Green Crafting Gift Wrap Bow
Don't throw out your old magazines, do some green crafting with them. Having a lot of patience and time you can create this amazing-looking multi-looped gift bow. Magazines have never been so crafty until now.
Materials:
- 1 magazine page (or 8 ½ x 11” paper of your choice)
- Small hole punch (or a sharp object for poking a small hole)
- 1 metal brad
- Scissors
Instructions:
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Cut across the magazine page to make nine 3/4 to 1 inch strips.
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Start with one strip and make a loop at one end.
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Turn the strip and make a loop at the other end.
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Use the small hole punch (or sharp object ~ be careful!!) to make a hole through all 3 layers of paper.
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Place the brad through the hole.
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Repeat with the remaining 8 strips. (I find it best to hold the prongs of the brad between my teeth while I loop the next strip, but do whatever works for you.)
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Open the brad to hold all the strips in place.
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Attach your finished bow using double sided tape.
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Member 9541787
Aug 07, 2014
Very creative idea. One can easily use the idea and create a dozen of new projects. Have a look at this new book too. It has many projects regarding upcycling old books and pages. The Book of Books by Altered Upcycling http://www.amazon.com/Book-Books-Projects-beautifu == l-ornaments-ebook/dp/B00MGJADUK/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8 == &qid=1407385936&sr=8-5&keywords=mahe+zehra. They also have a website where you can sign up for free stuff.
reginampartain 739 2801
Sep 28, 2013
These are a great way to use up all of that paper and keep it out of the land fill. Thanks for sharing.
lindaschnelle 9470 442
Sep 14, 2013
Looks like the ticker tape stars my dad use to make. I have two rolls of the tape, I am going to try & make some in his memory.
dwalden47933 89613 01
Jan 14, 2013
I am using old Birds and Blooms magazines. The colors are fantastic!!
sbird50 4571674
Dec 31, 2012
A friend of my mom's used to make these, but she went one step further and put a string on it and dipped it in wax. Makes a great christmas tree decoration.
Karen5186 6134959
May 09, 2012
What a cute neve mind functional idea! Instead of the clasp and paperhole punch try using an old pierced earring and back. it goes through the paper easily and while you're making the next layer you can just put the back of the earring on to hold it closed.
sognoak 4772522
Apr 23, 2012
you can also after bradding the layers staple the end result....this is what I do....as I live remote(on an island on the Aleutian Chain of Alaska) and try ti use my resources carefully. This is a BRILLIANT bow making idea. It truly is very easy after a cpl. times.
brendahoenshell 81 08834
Feb 04, 2012
what a great idea, no more having to buy bows. thanks for sharing this bow of an idea.
tulips50
Jan 02, 2012
Awesome. This is the neatest thing I have seen yet! I think even I can do this. What a great idea.
marcialander 39942 03
Jan 08, 2011
FABULOUS!! I always have little scraps of styrofoam wandering around - recycle by using them to hold your work in progress. just stick the unopened brad into the styrofoam while you make the next loops.
nemeanleohellokitt ycom
Dec 10, 2010
Love it! I might just have to make some, I think the store bought ones are secured with a staple so I might try that. It's nice to know how to make these now. Thanks.
Crafter 8300165
Dec 05, 2010
This is great! But.........why not use a spring type clothes pin or an office clip to hold the brad tabs instead of your teeth. Might be hard on them.
gyngersf
Nov 23, 2010
wow!!! that looks really cool! this year, i'm gonna make ALL of my bows!
Prpldy
Sep 05, 2010
I love these bows and will have to make some. I have so many past calendars that would make beautiful bows I bet. Thanks for sharing so many wonderful ideas.
pathss2003gmailcom
Jul 23, 2010
i used notebook paper in place of a magazine,i was bored the other day so i thought to my self, it'll be nice to make a bow..i have a friend who likes to travel here and there i was asked to send a letter,so i figured - just make a bow out of notebook paper so when they arrive they will have all the notebook paper to write on for a letter..
daisyjane
Jul 11, 2010
This is a great idea. I always have extra pieces of wrapping paper that just are not large enough to wrap a present. I cut the strips narrower and created smaller bows for smaller packages.
beckydw
May 10, 2010
WOW I have to try these, not only do they look easy but it looks like a project I could do with my grandchildren (I am always trying to find ideas to help teach them to recycle)....thanks!!!
KCS03
Apr 24, 2010
Wonderful idea. I made necklaces out of magazine strips too (over 40 years ago). I personally do not buy wrapping paper, there are several beautiful wrappings out there, however I choose not to purchase, most of it gets tossed anyway or I take it and recycle to use over again.
Jon E Angel
Mar 08, 2010
Not only a great idea, but I also see this as a great money raising project for schools or churches. Making bags of bows out of 100% recycled magazines, old calendars and pizza mailers, and package them by color selections. Modern, Masculin, Country, etc. Then sell at church bazars, school fundraisers, or even door to door.
Member 16164
Feb 19, 2010
This is great!! How about using the same paper you are going to wrap the gift in so it will match?
Mz T
Jan 09, 2010
Since I didn't have a magazine, I used an old calendar and it worked just as well. Thanks for the step-by-step photos it made it easier and faster.
Gail01
Jan 08, 2010
The possibilities with these bows are endless. I used a cloth riboon and and a needle and crochet thread instead of a metal brad. Buttons are also an option. Be creative and have fun. Gail
Crafter 5176906
Jan 08, 2010
i tried this pattern. it was simple and i will us this again. thank u 4 this web site.
Gail01
Jan 07, 2010
I absolutely love this idea. What a great way to use up those old magazines. Instead of putting the brad between your teeth, simply use a paper cip on the end to hold it while you make another ribbon. Thanks for the great idea. Gail
Crafter 18183
Jan 03, 2010
This is such a great idea. I will definitely be making these bows. Thanks.
Crafter 6739282
Jan 02, 2010
For a different look, how about using pinking shears or decorative scissors to cut the strips
Beadjunkie
Jan 02, 2010
Another great idea if you don't have brads is to use a large bead and either wire or cord. I knew the old fashioned way but this was is just as great!!
Crafter 2686569
Dec 26, 2009
I think this is a very creative idea for recycling some magazines...Very Good
turrilynn
Dec 26, 2009
I never knew making these types of bows could be so easy! My mother taught me the old fashion loop bows and those can be frustrating if you lose your grip - this is fantastic! I'll never have to buy bows again! Thank you!
Beadreamin
Dec 26, 2009
About 40 years ago we made bows like this from christmas paper in our 4-H Club, I had lost the instructions over time and am glad to have them again. We use to recycle back then as we lived in New Hampshire and it was the thing most families did at the time, plus it was great fun for the children. Thanks again
Evelyn Mayfield
Dec 25, 2009
Ok, this one is really great. I've got to blog about it tonight...just click on "Crafts" at the top of my page. httpprayersncrafts.blogspot.com Hugs and prayers Evie
kajo1843
Dec 25, 2009
I am always looking for ideas on how to make bows. I will deffinitely try this one.
Calebs Nanny
Dec 25, 2009
This is GREAT! I wish I had a creative mind, but all I can do is follow patterns.
Crafter 7176369
Dec 25, 2009
This is the coolest, my Mom would have loved this site, she use to make paper bows. She has been gone for 16 years, so maybe she was green before her time. God Bless and Merry Christmas
Crafter 20999
Dec 25, 2009
As magazines can easily be recycled by donating them to a senior complex or a hospital, you could use small pieces (roughly 8-12 x 11) of used wrapping paper that would ordinarily not be saved. The uniform color or pattern might even make for a more attractive bow.
catsrcats1
Dec 13, 2009
This is a great money saver. Use a little spray adhesive and some glitter and it really looks nice.
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