Raffia Mania

RAFFIA---what is it? Waterproof straw-like strands that can be used to decorate and tie things. It's super cheap too! For just a few bucks, you can buy a bag that will seem to last forever, see below:


How do you use raffia? I like to use it in place of ribbon for its natural, rustic appeal. Pull out 4 or 5 strands from the rat's nest, see below:


Take the fatter strands and split them apart using your fingernail. You should end up with 10-12 thinner width strands. Tie it around whatever you want and trim the ends as needed, see below:


I have used it to hold up garland and stockings and tied it around vases and candles. One year, I used a whole bunch of strands to make a big bow that I attached to the top of my garland swags on the front porch. I was able to reuse the bows for several years. When the kids were younger, they dipped shaped sponges in paint then applied it to the back side of grocery bags for homemade wrapping paper. And of course the presents were tied with the raffia!

Raffia doesn't rip, it's amazing! Feel free to comment on this blog if you have creative or interesting ideas for raffia.