DIY Magazine Bow

I'm a last-minute kinda gal, and gifts are no exception. I usually find myself wrapping my gift minutes before leaving for a party. So when I stumbled across these sweet bows made from magazine pages, I did a double-take. Not only are they a great way to get rid of that ever-growing stack of magazines, but they use things you have on hand, and seem to be easy enough to whip up a chic bow when you can't find just the right one.

I love the idea of using old newspaper or old phone book pages for your wrapping paper
and topping it with a shot of color.





















What you'll need:

1. A single sheet of paper from a magazine, newspaper, or map.
2. Scissors
3. Stapler (glue dots or double-sided tape would also work).

Cut a magazine page lengthwise into nine strips, each approx. 3/4" wide.
Leave three of the strips full length. Cut 1" off three of the strips.
Cut two inches off 2 of the strips.
Cut the last strip down to 3 1/2" long.

Twist each strip to form a loop at both ends and staple it in the center.
Shape the last (short) strip into a circle and secure it with a glue dot. 

Layer the three longest pieces on top of each other, spacing them evenly
and securing each with a glue dot. Add the next two groups of pieces,
doing the same. And finally, stick the loop into the center. Voila!
(Credits: How About Orange)

And for some fun variations, how about using a map (great for a going away gift)
or felt (adorable for a baby shower)? This would also be a great way to top a card
and make it feel a bit more like a gift.

Happy gifting!

DIY monogram giftwrap

Christmas is just three days away. Yikes! 

If you're like me, there are still gifts to be wrapped. Having the right supplies and a few fun ideas on hand can turn this tedious task into a fun one. Of course, a plate of Christmas cookies on hand can't hurt either.  ;)

For a creative way to customize a gift or two, here's a fun and (relatively) easy DIY project. For a simplified variation, do a single monogram instead. When placed in the lower corner of a gift, it can make a beautiful statement. 

Photo courtesy of Creature Comforts. 

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DIY Instructions:

1. Select your base wrapping paper. I recommend Kraft paper, a solid color, or very small pattern.
2. Select your monogram paper. This doesn't need to be wrapping paper. Flat sheets of paper will be easier to cut. This can be patterned, plain, metallic... whatever suits your fancy! I love the contrast of gold on kraft, as shown above.
3. I've created a stencil (below) that will fit on 8 1/2 x 11" paper. If your paper is printer-friendly, run it through the printer, being sure to change your settings to landscape (wide format) vs. portrait. Use an Xacto knife and carefully cut along the trim lines. 
4. If your paper is not printer-friendly, print the stencil on thick cardstock and cut out the letters you'd like to use. This will become your stencil (see photo). Lay the stencil overtop of your monogram paper and cut around them with an Xacto knife. Be sure to protect your surface with a self-healing mat (or a piece of cardboard). If your letters aren't perfect, that's ok! That's the beauty of hand-made wrap. Just make sure that you still have all of your fingers at the end of the project! 
5. Use a glu-stick or other adhesive of your choice and affix to your gift. 

*Not feeling crafty? These giant peel and stick vinyl letters are a great alternative. Pick them up at a local office supply store, and stick them on solid or patterned paper for a punchy statement. Some stores even carry white letters!

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Photo courtesy of Creature Comforts. 

Happy gifting!