How to Make a Gift Bow from Recycled Materials

The presentation of a gift is exciting for the receiver but can be a daunting task for the giver. With just a few craft supplies and some recycled materials you can make a beautiful bow to place on a wrapped gift or attach to a paper gift bag. These bows, made from recycled materials, are also a great compliment to eco friendly gifts.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• magazine page (or 8 1/2 x 11" paper of your choice)
• scissors
• small hole punch (or a sharp object for poking a small hole)
• metal brad

1. 
    

   Gather your materials. Small hole punches can be found near te scrapbook supplies or general craft supplies. Metal brads are generally located with the office supplies.

2. 
    

   Cut across the recycled magazine page to make nine 3/4 to 1 inch strips.

3. 
    

   Start with one strip and make a loop at one end.

4. 
    

   Turn the strip and make a loop at the other end.

5. 
    

   Use the small hole punch (or sharp object ~ be careful!!) to make a hole through all 3 layers of paper.

6. 
    

   Place the brad through the hole, going through all three layers of paper.

7. 
    

   Repeat with the remaining 8 strips from the recycled magazine, making the loops alternate and fill in the empty spaces. I usually hold the brad with my teeth to keep the loops from sliding off.

8. 
    

   Pressing all of the loops towards the head of the brad, open the brad to hold all the strips in place.

9. Attach the gift bow using double sided tape.

10. 
     

    Have fun making many more gift bows from recycled materials, but be careful ~ it is addictive.

Tips & Warnings

• If you use a sharp object to poke the hole, be careful not to poke yourself.

[vallain]

on 12/17/2009 Terrific idea!

[violet4me]

on 12/16/2009 Creative, fun, money saving idea!

[DiscountTickets]

on 12/15/2009 Wow, I've never known this was the way to make a gift bow, and from recycled materials, this is much better. Thanks so much for the instructions.

[kal30314]

on 12/14/2009 Nice! I Really enjoy reading your article, thanks for sharing it with us on eHow.

[vickymom64]

on 12/14/2009 Wow that's a pretty nifty idea!