Hi Everyone! Welcome to today's lesson at the lilypad!
Today I'm sharing a little project where you can create your own paper gift bows - with a little Banana Frog twist!
You'll need:
- A sheet of plain 12x12 double-sided paper
- Some Banana Frog stamps - of course!
- Some blingy brads, and a large flat brad (optional)
- Ink of your choice
- Adhesive, e.g. adhesive tape and mini-glue dots
- Hole punch - just big enough to attach your brad
To make the large gift bow (approx. finished size = 5" diameter):
1. From your sheet of paper cut:
- 8 strips measuring 1" x 6"
- 4 strips measuring 1" x 5"
- 1 strip measuring 1" x 4"
2. Get your strips organised ready to stamp:
3. Stamp your chosen design on the strips - I chose the large butterfly from the Swirls and Butterflies set.
Tip: Stamp your design from the centre of the strip if you want the stamped image to appear in full on your bow.
4. Stick the ends of the strips together with a little adhesive.
The angle they are stuck at in the photo will create a more loose looking bow, but you can make the looped strips tighter to make them more pointy.
5. Once you've created all your loops you'll be ready to punch a hole in the end you've stuck together to start building your bow.
6. For a big bow like this, I used a large flat brad to build the main part of the bow. Take the four smaller loops and place them onto the brad - evenly spaced. Next take four of the larger loops and space them so they appear in the gaps between the smaller loops. Finally do the same with the remaining 4 large loops.
7. For the finishing touch, create a loop like for a paper chain and insert the bling brad through it. Attach the loop to the rest of the bow using a strong adhesive.
Now you're good to go and can add your bow to a lovely pressie for someone!
You can go mini with your gift bows too!
The smaller bow is perfect for cards and mini-albums - not just gifts! (Approx. finished size = 2.5" diameter):
- You'll need the same items as above - this time I chose one of the centres from the Build a Daisy set.
What you need to cut:
- 8 strips measuring 0.5" x 3"
- 4 strips measuring 0.5" x 2.5"
Instead of a looped centre I punched out a circle from the paper, stamped the centre and built the bow on the bling brad, starting with the punched centre.
These bows are also perfect to add to your decorations at Easter and Christmas, as the posibilities are endless!
Remember to share any bows you make - we'd love to see them!
Happy stamping and sticking! :o)
Oooh Nat that is gorgeous and where did you get the egg wreaths youve sat them on for the final pics?!! I NEED ONE!! LOL
Posted by: Debbie | April 03, 2010 at 10:17 AM
Two words Debbie....
John Lewis!
;o)
Posted by: Handmade by Natty | April 03, 2010 at 10:42 AM
Fabulous tutorial.. now I need to make these for all my presents!! going to try them out tomorrow! Thanks Nat.
Posted by: lorry | April 03, 2010 at 06:45 PM
Love them, what a fab idea!!!!
Posted by: michelle | April 04, 2010 at 01:04 PM
Brilliant idea! Far more unique than buying commercial ones!
Posted by: Audrey | April 04, 2010 at 07:44 PM
enjoyed reading your post and I like your take on the issue
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