Household Tips for Bread Ties

Using bread ties to secure objects to a wreath is one crafty and useful way to reuse the ties.

Bread ties that come with loaf bread, rolls and other baked goods tend to find themselves all over a kitchen and lumped together in a pile. Throwing them away seems senseless when they can be reused and put to use throughout the house. In keeping with green living and eco-friendly tactics of reusing items to get the most out of their existence, bread ties can find plenty of uses if you look around and realize those simple twist-tie devices can hold together much more than a plastic bread bag.

Crafts

Bread ties can be used throughout a variety of craft projects to replace string, pipe cleaners and even light-duty craft twine. You can use the bread ties to secure objects and items to a wreath by simply twisting the bread tie at the base of the object to be secured to the wreath and wrapping the tie to the back of the wreath. Twist the ends together tightly to secure the item. Bread ties can be used in craft projects involving securing one item to another when you do not want to or are unable to use glue. Using leftover bread ties for craft projects is also an inexpensive way to get children involved in craft projects without having to invest a lot of money in project supplies.

Household Repairs

Small household repairs -- those that do not require glue, plaster or even the intervention of a professional -- can often be accomplished by using the binding ability of bread ties to get things back in working order. For example, if a string has come unattached to a bag with a handle, you can twist one end of the bread tie to the broken end of the handle and twist the remaining loose end to the other section of the bag where the original handle pulled free. You can use bread ties for small, temporary repairs on items that eventually need a more permanent mending but can last a bit longer by being held together with bread ties. When finding places and ways to use the ties for household repairs, know that the function of the ties is about the same strength as a piece of light-duty wire and therefore will only hold together light items and those not used for heavy purposes.

Organization

Throughout the house, plenty of loose items lay about, and many just need to be bound together to keep them organized and neat. A few examples of when bread ties can be used for organizing include binding together loose drinking straws, keeping ponytail holders in one location and gathering together and securing a pile of pens or pencils. You can use the bread ties to hold together items by loosely placing the items along the length of the bread tie and twisting the ends firmly together to keep items bundled neatly. Bread ties also come in handy when gathering together loose and random electronic cables and wires to make them appear less unsightly and unruly.

Beauty and Fashion

Bread ties can be used in both the bathroom and dressing room, especially when they are needed in a pinch. For using in the bathroom, you can use bread ties to twist hair into a ponytail when a true ponytail holder or barrette is just not simply available. To do so, twist the tie around the hair to secure and cover with a ribbon, bow or other item to cover up the bread tie itself. For fashion purposes, bread ties can be looped around the back of loose blouses and shirts to cinch them together and make them fit better. You can also use the same cinching technique to secure pants and tights by twisting the tie at the waist area of the item and twisting the loose clothing until it fits more snugly.

References

• Good Housekeeping Magazine: Eco-Friendly Christmas Wreath Projects
• EPA: Recycle City: Home
• NBA: Guard the Planet
• EPA: Tip 5: Reuse Bags, Containers, and Other Items