Paper bags, old newspapers, fabric scraps -- you're probably already using them for eco-friendly gift wrap. But did you know you could create beautiful bows from the pages of our magazine?
You'll need a page per bow (best if mostly one color) and some double-sided tape.
Cut the page lengthwise into nine 3/4-inch-thick strips of heights shown: Three at 11 inches, three at 10 inches, two at 9 inches, and one at 3 1/2 inches.
Twist each strip to form loops at both ends. Make a circle out of the smallest.
Secure the ends with a piece of double-sided tape.
Layer and stick, starting with the longest strips. End with the circle in the center.
Variation
To make these bows as featured on "The Martha Stewart Show," use strips of paper shopping bags, which result in a more sturdy bow. For a fuller bow, cut strips to be 1 inch thick and make the shortest strip about 4 1/2 inches instead of 3 inches. Sections of bow can be held together easily with double-sided tape, but for added strength, use a screw punch to punch a hole in the center of each bow section and secure together with a gold or silver brad. Attach the final single loop with double-sided tape or hot glue.
I'm going to start making these throughout the year and put in a special box. Maybe make some as a "special "eco" gift. with a theme and enclose instructions to make. May even have a girlfriend friend Tea Bow Making Party.
I love this recycling idea and must use it on my page at http://www.squidoo.com/book-care-repair-repurposing-recycling-books. Bet a beat up, non-repairable child's book would work great. Remember, most paperback books were not meant to last forever.
Wow! It looks so simple. I have always wondered how to do these printing my own designs. Thanks so much!
Its actually quick easy and doesn't take much time at all. It might take 10 minutes at the most to make one bow and that is with a child "helping". A scrapbook paper trimmer helps.
It's a great idea- but really who has the time for this??
Daughter and I have been having so much fun making these (even when we had to make up our own lengths!). I've been making multi-colored bows using sale flyers from the receiver's favorite stores. Really cute!
LOVE this idea! I saw something similar to this a week or so ago on www.EcoLizzie.com. Same idea but different shapes. Chek them out :)
LOVE this idea! I saw something similar to this a week or so ago on www.EcoLizzie.com. Same idea but different shapes. Chek them out :)
Sorry for the oversight, everyone! The measurements have now been added. Hope you enjoy the project!
~Amanda, web editor
I had the last piece as 5", but for some reason the last bit disappeared! Those proportions make a nice big bow.
I used a page that was 12" long. 1st 3 were 12', next 3 were 11", next 2 were 10",
I blew the picture up so the strips were 3/4" wide and got the lengths as 3", 6.5", 7.5" and 8.5". I hope these are right - I didn't print them out but measured them on the screen.
There's no excuse for not including the measurements in the article - it's kind of essential information!!
What exactly ARE the lengths of the strips because I had difficulty fitting the five smaller loops into the three initial loops ...there was no room.
Length of strips would be most helpful!