For Colorful Harvest Wreaths, Let's Go to the Tape

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By Kelly Wilkinson

Thursday, October 15, 2009

I love decorations that signify a season, but sometimes less is more. Take the wreath. Yes, it's cheerful, welcoming, celebratory. But I'm not crazy about bloated versions that weigh so heavy on many a front door.

This spare wreath relies on bands of color and pattern to evoke a mood. The materials are easy to find and include one of my new favorite craft materials: handmade Japanese paper tape called washi. It's similar to masking tape and comes in a dizzying range of colors. The tape has burst into the supply closets of crafters in the United States, where it far outshines the ubiquitous tan stuff.

Consider yourself warned, though: If you take the plunge into the world of washi, you may start seeing everything in your home as a candidate for a tape makeover. (One good source for the colorful tape is Happy Tape, at http://happytape.bigcartel.com.)

With this modern harvest wreath, the tape corrals a loose bundle of thin reeds into order. Freshen it up with different-color tapes for other seasons and holidays. Or simply pick your favorite hues and let them shine year-round.

Kelly Wilkinson is a craft designer and journalist. Find more of her projects at http://www.makegrowgather.com.

You'll Need

- Basket reeds

- Scissors

- Washi (Japanese paper tape)

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