Keep knots in check: How to make an earbud case with a Tic Tac container

Earbuds may be convenient, but they are not the most durable devices. Cords can split and get tangled unless you store them in a safe place. Use an empty Tic Tac container to hold coiled earbuds and keep them from winding up in knots. The container's hard shell is added protection against dust and lint.

Of course, on its own, the container is pretty bland. This tutorial demonstrates a quick, easy way to add some flair. Washi tape comes in numerous patterns and styles, so you play around with color schemes and patterns. Try thinner or thicker tape, or use contrasting colors.

Materials
- Clean rag (not shown)
- Nail-polish remover, rubbing alcohol or glue-remover solvent (not shown)
- Empty Tic Tac container
- 4 shades of washi tape, 1/2 inch wide
- 3 shades of glitter washi tape, 1/8 inch wide
- Scissors

1. (Not shown) Remove the label. Use glue-remover solvent or alcohol to loosen any label you can't peel off. Saturate the label and let it set a minute. Gently rub at the label with the clean cloth. Rinse and let dry both the inside and outside of the box.

2. Remove the lid (not shown). Stand the container on the work surface. Wrap one shade of tape around the perimeter so the top edge of the tape is flush with the top edge of the plastic.

3. Wrap a second shade of tape around the perimeter below the first shade, leaving a space between the two that is smaller than 1/8 inch. Wrap a third shade of tape around the perimeter below the second shade, leaving a space between the two that is smaller than 1/8 inch. Wrap a fourth shade of tape around the perimeter below the third shade, leaving a space between the two that is smaller than 1/8 inch.

4. Cover the spaces between shades with the 1/8-inch washi tape. Use a different shade for each space. Replace the container lid.