If there is a problem, yo, I’ll solve it. Today, my problem is a place to put my dang thread. I don’t have a huge collection of thread. I have the colors I use regularly and the ones I’ve used like once for a special project. All in all, it is kind of a sad and random assortment.

Nevertheless, the box they’ve been living in is becoming too small and too troublesome to get out and sort through frequently. When I would sew more infrequently using a box for thread storage worked just fine but now that I sew a new project weekly I need to have my thread more accessible.

This super fun styrofoam and washi tape thread rack might just be my favorite project ever. I have always had a secret love for washi tape but I could never justify spending money on patterned tape that wasn’t even sticky. I needed a reason to buy it. A project where that beloved washi tape would play a key part, and then I could justify keeping it in my craft box for the next 25 years because I might just use it again. Anyway, enough about my craft supply hoarding; I present to you My Dream Washi Tape Project!

This project is literally as easy as you might think. It’s styrofoam and wooden skewers, painted and covered with washi tape. This project took no time at all and was so much fun! Build your own fun and easy thread storage rack using the quick tutorial below!

Supplies Needed:

• 1 – 12″ Block of Smooth Styrofoam
• 1 – 12″ Sheet of Smooth Styrofoam
• All-purpose Adhesive
• 4.5″ Wooden Skewers
• Acrylic Paint & Paint Brush
• Washi Tape
• Mod Podge and Foam Brush
• Fine Point Permanent Marker
• Craft Knife

Directions:

 Step 1 of 7

Step 1: Glue

Glue styrofoam pieces together using an all-purpose adhesive. You could use regular craft glue or another glue formulated specifically for styrofoam. The glue I used today is Aleene’s Original Tacky Glue. This stuff has been around forever, I even remember my grandma using it when I was little. And I like to keep it around because I find it to be super handy.

Just be sure to AVOID using hot glue or E6000 glue. Although they are two of my favorites, they will literally melt away styrofoam.

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 Step 2 of 7

 

Step 2: Paint

Paint the wooden skewers and allow them time to dry. You can use any kind of paint you have handy. I considered using gold spray paint while brainstorming for this project but in the end, I went with a basic black acrylic paint. I used it because I had it on hand and it went with my color scheme. Use whatever works for you!

Stop painting an inch before the bottom (the pointed end) of the skewer. Stopping there makes it easier to handle and the unpainted wood is better for the glue adhesion (which you apply at the end). For my finished project, I used 21 painted wooden skewers.

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Step 3 of 7

Step 3: Tape

Cover the glued styrofoam pieces in washi tape. For a more seamless look, focus on taping the tops first then tape around the middle.

You may need 4 or 5 layers of washi tape, depending on how opaque the tape is. Keep layering Washi Tape to achieve your desired look!

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Step 4 of 7

Step 4: Seal

Seal the Washi tape with a couple of quick coats of Mod Podge. Applying 1-2 coats of Mod Podge will help to seal the Washi tape and prevent peeling later. It will also help extend the life of your project!

I used Mod Podge Gloss but use what you have on hand. I have friends who swear by the matte finish but I’m more of a gloss girl myself. 💁

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 Step 5 of 7

Step 5: X Marks the Spot

Using a fine point permanent marker, mark the spot where you want the spool to be. You could either eyeball it or if you want to get really fancy you could measure it out.

I knew it would bother me later if I found it to be more uneven than I liked. I marked a rough outline of the placement before I removed the plastic. Taking the time to measure will help you to evenly place your wooden skewers.

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Step 6 of 7

Step 6: Cut

Take the craft knife and make a shallow cut on the marks. This will allow you to push the skewers easily through the washi tape covered styrofoam.

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Step 7 of 7

Step 7: Insert Skewers

First place a small dab of all-purpose glue on the tip of the skewer. Then insert the painted wooden skewer through the small cut in the washi tape. Press gently but firmly. Go slowly to ensure that you leave about 3 inches exposed. I wanted to it to be tall enough for the spool of thread AND it’s bobbin so I made sure each wooden skewer was roughly 3.5 inches above the styrofoam.

Allow the glue to fully dry before using your new washi thread storage rack!

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And there you have it! So simple and so much fun! I loved having the opportunity to make something functional with lots of washi tape! You could create something bright and bold or fun and modern. Check out some of these other fun washi tape projects. The limit is seriously your imagination.

With the help of a little paint and some washi tape, you could transform styrofoam and skewers into a custom stylish thread storage rack. The project is as a simple as gluing the styrofoam then covering it in your favorite washi tape! It’s so easy there is no excuse not to try it out for yourself.

How do you store your thread? Have you worked with washi tape before? If so, what is your favorite washi tape project? I’d love to know in the comments below!

So now it’s your turn! If you try this, tag me at @goldengluegun

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