Today I have a quick and easy craft project for you on how to make raffia tassels. I love quick crafts that don’t require a lot of supplies or a lot of time to create. If you’re looking for a little decorative detail to add to a table or desk, then I know you’ll enjoy making these tassels.
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There are so many different ways of using raffia in crafts and in seasonal decorating. Last year I made pumpkins out of raffia for a fall Pinterest challenge and still have lots of raffia left over. If you missed the post be sure to click on Fall Cloche With Raffia Pumpkins for all the details.
Here’s a short list of supplies you may already have in your craft stash.
Supplies
- raffia
- hemp string
- wood beads in different sizes
- scissors
- scrap piece of cardboard
How To Make Raffia Tassels
I’m not exactly a tassel pro here, but if you have ever made tassels out of yarn or embroidery thread it’s pretty much the same. The main difference is that raffia can vary in thickness, and therefore it is stiff and seems to have a mind of its own.
First wrap raffia around a scrap piece of cardboard about five inches wide. Tie the raffia in the center. I’m using three strands of hemp string that are about 24 inches long.
Next wrap another hemp string around the raffia about an inch or so from the top and then tie off in a knot.
Thread the hemp string through the two wooden beads and tie a knot to secure the beads in place.
Tie the hemp strings together and trim as needed.
Cut the loops of raffia, then even out all the strands with scissors as needed and fluff to make the tassel look fuller.
Shop Supplies
Decorating With Raffia Tassels
So I’m guessing you’re wondering what motivated this little craft project. Well, I have a love of keys which started with a large iron key my mom had hanging on the wall in our kitchen.
I wish I knew more of the story behind it. All I know is that it belonged to my great grandparents, although I’ve often had fun making up stories of its origin.
Then a few years ago I started buying keys at antique and salvage stores. I don’t have that many, but still pick them up from time to time. Not that I need another collection, but at least this is one doesn’t take up a lot of room.
Any way, one of my favorite keys on display just happens to be a special gift from my daughter. In order to show it off I thought I would make a tassel for it. It’s the only brass key I have and it’s by far the prettiest one in my collection.
I love how the key and raffia tassel look together sitting on a simple ironstone platter.
A second tassel is hanging from a key that fits the cabinet over the secretary desk in the living room. You’re probably thinking we keep the cabinet locked because of the liquor, but it’s actually because the door swings open when the lock is not engaged. Old furniture is sometimes a bit wonky and this old piece is full of character.
The key is rarely removed, but hopefully it will never be lost now that it has a cute raffia tassel attached.
Ideas For Using Tassels
Looking for ways to decorate with tassels? Here are some ideas for you to try.
- hang around a bottle
- decorate a lamp
- hang from a cabinet knob or door knob
- add to a bead garland
- create a holiday garland
Be sure to follow Thistle Key Lane on Pinterest, where the boards are up to date with seasonal inspiration you can use right now!
Thanks for stopping by for this quick and easy project. Oh I forgot to mention you might want to make some tassels for small gifts or to adorn a present.
Cheers!
©2021 How To Make Raffia Tassels post first appeared on Thistle Key Lane™.