DIY: Layered Borders with Masking Tape
Hi guys! I think it might be safe to assume that many of you have as much of a fixation on masking tape as I do. Am I right?! There are just so many creative uses for this amazing crafting tool. One of my favorite applications is for use in gift wrapping. However, as much as I've loved dressing up packages with tape over the past few years...the standard options have started to feel a bit tired, so set out to see if I could make my tape even more functional by cutting it into decorative borders and shapes!
Of course you can't just fold tape up on itself to create a border without it sticking to itself, and attempts to cut a long design (such as a flag bunting) left me with pieces all over my scissors and a big ball of tangled sticky tape. So then it occurred to me...I needed to give it some sort of a temporary sticker-like paper backing. After testing all the papers in my kitchen (waxed paper, butcher paper, parchment paper) I discovered that the Unbleached Parchment Paper (also known as baking paper) is perfect—sticking to the tape just enough to make it workable, and peeling right off when you're ready to use your fab cut-out borders + shapes! Woohoo!
Here's the how-to:
To create decorative borders (like the ones on the gifts I wrapped up) you will need masking tape (standard and Japanese tapes will both work), parchment paper (available in grocery stores - I found mine at Whole Foods) and scissors.
Place long strips of tape onto your parchment paper. Make sure that each new tape layer overlaps the previous layer. When your tape band is how you'd like it, trim around the parchment paper (leaving a border around the sides), and snip off the two rough ends.
Accordion fold your tape band, keeping in mind the design that you will cut from it (for my flag bunting I used around a 2" fold). Hold your folded tape firmly and cut out desired design. Be aware that the tape will slide a bit, so your finished design will not be perfect (that adds to the charm though). You can see below which shapes I cut from my band to create these two borders.
Attach your bands to gifts, stationery, home decor...or whatever else you'd like. You can creatively use any remaining scraps too so virtually nothing is wasted. Experiment with color and pattern (standard masking tape would look great on a brightly wrapped gift). Have fun!
I hope you liked this little project. If so, then be sure to stop by tomorrow for a quick little Easter DIY I created using a similar technique. See you then! xo Ez
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| by Ez Wednesday, April 13, 2011 
Reader Comments (25)
Oh! I love to work with masking tape it now comes in so many colors. Great project for decorating packages, thanks for sharing
This is the BEST IDEA EVER!! I cannot wait to try it myself!
Could I ask what kind of masking tape you use, and where you got it? Thanks!
How completely adorable!
Thanks guys! Great question JS! I purchased most of my tape from a seller on etsy (no longer in business) but there are loads of other shops on etsy that sell Japanese Masking Tape. A quick search of the term "Japanese Masking Tape" should give you a lot to choose from.
xo Ez
Fabulous! My little one's first birthday is coming up in a few months, surely I can use this idea on something for the party - invitations, gift wrap, or maybe even dressing up a plain paper tablecloth? Thanks for the idea, you are the bee's knees Ez! xo Laura
perfect timing!! i just got a whole stash of japanese masking tape last weekend :-)
I am now more in love masking tape - if that was even possible.
Beautiful work, Ez!
What a wonderful idea! I especially love the bunting-style of the purple.
One of my favourite ways to use Japanese masking tape is as flowers which look great on gifts: http://omiyageblogs.blogspot.com/2010/07/wrap-it-up.html
Who am I kidding, I love using it for pretty much any and everything!
Ooh, such a great idea! I will have to try this.
I'm obsessed with this tape too! Thanks for sharing this idea!
So adorable. What a creative added touch, I can't wait to try this!
Beautiful idea! Thanks for sharing, and for the tip on where to get the tape :)
Oh yay! Thank you all for your kind comments! I hope you'll have fun with this project...and maybe even let me know how it turns out if you do! xo Ez
eeek! i totally have to try this... it looks soooo easy ;) thanks for sharing!
EZ, YOu're TOO talented!! I love it! These are perfect for my posting today. "summer dreamin" _ the colors are DEAD oN! hahah :) Can't wait to see your easter diy technique!
I should study, but I NEED to try this.. it's your fault! :D
Thanks for sharing!
Hugs
Mijbil
Thanks for the unbleached parchment paper tip. I was trying something similar (as in--trying to cut some shapes) last week with plain old masking tape and waxed paper and it just didn't work quite right. I love helpful tips like these! You have great ideas and are super helpful. :) Can't wait to play around with this. Look forward to the Easter DIY!
so cute! great tip with the parchment paper. thanks!
What a fun way to dress up any gift! Definitely need to try this.
ez, you're a serious talent with that creative mind of yours. utilitarian things become these beautiful pieces. lovely. easy. must try. i actually have that same washi tape set at home. will let you know when i "make" something + post.
I love this! Thank you SOOO much for doing these washi tape tutorials - I love it and keep thinking of new ways to use it, but I always wish there were more!
THANK YOU!!! I alway love your projects!!!
Hi there, thanks for sharing this idea! We loved it so much we’ve put a link to it on our blog http://www.polkadotlighthouseuk.blogspot.com along with a few other MT ideas!
Thanks again!
Olga
This is fab, thanks so much for posting, i had a go myself pictures here http://abimakes.blogspot.co.uk/2012/09/washi-tape-stickers-tutorial.html