DIY washi tape notebook

I don't think it's a surprise to anyone that I love washi tape. I've used it for a variety of projects, including photo displays, creating paintings and word art, just plain decorating my walls, and even for manicure inspiration. today I'm going to show you another ridiculously easy DIY project - how to cover your notebook with washi tape.

start by selecting your tapes. I'm realizing now that my colors look a lot like Christmas... in real life the greens are more minty and the pink is less red and more pink. or maybe I should use this notebook to get a head start on making my Christmas lists?

anyway. you'll also need a blank notebook. I used white since some of my tapes were a bit transparent, but another solid color would work well. you could also use a notebook that already has art on it and come up with something really interesting.

start by cutting a straight edge on your tape, then run your first color along the top edge. if it's not straight, just pull the tape up and reposition. cut a little excess tape and fold per to the inside cover of the notebook. add your second tape, your third tape, and so on.

I decided to keep things simple with just horizontal stripes, but you could go vertical or diagonal, or even weave or cut sections of the tape to create a pattern.

I initially added a vertical strip along the wire to reinforce it, and then removed it because I decided I liked the look better without. that's one of the great things about working with washi tape... removability!

this project was really easy and I'm tempted to cover all my notebooks and planners now. this would be a great way to personalize your notebooks for school, or make a cute journal to give a friend. washi tapes come in so many colors and patterns now, the possibilities are endless.

linking up with Nicole for treat yo self Thursday

Taipei // Stray Cats Cafe

I love cats. and I especially love kittens. leaving our two cats behind when we moved abroad was one of the hardest parts of becoming an expat. so when my brother came to Taiwan and said he wanted to visit a cat cafe - a place where you can sit and play with kittens for as long as you like - I was all in.

the concept of cats and coffee might seems a little strange, even more so the concept of cats and eating. but cat cafes are a big deal in Asia, where many people don't have pets. you can come to the cafe and play with animals, sip a latte, read a book, and just hang out.

we selected the Stray Cats Cafe in Taipei to visit, since I had found a blog post recommending it and stating that most of their cats were still kittens. this cafe is also great because all their kittens are up for adoption! they take in strays and then help to find them homes. a few of the cats are older, and act as mothers for the little ones.

we arrived to find a crowd of children chasing around playing with the kittens. there are plenty of cat towers and feathery wands and toys to keep them occupied, and they are all very friendly with the cafe visitors. soon the kittens were tired out and realized they could come hide sleep on/near our table. we didn't mind.

I pretty much didn't want to leave... ever. but dumplings were calling my name, and we had other things to see in Taipei. a cat cafe was the perfect place to sit [in air conditioning] and have a drink while enjoying some serious adorableness. I'm planning to head back soon to get my kitten fix!

linking up with Bonnie, Camila, Jessi, and Amy for Travel Tuesday.