I always walk by pipe cleaners in craft stores and think, “There’s gotta be a way to make those not look like they are meant for only 4 year-olds.” Well, I think I may have found an answer as wrapping devices. They are perfect for braiding and twisting (and you’ll learn how to braid five ways. Yipeee!). Chosen well and the colors can mimic a beautiful autumn harvest. I added some gift tags into the braiding for an extra bit of spice.
Materials Needed:
Extra long pipe cleaners (also called chenille stems)
Gift wrapped boxes (kraft paper is always a simple favorite)
Gift tags of your choice (manilla tags are clean and classic)
Scissors
Glue (hot glue gun or glue dots, which I used)
Optional: stamp pad and stamps for tags
Step 1: Let’s learn to braid five with five strands. It’s a great way to add lots of color to a simple braid. It’s super easy by just remembering the “3 to 2” rule. First, start off by pinching them together at the top. You can also set them under something heavy to weigh it down. Split one group into three and the other into two. Take the outside strand of the three group to the inside of the two group. Now, take the new three group and take the outside strand to the new inside two group. Keep on going by switching off “outside three” to “outside two” and so forth and soon you’ll see a braid developing.
Step 2: Halfway through your braiding, take the gift tag and slide it into the braid where you’d like it to be seen from the top of the package. Continue to braid until you reach the end. You don’t have to secure the ends because the wire will keep them in place.
Step 3: Glue the ends to the bottom of the box and hold to secure. You might want to bend the wires of the pipe cleaners to ensure a secure an easy shape to the box.
Get clever with the braids by adding two together in an “x”, try twisting just two colors, or try a simple 3 way braid and you’re good to go! Happy harvesting!
Photos by eLove Photography
Jesse
November 3, 2011
I havcn’t used pipe cleaners or even said pipe cleaners since 1985. now i need them, this is too cute.
Deweese
November 3, 2011
All of my years of friendship bracelets and this is the first five-strand braiding I’ve seen. I was really missing out. Thanks!
alexandra @ work & tumble
November 3, 2011
I’m always drawn to the big, bright packages of these in the craft store. The only thing I’ve ever done with them is make candy-canes as a kid! Very clever.
London
November 3, 2011
such a smart and easy idea!!
Marta
November 3, 2011
So nice!! I will use at X-mas for wrapping the presents
Mary
November 3, 2011
very cute 🙂
Hannah @ Sparrow + Spark!
November 4, 2011
This really made me smile, I love it! I have decided to wrap all my presents in brown paper this Christmas- this will go perfectly.
Meg
November 4, 2011
Where can I buy pipecleaners in Paris!? 🙂
Stella - Stella's style
November 4, 2011
wow – I know what my Christmas gifts will look like, thank you! So cute and colorful!
deepa
November 4, 2011
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Misha
November 4, 2011
I was going to buy pipecleaners for the first time, ever, for a little project for my kids and now I’m really excited about everything else I can do with them!
Coco
November 4, 2011
Love love love this!!! Especially the colorful braided ones against the plain brown wrapping!! Very clever and will be my new wrapping! Thanks!
pilar
November 5, 2011
hello, love your ideas, can I use your pictures, giving you credit and linking to your page of course!
Thanks
Heather
November 7, 2011
Honestly, I use pipe cleaners for everything! I even mounted pelmet boxes to the wall using them (you’d never know!).
Kacie
November 7, 2011
This is so clever and affordable. We are on such a tight budget this holiday season and it will be so nice to be able to wrap little things up with love!
Kacie
http://acollectionofpassions.com/
Ridgely's Radar
November 7, 2011
Fun idea! Thanks for sharing!
Julie
November 7, 2011
Love that 5 strand braid! We are never without pipe cleaners of various sizes in our household – and color coated wire as well – as this kids are masterful at creating the unexpected with them.
kid-A
November 8, 2011
Amazing project! I just love it!
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November 9, 2011
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Shutterbug
November 10, 2011
Pipe cleaners are so fun! I definitely will try this out when I’m wrapping gifts!
Balloons In A Box
November 15, 2011
I have loads of pipe cleaners..I have a 4 year old daughter who loves to make things with them! I have never thought of using them to wrap presents before so thanks for the inspiration..these ones look great!