There is a time where the ordinary gift wrap bow just looks right on top of a gift. Standard and classic they have a retro-vibe to them and look great on modern papers.
While you can buy them from almost anywhere they are incredibly easy to make from one strip of paper.
The neat thing about making your own gift bows is that you can make it from almost any type of paper or ribbon.
I really like making them from old maps as I use maps to wrap all the time. Follow these easy instructions to make this traditional bow.
(The designer Kate Spade made these bows from vibrant colored leather a few years ago and used them as shoe bows - just add shoe clips.)
You are going to be making a series of points with your left hand as you turn the bow to your right. These point are simple to make, just have the end of the strip of paper flat towards you and bring the strip down on the left side so it is flat and put it behind the beginning of the point. Continue this movement to make the next point.
To start cut a strip of paper 3/4 inches wide and 45 inches long. If you might have to glue the strips together to get the length that you need.
You are going to make a small loop that will fit around your thumb. This loop will hide the center of your bow when you are finished.
With your thumb inside the loop make your first point. You want it close enough to snuggle into the loop.
I let go of the loop at this point as it is easier to make the points without having to hold it in place. Make a second point opposite to the first, the same size.
You are going to make a third point so you now will have a triangle of points.
It is simple just to continue making the points to the left as you turn the bow to the right.
Continuing to make points.
When you have made 12 points or it is as full as you would like take a stapler and staple through the center. You might flatten one of the points as you do this but they are easy to fluff up.
Glue the loop into the center and you are finished.
You don't just have to use maps to make this bow.
You can use wrapping paper to make bows that co-ordinates or complements the paper you are using to wrap your gift with.
You can also use newspaper but, using a glue stick, glue it to white paper to give it some strength (front and back and then cut out the strips).
Once you get the hang of it these attractive little bows are very fast and easy to do.
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