How To Make A Paper Bow Out Of Wrapping Paper

Learn how to make a paper bow out of wrapping paper. This simple DIY will dress up a gift and give it a personal and unique look! Plus, it’s a great way to recycle scraps of wrapping paper.

My friends Kippi and Jayne are sharing some unique gift wrapping inspiration, too. Be sure to check out their projects at the end of this post!

Inspiration For Christmas Bows

You know those packages of stick on bows? They’re made out of shiny paper that may or may not be biodegradable. You may have guessed that I’m not a fan. Besides looking generic, they are expensive to buy. It occurred to me that I could make a bow out of wrapping paper that would look better as well as save money and the environment!

DIY Paper Bow Supply List

• wrapping paper scraps
• scissors
• ruler
• pen
• glue stick
• buttons
• hot glue gun

How To Make A Wrapping Paper Bow

Step 1.

Using a ruler, measure the wrapping paper and mark with a pen to create a square. I made a 5 inch square, but you may choose to make a larger or smaller paper bow.

Step 2.

Cut out the wrapping paper square.

Step 3.

Fold the wrapping paper up into a triangle, wrong sides facing together.

Step 4.

Open and fold up again in the opposite direction.

Step 5.

Cut out a triangle along the folds on the bottom of the square.

Step 6.

Fold the square in half wrong sides together.

Step 7.

Cut a curve along the unfolded side of the square.

Step 8.

Open the square and cut another triangle on the bottom, but don’t cut it off completely.

Step 9.

Lift the cut bottom square up, then flip the square over so the side triangles are wrong side facing up and the bottom triangle is right side facing up.

Step 10.

Put a dab of glue in the center of the triangles. Bring a tip of one of the top triangles to the center and secure in place. Be gentle so that you don’t tear the wrapping paper.

Step 11.

Continue to add glue and secure all four of the top triangle tips to the center.

Step 12.

Fold the sides of the paper bow down. If you prefer a three dimensional look, omit this step.

Step 13.

To make the tails, cut an inner triangle inside the bottom triangle.

Step 14.

Add a dab of hot glue to the middle of the bow. This will reinforce the bond from the glue stick and support the button.

Step 15.

Attach the button to the middle of the paper bow.

How To Style Bows Made From Wrapping Paper

1. To make your patterned paper bow really stand out, attach it to a present with solid color wrapping paper in a coordinating color. If your paper bow is a solid color, attach it to a gift wrapped with patterned paper. This will make your bow the star!
2. Make sure that you create your bow large enough to match the scale of your gift. A large gift needs a large bow!
3. You could also make several small bows to decorate a large package. Be creative!

More Holiday Posts You May Enjoy

DIY Self Service Hot Chocolate Stand

DIY Pom Pom Holiday Wreath

White and Pink Christmas Tree Decorated With Teacups

Old Fashioned Ginger Snaps

Santa’s Sleigh Christmas Tablescape

DIY Rustic Star Ornament

More Gift Wrap Ideas

Make your gifts look pretty with easy eco-friendly gift wrapping ideas including DIY air dry clay ornaments and printable gift tags PDF. For all the details, head over to Jayne’s blog, Chalking Up Success.

Learn how to wrap a gift like a pro in minutes with a few easy steps. Check out the tutorial from Kippi at Home.