Homemade bows can add flair to your gift wrapping.
For an over-sized Christmas gift, it can be difficult to find large bows that are both attractive and inexpensive. Making your own bows saves money and adds a touch of personality to the gift. Ribbons come in many colors and fabrics, such as velvet, lace, tulle and seasonal patterns. Handmade Christmas bows can turn a relatively dull package into a work of art.
Instructions
1. Select a festive ribbon to coordinate with your gift wrap. Select ribbon that is at least an inch and a half wide for these larger bows. Ribbons with a Christmas theme would be lovely with solid color gift wrap such as silver, gold, red or green.
2. Hold your non-dominant hand out and wrap the ribbon around it loosely five or six times with your dominant hand. If you need an extra large bow, spread your fingers out to increase the size of the overall bow. If you want a fuller bow, wrap the ribbon around your fingers a few more times, creating more loops.
3. Slide the loops off your hand and fold them in half lengthwise by pinching them in the middle and folding the ends down until they are touching each other.
4. Cut a small "V" shape out of both sides of the folded ribbon; be careful not to cut all the way through. This will prevent additional bulk in the center of the bow.
5. Use a wire tie or a narrow coordinating bow ribbon to tie around the cut-out area. This will secure the bow. Consider using velveteen or lacy ribbons.
6. Form the fluffy Christmas bow by separating each loop by pulling it from the rest of the loops and slightly twisting it toward you to fluff out the bow. Do this with each individual loop until you have completed one side and then start on the other side.
7. Attach the bow to the gift with double-sided tape or a circle of tape. You can use the same or a coordinating ribbon to further decorate the Christmas gift by taping it around the width and length of the gift, taping it in the middle and placing the bow in the center where the ribbons cross each other.
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