Keep Calm -- and make your own washi tape???

This week, the challenge at Crafty Creations Challenges is to incorporate stripes into your project. This worked nicely with an idea that was already percolating in my brain, and when I discovered the new challenge blog Retro Sketches, it all came together into this:

I'll be needing one of those significant-number birthday cards soon, and this stamp has lately become my go-to image for that purpose. I've been seeing lots of blog posts around the interwebs about making your own washi tape, and decided I wanted some Union Jack tape to go on the card. I found the perfect image to use on a teacher website (you really can't ever get rid of the teacher gene), printed it on tissue paper, and applied it to some ordinary double-sided tape. Here's a pearl of wisdom based on my experience... when I first made it a couple of weeks ago, the tape easily lifted off the wax paper I put it on. When I went to use it, not so much. I peeled it off the best I could then added some new adhesive. 
Here's a little close-up of the shiny embossing on the image:

I'm always amazed at the crispness of the lettering on this stamp! The (real) stamp peeking out from behind was a little goody sent to me by my friend Angela. It makes me think I might have to investigate my dad's and grandfather's stamp collections!  
Remember to link up your card or other project with stripes at Crafty Creations Challenges this week! While you're at it, check out the new Retro Sketches challenge blog, too! 

Supplies: white & blue cardstock, Market Street Stamps Sip On stamp, Memories passion red ink, Ranger rich red embossing powder, homemade Union Jack washi tape, postage stamp, Icicle Stickles, pop-dot tape