How to Create a Perfect Christmas Bow

Christmas just wouldn't be Christmas without all the pretty tinsel and wrapping paper and colorful bows. Multi-loop bows aren't hard to make when you know a few simple secrets of making puffy, full Christmas bows.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• 1 yard 1/2" to 5/8" ribbon
• 10 inches 1/8" curling ribbon
• 6 inch cardboard
• Sharp scissors
• 10-12 12" pieces of 1/8" ribbon (optional)

1. Wrap wider ribbon lengthwise around the piece of cardboard 8 to 10 times.

2. Slip cardboard out from the center of the ribbon loop.

3. Fold ribbon loop in half and hold firmly between thumb and forefinger.

4. Carefully snip a diagonal piece off each side of folded end of loop, about a quarter of the way across. This will make a triangular notch on each side of the ribbon.

5. Slip 1/8" ribbon through loop formed by fold in the ribbon. Tie firmly, using notches to situate the ribbon tie. Leave long ends to attach ribbon to package when finished.

6. Unfold ribbon with tie in the middle. It will look a bit like a bow-tie.

7. Starting with the inside loops, carefully pull a single ribbon loop out to the side. Twist and give the loop a slight tug to puff it and pull it into place. Alternate working from each end and pulling loops out to opposite sides. Work gently but firmly to move loops into place and hold them there.

8. Cut 8-10 pieces of 1/8" curling ribbon about 12 inches long. Holding them together, tie them to the underside of the formed bow by wrapping loose ends around the center of the ribbon bundle and tying.

9. Starting close to where the curling ribbon is tied and working with one ribbon end at a time, press the ribbon against the blunt edge of the scissors with fingertip. Pull the ribbon quickly over the blade, pressing it against the metal firmly to create a cascade of curls.

10. Use loose ends of center ribbon tie to attach the finished bow to gift wrapping.

Tips & Warnings

• Practice makes perfect. The steps seem awkward at first, but in no time you'll be able to make beautiful ribbon bows in just a few minutes.

[PearlsWisdom]

on 1/4/2009 Looks pretty, and not too hard.