Review: Daiso Washi Tape Cutter

There are many types of washi tape cutters in the market, one of my favourites is the Kokuya washi tape cutter and Daiso has released a version that looks really similar to it.

You get 2 cutters in the packaging which is such a good deal. 

However one of the cutters turned out to be faulty, but I had another one, so it worked out. 

Left: Kokuyo Right: Daiso

The Daiso cutter is slightly bigger and more boxy than the Kokuyo cutter. 

The clip mechanism is quite different too.

 Kokuyo's has 2 parts so it can adjust to the thickness of the washi tape roll, and it also has a series of grooves for better grip. 

Daiso's is more simple, it is just a plain clip with a small lip so the roll of tape doesn't fall off, in theory anyway. 

Kokuyo's has 1 set of fine metal teeth for tape cutting whilst Daiso's has 2 sets of plastic teeth, 1 fine, 1 coarse. 

The fine teeth on both are quite comparable when it comes to the cut tape edges however I found the metal one on the Kokuyo easier to use. 

I do like the coarse teeth on the Daiso tape cutter too, it gave the cut tape edge a more unfinished look which would look great in layouts. 

As you can see, Kokuyo's washi tape cutter is rounder, smoother and more ergonomic. 

It also has grip, so once you position the cutter, tearing the tape is super simple. 

This tape cutter also comes in 2 sizes to fit different widths of washi tape. 

Daiso's tape cutter is more basic and simple, it's longer which would mean it would fit most washi tapes without the need to own more than one. The disadvantage of the shape however, is that you would need to hold on to the cutter to get a good tear on the tape.

Both tape cutters are great however the Kokuyo tape cutter can cost 2-3 times more than Daiso's. The Kokuyo cutter also comes in more designs and colours. 

Kokuyo is more ergonomic so if you're someone who tears a lot of tape, I would recommend the Kokuyo tape cutter. 

However, if you only use the cutter occasionally, the Daiso would suffice, it is easy to use, produces nice cut edges and you get 2 pieces! 

Which one are you planning to buy? We'd love to know! 

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July 2019 Printable

Our July Printable is here! We're feeling kind of green but stuck to our love of pastels. 

Also, did you notice this month's printable looks like washi tape? 

We adore washi tape and if you'd like to take it one step further, we recommend printing this on our washi tape sticker paper. 

Do tag us if you use our printable and upload it on social media!  

Download here: Link

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Washi Tape Hack : Making coordinating stickers

Here at TN5C we love our washi tape! And we use it quite generously in our journals and many other areas. But sometimes finding coordinating elements like stickers can be difficult so if you face the same problem, we have a hack for you!

Make your own coordinating stickers out of the washi tape you own with craft punches!

Simply stick the tape on some wax paper [we used sticker release paper, which you can buy at our store here] and punch the shapes out~!

The result? Perfectly matching stickers!

Till next time!

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King Jim 'KITTA'

Kingjim's Kitta range is the answer to the question; "how do I carry multiple washi tapes with me when I'm out/travelling?" For as long as washi tape has been around, people have been trying to find a way to bring their washi tape collection into their kits.

The Kitta range combines the texture of washi tape in a convenient card sized package. Each seal set is credit card sized, which makes it easy to slip into your notebook pocket or pencil case. 

There are 3 lines, the Kitta Basic, which includes 4 designs of regular width washi tape strips, Kitta Slim, same as before but slimmer and has 8 designs and the Kitta Seal, which consists of marking seals, picture corners and index markers. 

The Basic and Slim are pre cut washi strips, each piece has it's own backing paper. The difference between these and fusen is that fusen is only adhesive on one end whilst the Kitta tape is fully adhesive. A regular ballpoint pen can be used to write on the strips but a marker is recommended. 

The Seal range has a more smooth sticker like texture. Most are semi-opaque which means you can write on the sticker or write on the paper before sticking the seal on your writing. With these, I would recommend using a marker and not a ballpoint pen. The picture corners are strong enough to hold down an instax card but are still reposition-able. 

The best part of the kitta seal however, is that if you don't want to carry the entire pack with you, you can tear off individual sheets of the Basic/Slim tape designs and an entire sheet off the Seal (perforated cut included!)  

I like how each set has a theme which shows in not just the cover but the designs as well. The colours are also pretty and very usable. Kingjim appears to be releasing new designs all the time, so time to collect them all? 

Lastly, if you buy too many of these, which is very possible, I recommend a look at my stationery storage ideas blogpost for how I store them. 

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Kokuyo Karucut Washi Tape Cutter

There are many versions of washi tape cutters, we carry some basic ones in our store, but I'm still always interested when something new comes out. 

I spotted the karucut washi tape cutter all over instagram and had to buy some when I went to Tokyo at the end of last year. 

I have to say that I'm quite fond of this cutter, it's got quite a few parts but it works really well. It's shaped like a paperclip, you press on the ends to open it up and clip it on the washi tape roll, once you've positioned it, secure it with both fingers on the ergonomically designed clip and tear the tape off. 

If it sounds complicated, it really isn't. Here's a video demonstration: 

[youtube=://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_bjcYEJOlGM&w=854&h=480]

Overall, it's a really smart design and extremely useful for people with large collections of washi tape and it comes in 2 sizes for different types of washi tape. Would you buy one? 

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It's our 1st birthday!

It's TN5C's first birthday! We've had a wonderful year and to thank you, we've lined up a gift! 

Spend a minimum of $10 (not including shipping) on our Etsy store and you'll be gifted a washi tape sampler! Each sampler contains a minimum of 5 tapes and the sampler board is reusable! 

Best of all, you will not need to enter a code on our store, spend a minimum of $10 and a washi tape sampler will be automatically added to your order! yay! 

*minimum of $10 per order, not including shipping charges
*1 sampler per order
*washi tape cannot be chosen and will be given at random
*the washi tape samples in the above image are examples only
 

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HOW TO: Washi Tape Bow Paper Clip

Another easy way to use up your washi tape stash! [or an excuse to go buy more!]

This week I'll show you how to make this super adorable bow clip. You can use your favorite washi tapes to match your layouts!

Here is how its done!

Steps

1. You will need paperclips, two types of washi tape [one thick one thin] and scissors.

2. Fold both ends of the thick washi tape towards the middle evenly.

3. You will end up with a M shape [or W] 

4. Cut round corners towards the middle but don't cut it in half.

5.Use the thinner tape [i switched out the printed tape so you can see more clearly] to hold both the bow and paperclip in place. Enclose it in tape several times to secure it.

6. Completed!

Any questions? Just let me know!

p.s The journal layout above features out Sakura TN sticker insert. Have you checked it out? Shop on our Etsy store!

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HOW TO: Washi Tape Twist Ties

Another easy tutorial to help you use up your washi tape stash (I know you have one XD)

Today, we are going to use them to make twist ties!

What you will need: wire, washi tape (and whatever you need to use your twist tie for.)

Cut a suitable length of wire and the same amount of washi tape. 

Lay the wire in the middle of the washi tape length wise.

Flip it over.  Cut the same amount of washi tape and repeat the step before.

To mix things up, you can use a different print piece of washi tape!

Perfect for little gift bags! 

Let us know in the comments how you go with this tutorial and what you do with your twist ties!

And as always, follow us on facebook and instagram to see more tutorials ^_^

The "toast" washi tape above is from our latest subscription box this month! Get yourself a box before we close the preorder ^^!

See here : https://thenumber5.co/blog/2017/2/17/april-2017-subscription-box-the-breakfast-club

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HOW TO: Make photo corners from washi masking tape

If you are like me, you probably have a lot of washi tape. I'm not going to say too much because there is no such thing *laugh* But if you are feeling a little guilty about your collection, here is a new way to start using them!

Make photo corners from them!

 

What you'll need:

Tip: Start off with around 10cm worth of tape [Or 4inches for you non metric folks ^^]

And that's it! The back of it is already sticky so its ready for use in your scrapbooks, journals and wherever you can think of!

Naturally its perfect in your TN layout too!

The Masking Tape + Stickers used in this layout is from our March subscription box! See here! [or our etsy store here]

If you try this tutorial out, do share the results with us!

And as always, follow us on facebook and instagram to see more tutorials ^_^

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HOW TO: Turn your washi tape into stickers. #StickerHacks

"No Stickers, No Life"

That's my stationery life motto, I can't help myself every time I see a cute sheet of stickers. I adore washi tape just as much but sometimes the extra white space can be a hindrance. 

In this blogpost, I'll explain how to turn your favourite washi tapes into stickers without chopping any fingertips off. 

You'll need:

• Washi tape 
• Baking paper 
• A pair of sharp scissors 

Roll out a section of the washi tape and stick it on the baking paper, you'll notice a lack of strong adhesion between the paper and the tape, this makes it easier to remove later on and does not affect the washi tape's stickiness. 

Cut the strip of baking paper/Washi Tape into sections based on the design of your washi tape. For each design, use the scissors and cut around the illustration, I would suggest leaving a small white border around. 

Tada! You're done, just peel off the baking paper backing and use as a sticker! 

Tip: If you find the baking paper backing difficult to peel off after cutting the shape out, try aligning the illustration on the washi tape a little bit off the baking paper before cutting. It will still be easy to cut but now it's easier to remove and use as a sticker. 

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