I’m in love with washi tape. Even as I’m getting a little sick of seeing it everywhere, it’s still a wonderful material for gift wrapping. The decorative Japanese paper tape takes masking tape to a completely fun, colourful level, and is the darling of crafters everywhere. While it was difficult to find even just a year ago, now most craft stores and specialty paper stores carry a rainbow of colours and patterns.
To make these colourful twist ties, just stick two pieces of washi tape around a piece of wire. In five steps and less than two minutes, you’ll have a custom twist tie like no other — an easy way to make cellophane bags full of cookies a touch more special. Here’s how:
- Cut a length of wire; about 5” long is good. I used 26 gauge brass jewelry wire, but any thin wire will work. Straighten it as much as possible, getting any kinks out.
- Rip off a piece of washi tape about 1–2” longer than your wire. Turn back a bit at each end to hold it face up on your work surface.
- Stick the wire along the centre of the length of the tape, keeping it as straight as possible.
- Stick another length of tape over the wire, face to face with the first piece of tape. Keep the two pieces aligned as much as possible.
- Cut with scissors at either end and your twist tie is ready to use!
TIPS
- Lighter-colour washi tapes can be somewhat see-through, so it’s better to use a lighter-colour wire like silver.
- You don’t have to use washi tape to make these twist ties; any coloured tape will work.
- Spend 40 minutes making a stockpile of twist ties to have on hand for last minute goodie bags.