This week’s blog focus on a super fun way to dress up the drinks for your next party: Washi Tape Flags for Straws! Read on to learn how quick and easy this special touch is.
Supplies for Washi Tape Straw Flags
Straws (I use these ones from Amazon, for parties and every day)
Washi tape (preferably 15mm, see below)
Scissors
Ruler
Sharpie (optional)
Sizing Up Your Straws for Washi Tape Flags
We are going to start with a little math here but stay with me! It is not complicated!
Measure the depth of the inside of your cup. (For traditional glassware, like I was using for this small get together, there is a significant difference between measuring the overall height of the cup and the inside depth of the cup. For some other cups, such as disposable ones, the difference is probably negligible. Just something to be aware of.) The inside depth of these drinking glasses is 5 ½”.
Next measure your straws. I think most straws are a pretty standard length, but mine are 7 ¾”.
The last thing to measure is the washi tape you want to use. In my opinion the most standard washi tape size, 15mm, is the perfect choice here. Skinny washi is difficult to cut into flags, wider washi takes up too much of the straw. So each roll of washi I chose to use is 15mm, roughly ½” wide.
From all my measurements I now know that my washi tape needs to be higher than 5 ½” on the straw, but still low enough that the ½” of tape with not invade the drinking area. I chose to place my washi tape between 6” and 6 ½” high on each straw.
Creating the Washi Tape Flags
To start, I cut a strip of washi tape roughly 2 ½” long.
Next, I laid my straw next to my ruler and placed the middle of the washi tape between 6” and 6 ½” high on the straw.
Lifting the straw in your hand, fold over the washi tape ends to meet up as evenly as possible. If they are slightly offset, like the washi in this picture, that is perfectly fine. Being isolated on the straw, that sliver of exposed adhesive on the washi flag really cannot stick to anything.
Finally, trim the ends of the washi in whichever decorative manner you like best! I chose to cut out triangular notches for these banners, but a diagonal cut would look lovely as well.
Options to Consider for Your Washi Tape Straw Flags
When choosing your washi tapes for this project, you have several directions you could go- all of them fantastic! You could, for example, choose a coordinating color of washi tape to your straw color, like the red on red seen here.
You could go for a bold contrast like the black and white washi on the green straw.
Or you could go for washi tape that accents other colors from your party theme, like the yellow straw with bold triangle washi tape.
If you are expecting a large gathering you could also use the washi tape flags to help identify drinks by placing the guests’ initial on the flag, written in sharpie. (Most washi tapes take sharpie well but be sure to test a sample first before starting your project.)
What a fun, low-key way to dress up drink for your next event!
A Note About Straws Types
Due to the large problems presented by disposable plastic drinking straws, my family and I choose to use paper straws. These paper straws break down easily after use and I find them just as convenient as traditional plastic straws. If you use straws at home, as we do, consider switching!
