Tuesday, September 18, 2012

51 Washi Tape File Labels

It took me awhile to join in on the Washi tape trend, but now that I have, boy am I smitten!


I have found it around the www. and on Etsy, and even recently spotted some at Target!


Four rolls for $4.  Sweet!

If you check out Pinterest, you can find 1001 ways to use Washi tape.  So, this little idea of mine is probably out there 24 other times, but I was so excited I couldn't resist sharing.

Labels.  Washi tape makes great labels.

I discovered this the other day when looking at a jumbled pile of manila folders that I was using for a few miscellaneous blog and contributor projects.  I have been taking on so many different tasks that I have been keeping details for each in unlabeled folders, and it was getting out of control.

I could have just whipped out my handy label maker or printed out some pretty options from my computer, you know I am a sucker for pretty file labels...  But I wanted something quick, funky and easy to change in the future since the projects I am working on seem to shift at the drop of a hat.


Washi tape.  So simple!  I just put some over the manila folder file tab and trimmed off the excess edges with a small pair of scissors.


Fab right?  And my trusted black Sharpie pen finished it off!


And as I mentioned, my favorite part of it all, is I can swap out the labels quickly and easily and no mess is left behind!


Happy to have made this little discovery.  I have a feeling the ol' tape is going to start getting a lot more use around the Jones abode.  Label happy mama right here.

What is your favorite use for Washi tape?

51 comments:

  1. I have yet to buy my first roll. Think I better jump on the train before I am left behind. This has my name written all over it. Cute for the file labels.

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  2. LOVE the Washi tape.. my household is in trouble now!! Everything is gonna have Washi labels on them!! Do you or anyone else have any names for cute file folders? I always find such boring ones!! Thanks

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    1. @ Jen Tyler....target has really cute folders in their Green Room brand

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  3. Yeah I haven't jumped on board yet either, though I desperately want to! Loving your use for it, though xo

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  4. Jen, I just love how you never do the same old thing! Not that any of your ideas could get old, but let's face it, for every great labeling, corralling, binning, displaying idea you have, you have done it dozen other wonderful ways in other parts of your house. You are so versatile!! Inspiring.

    Anita Y. in southern California

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  5. I'm in love with the whimsical patterns and colors.

    http://www.shilohstaste.com

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  6. I desperately want some of this tape. I can't believe I don't have any yet either and I LOVE how you used it here! MUST. BUY. SOME.

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  7. Hi Jen!

    Would you mind telling me where in Target did you find the Washi tape? I've looked all over when I'm there, but haven't found any!

    Thanks!
    Joanna

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    1. Hi Joanna!

      I found it by the office supplies {pushpins, post its, paper clips, etc..}

      xo,
      Jen

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    2. Me too, I went there twice today trying to find it any couldn't! :( Love the trend

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  8. Target as a source for the tape is new to me. Thanks!

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  9. I've never really 'got' the whole washi tape thing...now I do!

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  10. What a great idea. And I have to say Jen, brilliant photography. You really captured how easy it is to remove the labels, and that's always my worry!

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  11. Wow I am smitten!! Thank you for this great tip/idea!!

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  12. I too have been having a hard time getting on board with washi tape. But I love your idea! I might use it to spruce up some files at work! (BTW, I'm a long time lurker & really love your blog!)

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  13. I have never been moved to give this particular trend a try until now! Off to find some washi tape that matches my scrapbooking room and label EVERYTHING

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  14. great post. i love washi tape since i am a pattern, color, paper, stationery supply lover! hadn't thought of it using it some practical ways, but i will now...

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  15. I had never even heard about washi tape until now. I like that you can make quick & easy labels that can be easily changed.

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  16. Oh hello, I didn't know you could just take it off like that!!! I'm about to dive into washi-tape heaven!

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  17. Oh, this is perfect timing! I've been trying to figure out what to use to hang items up on a bulletin board. I don't want push pins, but wanted something that was colorful and would come back off easily. This looks like it just might work! Thanks Jen! I had looked around for some in my local stores about a month ago and didn't see it - will definitely be checking again!

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  18. And I do love your idea for the file labels too - will probably be putting that 1 to use here as well. :)

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  19. I have never heard of this stuff! I use painters tape to label everything in my pantry and fridge that changes often, could I use this in place of that? It is so much more fun and cute!

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  20. I've heard so much about this tape but I"ve never actually used it or even bought any but I LOVE LOVE your idea. Now I have to get some because like you I use manilla folders for everything too and I write on them and reuse them once but then they're done.. I love love this idea! :)
    Robyn

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  21. This is so smart! Being a teacher, I go through file folders like a mad man! ;)


    Kimberly
    Click to get 31 bags for 31% OFF
    The Learning Tree

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  22. I love washi-tape. Etsy has some many cute designs.
    I really love how they are used for organizing here.

    blog:http://barnyardchic.blogspot.com/
    etsy forum: http://etsy.forum.net.bz/

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  23. I was wondering where you got those folders they look like they are green in the picture?very cute!

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    1. They are Martha Stewart manila folders from Staples: http://www.staples.com/File-Folders-Filing/cat_CL166444

      xo,
      Jen

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  24. Where can you buy it? And what isle is it in?

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  25. Hi Mandy!

    We found it by the office supplies {pushpins, post its, paper clips, etc..}

    ♥, Emily
    IHeart Organizing Team

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  26. I loved using the wide washi-tape as quick and easy bulletin board boarders! Instead of fighting with the stapler and the piece-by-piece craziness of ribbed boarders, I just rolled out the tape and stuck it around the perimeter. Easy-peasy.

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  27. If only I had great handwriting skills to go with it!!

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  28. Great idea! I am definitely more inclined to organize when it is quick and easy. Thanks!

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  29. I use it to color code my life planner! I use different colors for things like blog posts, meal planning, home projects, etc. It makes my planner organized and colorful and like you said the tape is easy to remove so if something changes I can peel it off instead of scribbling through it!

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    Replies
    1. I love that and use it in a few of may planners as well.

      xo!
      Jen

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  30. where did you get the green manila folders? thanks

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  31. I first discovered about washi-tape in Japan 6 years ago and i still love it! I use washi tape for scrapping pictures in my recipes notebook, but i also use it for labelling files, for hanging pictures on the wall in front of my desk, for hanging ou weekly menu plan (with your template!) on the wall, for decorating all kind of stuff and even for labelling the laundry baskets with the degrees of washing.

    You can see some pictures of it here, on my dutch blog:

    http://yellowlaurie.blogspot.be/2012/09/het-bergkot.html

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  32. Love this new tape. I had no idea about this marvelous stuff.
    Thanks Jen.

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  33. I wonder if I can get my boss to use these. Very handy.

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  34. Oh man, I love this idea! I've been trying to think of some better ways to organize my stencils and this folder idea is perfect! Thank you ma'am :)

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  35. Very cute! I love washi tape and folders..so I need to get me some washi tape and get organizing for my upcoming school year :)

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  36. Do you know if Target even still carries it? I can't find it in my local store or on their website. :(

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    1. Mine still has it and it's in the office supply section.

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  37. great idea! one I hadn't tried yet. cleaning and organizing my office this week so it will be put into play soon.;)

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  38. What label printer do you use? Do you print on the washi tape or handwrite on them? Super cute and great ideas! Xo, Ana

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    1. Hi Ana!

      I do both! If it's a very temporary use, I just handwrite the label, if it is longer term, I take the time to label with my label maker over the pretty tape. Just personal preference but both work!

      xo,
      Jen

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  39. Loving this trend! Found that Michaels has quite a selection and seasonal types go on clearance often. I do find however that cheaper types don't remove as cleanly unless you are really slow and pull at a 45.

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  40. I would like to use this in our office. We have multiple clients and I need a way to show if they have been used this year. I was hoping to use different tape to represent different years. I was wondering if you think the tape will hold up for a year?

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    Replies
    1. Absolutely! I have had some last for multiple years. :) xo!

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