Washi tape is a decorative paper-based adhesive removable tape that does not leave a residue and is produced primarily from Bamboo or Mulberry tree fiber. Some companies, especially in America, use synthetic materials like acrylic. Artists and makers use it for projects of all varieties including:
- Papercrafts such as origami, stationery, bookmaking, envelopes
- sewing
- Cosplay
- Painting
- Flower arranging
- Sculpting
- DIY
- General crafting
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It is strong but thin. It comes in a variety of finishes, colors, and sizes including rolls and even sheets! You can purchase it from a variety of sources including online stores such as Amazon, craft stores, and some dollar stores even sell washi tape.
Washi tape was originally created in Japan by industrial tape manufacturer Kamoi Kakoshi Co. in March 2008. Kamoi began making paper masking tape out of natural fiber materials in the early 1960s.
In 2006, three women made a mini-book about masking tape and its uses. The ladies contacted Kamoi and asked the company if they could make the tape in different colors. The company was “impressed by them” and they decided to fulfill their request. Washi tape was born! The brand name selected was “mt tape” and they started out with twenty pencil-like colors after some trial and error.
Sources: Amazon, MT Masking Tape, Kamoi Kakoshi Co., and WikiPedia.
