Twisted Paper Ribbon Vase DIY & Bonus Idea
Here are two creative home decor ideas to do when decorating your home for fall. They can be done by using up craft supplies you may have leftover from a previous DIY crafts and projects.
As I mentioned in a recent post, I am keeping my fall decor simple and natural this year. Fall is my favorite season so I still want to enjoy all the fall colors and textures in my house, but in a less cluttered way without the need for seasonal items that have to be stored once the season is over.
When I was thinking about a way to add some fall color to my kitchen, I wanted to add fresh flowers and brought out this short glass vase. I only have 16 inches of clearance between the counter and bottom of the cabinets so I was thrilled to find it. All of my other Fall Flower Vases are taller.
I found it at Target a few years ago now. I checked to see if it was still available, but no longer is. If you like this style vase, I did find this glass vase that is similar and 1-inch smaller in height and diameter than mine.
I love the vase but really wanted something a bit more rustic for the kitchen. I headed back to my decor and craft stash to look for something else and that is when I saw the leftover paper cord that I used to make over a two-tiered white table after being inspired by one I saw at Serena & Lily.
I brought the cord to my studioffice/craft room to come up a way to add a more rustic look to my glass vase.
I had just enough leftover of the twisted paper cord to wrap the bottom half of the vase to add a bit of fall color and texture to the vase.
I usually keep the wicker candle pedestal I made in my bedroom, but moved it to the kitchen to add more textural elements to the counter.
What is Twisted Paper?
How many of you remember a paper cord called Creative Twist that you could buy at the craft store? If you don’t, it was a craft product that was popular back in the 1980’s and 90’s. It is what the handles of most shopping bags are made of. It comes in many colors.
When the paper cord is untwisted it has a crinkled texture that looks perfect for fall decorations.
The paper cord can be used just as is, like I did on my vase. But the other way to use it is by untwisting the cord into ribbon to then use to make bows and other crafty items. In my decorating book, Instant Decorating, I used a few colors of the twisted paper cord to cover a lamp base.
The paper twist cord is strong and easy to work with while maintains its shape. Paper twist is usually sold either by the hank or roll.
See the end of the post to see how to untwist and make a bow with the cord.
Where to Find Paper Twist Cord
Paper twist cord is still sold and comes in a variety of colors. I used it in the color, kraft paper brown for fall. Here are few places I have linked below on where to find it:
- EBAY – You will find the original Creative Twist paper leftover from the late 1980’s and early 1990’s when it was a popular craft store item.
- ETSY – On Etsy you will find hanks, skeins and rolls in many colors and widths of the twisted paper.
- AMAZON – Doesn’t have a lot of the paper cord, but you can find a few colors.
- Here is a link to the PAPER RUSH CORD that I used. It is the same thing as paper twist cord.
No Damage to the Glass Vase
You may be asking, but won’t I damage my vase if I glue the cord onto the glass? Nope! When adding hot glue to a glass surface, the glue will not damage it as the glue sits on top of the glass since the surface is not porous.
When you want to remove the cord to return your vase to its original state, simply pull the top most cord off and unwind. Then soak the vase in water to remove any residual glue that may still be on the glass.
How to Wrap a Vase With Paper Twist
supplies needed:
- Paper twist ribbon or paper rush cord in desired color
- Hot glue and gluegun
- Scissors
- Craft/utility knife
Time needed: 30 minutes
How to Wrap a Glass Vase Vase With Twisted Paper Cord
- Clean Glass
Clean glass vase well and let dry. Lay vase on its side and apply a 1-inch line of hot glue on the bottom edge. Place end of paper cord over hot glue and press it into the glue with your finger.
- Begin Wrapping Cord
Once glue has cooled, start wrapping the cord along the bottom edge of the vase. As you wrap, place a short line of glue on the glass above the last wrapped layer and press the cord into it. Use your fingers to press the wrapped cord down along the side of the vase to lessen any gaps as you add new layers of cord.
I placed a dab of glue to secure the cord about every 10-12 inches.
Helpful Tip:
If your vase is large, after wrapping the cord around the vase, you may notice the cord may untwist a little bit. If it happens, simply twist the cord back to being tight and continue wrapping and adding a line of glue to the glass to secure the cord every few layers of cord.
- How to End Wrapped Cord on Vase
When you reach the height on the vase that you want to cover, bring the cord to the back of the vase and cut it on an angle with scissors. Place a dab of hot glue under this and press down with your fingers. Let glue cool.
- Remove Any Excess Glue
As you wrapped the cord, glue may have been exposed. Use the tip of a craft knife to score it against the edge of the cord and peel off to remove it. - All Done
How to Use the Paper Cord to Make Ribbon Bows
You can use the paper cord to make a rustic paper bow to decorate a wreath, to tie onto gift baskets or to embellish wrapped gifts.
- Start by untwisting one end of the cord. Next place the tip of your thumb into the twist and move it forward while holding the other end taut in your other hand. Doing this will make the untwisting process go faster.
2. Once it is untwisted, use your fingers to spread the cord out to flatten into paper ribbon.
Then tie the length of the paper ribbon into a bow. If you don’t know how to make a ribbon bow, here are 3 Ways to Make a Ribbon Bow that will help.
If you are my age, then using the twisty paper to decorate your home will be a trip down memory lane. Sometimes the old stuff is fun to use again when decorating your home.
Who knows – younger DIY’ers may think it is really cool and new since they may have never seen paper twist cord used before. There is even a Pinterest page filled with ideas on how to use it. Have you ever used the the product before or any twisted paper ribbons when doing paper crafts or decorating?
More Crafty DIY Decorating Ideas:
- Easy DIY Decorating Ideas Using Ribbon
- DIY Clothespin Picture Frame
- DIY Floor Lamp Makeover for Less Than $10
- 12 Creative & Fast Clear Glass Vase Decoration Ideas
