What A Washi Day It Is

Everyone has bad days. In my mind, the cure for the bad day is a new roll of washi: the colorful paper tape so enthralled by scrappers and gawked at and wondered about by the rest of the world. Am I a scrapper, then? Nah, not at all. I dabble, but that's it. Somehow, though, those lil rolls of quiet color speak to me. Not so much that I would waste time and money on rolls and rolls for "someday, maybe" type use, but just enough that I might mayyyybe indulge myself on occasion when the emotions call for it.
Today's emotions called for it. I won't go into detail, but let's just say it was one of those Murphy's Law days.
Anyway, now with blizzard raging outside, and hot chocolate warming my belly, I sit with my pretty new tape and admire my fun piles. and realize I have no decent method for storing it all. So I devised myself a contraption. Actually I took the idea from Silly Old Suitcase. Here is my version:

I know, sexy, right? I'm making dozens of these. Or, for reasonableness, I actually mean maybe one more. For now. Anyway this leads to the obvious question: WHAT DO I DO WITH A HUNDRED THOUSAND (minor exaggeration. Okay, major exaggeration) ROLLS OF WASHI TAPE?

Oh, and by the way, many thanks to Target for their awesome new supply of "Up & Up" paper tape (generic for washi). They also produce these delightful gems I got for christmas in my stocking. I see Santa knows me well.

So, back to the very important question. Here's a short list to get you started. Or to get me started. Frankly though, I think I'm just gonna start out admiring my stash. I'll move on to projects tomorrow. Or in a couple hours. Or soonish. Or ... hang on... I swear I'm gonna admire them a while first.... for a few minutes, at least! OHHHHH the temptations are dragging me down the path of crafty goodness! I may never return.... aggggggh!!!

OK here's my short list:

Oh but first, I must make this commentary: I don't get the whole idea behind covering every square inch of ANYTHING with tape.... like, this is tape, not contact paper. So you will not find those kind of projects here. Am I absurd for taking this hard-iron stance on a minorly silly subject? Of course, but I'm not changing. So there. Back to list:

iPhone cover: This one is great for those partially transparent tapes. Bring out the color of that case!
washi tape twist ties
organize your cords
purrty clothespins
cupcake bunting!
trust me, you want this.
more ideas here.

Get creative. Then get back with me. I should do something with these. I think I'm gonna start by decorating something... *scans about the room* ... We shall see.... :)

Some of My Latest Projects

Let's see what I've been up to these last couple days:


Pretty twig spray painted gold and hanging with a red ribbon.




Basic faux leather iPod sleeve with flannel lining for my guy.




Working on a priest-style stole for a friend's wedding. Paper cranes!




Up all night on this one: reversible messenger bag with side pocket.




Hope these provide some good inspiration!

A Manly Valentine: Introducing the Malentine

Now is the time to answer the age old question: what do you give a guy for Valentine's day? It better not be all sappy and pink and heart-shaped! OK so here is my solution, parts one and two. Part one is the card. Although I managed to slip in a tiny heart, here is my end result, painted on heavy duty watercolor paper, then folded in half.



Simple. Gets the point across. You wouldn't believe how long I spent trying to choose a font. That I could hand draw. And still looks good (not like scribble). After a very serious hour-plus, I finally settled on what I call the e.e. cummings. This font has a real way of bringing out the awwwe. Watercolor, rubber stamp (thanks to Walmart's amazing dollar bin), and pen and ink.

Part two is the jewelry. It was inspired by a cute bracelet I came across somewhere on the internet for an outrageous price. I would post the link, but I can't for the life of me remember where I saw it. Anyway... I made a set: one for him and one for her (AKA: me.) Because we go together like peas and carrots, I decided that was appropriate verbage. I was/am so excited to be using my new metal stamps!


Here is a pic of another bracelet I made of a similar style. Notice this one is shrinky-dink rather than metal, and has no clasps but just a knot instead. I post this photo to demonstrate what they look like on a wrist, and how they are intended to be worn. But of course creativity is always encouraged in my house, and if Ben wants to wear h is bracelet wrapped once around his head or wrapped ten times around his big toe, I don't care, as long as he keeps it creative :)