Back in 2013 I washi-taped my bike. And by that I mean that I put strips of washi tape on both the front and rear fenders of my “trail” bike. (I call this bike my “trail” bike because it is the bike that I ride on trails. Technically it’s called a “hybrid” bike meaning that it’s meant to be ridden on both roads and trails. But I only ride it on trails.)
This is the bike that I rode on my “Pedal to Pittsburgh” ride and also on my “Pittsburgh to DC” epic bike ride. After all of those miles the washi tape still looks good!
I still get so many compliments about my bike when I’m out on the trails. Doesn’t it look pretty! I’ll never forget the time I took it to the bike shop for a repair, the bicycle mechanic said “hey, I like the washi tape on the fenders”. I was so surprised that he knew it was called washi tape. I asked him how he knew what it was and he said his mother was a scrapbooker so he knew the term ; )
Here’s how the fenders looked before the washi tape:
Just plain, boring fenders. 
Now it’s so much better don’t you think?:
This same washi tape has been on these fenders for nearly five years. I can’t get over how well it has held up. There are a few strips that have frayed at the edges a little and the tape isn’t as bright as it was five years ago but it still looks good!
Looking for more washi tape ideas? You might like this basket.
For even more washi tape ideas click here.
I may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post at no additional cost to you. As always I only recommend products and services that I use and love.
Nici says
July 6, 2013 at 8:04 pmThis is so darling! I love it!
Blessings,
Nici
Jeanie says
July 6, 2013 at 8:09 pmThanks Nici! I went for an 18 mile bike ride today and the Washi tape is still on, so it passed the first test!
Julie Corbisiero says
July 6, 2013 at 8:11 pmHi, I love the way you decorated your bike! I saw it on life on lakeshore drive.
Julie from julieslifestyle.blogspot.com
Jeanie says
July 6, 2013 at 8:13 pmThank you Julie!
Crystal says
July 6, 2013 at 8:16 pmWhat a great idea! Visiting from the Sundae Scoop Link Party! Would love to have you link this one up at the Ladies Only Blog Share link party, too! Every post is promoted across our social networks and blogging community. Stop on by! 🙂
http://mommifried.com/ladies-only-blog-share-link-party-red-white-bbq/
Jeanie says
July 7, 2013 at 3:36 pmThank you Crystal! I linked to your party!
Diana Rambles says
July 7, 2013 at 4:57 pmCute!
Michelle says
July 7, 2013 at 11:10 pmWhat a cute idea! I love it!! Thanks for linking up with us at the Ladies Only Blog Share!
Mel says
July 8, 2013 at 4:25 amGet out, that is the coolest washi craft ever! Love it 🙂
Lori @ A Bright and Beautiful Life says
July 8, 2013 at 12:26 pmVery cute, Jeanie. I’m looking forward to reading all about your riding adventures.
Grandma Kc says
July 8, 2013 at 9:16 pmYour bike looks happy! Good luck with your ride. Just stopping by from the GRAND Social Linky Party. Hope you get a chance to do the same!
Cindi says
July 8, 2013 at 11:13 pmIt looks gorgeous! And wow, I cannot imagine a bike ride that long! But will definitely follow your adventure through your blog! Glad I found you through the Grand Social at Grandma’s Briefs!
Jeanie says
July 9, 2013 at 9:31 amThanks Cindi! I’m a little nervous but so excited for the ride. I’m so glad that you’ll be following along on my adventure!
Alexis @ Persia Lou says
July 9, 2013 at 12:53 amHow fun! It turned out so cute. I’m a new follower on bloglovin. 🙂
Jeanie says
July 9, 2013 at 9:31 amThank you so much Alexis!
Emily says
July 9, 2013 at 11:39 pmIt’s really festive and fun. Did you put anything on it to weather proof i? I’ve had some trouble with Washi Tape peeling up.
Ashley says
July 10, 2013 at 12:15 amI love your washi bike! I would love it if you would come and link this up at my link party
Dandelion Wishes Wednesday.
Nancy @ Artsy Chicks Rule says
July 12, 2013 at 12:41 amOk now that is just adorable!!! I love it…and now want to do mine! 😉
Thanks so much for sharing on Project Inspire{d}:) Pinning!
Nancy
KindredLive says
July 13, 2013 at 10:44 amLove! Love it so much! I’m doin’ it!
Susan @ Oh My! Creative says
July 16, 2013 at 10:08 pmThanks for linking up to Whimsy Wednesday! Your project has been featured this week on my blog!
http://www.ohmy-creative.com/whimsy-wednesday/whimsy-wednesday-link-party-72/
Also, you can add your project {or any project} to my website. I feature them on my main slider on the home page…follow this link to submit your project!
http://www.ohmy-creative.com/submit-a-project/
Grab a button if you like…
Jeanie says
July 18, 2013 at 7:24 pmThanks so much Susan!
Camila says
July 17, 2013 at 6:07 pmThis is super cute! I really wouldn’t have come up with that, so clever. What a way to revamp the bike and make it look like a new, fun one just using washi tape, love it! Thanks so much for sharing this with me at my party!
Hugs and xoxo
Cami @ TitiCrafty
georgie says
September 5, 2013 at 1:08 pmNot long til October – hope the training is going well.
How has the tape held up to weather? I live somewhere pretty wet, so am thinking it wouldnt last too well, but interested to hear how yours is doing.
Jeanie says
September 5, 2013 at 1:14 pmIt has held up amazingly well. It actually looks just as good as when I first put it on! The true test will be when we pedal on the C & O Towpath. It’s usually a muddy mess! Thanks for asking! I appreciate it! Less than a month to go until our big trip. I can’t wait!
Connie Adams says
February 17, 2015 at 8:56 pmSo how did the tape do after the big ride?
I am thinking about doing to my ride as well. Would love to hear how it did in adverse weather.
Jeanie says
February 24, 2015 at 7:44 pmThe washi tape is still on! And that bike has hundreds of miles on it!
Daretoeatapeach says
June 18, 2016 at 4:56 pmOK it’s been a few years now… How long did the tape last?
Sorry not sorry for the necropost. ?
Jeanie says
June 21, 2016 at 11:50 amIt is still on there and looks good!
Audra @ Renewed Projects says
February 25, 2018 at 9:52 pmI just sent this idea to my sister. She is in the process of restoring an old rusted bike back to its original condition. This would be a fun way to add some color.
Audra @ Renewed Projects recently posted…New Stuffed Bunnies
Rhonda says
February 28, 2018 at 6:47 pmHow creative. This would be a fun way for kids or kids at heart to personalize their bikes. Thanks for sharing on Sunday’s Best.
Nikki Gwin says
March 2, 2018 at 10:36 amI love how you dressed up your bike! Looks a bit like a quilt pattern.
🙂 gwingal
Scarlett says
March 5, 2018 at 8:49 pmHi i am Scarlett, I love what you have done to your fenders the washi tape really makes it pop. I ride my bike sometimes as a form of exercise or just to feel that freedom lol. Congrats on that 18 mile ride i may just try that someday maybe with a group.
Vaughn Phillipson says
October 27, 2018 at 2:01 amI’m a Bicycle Mechanic by trade and see a lot of things come into the shop, this looks really good, some of the stock color schemes can be a bit bland, so good job on the personalization!
Vaughn Phillipson recently posted…Best Balance Bikes For 2 Year Olds And Toddlers – 2018 Kids Bike Gear
Annette @ CuteLittleDarling says
December 23, 2018 at 2:09 pmThanks for the wonderful idea, Jeanie! What you did is very beautiful, it is clear you have a talent of decoration! I think I’ll decorate my daughter’s bicycle the same way in summer. It is not very beautiful as when choosing it I paid attention only to its correspondence to her age, weight and size.
Annette @ CuteLittleDarling recently posted…How to Choose a Bike for a 2 to 5-Year-Olds
vidhan says
January 15, 2019 at 4:03 amThanks for such a nice article….
Riding a bike is the fastest way to get around
James says
January 18, 2019 at 11:57 amI like the washi tape on your bike. I think it was a good idea and it gifts the bike a nice little facelift and makes it stand out.
James recently posted…OdorKlenz Laundry Additive – Gets the Stink Out-a-here!
Nathan Taylor says
May 4, 2019 at 3:44 amHi Jeanie,
I wondered what in the world you were talking about with “washi tape on the fenders”.
Are, but I can see it all now. Well done. Looks a treat!
Cheers Nathan…,
Cheers Nathan…
Nathan Taylor recently posted…Which are the best Motorcycle Airbag Vests or Jackets in 2019?