How to Incorporate PET Decorative Tape into Your Bullet Journal: Creative Ideas & Tips
By NotebookTherapy - Japanese + Korean Stationery Shipped Free Worldwide | Published: 2026-07-23
Category: How-to Guides
Learn creative ways to use PET decorative tape in your bullet journal, from borders and headers to washi tape alternatives. Step-by-step tips for beginners and pros.
If you’ve been bullet journaling for a while, you’ve probably experimented with washi tape, stickers, and stamps to add personality to your spreads. But there’s a rising star in the stationery world that deserves your attention: PET decorative tape. Unlike traditional paper tapes, PET tape is semi-transparent, durable, and often printed with intricate designs that layer beautifully over your journal pages. Whether you’re a minimalist or a maximalist, PET tape can transform your bullet journal into a visual masterpiece.
In this guide, we’ll explore practical ways to incorporate PET decorative tape into your bullet journal, from simple borders to full-page accents. We’ll also share tips on how to store and apply tape for best results. Ready to elevate your journaling game? Let’s dive in.
What Makes PET Decorative Tape Special?
PET (polyethylene terephthalate) tape is a clear, durable film that allows light to pass through, creating a subtle overlay effect on your pages. Unlike washi tape, which is opaque and paper-based, PET tape has a glossy or matte finish and is waterproof, making it perfect for layering over text, drawings, or other decorations. Its transparency means you can place it over journal entries without hiding the words, adding a delicate design element instead.
Many PET tapes come in rolls with repeating patterns—florals, geometric shapes, celestial motifs, or seasonal themes. This makes them ideal for creating consistent borders, framing photos or notes, or even making your own stickers. Plus, PET tape is repositionable for a short time after application, so you can adjust placement without tearing your page.
- Tip: Always test PET tape on a scrap page first to see how it looks over different ink colors and paper types.
Creative Ways to Use PET Tape in Your Bullet Journal
One of the simplest ways to start using PET tape is to create borders for your weekly or monthly spreads. Simply tear or cut a length of tape and place it along the edge of your page, or use it to frame a header. For example, a delicate floral PET tape can soften a minimalist layout, while a bold geometric pattern adds structure. You can also layer two tapes together for a custom look—overlap a clear tape with dots over a solid color tape for a unique effect.
Another popular technique is using PET tape to make custom washi tape-style page flags or tabs. Cut a small piece of tape, fold it over the edge of a page, and trim the excess. The transparency lets you see your page number or label underneath. This is especially useful for indexing or marking important dates in your bullet journal.
- Idea: Use a seasonal PET tape like the Tsuki ‘Matcha Matcha’ Limited Edition Bullet Journal ☾ as an accent on your cover page—it pairs beautifully with the journal’s green tones.
- Tip: For a cohesive look, match your PET tape to your journal’s color scheme. The Tsuki ‘Meadow Friends’ Sticker Set ☾ complements nature-themed tapes perfectly.


Step-by-Step: How to Apply PET Tape Like a Pro
Start by cutting a piece of PET tape slightly longer than your desired length. Use scissors or a craft knife for clean edges. Place the tape onto your page gently, starting from one end and smoothing it down with your finger or a bone folder to avoid bubbles. Because PET tape is slick, it can slide easily—so work slowly. If you make a mistake, carefully peel it off (it’s repositionable for a few minutes) and try again.
For intricate patterns, consider cutting the tape into shapes. You can punch circles, triangles, or hearts using a small craft punch, then use those as decorative accents. Alternatively, layer strips of tape to create a collage effect. This works wonderfully for a mood board or a gratitude log in your bullet journal.
- Pro tip: Store PET tape rolls upright in a box or on a tape dispenser to prevent dust from sticking to the adhesive side.
Combining PET Tape with Other Stationery
PET tape shines when paired with other journaling supplies. Use it alongside stamps to create depth—for example, stamp a botanical image with the Hinoki - ‘Into the Spring’ Engraved Wooden Stamp Set, then frame it with a thin strip of clear PET tape with tiny leaves. The transparency of the tape lets the stamp remain the focal point while adding a subtle border.
You can also combine PET tape with sticker sets. Place a sticker from the Tsuki ‘Meadow Friends’ Sticker Set ☾ on your page, then add a strip of PET tape over the top edge to create a “peeling” effect, as if the sticker is lifting off the page. This adds a playful 3D dimension to your spreads.
- Try this: Use PET tape to create a “window” for a photo or a drawing. Cut a square frame from tape and place it over your image for a polaroid-style look.
PET decorative tape is a versatile, affordable way to elevate your bullet journal without overwhelming your pages. Start with simple borders or flags, then experiment with layering and cutting shapes. For more inspiration, explore the Tsuki ‘Matcha Matcha’ Limited Edition Bullet Journal ☾—it’s the perfect canvas for your tape creations, and it ships free worldwide from NotebookTherapy.



