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Recycled Stick-On Bows

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Spruce Up or Re-Use Gift Wrap Bows

The gift wrap bow I wanted to use to wrap a present was squashed!

Flattened! Compacted!

What to do? I needed to wrap that gift now! No time to go to the store.

Has this happened to you?

Here is what I did: I cut each loop in half. I took the scissors and "curled" each tab. Then I gently tore the curled tab of ribbon in to three pieces--not going to the very center of the bow. Voila! A useable gift wrap bow.

Well, guess what? RealSimple magazine had thought of this, too. Plus some other ideas as well that I am going to share with you.

The spruced up red bow pictured here is just two bows stuck together by using the sticky tabs on the bottom. The magazine then suggests that you thread a ribbon thru a loop, then use the ribbon to attach the bow to the package. Man, I could have thought of this myself--but I didn't!



The image of the red pom-pom bow is from RealSimple, Dec. 2008; photographer is Bob Hiemstra.

Creative Ribbon Craft From RealSimple Magazine:

Bow Ideas from the pros!

Below is the link to the original article in Real Simple. They have really creative ideas for recycling those stick-on bows. You might even find more gift wrapping ideas from this delightful magazine.
4 Ways to Snazz Up Stick-on Bows | Celebrations : RealSimple.com
Quick and easy instructions for glamorizing stick-on bows. Dec. 2008 issue.

Don't Let Your Ribbons and Bows Get Squashed!

Creative Storage Solutions for Gift Wrap

Plus, did you know you could buy new bows? Only if you need them, though. Then try to do something creative with those common-looking bows. Add some personality!
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Another Stick On Bow Idea

Green Creative Wrapping

Snip the bow loops in half on an angle. Glue a button, sequins, or faux holly in the center.

Squashed bows never looked so good.



Image from RealSimple Dec. 2008

photographer is Bob Hiemstra

"Iron" a Ribbon!

I have used a warm light bulb to "iron" out wrinkles in ribbon.

Still Another Idea:

Spaceage gift wrapping!

Tie small lengths of contrasting ribbon onto the bow loops.

Not a bad idea, but the bow here looks kind of like a space alien's ship.

Image from RealSimple Dec. 2008

photographer is Bob Hiemstra

Do you have any bow tricks?

Is reusing bows your idea of recycling?

Share the wealth! If you have any really good ideas on how to reuse ribbons or bows, put them here (or make a lens!).

If all else fails and you just have to make a bow, go read this article on the Better Homes and Gardens website: How to make a florist bow.

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Wrapping it up!

Hopefully you will find something to re-use or recycle!

So much talent for gift-wrapping! Find some very creative and crafty ideas on the featured pages below:
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by

Mickie_G

I have a huge container filled with ribbons and bows. Out of desperation I found ways to reuse and recycle the bows and ribbons that I already have.
I... more »

Feeling creative? Create a Lens!

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