Crafts With Decorative Tapes

Use decorative tape with wrapping paper to make your own gift bags.

Decorative tapes come in many varieties. Mylar tape printed with designs or backed with foil is a staple around the holidays, for birthdays and other special occasions. For a more subtle effect, choose Japanese-style decorative paper masking tape. You can even make your own, embellishing plain masking tape with watercolors, pencils and pens. Use decorative tape for projects, like gift bags, paper flowers or scrapbooking.

Home-Made Decorative Tape

To make your own decorative tape, you'll need a roll of plain masking tape, art materials and a clean, non-stick surface to lay your strips of tape on while you work. Lay the tape strips flat. Paint them with watercolors and a fine brush, or draw patterns using a fine marker pen or colored pencils.

Gift Bags

Use decorative tape and an envelope to make your own gift bags. Cut one edge off the envelope and cover the entire envelope with decorative tape, leaving an inch or so to fold up for the base. Open the bag and push the sides inwards to help flatten out the bottom, and fold as you would when wrapping a parcel. Stick the base closed and cover it with tape to complete your bag.

Stationery & Scrapbooking

Personalize your stationery with decorative tape. Apply scraps of tape at the top of your letter and write your address on them, or write your greeting on a slip of tape at the beginning of the letter. Decorate envelopes with tape also. Use decorative tape to make titles and borders for your scrapbooks.

Party Banners

Fold broad strips of decorative tape over a length of yarn to make a party banner. Write letters on colored cardstock and tape to the yarn with decorative tape to spell out your message.

References

• Studio 5: What To Do With Decorative Tape
• Julie K in Taiwan: Make Your Own Faux Japanese Masking Tape Tutorial
• Rikki Hibbert: Craft Tutorial: How to Make Your Own Christmas Gifts Bags