Every so often, I come across something that is so trivial and so simple, but yet so fun, that I immediately fall for it. I found just that thing at the recent National Stationery Show, a trade show that showcases absolutely everything in the stationery world–cards, invitations, gift wrap, pens, calendars, office supplies, and more.

Fancy That! introduced its new collection of Decorative Packing Tape. It’s not a brand new concept, but this small company has managed to successfully take it to the next level. Using vintage fabric and feed sack patterns as their inspiration, Deborah Curry and Peggy Schipper have created 10 colorful tape designs. Sure, you can use their tape in it’s intended utilitarian function, in fact, their tagline is “Making Functional Fabulous,” but they also encourage you to think outside the box (no pun intended!). They’ve used their tape to decorate lampshades, storage boxes, notebooks, cabinet fronts…you name it.

I’m not alone in my opinion; Fancy That! was awarded Best New Product at the Stationery Show.

So, it’s time to put on your do-it-yourself hat and get creative. Hmm…I wonder where I can use that green scroll?

Tape is available for $7.99/roll on Fancy That!’s website.

—Jennifer Kopf

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