Washi Tape is one of those supplies that easily accumulates. You receive a large roll of the tape but often, only a small amount is used at a time.  With a little creativity, you can get a little more use out of each roll. Today, I’ll show you how to weave a quick matte that will add dimension and texture to your layout.

Supplies

Kraft knife

Three rolls of washi tape

A 12×12 canvas for the background

Strips of scrap white cardstock( wide enough to fit the width of the washi tape)

Scissors

Sewing machine( optional)

Embellishments and photo(s)

Step One Decide how large you want the washi tape matte to be. I used my photo as a guide for the length.It’s a 4×6 photo. The matte will be framed, so I know it will end up being just a bit bigger than the photo when it’s finished. You will also need to decide how wide the matte will be. My matte is a little less than 6 inches wide. Draw a rectangle or square to outline the borders of the matte. Next draw lines in even increments to show where you will cut slits in the canvas. The number of slits should be uneven. I chose to cut 9 slits. This creates 8 sections in the matte.

Step Two Using the pencil marks as a guide, carefully cut the slits. You want them to come close the edge of the area you marked off for the matte.

Step Three Cut scrap strips of white cardstock a little bit longer than the matte. You will need about 1-2 extra inches of length to accommodate for the strip being woven in and out of the canvas.Cover the cardstock strips with the washi tape. If the scrap piece is too wide, cut any excess away. Alternate between two different rolls of washi tape. The amount of strips you need will vary according to the width of each roll of washi tape. I recommend making a few strips from each roll to start, then making strips as needed until the matte is full.

  Step Four Before you begin weaving,use one roll of washi tape to create a frame.Notice how the slit on the right touches lines up with the frame. On the left side, there is a full section or strip between the frame and the slit.

Step Five Begin weaving the strips through the canvas. You will be weaving the strips over and under the sections created when you cut slits in the canvas. One strip should begin over the section while the next starts under. Your goal is to form a basket weave style pattern. The strips might shift a little. Do your best to keep them in place for now. We’ll be securing them soon.

Step Six If the strips are too long, trim a little away. It’s up to you if you want them all to be even. I preferred to keep mine at staggered lengths.

Step Seven You can secure the strips in place by sewing around the edges of the frame.  If you don’t have a sewing machine, you can use a little bit of adhesive under each strip.

Step Eight Build your layout. Place the photos, title and embellishments as you desire.

Layering the washi over the strips of white cardstock strips makes it more visible and easy to work with. You can create a wonderful textured background or matter  while having the satisfaction of using up more of your washi tape supply.

You and Me: Sneakin’ Snacks by Christy Strickler |Supplies Patterned Paper, Vellum Die Cuts,Flair: Studio Calico; Jewels: Hero Arts; Tape: Studio Calico, Freckled Fawn; Chipboard:Amy Tangerine; Bow Tie: Freckled Fawn; Other: Label Maker; appears in an article for Get It Scrapped

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