Today, I’m featuring another helpful tutorial to add fun to Christmas gift giving. It’s also pretty thrifty. I’m all about saving a few bucks during the holiday season!
To make this bow, you’ll need a few supplies. No worries, though, most of these supplies you might already have on hand or can easily use a substitution.
· standard 8.5x11 inch paper in any color (recommend at least 24 lb)
· calligraphy pen & nib or fine liner sharpie
· ink, if using calligraphy pen (contrasting color to paper – i.e. green paper, white ink)
· scissors
· pencil
· ruler
· light table or bright window (optional – only if you are using the template)
Use the template in the free download that follows to work on writing the phrase: We wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! Note: the free template does not show weighted calligraphy strokes; they are written with a fine line. Feel free to alter the downstrokes for traditional calligraphy. Otherwise, keep the simple, yet still elegant cursive writing. It's up to you!
STEP 1: When you are ready, draw light pencil guidelines onto a separate piece of paper (approximately 1 inch apart) for a total of 8 sections. Or use the free template as a guide. Then, write the phrase, repeating it like the photo below.
STEP 2: Once the ink is dry, cut along the pencil guidelines. 4 strips will remain full length, the other 4 strips should be cut about 2 inches shorter. Reserve 2 these cut off pieces for step 6.
STEP 3: Glue each strip with writing side out. You should have 4 large rings and 4 small rings.
STEP 4: Glue the inside of the 1st large circle and push down the middle into the glue. Repeat and glue the 2nd ring perpendicular to the first. Repeat and glue the 3rd ring diagonally across the first two. Repeat and glue the 4th ring perpendicular to the third ring.
STEP 5: Repeat steps above with the 4 smaller rings, attaching to the larger rings.
STEP 6: Take the 2 reserved cut off pieces from step 2 and glue them to form 1 longer piece. Then make it into a final ring and glue it to the center of all the rings.
STEP 7: Attach with double-sided tape to your wrapped present or gift bag for a festive touch of artful charm.
I hope this tutorial inspires you to add your own personal touch when decorating your presents this year. I’d love to see how your bows turn out. Below is the free practice page and template to help guide you. As always, let me know if you have any questions. Thanks for joining me!
Comments