If you’re looking for a quick and easy idea that still packs a punch, look no further than a roll of paper tape (sometimes called Washi tape). As functional as it is trendy, this removable, repositionable tape adheres to a variety of surfaces, including paper, glass, plastic and metal. Often transparent, this decorative accent will add cool factor to crafting creations large and small.

We put our thinking caps on to detail a few of the many uses of this whimsical wonder:

We even whipped up a few holiday samples to show how these decorative tapes can accent the season.

What are some other great ways to unleash the decorative potential of washi tape?

P.S. — check out our No Carve Pumpkin How-To for another easy paper tape idea!

Burlap is the new black, which means we are adding pretty little accents to our assortment to make sure you have this season’s trend in your craft closet.

Incorporate this earthy trend into any style or project. Think natural napkin holders with modern flair, tailor stems of your bridal bouquet with chic detailing, or liven up a vase with a folksy wrap! DIY invitations and gift wrap look great with woven texture.

Like burlap, jute and other natural fibers add a rustic touch to cards or vintage detailing to a package. Modern looks can come alive with this natural fiber too. Here, Kin Community walks viewers through the Paper Source Maritime Knot Accent, which features red jute cord.

What are your favorite way to use burlap and jute?

What a hoot!

Paper Source gift card winner Amy B. has us inspired! Check out her most recent project, which features our Owls Wrapping Paper. We’re loving her feathered friend!

Want to share your Paper Source-inspired creation with us? Email us at: psfan@paper-source.com

Are you a paper person? Someone who, like our founder, can get lost in the history and the magic of this worldly craft? Do you also struggle to find ways to use those gorgeous sheets? Well, struggle no more. We asked Paper Source stores across the country to weigh in with ideas–many of which came from PS customers!–to get your creative juices flowing.

From Ardmore to Apartment Therapy and Houston to Headquarters, read along as we unwrap the mystery of fine paper crafts.

Tips from Paper Source Store Locations…

Ardmore,Pennsylvania: Anne S. created this card sample using pleating and our Silhouette CAMEO to create the flower appliqué at the waistband.

Bellevue, Washington says:

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Our PS design team has been busy creating fresh new gift wrap. Go from drab to fab with one of our groovy new graphics.

Our latest wrapping paper designs feature our exclusive color palette, making it easy to coordinate with gift wrap accessories. Give your package a little extra eye candy by pairing with:

That’s a wrap!

Oh, you know we cannot resist a good gift wrapping opportunity. So, for all our Wrappers out there, here is a dose of springtime inspiration just in time for the Mother’s Day gift giving weekend.

Birds
Celebrate springtime delights with these winged darlings

Featured above:

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In addition to an assortment of nautical gifts, we were totally inspired by this gift wrap theme. It is a wonderful way to celebrate birthdays and summer events. Or, christen a maiden voyage with a wonderful wrapped package – your sailor is sure to appreciate.

The two looks are easy to execute.

If you want design to do the talking, then opt for our nautical wrapping paper and a beautiful bow accent, like this persimmon ribbon tied with our perfect bow.

If you want a hint of maritime color, then you can achieve the look below using our gift wrap (in Night) and satin ribbon (in Peacock and Persimmon). We suggest running double-sided tape or your Tape Runner along the back of your ribbon to hold your hatch weave in place.

Or, you can skip the ribbon and try our new maritime knot accent.

This wrap story suggests finishing with Octopus Stationery or Anchor Letterpress Stationery. But, you could also pick from our assortment of single cards. This Mother’s Day card and Father’s Day card are both available online, along with greeting cards for other occasions.

As many of you learned last year, I like to have a holiday gift wrap theme each year. Born out of necessity, I am extra excited to share this year’s look.

With a new baby in the house, gift wrap was not at the top of my list. One day, she was napping especially well and I found myself with some free time to get some wrapping done. One problem – I hadn’t planned anything or purchased any paper. Creative inspiration struck! I love the look of our Paper Bag wrapping paper, and decided to use the months of my Great Big Calendar as the base for this year’s gift wrap. Once I started, the ideas kept coming.

One month is the perfect size for a standard shirt box. For larger packages, I banded with a strip of calendar or used our Holiday Typography Paper, which matches perfectly (though this required my husband to make a quick run to our Evanston Store). So far, my favorite idea is this bow made out of the days of the week.

I hope this idea inspires you. For more inspiration, check out these wrapping tips for the season.

From our new family to yours – happy holidays!

–Ann
PS colors: pool, peacock & chocolate
Latest fave: 2012 Great Big Wall Calendar

Last year, Ann brought us together when she gleefully confessed that she is a Wrapaholic. Slowly, confessions trickled in from others who admitted their obsession with color, coordinated style and perfect corners. Her post was like a safe place for fellow Wrappers to disclose the amount of time spent preparing packages or share in the joy of present perfection.

This year, Ann revealed her secrets to perfect packages in our latest gift wrapping video. In it, Ann talks about five main components she credits for helping her stay cool, calm and coordinated.

Scissors
Ann recommends having two pair of scissors — one for paper and one for ribbon — but make sure you have at least one pair solely dedicated to gift wrapping, so they stay nice and sharp.

Tape
Always have a full roll of tape on your spool. If you’re a fellow Wrapper, we suggest using double-stick tape — it keeps your adhesive hidden and works really well with ribbon application.

Solid Gift Wrap
Select a few rolls of solid wrapping paper to have on hand. Mix up the colors, so you have a base for any occasion that might come up.

Ribbon
Store a few spools of ribbon, in various colors and sizes, so you can accent boxed packages and gift bags.

Patterned Gift Wrap
It is hard to choose just one, so Ann recommends having a wedding print, a gift wrap for kids, and a colorful polka dot gift wrap to cover events throughout the year. Read the rest of this entry »