How to Use Washi Tape and Stickers in a Bullet Journal
By Art by Megan Wang | Published: 2026-10-18
Category: How-to Guides
Learn how to combine washi tape and stickers to decorate your bullet journal without clutter. Step-by-step tips for layout planning, layering, and choosing the right supplies.
Quick Answer
Start with a simple layout sketch, then apply washi tape as borders or section dividers before adding stickers. Use stickers sparingly to highlight key dates or moods. The Tuxedo Cat Washi Tape works well for playful borders, while clear sticker sheets like Onigiri Affirmations blend into journal pages without overwhelming them.
Choosing the Right Tape and Stickers for Your Journal
Not all washi tape and stickers behave the same on paper. The Tuxedo Cat Washi Tape is 20 mm wide and 10 m long, offering strong but gentle adhesion that sticks securely to paper, cardboard, and other lightweight surfaces. That width makes it ideal for creating bold borders or color-blocking sections without needing multiple strips.
For stickers, consider the surface and finish. The Onigiri Affirmations Sticker Sheet is printed on clear vinyl that is thinner and meant for planners, journals, and other paper goods. Its transparency lets the page show through, so it works well over washi tape or handwritten notes. The NYC Sticker Sheet uses a matte vinyl finish that holds up on frequently handled items like water bottles or laptops, but its thicker material may stand out more on a journal page.
Step-by-Step: Decorate Your Bullet Journal with Tape and Stickers
- Plan Your Layout First: Sketch a rough grid or use a pencil to mark where you want borders, headers, and sticker accents. This prevents over-decorating and keeps your journal functional. Common mistake: adding tape and stickers before planning the layout, which leads to cramped or unbalanced pages.
- Apply Washi Tape as a Base Layer: Tear or cut strips of washi tape to create borders, section dividers, or background blocks. Press down firmly and smooth out air bubbles. The Tuxedo Cat Washi Tape's 20 mm width works well for a single-strip border or can be split lengthwise for thinner lines. Checkpoint: test the tape on a scrap page first to see how it adheres to your journal paper. Some coated papers may not hold the tape as well.
- Add Stickers to Highlight Key Items: Place stickers over the washi tape or directly on the page to mark important dates, tasks, or moods. Use clear stickers like the Onigiri Affirmations sheet to maintain a clean look. Limit stickers to three per spread to avoid visual clutter. Common mistake: using too many stickers on one page, which makes it hard to read your original entries.
- Let Everything Set Before Closing the Journal: After arranging tape and stickers, close the journal gently and let it sit for a few minutes. This helps the adhesive bond and prevents stickers from peeling off when you turn pages. Checkpoint: if stickers lift after a day, press them down again with a bone folder or the back of a spoon.
Supplies That Make It Easier
- Tuxedo Cat Washi Tape: 20 mm wide and 10 m long roll with strong yet gentle adhesion for paper, cardboard, and other lightweight surfaces. The width saves time when covering larger areas like weekly headers, and the gentle adhesion means you can reposition the tape without tearing your page.
- Onigiri Affirmations Sticker Sheet: 4x6 inch clear sticker sheet printed on thin vinyl, designed for planners, journals, and other paper goods. Clear stickers let your journal design show through, so they look like part of the page rather than a separate layer. They are also easy to layer over washi tape without creating bulk.
