How To: Make a bow out of used wrapping paper

Don't waste a bunch of money on new wrapping paper and bows. Recycle your old wrapping paper and use it to make decorative bows for your presents following these steps.

You Will Need:
• Wrapping paper
• Scissors
• Ruler
• Tape
• Newspaper (optional)

Step 1: Wrap your present
Wrap your present with whatever paper you have before making the bow.

Step 2: Cut a long piece of paper
Cut a piece of wrapping paper long enough to wrap around the present lengthwise. Fold the edges under to make them uniform. Tape the ends together on the back of the package to make the ribbon portion of the bow.

Step 3: Cut strips for the bow
Cut four strips, 8 ½ inches long and three-quarters of an inch thick. Then cut one more strip, 4 inches long and three-quarters of an inch thick.

Step 4: Construct first part of bow
Fold two of the long pieces into loops. Stack them on top of each other and arrange them at 90-degree angles, like a T. Staple them through the center to hold the T together, and then repeat with the other two long strips.

Step 5: Put the whole bow together
Make another loop with the short piece and staple it from the inside of the loop to the center of the other loops.

Step 6: Tape the bow onto the present
Tape the bow onto the center of the strip you wrapped around the present so you have a large ribbon and bow around the gift.