Washi Tape: Add a Finishing Touch to Your Paperweights

Washi tape has been emerging in popularity over the past few years.  When I attended the CHA (Craft & Hobby Association) Show in Anaheim, CA, in 2014, only a few brands seemed to carry it.  This year it was everywhere!

In addition to Scotch® and Duck®, companies best known for their tape, many smaller companies in the creative industry have also introduced their own washi tape designs to coordinate with their collections. Two of my favorites include Tim Holtz and Graphic 45.  Little B, Bo Bunny, We R, and American Crafts have also thrown their hats into the washi tape ring.


If you have no idea what washi tape is, you're not alone.  It actually hasn't been around for very long.  I would describe it as being similar to paper tape used in first-aid.  It's smooth, thin, flexible, and very strong.  It's available in a wide variety of colors, patterns, and widths.


Wrapping Your Paperweights
with Washi Tape

Washi tape can only be used to wrap the outside of a few of our paperweight styles; the Round, Large Round, and Heirloom Square.  Our other paperweights have tapered sides that gradually widen from the top surface to the base, preventing the tape from laying flat.

I recommend applying some clear glue where the ends of the tape meet to prevent the tape from lifting.   Washi tape isn't permanent, so it's not practical for paperweights that will be picked up and handled on a regular basis.

Painting Glass Paperweights

Applying paint to the bottom of your paperweights is a brilliant way to frame your artwork in color.  In the example paperweight (PhotoWeights: Heirloom Square), I painted the field of glass around the display area with metallic gold paint.  The gold instantly transformed the clear glass into a splendid frame for the rose artwork.

Here's how I did it:

Clean your paperweight with a good, streak-free glass cleaner or rubbing alcohol.  Make sure there are no dust particles on the back of the paperweight prior to painting.  Use a durable paint that's appropriate for use on glass or ceramics (such as Plaid FolkArt Enamels).  It may take 2-3 coats of paint for complete coverage.

Important:  Allow the paint to dry between coats.  The paint should be completely dry prior to adhering the paperweight kit's bottom pad to the base of the paperweight.

Once the paint has dried completely, clean the interior of your display area with a soft cloth.  Place your artwork face-down onto the bottom of the paperweight and cover the base of the paperweight with the velvet pad to finish.

I wanted the paint to have a smooth texture, so I applied it with a paint brush using even strokes.  If you'd like to take a more artistic approach, you can use a variety of painting techniques and tools to create patterns and textures.

If you haven't used paint in your paperweight projects yet, I hope this project will inspire you to give it a try.  If this is something you've already done, what has been your experience?  What kind of materials and painting techniques have you used?