Are you one of the lucky crafters who knows all about washi tape, or is this something new to you? Either way, I hope I have some fun and new creative ideas for you and your collection of washi tape. Yes, I say collection, but I know many lovers of stationery who just can't say no to a pretty roll of washi tape, and their collection grows and grows! 

Well, let's talk about what washi tape is and show you some fun ways to use it!

What is washi tape, anyway?
Washi tape is a paper tape with a low-tack adhesive similar to masking tape. The biggest difference is that it comes in a wide array of patterns, colors, and sizes. 

What makes washi tape special?
The fun part about washi is that it can be applied to just about anything - and then removed. Washi is a great addition to journal pages and planners, as well as smooth 3-D surfaces as well. Then if you need to, just simply peel off the tape when you're ready for a change. 

What can I decorate with washi tape?
Really, your options are endless! Add pizazz to picture frames, gifts, cards, envelopes, office supplies, storage boxes, makeup brushes and more. Keep in mind that the low-tack tape is not usually permanent and can be peeled off. It's not suitable for surfaces that may get wet.

Do you have a practical problem? Washi is good for that too! Use washi to keep puzzles or game boxes closed, label your phone chargers and cables, or even label your lunch! 

If you're visiting from our Polkadot Post newsletter, you may be interested to find creative ways to use washi on your snail mail. Washi can be used to make fun borders on the front of envelopes, to seal up a flap, or even as a decorative element on the inside of your envelopes or cards. 

Add washi to plain binder clips for unique, coordinating office supplies and stationery.

​What other fun ways have you found to use washi tape? I'd love to hear it!

The holidays are a special time for kids where a lot of memories and traditions are made. It can also be really, really stressful to do "all of the things" that we want to do. I have created an activity kit full of fun activities that you can do with your family during the holiday season. The best part is that most of it, you probably do anyway! These cards just help you organize, plan, and make it look like you spent a lot of time planning out the month's activities! 

My activity kit comes with 40 activities that you can pick and choose from to fit into what YOU picture as your most memorable holiday season. Grab the set as a digital download and print the cards yourself, or order the printed perforated cards from my shop to make it that much easier!

• With 40 activity cards, you have the option to do a little or do a lot.
• Preplan the activities, or go wild and draw from the stack when you have flexibility.
• Tuck them into envelopes to open and add to the suspense.
• Ask a certain Elf friend to deliver the activities each day.
• Display the activity on an easel or a specific place in your home.
• Keep it simple or go all out - there are no rules, do what works for your family.
• Remember that no matter how you celebrate the season, it's all about family and love - and you can't go wrong with that!
• Have fun, and don't stress. The holidays are for you too! 
​

Maybe activities aren't for you, but you want a daily count-down to Christmas - we've got you covered there too! Grab a printable or already printed, black and white, or with a little holiday color! 

However you celebrate, happiest of holidays to you!

I love a good, simple to make craft, don't you? Especially when it's this cute!

You've probably seen corner bookmarks before, but I have an easy hack that doesn't even involve folding paper! All you need are some extra envelopes and some scraps of paper. I used silly eyeball stickers, but you could even draw those on!

THere's how to make your monster corner bookmark:
1. Cut the sealed part of an envelope at an angle to make a triangle. You can cut off both corners to get two per envelope. 

2. Cut paper into triangles for teeth and glue them to the longest edge of the envelope triangle. (The open side).

3. Attach your eyes or draw them on and your monster is ready to mark a spot in your book!

​The pocket fits right over the edge of the page of the book. The picture book shown is Room on the Broom by Julia Donaldson. It's such a sweet story of friendship, and it's even animated on Netflix. I highly suggest checking it out if you have not! 

​Happy crafting!

Whether you're back in person or schooling from home again, the school year milestones are always a big deal. I love getting pictures of my kids by the front door with their signs and backpacks (and their fast new shoes)! Get crafty with these adorable photo props made especially for the first day of school, the 100th day of school, and even the much anticipated last day of school!

No matter how they're returning, I wish you and your kids a great school year! I hope it's full of good memories and renewed traditions and friendships. Download your free printable right here! And make sure you check out our Be A Rainbow printable too!

WHEN YOU WISH YOU COULD BE THERE IN PERSON.

Sometimes having the best intentions of getting cards into the mailbox is easier said than done. I've found that there are some things I do to make sure that I actually get the cards in the mail and I thought I'd share them with you!

KEEP IT TOGETHER
This goes without saying, but it's so easy to spread your supplies out over a few different places, but keeping everything you need in one container could be the thing that helps the most. For a while now, I've been keeping all my cards, stamps, and my perpetual calendar in this adorable basket. While the basket may move from place to place, I know that what I need is inside it wherever it may be!

WHAT'S IN MY BASKET?
The essentials for mailing, of course! I've had a perpetual calendar for over 20 years. It's one of my most favorite things. A perpetual calendar keeps all your important dates in one calendar that you can use year after year without having to transfer dates. Sure, many of our digital platforms help us with that too, but there's just something satisfying about having a physical list of these important days. I spend so much time on my devices that I don't want to use them when I'm sending snail mail. 

I have a variety of perpetual calendars in my shop that are made specifically for my love of these calendars. They have a hole for hanging though I'm currently storing mine in my basket of mailing supplies so that everything is accessible!

Cards for all occasions! Since the pandemic, I don't spend a lot of time in stores, so when I do, I stock up on a variety of greeting cards for my stash. When I have multiple cards to choose from, it's so much easier to find just the right card for the right person. 

As a stationery seller, and friend of many stationers and small businesses, I love to have specialty cards in my collection, but in reality, those cards are pricy and I have to have some lower price-point cards as well. My most favorite place to buy those cards is the Dollar Tree. You can get quality cards for $1 or less and it's a great way to fill your basket so you're ready for all the mail sending occasions! I definitely recommend having some blank note cards or thank you notes in your basket as well!

Stamps, stamps, stamps! Keep your postage stamps in your card basket so you always know where they are and when you're running low. I recently moved my stamps into my basket (uh, hello!) and it really has been helpful! I like to have a few different designs from fun, to love, and some that are just pretty to have on hand! 

Speaking of stamps, do you have a self-inking address stamp? I have a couple from Expressionery that I love and use all the time! I've got one with my name, one for my business, and one for our family. 

Address books! Keeping your address book with your cards and stamps is well, it's a game changer. I can't tell you how many times I've gone searching for my address book until I realized it would fit perfectly into my card basket! YES! For the same reason I love having a physical birthday calendar, I love my paper address book. I've had it for so many years and the only reason I'd get a new one is if I design one! 

That's it! See how simple it is to get your snail mail life in order? I love having the basket because I can move it around from place to place. Sometimes I work on cards at my desk, but sometimes it's in the recliner while I watch tv. The key is that everything I need is inside no matter where the basket is! 

I also keep a cup of my favorite pens and markers nearby, but they could just as easily fit into a pencil pouch into the basket too. 

I hope this has been helpful! I'd love to hear about what's in your card basket! Share with me below or let's connect on Instagram! 
Talk with you soon!