Hello SCT friends! Desperately seeking an easy DIY washi display & storage idea? This was one of those light bulb moments that hit me like a truck! After the Christmas holidays I decided to save all my cardboard wrapping centres. To be honest I had absolutely no idea what I wanted to do with them, it just seemed like a missed crafting opportunity to recycle these perfectly clean and crisp round tubes. After all, it would be another 12 months until the next opportunity to collect them again, a little voice inside of my head kept telling me that they would be put to good use one day!
I keep my washi collection in this wooden box, it works but not ideal as I still need to rummage through looking for the right pattern or colour. Hmm…if only I could line and stack up tape rolls showing off the patterns at an easy glance. Ring ring ring ring! the little bell goes off and I am so excited to share with you my super easy way to make washi stacks!
Take a cardboard tube, and trim about 6 inches in length. I squish the tube down and wiggled it under my trimmer. It is important to have one straight edge but if you do not have a trimmer to cut the end, just use scissors and trim straight later.
Cut the tube vertically.
Roll the tube tightly to make a spool and slide your washi rolls onto the spool. Try to place washi rolls with the same inner spool diameter on the spool. Once you have a few rolls on, release and the tube will automatically adjust to the tension needed to keep its shape (no glue needed). Stand up your washi stack (this is why it is important to have the bottom cut straight to prevent the stack from falling over) and admire your beautiful washi collection. Try making varying heights of washi stacks by colour, pattern, or manufacturer!
One last tip, to prevent the rolls from slipping off when you lift the stack, place something at the bottom as a little stopper. You could use ribbon, twine, buttons, even wrap washi around a few times. In my example, I used a strip of rhinestone jewels.
These washi stacks would look so adorable on your shelf, in the middle of your scrap table, and even if you don’t display them it makes for a wonderful way to keep the rolls organized in a box! If you don’t have cardboard tubes on hand, try gluing two pieces of pattern paper together for a heavier weight and roll it into a tube. If anyone tries this, let us know how it works!
Hope you enjoyed my little DIY idea, have fun making your own washi stacks! If you have another idea for storing your washi tapes, please share it in the comment below too.
Have a wonderful day!
~ Virginia Nebel
love this... it's free! it's cute! it's flexible in it's ability to display or just organize.. Thanks so much!
Posted by: Bonnie Cooper | March 12, 2013 at 12:30 PM
This is great. Thank you.
Posted by: Carol Mc | March 12, 2013 at 12:34 PM
very nice tip!! thanks for sharing :)
Posted by: Sara L. | March 12, 2013 at 12:44 PM
Pretty cool! (:
Posted by: Grisel Blanco | March 12, 2013 at 12:52 PM
OMG - Such a great way to store washi!!
I'm going to try this out as soon as I get home!
Thank you!!
Posted by: Kerry | March 12, 2013 at 01:04 PM
Awesome idea, and so pretty, too! Thanks Virginia :)
Posted by: Becky Fleck | March 12, 2013 at 01:20 PM
Wicked cool idea to store and recycle! I love Earth too!!!
Posted by: Christine Kiehl | March 12, 2013 at 01:24 PM
OMG.....Brilliant!!!
I am going into my Happy Room right now and doing this....because, like you, I too saved those tubes for a someday project!!!!!
Thank you for sharing, I love this!
Posted by: Anita Holmes | March 12, 2013 at 01:44 PM
How about an empty paper towel center?
Posted by: Deborah | March 12, 2013 at 01:45 PM
wow that is a great idea..thanks for sharing..
Posted by: Annette Allen | March 12, 2013 at 01:49 PM
Awesome! Clever and inexpensive! Love!!! TFS!
Posted by: Ruth G | March 12, 2013 at 01:52 PM
Great idea! I guess I'll have to buy some wrap instead of gift bags to get an empty roll. Oh, I could probably use paper towel rolls instead. Thanks for sharing your tip!
Posted by: Jeri | March 12, 2013 at 02:25 PM
AWESOME!
Posted by: Brandy Williams | March 12, 2013 at 02:29 PM
Love this!
Posted by: Jean A Marmo | March 12, 2013 at 04:08 PM
What a great tip!
Posted by: Chris R | March 12, 2013 at 04:26 PM
Virginia, I could kiss you. Washi tape is like laundry. It multiplies when you're not watching. I bought one of the holders, but I still had more tape. This will work GREAT! As I said, big kisses to you - Mmmwaaa
Posted by: Sharon | March 12, 2013 at 04:56 PM
This is a great idea. I knew those rolls always had a use. Thank you
Posted by: Connie Teter | March 12, 2013 at 05:00 PM
So cute AND economical! Thank you. Love the rhinestones at the bottom! I may use buttons!
Posted by: Cindi Reyes | March 12, 2013 at 05:01 PM
OOOOOHHH!!!!! I LIKE!!! ALOT!!! Thanks! This is INGENIOUS!!! (and cheap! Hubby will be thrilled!lol)
Posted by: Laura G. | March 12, 2013 at 06:09 PM
Great idea, thanks for sharing. Since we save money because we are recycling we could buy more washi tape!
Posted by: Karen M | March 12, 2013 at 06:32 PM
a fantastic idea. I am going to do this tomorrow.
Posted by: Donna Rawbone | March 12, 2013 at 07:46 PM
Great idea! Thank you for sharing. Take care. :)
Posted by: Kim Thomas | March 12, 2013 at 08:21 PM
Great idea. thanks for sharing.
Posted by: JoAnn B. | March 12, 2013 at 09:14 PM
What a brilliant idea!!! Thanks so much for sharing and your clear instruction :)
Posted by: Memoriesbymanda | March 12, 2013 at 10:59 PM
how cool! neat idea :)
Posted by: Angeline | March 12, 2013 at 11:54 PM