Ok, y’all: it is December 15th. Christmas is imminent, and things are starting to fall through the cracks. You’re not perfect, because nobody is! But having a trick like this Last Minute Washi Tape Tea Light Gift in your back pocket – for unexpected, gift-bearing holiday visitors, for example – could be just the hack you need to make it through this season.
Seriously: Tea Lights and Washi Tape
I made this entire gift bag in 30 minutes. While taking pictures for this blog. And cooking dinner. Without those distractions, imagine how quickly you could knock this out!?! 5 minutes, tops? I am also willing to bet that you probably already have everything you need on hand or could snag a couple items on your next trip out. Seriously: low stress lifesaver is what we are going for here. Do not over think this.
Supplies for Washi Tape Tea Light Gift
Washi tape (holiday themed or otherwise, almost any tapes will do)
Scissors
Tea light candles (I used 3 large)
Small box of matches
Cellophane bag
Curling ribbon
Washi and Candles: A Safety Tip
When selecting the washi to wrap around your tea light candles, be sure that the washi tape is NOT taller than the candle’s container. Washi sticking up above the containers lip puts it near the flame – regardless of how cute the pattern was that made you feel you HAD to use it – making it a fire hazard. Trim the washi tape down or pick a small roll.
Wrapping the Tea Lights in Washi Tape
Anyone who has read my blog knows I detest wrapping washi tape around things. I still do, but this application was small enough that it did not make me want to tear my hair out. Here is how I did it: start by applying a small section of washi tape to the tea light.
Next, holding the tea light in one hand with the washi tape roll sitting “on top” of the tea light’s edge, begin to turn the tea light. This will result in the washi tape being transferred directly from the roll to the tea light, just a little at a time. Using this method narrows the margin for error greatly – cutting and trying to apply one long, unwieldy piece of washi tape would be very frustrating.
One you have overlapped the start of your washi tape by at least ¼”, trim a neat end. Viola! Tea light wrapped in washi tape with minimal effort.
Add Washi Tape to the Box of Matches
Next, decorate your matches. Simply apply washi tape to the top of the tiny box of matches…
…and trim to fit! Repeat on the opposite side but be sure to leave the “strike” areas washi tape-free.
Most washi tapes are semi-transparent, and as a result you can see the design of the match box through the tape if you look hard enough. This could be avoided with thicker tape, double layers, or adding a piece of paper. I, however, was going for simplicity and time on this craft, and I think the one-layer tape looks perfectly fine.
Instant, Adorable Washi Tape Tea Light Gift
For a final touch, place the tea lights and match box in a cellophane bag and close with curling ribbon.
In the time it takes everyone to take their coats off and get settled, you have produced a totally gift-worthy washi tape craft. You go, girl!
