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Tuesday, July 15, 2014

96

Fun Ways To Organize With Washi Tape

Calling all fellow Washi Tape addicts!  Today's post is for you! 


A few weeks ago I posted a picture of my recent Washi Tape delivery on Instagram, and it sparked quite a few questions.  What is washi tape?  Where can you purchase it?  And what in the world do I use it for?!

First, Washi Tape is essentially a thin decorative tape which can be used for just about everything and anything your heart wishes.  The part of the appeal is that not only is it colorful and pretty, it also can be removed from most surfaces at any time without leaving any sticky residue.

As far as where I purchase Washi Tape, it really depends.  I am finding that it is becoming more and more available at both small boutiques and at large retailers.  I also purchase online from WishyWashi and CuteTape as well as from numerous Etsy sellers.

But how about the fun stuff?!  Ready to see a few shining examples of how you can incorporate Washi Tape into your everyday organizing projects?



Labels!  The easiest way to label just about anything, is by tearing a piece of tape and pairing it with a marker.  Done and done!  So easy!  I use Washi Tape to label shelves, boxes and even my cleaning bottles.




Keep a roll of Washi Tape near the fridge and freezer and place it on containers of leftovers to indicate the current food freshness date.



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Wrap a piece of Washi Tape around your electronic cords to identify the item that the cord should be paired to, or which member of the family the cord belongs to.



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Pair a piece of Washi Tape with an old magnetic strip to create a decorative way to display notes and photos on the side of your fridge or filing cabinet.



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Purchase inexpensive pencils and notepads from the dollar store and cover them in Washi Tape to turn them into a pretty addition to your daily workspace.



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Wrap a few pieces of tape around boring hangers to give them new life.  You can also do this to identify hangers that belong to specific members of the family or that serve specific functions.



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Tape out a grid on your wall or corkboard to create a monthly calendar, which works well when combined with colorful Post-it notes.



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Upcycle soup cans and food containers as storage by wrapping them in a mixture of tape colors and patterns.  



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Pair Washi Tape with everyday clothes pins and you have instant decorative clips which are perfect for sealing bags of snacks in the pantry, or add a magnet to the backs and use them to pin up important messages to the family.




One of my most favorite uses for Washi Tape is to label the tabs of my file folders.  A strip of tape across the tab paired with a label printed from my label maker and work just got that much happier.




I also use it to create tabs which mark pages of scribbles within my notebooks.  Now I can quickly find all of those random thoughts I jot down each day!




Wrap old prescription bottles with Washi Tape and toss them in your purse or handbag to corral small items such as a nail clippers, safety pins and hair ties.




How darling is a calendar with the addition of a few pieces of Washi?  I use it all of the time within my daily planner to give me a visual of appointments, travel and commitments that last for a duration of days. 



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Use Washi Tape to mark your keys by type, which will give you quick identification of house key vs. file drawer key vs. shed key, etc....




Last but not least, add a piece of Washi Tape to butterfly clips to lend a playful vibe to daily paperwork organization.


And if you are looking for ways to actually organize the rolls of Washi Tape, I am still loving the dispenser I created here.




OK friends!  There are fifteen super simple and darling ways to utilize the oh-so-popular Washi Tape within your daily organizing projects.  Do you see how the fabulous colors and patterns just make everything that much better?  Everyday envelopes, boxes, containers and office supplies become cheerful in a jif!

How have you used the trendy tape within your organizing projects lately?

96 comments:

  1. I use washi to add a tic tac toe board to my coffee table. A small box my 4yo "bejeweled" keeps the Xs and Os we purchased at Michaels and glitterified. Now we're ready for impromptu TTT matches!

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    1. That sounds like so much fun! I do something similar with chalk on our chalkboard table in the playroom! Love those quick playful games with the kiddos!

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    2. That's a great idea, I might make a set to bring with us to restaurants! Thanks for sharing.

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  2. Thanks for such great ideas! I am so happy this post came at the perfect time.

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  3. I love Washi, too! I'm an avid papercrafter, but I use washi around the house even more than I do in crafting! Lol. Loved seeing the pretty ways you've used it. Those journal covers are stunningi! I like to use Washi to hold thin dies in place on die cutting machines. You could use it to hold a picture or pattern in place for tracing. Washi also looks cute on a gift package wrapped in kraft or solid paper. Thanks for sharing your examples!

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  4. how delightful! going to go washi crazy (or should i say crazier?) after work today! :P

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  5. Do you ever have an issue with the washi tape peeling off when it overlaps with the tape? I do.

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    1. Occasionally. Maybe add a small drop of glue, decoupage or clear packing tape?

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  6. Love this! I'll have to try some of these out. I just started using wash tape and LOVE it!

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  7. HI Jen! Love your round up of ideas! The magnetic tape idea is my fav! I wanted to know if you ever have a problem with your tape sticking to surfaces? If so, have you found that some brands stay stuck better than others?

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    1. Hi Kayla! I definitely think it could be a type and brand thing as well as depend on the type of surface in which it is being used. I typically use it for labeling and filing, and rarely have any issues. I also wrapped the handle of my suitcase with it for identification at the airport and it has stayed fine for a few years now of heavy wear. I am not sure what the trick is for those that don't work as well... I have purchased from so many different locations and shops that it is hard to know which ones are better than others.

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  8. Okay, I just finished painting a room, which in my world is a pretty big deal. But then I took just a couple of minutes and copied your idea of covering the butterfly clip with Washi tape (just happened to have some sitting right in front of me that matched my planner), and I'm more excited about this little clip than the painted room. How crazy is that?! : ) I have several rolls of Washi tape, but I never use it for anything, so you've given me some great ideas!

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    1. That totally made me chuckle because it is exactly how I would be as well! I guess why they always say, "It is the little things"! :)

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  9. I love how simple but effective this is! We're a couple months away from Spring here in NZ, so I'm feeling inspired for Spring Cleaning, definitely putting this on the list :)

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  10. This post is super helpful! I was tempted to buy a pretty roll of Washi Tape the other day but didn't know what to do with it. I LOVE the idea of using the tape to cover notebooks, because colorful journals make me happy :)

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  11. Great ideas! I like the notepads, the calendar and the cable ones!

    MsBubu

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  12. I want to use mine for those clothespins in my classroom. How awesome!
    Thanks,
    Sarah
    Kovescence of the Mind

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  13. I'm drooling over your collection! Love it!
    -Megan

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  14. thank you for this great post. I just saw a bunch of washi tape at michaels go on clearance and now i'm planning to buy them to try all these awesome washi tape ideas!

    -mel
    www.melissatee.com

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  15. So fun! Thanks for posting the ideas. I love the electrical cord one!

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  16. I love this Jen! I'm a long time reader but a first time commenter. I love all your organizational ideas, such an inspiration to myself!

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  17. I love this!!! And oh my goodness all the pretty wash tape has me speechless…love, love, love!!

    xo, Taylor

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  18. I bought some Washi Tape from Target a few months back & used it in some projects. My biggest one beautifying some old file folders in our file cabinet. However, it has not stuck well. I am constantly trying to push it back on & I'm about 2 days away from ripping it all off. I also put it around the edges of some cork board & its also bubbled up & not stuck well in several spots. Its cute & all that, but any thoughts on why it doesn't stick well for me?

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    1. That makes me so sad to hear! Sounds like a fun project. Maybe try adding a small drop of glue, decoupage or clear packing tape to the edges? It definitely may be the type of tape. Hope you are able to make it work out!

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    2. Katie, might be the old file folders, try the tape on new file folders. Thanks Jennifer for all the great ideas!

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  19. What a great article! It came just in time as I'm re-doing all my home files. I plan to use some of these ideas!

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  20. Fun ideas! I'm currently using some washi tape to decorate our girl's bunk bed...oh the things you can do with washi tape! :-)

    ~Sarah

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  21. Amazing and beautiful inspiration for using washi tape!! Thank you so much for sharing! And your fridge looks so awesome :)

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  22. Great ideas!! I love Washi Tape. I love the idea of using it within a calendar and on leftover containers. Loved all the ideas! Thanks :)

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  23. I have always love Washi Tapes. I even collects them as they are very cute. Thanks for the idea to organize the tapes, really helps ^^

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  24. [ Smiles ] Now, that is highly creative ways to use tape.

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  25. I just bought some washi tape because it was cute, but I wasn't really sure what to do with it! Thanks for all the great suggestions :)

    x
    Gifs & Garb

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  26. I finally hopped on the washi-bandwagon a couple of months back and really love how versatile & pretty it is. I also love how easily it peels off... which leads me to a question: How does everyone prevent the ends from coming lose? Like the prescription bottle...does it really stay this way? or do the ends start to become lose with time...

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    1. I have found that not all Washi is created equally. Some stick a little better than others. But I typically press it down pretty well when I use it and make sure that it is really adhered. I think it depends on the type of surface and amount of traffic it will receive.

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  27. Love all of these! I don't know how you even come up with these ideas, but I love each one!

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  28. If anyone is confused as to what washi tape is exactly, it's basically like masking tape, only prettier. And you can use it in the same situations that you would use masking tape, too.

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  29. wow!! Ive never heard of this stuff. But it looks great!! I love the pegs and the keys!!
    L x
    Http://workingmumy.blogspot.com

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  30. Love this! I have a few rolls that I am never sure what to do with!

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  31. On your DIY tape dispenser, does the washi tape stay put? I bought a Scotch tape dispenser and the washi does not stay stuck like a regular tape does and I wondered if it stuck better to the sides of your creation.

    Thanks for a great roundup!

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    1. Hi Monika!

      Some of my tape stays no problem, and others curl a little bit or only stick if I pull down pretty good. Again, I am not sure all Washi tapes are created equal. :)

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  32. My only issue is that washi tape often comes unstuck on its own for me. Is this just because it's poorer quality or am I using it on less than ideal surfaces?

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    1. Hi Alyssa!

      It really could be either. I have had better luck with some than others. If it is something you really hope will last for long periods, maybe add a small bit Mod Podge on the ends?

      xoxo!

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  33. Love it Jen! Previously I wasn't sure what I personally would use washi tape for but I love these ideas so I will be getting some :)

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  34. I used the tape to line the edges of plain white, throwaway envelopes (the kind you get with bills, etc), labeled them and pinned them to my bulletin board (a makeover inspired by your blog!). I use them to hold stamps, little note cards, coupons, etc. It adds a pop of color and corrals things that normally took up a lot of space on the board, when pinned separately.

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  35. these are all adorable and classy ideas, thanks for sharing!

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  36. What a fun post! What type of pen or marker writes well on the tape? I've never had good luck writing on it where the marker stays nice and dark black.

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    1. Hi Christina!

      I have had the best luck with standard Sharpie Markers and the Sharpie Ultra Fine Point Markers {but not the actual Sharpie pens, they seem to smudge more}. I also use Poppin ballpoint pens and they seem to write nicely on most Washi tapes as well.

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    2. I use a pen I bought for writing on CDs /DVDs. That has worked really nice & doesn't smudge.

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  37. I love washi tape and have used it to organize my weekly outfits http://angel-of-berlin.blogspot.de/2014/07/organises-her-outfits.html

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  38. I've always thought washi tape was so pretty, but never knew what to do with it. Can't wait to start stocking up on my favorite colors & patterns! Thanks for the ideas!!

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  39. Also, where do you find the metal adhesive bookplate label holders that you always use? I've tried finding the Martha Stewart brand or any brand all over the internet, but can't find them. Staples is always out of stock online (they have been for MONTHS). Anywhere else I can find them?

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    1. Hi Meredith!

      I purchased them at my local Staples as well, but have noticed a decline in stock and the gold ones seemed to have been discontinued now. Most craft stores have some options near their scrapbooking departments, or maybe check Amazon as well.

      xoxo!

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  40. Hi. Love all these ideas. When I saw one of your pictures it reminded me ....when will you be coming put with the next version of your planner printable? August 2014-2015. Thanks!

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    1. Hi Katie!

      I am currently working on the design of it, and crossing my fingers that it will be ready within the next few weeks. :)

      xoxo!

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    2. Wonderful, I can't wait! Thanks!

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    3. Any chance of a half page planner? Thanks!

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  41. These ideas are so cute!! I need to get some more washi tape!

    Christie
    www.classifybychristie.com

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  42. These are all awesome ideas! I most recently used washi tape to create file folder labels in our filing cabinet. It adds some bright cheery color to an otherwise drab spot. I have found washi tape at our local dollar tree store here and there - they don't always have it, but when they do, I grab what I can!

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  43. Wonderful ideas here, especially on the cleaning supplies and keys!
    xo
    Jamie
    http://snapginger.com

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  44. Will the washi tape go through the electric pencil sharpeners at school? :)

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  45. I’ve seen this type of tape in stores like the Range and Dunelm. I have never known what to do with it, and just dismissed them, boy how I’m regretting that now. Your ideas are fabulous. I love the notepads and the keys. XxX

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  46. Great post! I love washi tape!! What do you use to write on it? Everything I've tried so far just smudges.

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    1. For me the pens that are designed to write on CDs / DVDs work excellent on washi.

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  47. I love Washi tape. I'm so sad that I can't find the four pack at Target anymore though! That was such a great deal!

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  48. I think the hardest thing for when it comes to washi tape is which ones I want to purchase! Great roundup!

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  49. I love all of these ideas. For the wall calendar - how did you do the numbers?

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  50. Thanks for these great ideas!

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  51. thanks for this post. i've seen it around at a couple stores, and even mention of it on pinterest, but count me among the previously clueless.

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  52. I love washi tape! Great post and even better photos!

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  53. Oh! What nice ideas! I will do some of them, it seems so cute and personal!

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  54. This is amazing! Really need to get some washi tape.. This is really awesome for school supplies!

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  55. I really need to get on the Washi Tape train!!! I could use this for so many fun things around the house!!!

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  56. Wrapped around tea lights!

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  57. Ohhhhhh Jen! I'm in love with this post. All of these ideas are now on my wish list! x

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  58. Love all of these ideas, next I just need to buy some washi tape to try these out. Do you know where the cheapest place to buy them is???
    xoxo

    www.randomindistilling.blogspot.com

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  59. I love the pencils and notebooks!

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  60. washi tape is so amazing used in these ways. I love all of them. need to buy some urgently.....

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  61. Great ideas. We might try a few of those.
    http://therantingsofadramaqueensmum.blogspot.com

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  62. I love this post! Where is that washi tape in the bowl from? Specifically, the pink one with the yellow & turquoise diamond design. I checked out those websites & didn't see it.

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    1. Michaels. But I think that it might have been discontinued. Good luck!

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  63. love all of these... i am now inspired!!!! i have two buckets of washi tape and never use them.

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  64. May I ask where you purchased the pretty blue file folders before you added washi? Thanks

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    1. Hello! I purchased the folders on Clearance from The Container Store earlier this year. Not sure if they still offer the same folders, but I am guessing they still have something quite similar. xoxo!

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  65. Could you share the name of the font used to write "washi tape"?

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  66. Love it! Love it! These ideas are so clever. Your projects? Fabulous! Jennifer

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  67. I tried to use washi tape in lieu of magnets for pictures on the fridge and they fell. I've seen others use it on their fridges with success. Are some brands better than others? I got mine from etsy.

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    1. There are some that are definitely not as sticky as others. Options found at Target (or other big stores) made by name brands seem to be stickier. I use the pretty Etsy versions for things on paper or to wrap around things and allow it to stick to itself, and the stronger versions for popping something on the wall or fridge. xoxo!

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  68. Thank you so much for replying! I will try one of the ones at Target and see if they have better results. Thanks again. :-)

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  69. How do you get the Washi tape to stick? I am trying to add them to my phone chargers & keys & they fall off so I have been gluing them. ��. Any brands out there that stick well? Thanks!

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    ReplyDelete

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