Monday, January 28, 2013

81 Quick Tip: Cute Cord Labels

Our cords have some identity problems.  Wait, scratch that.  A certain little man should be locked up for snatching.  It seems every time I go to grab a charger cord, it has gone missing.  Little stinker.

We have a few good cord organizing systems... for most, we have charging stations where the cords stay put.  And for the others, I keep them stashed away in organized boxes I DIY'd awhile back.


The box works great for keeping those extra cords stored neatly away when it comes to the electronics we don't use on a daily basis {also keeping workspaces clutter free}.  However, for the cords that we travel with or that get moved around the home, sometimes it is a challenge to keep them order and know which cord belongs to which family member.  Especially when there are five people with similar electronics and devices.


Two of my favorite organizing products solved that problem in a jif!


Pretty washi tape combined with my handy label maker and now there is no question what the cord is for.


To make this awesomeness happen, I just wrapped the Washi tape around the cord and printed a label with my label maker onto clear label maker tape.  Then, I placed the label onto the Washi tape and done! 

For the cords that are mine, I made sure to use pretty flower tape, that way, my little youngster will hopefully avoid "mistakenly" grabbing mom's cords.


And for him.... I made it as clear as possible.


And, it's cute!  I thought I would be bothered by extra labels/tags on my cords, but I sorta love it!

Super quick, super easy and super effective!


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81 comments:

  1. Chaney @ May Richer Fuller BeJanuary 28, 2013 at 11:04 AM

    This is genius! Another great use for washi tape I'm excited to try. Thanks for another great tip :).

    ReplyDelete
  2. Gaby {lifeineight.com}January 28, 2013 at 11:09 AM

    Just when I was thinking that those colorful plasticky little things I bought in the pound shop over the weekend where a cute solution for labeling cables, there comes Jen with an even cheaper and more adorable one! ;o)

    ReplyDelete
  3. KathyJanuary 28, 2013 at 11:20 AM

    haha... cute!

    ReplyDelete
  4. AnonymousJanuary 28, 2013 at 11:20 AM

    Washi tape makes EVERYTHING cute, no matter what it is. :)

    Chloe
    http://rainbowsandhoneysuckle.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. IHeart OrganizingJanuary 28, 2013 at 3:58 PM

      I know right? I feel like I have been on Washi tape overkill, but I can't help myself!

      xo,
      Jen

      Delete
  5. Rambling MomJanuary 28, 2013 at 11:37 AM

    What a cute idea Jen! It makes so much sense.

    ReplyDelete
  6. MichelleJanuary 28, 2013 at 11:44 AM

    LOL at him walking away with your cords... stinker! :) Great idea for sure! They make cute tags!

    ReplyDelete
  7. Mrs HomespunJanuary 28, 2013 at 12:13 PM

    What a great idea, we have multiples of those same cords and the girls are always fighting over who owns which one!

    ReplyDelete
  8. Mrs WJanuary 28, 2013 at 12:21 PM

    Ok maybe I'm late to this trend but where do you find washi tape?!?! Am I just an idiot who doesn't know where to find it? Please enlighten me oh great one! :-)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. CherieJanuary 28, 2013 at 3:22 PM

      You can find it at any craft store, Etsy or online. Just google it and you'll find tons of options!

      Delete
    2. IHeart OrganizingJanuary 28, 2013 at 4:00 PM

      Hi Mrs. W,

      I keep my eyes open for it when I am out and about and have found it at craft stores and even Target {although, often times limited options}, Paper Source also. My favorite spot is Etsy, this shop has been great to me: http://www.etsy.com/shop/TwineAndTape

      xo!
      Jen

      Delete
  9. Bria HammelJanuary 28, 2013 at 12:21 PM

    Love this! Totally understand about charger thiefs ;) Thanks for sharing...

    ReplyDelete
  10. UnknownJanuary 28, 2013 at 12:22 PM

    Great idea. I already label my 2 girls things with their signature color so this would be easy for them to get even though I only have one who reads. :)

    ReplyDelete
  11. AnonymousJanuary 28, 2013 at 12:28 PM

    Hi, Jen,

    I love your idea and covet a little Epson label maker. I have what may be a very daft question -- how do you insert the washi paper into it? The washi is sticky so would you put it on waxed paper for backing and slide it through, or...? Thanks in advance!

    -Deby

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. IHeart OrganizingJanuary 28, 2013 at 4:01 PM

      Hi Deby!

      I apologize, I should have explained my process. :) I just wrapped the washi tape around the cord and printed a label with my label maker on clear tape. Then, I placed the tape onto the Washi tape and done! I will be sure to update the post.

      xo!
      Jen

      Delete
    2. AnonymousJanuary 28, 2013 at 5:21 PM

      Thanks Jen. You are a sweetheart. We, your readership always want to know your process because we ALL want to be Jen! No, really. Love all your tips and your aesthetic. Thank you again, so much!

      Delete
    3. Bianca { I Heart Fast Good }January 30, 2013 at 9:36 AM

      Hahaha, I completely agree. I want to be Jen too.

      But I think my boyfriend is happy I am not. He's a little messy hehe. And I show almost every thing Jen does and he rolls his eyes and says: how can someone be SO organized?

      ;)

      And I love, not only how organized she is but how cute and colorful is all what she does!!

      Delete
    4. IHeart OrganizingJanuary 30, 2013 at 12:39 PM

      Seriously friends! I don't know what to say! Your kindness overwhelms me on a daily basis! :) IHeart you all to pieces! <3

      xo,
      Jen

      Delete
  12. DianeJanuary 28, 2013 at 12:39 PM

    Very cute! For other permanent cords such as the ones plugged in for home theater, I like to label twice. Once at the back of the actually component (TV, DVR, Speakers, Blu-Ray, etc.) and another label at the power strip. It makes it so much easier to identify which item is which. For longer cords, it's definitely a must!

    Diane @ http://vintagezest.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. IHeart OrganizingJanuary 28, 2013 at 4:02 PM

      That is genius! Thanks so much for sharing the great tip!

      xo,
      Jen

      Delete
  13. AnonymousJanuary 28, 2013 at 12:41 PM

    i used Washi tape to decorate my phone charger (the adapter and the two parts of the usb cord) with three iPhones, one iPad, and one iPod there is always the "no that one is mine" game.

    ReplyDelete
  14. SuzanneJanuary 28, 2013 at 12:44 PM

    Haha, you just ratted out your kiddo!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. IHeart OrganizingJanuary 28, 2013 at 4:05 PM

      I know, I almost didn't, but I couldn't help myself ;) Payback! hee hee.

      xo!
      Jen

      Delete
  15. Abby @ Just a Girl and Her BlogJanuary 28, 2013 at 12:48 PM

    Oh, my three favorite things--simple, functional, and beautiful! Miss Jen, you are brilliant! Thanks for sharing!

    ~Abby =)

    ReplyDelete
  16. mingshuJanuary 28, 2013 at 12:51 PM

    Super cute!

    ReplyDelete
  17. Sweet Parrish PlaceJanuary 28, 2013 at 12:54 PM

    I totally love that whole system you have going on there. I need to do something like this!

    ReplyDelete
  18. UnknownJanuary 28, 2013 at 1:00 PM

    Of course it's adorable. Great tip. I need to go get clear label tape for my label maker. It's a must.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. IHeart OrganizingJanuary 28, 2013 at 4:05 PM

      Agree! It's my fav way to go, looks so nice and simple!

      xo,
      Jen

      Delete
  19. Hounds And HeelsJanuary 28, 2013 at 1:00 PM

    Do you put the Washi tape right in your label maker? Or do you use the clear labels and put it on your tape?

    Jill

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. IHeart OrganizingJanuary 28, 2013 at 4:06 PM

      Hi Jill!

      I just wrapped the Washi tape around the cord and printed a label with my label maker onto clear label maker tape. Then, I placed the label onto the Washi tape and done!

      Hope that helps!

      xo,
      Jen

      Delete
  20. UnknownJanuary 28, 2013 at 1:03 PM

    What a great idea incorporating both the washi tape and the label maker...we all have the same types of chords and are constantly fight over who's is who's!

    ReplyDelete
  21. CarlaJanuary 28, 2013 at 1:19 PM

    Where do you buy your Washi tape? I've never used it, but after seeing all the uses you've come up with, I need it!!! lol

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. IHeart OrganizingJanuary 28, 2013 at 4:06 PM

      Hi Carla!

      I keep my eyes open for it when I am out and about and have found it at craft stores and even Target {although, often times limited options}, Paper Source also. My favorite spot is Etsy, this shop has been great to me: http://www.etsy.com/shop/TwineAndTape

      xo!
      Jen

      Delete
  22. MaureenieJanuary 28, 2013 at 1:24 PM

    Love it!
    Heart it!
    ~Blessings~
    Rhonda

    ReplyDelete
  23. AnonymousJanuary 28, 2013 at 1:43 PM

    Hi Jen, I was just doing exactly this yesterday but just with the labelling tape as I'm finding Washi tape hard to come by in the UK and it drove me nuts! I couldn't get the tape to wrap round the cords and stick without it being all misaligned then the tape was too sticky to try and tweak it into place. So my question - is Washi tape easier to handle than the labelling tape and would I be doing myself a huge favour trying to track some down for this task? I really want my cords labelled but I had to give up after just a couple - it just wasn't good for my sanity!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. IHeart OrganizingJanuary 28, 2013 at 4:09 PM

      I do think that standard label maker tape is much more sticky than the washi tape. I think the main reason that washi tape has become so popular is that it can be removed easily without any trace that it was there. And it is easy to stick and re-stick, so, unfortunately, I do think you would have been luck with it than the label maker tape.

      xo!
      Jen

      Delete
    2. AnonymousJanuary 29, 2013 at 12:41 PM

      I ordered Washi tape! I just hope I haven't unleashed a monster and everything in my house gets washi-taped within an inch of its life lol.

      Delete
    3. AnonymousJanuary 30, 2013 at 1:45 PM

      I have seen it at Paperchase!

      Delete
  24. AnonymousJanuary 28, 2013 at 2:17 PM

    You did it again - yet another great idea! x

    ReplyDelete
  25. Anneke at This, That and LifeJanuary 28, 2013 at 2:33 PM

    Haha! That's too funny, but I totally get the electronics mix-ups and storage. I think a label maker is on my shopping list for this next month. And of all people, my husband will be *thrilled* ~ he's wanted one for awhile!!! :-)

    ReplyDelete
  26. ChristinaJanuary 28, 2013 at 2:39 PM

    Love this! A new order of washi tape and a new label maker are next on the "organize my life" list :) Thanks for the daily dose of inspiration!

    http://lifewithlesdeux.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  27. AnonymousJanuary 28, 2013 at 3:12 PM

    Hi, Jen. I am going to order a label maker soon, and I was wondering what tape width you would recommend.

    Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. IHeart OrganizingJanuary 28, 2013 at 4:13 PM

      Hi there!

      Here is a link to the label maker I use: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005J7Y6GS/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B005J7Y6GS&linkCode=as2&tag=iheaorga-20 along with a link to the tape that I purchased with it: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005S0KFV6/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B005S0KFV6&linkCode=as2&tag=iheaorga-20 I like the clear tape since it offers a more seamless look. And although the tape is a little pricey, I have had my label maker almost a year now and have yet to replace the tape since purchasing.

      xo!
      Jen

      Delete
  28. UnknownJanuary 28, 2013 at 3:14 PM

    I love this idea!! Where is your favorite place to get the washi tape? I can never find cute patterns like that chevron pattern.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. IHeart OrganizingJanuary 28, 2013 at 4:14 PM

      Hi Catherine!

      I keep my eyes open for it when I am out and about and have found it at craft stores and even Target {although, often times limited options}, Paper Source also. My favorite spot is Etsy, this shop has been great to me: http://www.etsy.com/shop/TwineAndTape

      xo!
      Jen

      Delete
  29. heatherbJanuary 28, 2013 at 3:16 PM

    Awesome, as always. How did you print onto the tape?!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. IHeart OrganizingJanuary 28, 2013 at 4:15 PM

      I just wrapped the Washi tape around the cord and printed a label with my label maker onto clear label maker tape. Then, I placed the label onto the Washi tape and done!

      Hope that helps!

      xo,
      Jen

      Delete
  30. ChristineJanuary 28, 2013 at 3:25 PM

    I did this to my cords too, but not as pretty as I still don't have washi tape. A post all about washi tape would be great! Where to get, best price, how to use, etc. After thinking for a minute, I get that you must first get clear labels for you label maker and then stick to washi tape. Totally have to spell out it for us beginners.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. JessicaJanuary 28, 2013 at 3:30 PM

      Thank you for explaining that... I was trying to figure out how she loaded the washi tape into her label maker!!

      Delete
  31. UnknownJanuary 28, 2013 at 3:58 PM

    Hello. Enjoyed the post today. I know you get a ton of email, so I wanted to say thank you! I referenced iHeartOrganizing in a post today regarding my blog redesign, and that I was inspired by your clean design and the fact you are on Blogger as well. Also, I looked at your navigation bar very closely! So thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  32. CocoinMagnoliaJanuary 28, 2013 at 4:04 PM

    I am on it! Much better system than I've got going on. I use a silver sharpie on black cords and black sharpie on white cords. The sharpie eventually wears off. This makes sense.

    ReplyDelete
  33. Casey {PrettyOrganized.com}January 28, 2013 at 4:13 PM

    Ha! I just posted about organizing my cords today! I did something similar with the labels, but yours are way cuter! (Totally gave you a shout out for how cute they were!!) Nice job, lady!

    ReplyDelete
  34. UnknownJanuary 28, 2013 at 4:24 PM

    Love this idea! Our two big boys are constantly stealing my chargers & extra ear buds.

    Thanks for another fabulous idea!

    ReplyDelete
  35. Laura's Crafty LifeJanuary 28, 2013 at 4:31 PM

    I label my cords this way too. Although I have always done it with the label maker and just wrap that sticker around the cord. With the washi tape, it is much cuter! :)

    ReplyDelete
  36. PeggyJanuary 28, 2013 at 4:32 PM

    You think of everything. I can't believe how streamlined my home etc is since I started reading your blog. Big Thanks. Good for you starting early...my "Little Men" are now 30 and 33 and mysteriously my iPad charger and my LLBean sandwich knife have disappeared...I believe some Washi Tape might have prevented them finding new homes. They're never too young to learn to read labels LOL. Wish I had started when my kids were small. Best of everything to you, Jen and your family. You are truly a gift and an inspiration!! And I love that you were featured in the Storage mag.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. IHeart OrganizingJanuary 28, 2013 at 9:21 PM

      Awww shucks Peggy, you are making me blush and grin at the same time! Thanks so much for the kind comment, it totally made my day!

      xo,
      Jen

      Delete
  37. Jenn TriplettJanuary 28, 2013 at 4:55 PM

    Great idea...so pretty and simple. Thank you.

    ReplyDelete
  38. KatieJanuary 28, 2013 at 5:07 PM

    My little man would still steal my cord, and probably tape over it with duck tape or something! But very cute!

    ReplyDelete
  39. jennifer January 28, 2013 at 5:35 PM

    Thanks Jen! I made the box organizer last year and love it!
    Now I will defiantly add the tape to the chords!
    You think of everything! Thanks so much for your
    Ideas! What a inspiration you are!

    ReplyDelete
  40. LeanneJanuary 28, 2013 at 8:10 PM

    Definitely need to do this at our house. Great, simple tips as always from you!

    ReplyDelete
  41. KateJanuary 28, 2013 at 8:29 PM

    Super cute! Love it!

    What's your favorite source for washi tape? Is it called craft tape at some places or is that a different kind of tape? Just trying to find some to do the file folder labels like you do now that I'm getting my home office organized. Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. IHeart OrganizingJanuary 28, 2013 at 9:21 PM

      Hi Kate!

      I keep my eyes open for it when I am out and about and have found it at craft stores and even Target {although, often times limited options}, Paper Source also. My favorite spot is Etsy, this shop has been great to me: http://www.etsy.com/shop/TwineAndTape

      xo!
      Jen

      Delete
  42. LeiselJanuary 28, 2013 at 9:09 PM

    You could also mark them with nail polish... a different color for each family member or device.

    ReplyDelete
  43. Daniel From Ibiza Paradise VillasJanuary 28, 2013 at 10:32 PM

    Congratulations for your wonderful blog, I came across it surfing in the web and I just can say WOW

    ReplyDelete
  44. ElJanuary 29, 2013 at 3:29 AM

    That is a real nice solution... I always mix our cords up. And it seems as if we get more cords every year.

    ReplyDelete
  45. AnonymousJanuary 29, 2013 at 4:38 AM

    I am about to embark on creating a beauty cupboard and I know your tips will definitely come in handy!

    ReplyDelete
  46. VivianeJanuary 29, 2013 at 9:04 AM

    Hi Jen, I´m from Brazil and looking for some new blogs on Bloglovin' I found yours, and now I´m completely in love. Your tips are amazing, I´m wishing buy all about organization and doing similar things in my home. I only regret here in Brazil these things be so expensive and I´m not so good in do these things all by myself.
    Anyway, I´m now a big fan of you and your blog are one of my favorites.
    Xoxo and keep with this here!

    ReplyDelete
  47. CharlesRJanuary 29, 2013 at 9:05 AM

    Hi:

    I need to ask about the washi tape and the label maker.

    I know my label maker is ancient but.......... the label tape comes in a mini cassette form.

    How do you feed the washi tape into that?

    Have a Joyful Day :~D
    Charlie

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. IHeart OrganizingJanuary 29, 2013 at 9:08 AM

      Hi Charlie,

      I just wrapped the Washi tape around the cord and printed a label with my label maker onto clear label maker tape. Then, I placed the label onto the Washi tape and done!

      Hope that helps!

      xo,
      Jen

      Delete
  48. Petra from NLJanuary 29, 2013 at 9:14 AM

    LOVELY! Must get myself some Washi tape....

    ReplyDelete
  49. AnonymousJanuary 29, 2013 at 10:01 AM

    You are BRILLIANT. From someone (myself!) who cannot organize for the life of me - you have no idea how much these posts bless me! And this one?? I am BEYOND excited to do this!! Woop !

    ReplyDelete
  50. icraftJanuary 29, 2013 at 10:04 AM

    can any label maker use washi tape or just the brand you mentioned?? The Epson?

    ReplyDelete
  51. An Inviting HomeJanuary 29, 2013 at 1:20 PM

    I thought that this was SO AMAZING! :-)

    ~Sarah

    ReplyDelete
  52. Simply Delicious EverydayJanuary 29, 2013 at 10:31 PM

    I have read a lot about this washi tape. I have been very curious about it and just ordered some this weekend online from Joanne's craft store (and was even on sale). I am very anxious to receive the box and get busy prettying up some items. I am currently working on redoing our home office.

    Thanks for the inspiration!

    Susan
    www.simplydeliciouseveryday.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  53. EllenJanuary 30, 2013 at 7:19 AM

    I know you've answered most of these questions in the comments already but could you maybe write a post about labelmaking? What kind of machines/programs do you use? (I'd like it very much if you could say exactly what model your labelmaker is.) How much did they cost? How do you do labels, any special or favorite ways?
    Thank you for the wonderful blog, I think I might be addicted to changing and organizing my home by now!

    ReplyDelete
  54. CharlesRJanuary 30, 2013 at 9:18 AM

    Hi Jen:

    Thank you for clearing that up for me.

    This is something that I had on my to do list for years, now I've seen your idea I'm going to get busy.

    Have a Joyful Day :~D
    Charlie

    ReplyDelete
  55. M and M plus 3January 30, 2013 at 12:11 PM

    Wow, what a great idea. Our home is currently for sale, everything is packed or shifted from where I normally keep items. I recently found some cords, unbeknownst to me, belongs to my new camera. I'm telling you, I'm finding my label maker right now and labeling them.

    ReplyDelete
  56. Kim @ Plumberry PieFebruary 1, 2013 at 10:46 AM

    Jen, thanks for the inspiration! I shared a link to this post and your washi file post with my readers today. Maybe one day I will be organized.... happy friday!

    ReplyDelete
  57. UnknownNovember 11, 2013 at 4:17 PM

    This is great idea!! Would have never thought of using fancy tape. I <3 organizing.

    ReplyDelete
  58. UnknownSeptember 4, 2014 at 7:16 AM

    This is brilliant! How have I never thought of that! I am forever fighting against wires and I always lose! Thank you

    ReplyDelete

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