I’d never heard of washi tape. (*audible gasps resound*)
That is until two members of my writers’ group presented a program on how to use bullet journals in writing. Washi tape was involved. Colorful, patterned, floral washi tape. And stickers. Yes, stickers.
I have to admit, my first instinct was to sit back, fold my arms, and think, This is a way to avoid writing. But I scolded my judgmental self (I’m a one on the Enneagram) and said, Shhh. You might learn something.
And I did.
I’m often complimented on how disciplined a writer I am. The truth is, I’m what Elizabeth Gilbert calls a jackhammer. I drill down, and drill down, and drill down. And this can become a boring grind where creativity suffers.
When my editor, Julie Sturgeon, suggested I compress the timeframe of The Last Crossing, I created a calendar with colorful post-it flags for each scene that could be moved around as needed to condense the time of the story. I enjoyed working with that calendar because it was so colorful. I swear, it made me more creative.
So maybe these washi-tape-loving authors were on to something. I started to listen.
I bought washi tape.
What the heck was I supposed to do with it?
When I told my daughter Kate and daughter-in-law Rachel about it, they exploded with excitement. They knew all about this stuff. Off we went to JoAnn Fabrics and Michaels.
I bought packs of stickers.
We had a planner party. We all owned Passion Planners, but Rachel had also purchased a Happy Planner she was using just for fitness.
My planner transformed from this:
To this:
I stopped using my planner as a calendar—I had my phone for that—and started using it for goal setting and novel preparation. I edged the pages with different designs of washi tape for each month and for novel I was working on.
After listening to videos on sixactstructure.com, I created pages to plan out my work in progress, Exposed. N.B. I am a pantser, not a plotter. This is either going to incredibly change my life or I’m going to be using washi tape when I wrap my Christmas presents next year.
Time to ‘fess up. Are you a washi tape junkie? How do you use washi tape, stickers, and planners?
I must be living in a bubble. Did not know there was such a thing, although I’ve bought duct tape in different colors and patterns! Maybe I should think about at least the stickers in my planner, because it’s pretty boring. Thanks for the ideas!
Lucy, I just learned about it a while ago. When I mentioned it to my daughter and daughter-in-law, they knew all about it. So did other writers I know. I felt like you, how did I not hear about this? Stickers will make your planner so colorful. Have fun!
Sigh. All these happy people. I haven’t succumbed…yet. But I look longingly at the Washi tape displays at the store. It’s only a matter of time!
It’s hard to resist, Jenny. If you succumb, you’ll have a lot of fun.
The transformation on your planner pages is stunning! I haven’t yet managed to set up a planner for either my life or my writing. I have lots of washi tape and boxes full of stickers from scrapbooking and card-making. Maybe this summer…
Patricia, it was more than just the change in appearance. It was a paradigm shift in how I viewed my planner. I didn’t need a physical calendar since I use the calendar on my phone, so I shifted to using my planner for goal setting and planning my novel. It was a bit of mental whiplash for a while because I had always used a physical calendar.
Hey, you can use washi for both your planner and Christmas gifts. I use it on the back of envelopes when I mail cards. Sometimes I just layer some on my desk because that fake wood grain is BORING. And I rarely do a scrapbook page that doesn’t have washi on it somewhere.
It’s all about unlocking creativity and excitement. I’m proud of you!
Aw, thanks Julie! I remember your comment to my FB post about washi tape a while ago. You said, “Wait until you discover stickers.” Oh, man, you were so right!! Soon I’ll be decorating my walls with washi tape. So fun!
So pretty and so glad you’re finding excitement in prettying up your planner. Not for me, though. I’m all about simplicity and like you, using a paper planner. Fantastic blog! Your excitement had me smiling.
Aw, thanks for your kind words, Diana. Simplicity is a beautiful thing. Actually, whatever works for each one of us is a beautiful thing. 🙂
I am glad you were able to come up with a creative way to use your planner. Putting color into our lives is important for our souls. I make greeting cards and I want to go get some and try them out. You have encouraged me. Thank you.
Lori, adding color to my planner has made it so much more fun – and accessible. I can’t wait to get back to it and mark goals fulfilled, map out new ones, and have fun with appointments and dates. Yes, adding color is good for the soul. I hope you enjoy trying out washi tape on your cards.
I have a Happy Planner and I love it! I don’t use the washi tape, but do use the stickers – many of the ones you purchased. Having seen your planner transformation I may have to invest in this washi tape! Thanks for sharing your wonderful ideas!
Deb, I’m using washi tape on blank pages at the back of my planner to divide two pages into thirds and create spaces to map out my six act structure scenes. I’m also using it to divide pages into sections for character development, e.g. physical characteristics, traits, backstory, etc. It’s a whole new world!!