Tuesday Tutorial: Washi Tape Feathers

Hi there! Does anyone else feel like they just can't breathe in December? Wow, I have been running around (excuse the very Southern saying) like a chicken with my head cut off! Between trying to get cards created, get things shipped over to the UK and to Kentucky and finish off shopping for an insanely picky husband, I'm swamped over here. I'm happy to report that I am about to sit down and create some layouts, though!

Today I have a Tuesday tutorial to share with you on how to make washi tape flowers. It is super easy, and if you have an ever-growing stash of washi like I do, it's a great new use for those tape rolls! I came up with the idea a few weeks ago after my local scrapbook store wasn't carrying the Jenni Bowlin vellum feathers, a product I have been wanting for a while! Instead of ordering them online, I decided to come up with a similar concept.



First, I start with a beading wire, Beadalon flexible 7 strand wire to be exact. I happened to just have this on hand, but I think any thin, beading wire will work. Cut a piece about 6 inches long to work with.



Next, choose your washi tape. For this tutorial, I am using a gold stripe that I picked up in London. Definitely one of my favorites. Tear a piece off about 4 inches long and place the top of the beading wire at the top of the washi strip.



Fold both ends of the washi strip over to the center of the piece, just past the beading wire.



Once both ends are folded, it should look like this. If there are creases at the ends of the folded tape, don't worry, we'll be cutting those off later.



Continue in the same way, lining another piece of washi tape up just underneath the first piece. If you like a fatter feather, use washi pieces longer than 4".



Fold the second edges to the middle just like on the first.



Continue until you're happy with the length. I usually use 5-6 pieces.



Using scissors, cut your feather from the bottom to the top, starting at the beading wire and ending at the beading wire. I like to cut mine in the same sort of shape, with one side having a greater curve than the other.



Next, cut fringe out of each piece of washi tape on both sides of the wire. I usually have 6 pieces of fringe to each piece of washi tape.



"Ruffle" the feather a bit with your hands, giving it some texture and dimension!

Thanks for stopping by! Let me know if you try out this tutorial!