forgot to take daily notes one day, so I had to fill two daily pages yesterday. I decided to write on both of them in my own way. __ 📘Я на днях забыла сделать запись в ежедневнике, пришлось вчера заполнять обе странички в один день. Решила писать на обеих сразу вот таким странным способом. ___ #планер #планинг #ежедневник #блокнот #почерк #planneraddict #hobonichi #hobonichitecho #hobonichicover #hobonichi2020 #planner #stationary #канцтовары #канцелярия #планирование #еженедельник #скрапбукинг #monthlyplanner #plannercommunity #plannerlove #planwithme #plannerlayout #washitapelove #washitape #dailynotesunity #plannerlove #planwithme #plannerlayout #washitapelove #washitape #dailynotes

A post shared by Planner addict: my Hobonichi (@irene.plans) on Jan 24, 2020 at 6:07am PST

8. Visually separate information on a page. (You could just draw lines, but this is way more interesting.) 

You can section out information to create a beautiful layout, like this one from @konylia_dayosi

View this post on Instagram

Before you judge me, walk a mile in my shoes 👠 #bulletjournal #bujo #studygram #journaling #notebook #2020 #quotes #stamping #planner #tasks #vintage #handwriting #notes #instadaily #dailyspread #memories #stickers #washitape

A post shared by Thuy Duong Cao (@konylia_dayosi) on Feb 2, 2020 at 1:13am PST

9. Fill blank space. (A quick addition of texture and color creates a nice aesthetic.) 

Washi can add visual interest to a basic page when you use it to dispatch empty space. This simple layering of two pieces of washi by @eri_bujojapan completely alters this page.

View this post on Instagram

30.Jan

A post shared by Eri (@eri_myjournal) on Feb 1, 2020 at 9:49pm PST

10. Embellish the inside cover. (Your endsheets don’t have to be blank.) 

Most of us leave the inside covers of our journals blank, but we don’t have to! In just a few minutes, washi tape can enhance those endsheets. Check it out! 

View this post on Instagram

Today I’m giving my #bujo some love with #washtape. Embellishing the inside cover took only moments. #yourvisualjournal #bulletjournal #journaling

A post shared by Cathy Hutchison (@cathy.hutchison) on Feb 2, 2020 at 5:42am PST

11. Create a text box. (Employ the techniques that magazines utilize to anchor text on a page.) 

A simple line of washi tape can anchor text on a page and make it pop. This page by @rbaburina uses a line of washi tape to create a text box for a quote. 

View this post on Instagram

Each morning, I write a quote in my journal that helps shape my attitude and, thus, my day. Most of them are from E.B. Browning’s sonnets this year (I’m on a Browning kick and poetry is part of my Morning Revival) but this one comes from Ch. XX of Little Women—as I decided the best way to begin a new term of school was to attend a matinee showing of it with my teens. Though I need no excuses, the fact that it’s set in our home state during the American Civil War with one of my favorite authors made it an easy decision in this year already full of big Life Decisions. ❦ Yesterday was also the first time we used Instacart. Although no one delivers to our little mountaintop, there’s a pickup option and the boys and I declared it a rousing success. In the time it usually takes us to grocery shop, check out, and bag our groceries, we were able to enjoy said movie. I imagine myself the last one on this incredible bandwagon. ❦ Another change I made this year is the switch to a Hobonichi Cousin planner. Oddly, my journal entries weren’t consistent when my journal was a separate book 🤷🏻‍♀️so the Daily Pages in the HC make it simple to pick the habit right back up. ❦ If it’s of interest, I’ll share more of my planning and keeping strategies in the future. Do you keep a planner? . . . . . #hobonichicousin #hobonichi2020 #365homeschool #plannergirl #weeklyspread #keepingcompanycm #planner #littlewomen #journal #ほぼ日手帳 #マステ #planneraddict #hobonichitecho #minimalplanner #homeeducation #charlottemasonirl #journaling #charlottemason #hobonichiplanner #plannercommunity #bulletjournaling #loveforanalogue #hobonichi #homeed #plannerlove #hobonichilove #homeschoolcollective #手帳ゆる友 #homeschoolcommunity

A post shared by Richele ✑ The Wonder of It All (@rbaburina) on Jan 7, 2020 at 12:23pm PST

12. Reclaim blank space. (Trade boring for beautiful.) 

Most hourly planners come with space you won’t use. @juliespages uses washi to add a thematic element, rather than letting the space go to waste. 

View this post on Instagram

Just one more week before final exams. It looks like I’m choosing my Cousin Avec over the Jibun Biz. It’s truly crazy to use both. To cement my decision, I ordered new custom covers from Van der Spek for both of my Hobos, the Weeks as well as the Cousin. So far, I've been waiting five weeks for delivery.

A post shared by Julie (@juliespages) on Jan 13, 2020 at 4:00am PST

13. Design a dutch door spread. (You’ll feel like a bullet journal ninja.) 

In a house, a real “dutch door” consists of two sections  (top and bottom) which can be opened independently. In a journal, trimming a page to be half-size (usually vertically) creates a similar utility. Washi tape used as a border for a dutch door makes the page easier to turn.

@cayaline has a quick animation showing how her dutch doors trimmed with washi tape work.

View this post on Instagram

🖇Happy monday! Did you have a good start into the week?? I enjoyed the dutch door layout last week and decided to stick with it 🚪🤗 __ Anzeige wegen Verlinkung, Produkte selbst gekauft und ohne Auftrag 🙂

A post shared by CAYALINE | BULLET JOURNAL (@cayaline) on Oct 7, 2019 at 5:58am PDT

14. Combine with stamped images to create an artistic layout that looks like you spent days on it.

Helen Colebrook of Journal with Purpose creates headers with brush lettering techniques, then adds washi tape and rubber stamps to complete the design with beautiful results.

View this post on Instagram

My very simple bullet journal calendar setup for February 🤗🌸 I hope you enjoy it 💕 Music by @elisha.zep … #bulletjournal #bujo #planwithme #journal #journaling #planner #planneraddict #creativejournal #video #washitape #stationeryaddict #lettering #stamping #travelersnotebook #rhodia #startbaynotebooks #journalwithpurpose

A post shared by Helen, Journal with Purpose (@journalwithpurpose) on Feb 6, 2020 at 7:06am PST

How to store your washi tape

I have a favorite solution for storing washi tape.

This product by Walden Woodworkers (sold by Galen Leather) is beautiful and high quality.

Better yet, I discovered I use my washi tape more when it is sitting out creating easy access. Not only does this washi tape dispenser do a lovely job of displaying the tape, but it also has a functional edge that cuts it.

Isn’t using washi sort of cheating?

As I’ve talked with bullet journalists, I’ve found there are strong opinions on washi. Some people feel like it is too “scrapbooky” to be authentic – to bullet journaling specifically or journaling in general.

My question is: “so what?”

Washi is a tool. And the creatives who use it are making amazing things. More importantly, journals are personal–so shouldn’t you get to pick what you do in yours without being judged for it? 

This stuff is fun! 

I’ve been having a blast with it. 

Washi tape can be found at big box craft stores or ordered online.
Washi tape can be found at big box craft stores or ordered online. There is a difference in quality on washi tape. Washi tape shouldn’t stick permanently, but it should have enough adhesive not to peel off your pages. (Super cheap washi can do that. So far, the one I purchased above is holding up well.)

Ready to experiment? 

Start visual journaling fast! Get the free Quickstart Guide

Just because “washi” seems like a code word doesn’t mean it’s hard to incorporate it in your journal. (It’s just tape.) 

And you don’t have to buy a ton of it (unless you want to). (I only have those two rolls – one 15mm and one 30mm – and I picked them up at a craft store with a 40% off coupon.) 

Go snag yourself some washi and experiment. 

Oh! And it isn’t actually all that sticky. So if you find you don’t love it, you can always just pull it off! 

Want more bullet journal ideas? Check out the “big ass list” with over 1,000 ideas. https://yourvisualjournal.com/bullet-journal-ideas/

About Cathy Hutchison

Cathy Hutchison helps people get more joy, meaning, and freedom in a world of demands through the practice of visual journaling.

  • Get social

You may also like

  • The Travelers Notebook is lean and flexible. Is it any wonder that people love them? This post explores what it is, how to customize it, and 16 different ways you might want to use one. Traveler’s Notebook | Everything You Need to Know (+16 Brilliant Ideas on How to Use One)
  • How to journal every day even when you don’t have 5 minutes to yourself
  • A simple guide to find the journaling tools that are right for you
Previous
Travel Journal Ideas (Stop dreaming and start planning so you can go.)
Next
Bullet Journal Weekly Spread | Focused Ideas to Plan Your Week

Reader Interactions

Leave a comment Cancel reply

Footer

Disclosures

Some links on this site are affiliate links where the author receives a small (really small) commission for any purchases. Links on this site are for products I believe in. Funds are used to support journal supplies, a Toyota Yaris, & four crazy sweet Aussies who bark for treats every time I come in the door. (To be fair, I have a pattern of giving in to them.) I write about all kinds of journaling, and if Bullet Journaling is your thing, I’m here to support you. But if you want to go deep, go to the original source–Ryder Carroll, who created the system, and started it all at bulletjournal.com. I use the system daily which is why I started writing about it here.
  • Privacy Policy
  • Email
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter

© 2021 Cathy Hutchison • Theme by Maira G.