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.