At the last birthday party I attended all of the presents
were packaged in gift bags. Bag, bag,
bag, bag. The gift bag is handy,
reusable and oh so convenient, however, I really missed the beautifully packaged
gift! I LOVE the idea of reusing items,
so my mission was to create wrapping that was a bit eclectic, Earth-friendly
and EASY!
To go along w/ my eco-friendly gift wrap- I made re-usable,
multi-purpose, flower loop bows. These
fun, multi-layered bows are often used as hair bows. Just attach one to a clip or barrette and you
have a fabulous hair accessory. Often you will see Flower loop bows made with
the same width of ribbon. I wanted to
mix it up a bit so I played with the fabric of ribbons as well as the width.
(If you like these bows and want to make some for yourself,
A Flower loop bow how-to video will be posted on the May Arts blog in 2 weeks)
.
The packaging
For this gift I simply put it in a photo box, and shut the lid! These are as easy as gift bags, and very
attractive. They come in patterns, all
colors and are quite inexpensive. These
boxes are perfect for reusing over and over!
The bow I wanted to
make a bow that was “gender neutral” so I used browns, tans and turquoise
ribbons with a button center for the
bow. A matching band of ribbon around
the box completes the package.
(May Arts ribbons used: (WF) Grosgrain/Circles, (DD94, DD02)
Grosgrain/Dots, (BD33) Grosgrain/Center dot, (DH33) Grosgrain/Dots, (WK94) Grosgrain/Stripes, (WM47) Solid/Variegated stripes.)
.
The packaging
As I was working on this project, the
weekly free newspaper was delivered to my door step. Serendipity. I instantly remembered how my
in-laws have been recycling newspaper as gift wrap for decades– I love the idea of using what is right in
front of you.
The Bow Keeping with the newsprint theme…I went with
a black and white (and read all over…) bow.
The center of the flower is a piece of chipboard that reads…”EVERYDAY
LIFE.”
(May
Arts ribbons used: (331) Grosgrain/White ovals, (DD10) Grosgrain/Dots, (WB10) Grosgrain/Stripe, (AKN10) Solid/Check)
.
The packaging For this gift I repurposed a leather pencil
holder. I simply turned it upside down
and slipped it over the gift.
The bow The (333) Grosgrain/Horizontal lines ribbon
was perfect for my flower loop bow. This
ribbon is fun and festive and PERFECT for a party! The center is an over sized paper covered
brad.
.
The packaging
I knew I wanted to use scrap fabric as a packaging idea…the United States
fabric seemed the right fit for this project.
The Bow I picked bright yellows and orange ribbons
with a bright yellow button center for this bow.
(May Arts ribbons used: (DD27) Grosgrain/Dots center (333) Grosgrain/Horizontal lines)
.
The packaging. This might be the zaniest packaging of the
lot. A piece of linen that was a window
valance! Yes. ANYTHING can work!!!!
The Bow This bow is perhaps my favorite. I used a mix of fabric ribbon…lace, sheer,
grosgrain…green, pink and orange. SIGH.
This bow makes me happy!!! For
the center of my bow I used paper flowers.
(May Arts ribbon used:
(335) Sheer/Print, (BS06) Solid/Iridescent, (NP46) Crochet, (NQ 28) Lace, (WH 28) Reversible/Grosgrain)
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Blog Posted By: Leah Farrar-White
Click here for this week’s Gift Wrapping Contest!
oh wow those are soo gorgeous and pretty!!! love the bows
Those are beautiful bows! I look forward to the video post!
Those are wonderful!!!!
I love the bows and the packaging. Great idea! I especially like the newspaper and the black and white bow.
Very creative! You inspire me, Leah:)
LOVE these ideas! The super tall stacked bow was my favorite, followed by the black-and-white ensemble. Beautiful, as always, Leah!
Very fun!!! LOVE all the ribbons!!!!!
These are so beautiful. My favorite is the blue and brown in the photo box.
Using newsprint for wrapping is what we did as kids — it reminds me of the past, and of what is sure to come with greener thinking. Re-usable bows too — thanks!
Wonderful and inspiring! Great job!
Those bows are amazing!! I can’t wait to learn to make those. Fun!
Oh, I like these ribbons and bows. Thanks for the chance to win such a great candy.
Hugs, Kiki
These bow flowers are absolutely scrummy,
thanks for the chance to win
Hugs
Angie
I try to get my hands on as much of your delicious ribbon as I can. Please count me in! Thanks.
Thanks for the chance to win some of this lovely ribbon. My scrapbook stores don’t carry most of these delicious treats. Nora
Wowza..those ribbons are just devine. I can’t believe all of the wonderful colors and how they were made into ribbons for packages. What a great idea. Thanks for the chance to win.
Hugs
Nancy
Wow those are beautiful!
I love May Art Ribbon. I guess I’d only use this ribbon to make beautiful bows for gifts where I’d be assured of getting the bow back!!! My two little boys would wonder why I wrapped their holiday gifts so grand…..just to get the bow back
I love using ribbon for my sewing projects too.
Your ribbons are lovely.
Smiles,
Kelly
May Arts ribbons are beautiful. I adore all the gorgeous colours and textures. I so wish I had an outlet nearby so I may use your ribbons freely, they have no competition in my book lol.
Regards
Michelle
I love your ribbon ideas. I love to use recycled brown paper bags as my wrapping paper so, the ribbon stands out more. I also like to mix recyled rope or binding tape with bright beautiful ribbon. I love how the ribbon added to the organic browns really makes a gift look amazing. Thanks for a chance to win your beautiful ribbons.!!!!
OMG – this is some yummilicious ribbon!!
Thanks so much
Kisha
hi.they are very nice.
Hi Leah
I literally just stumbled across this old post this weekend and was dumbstruck at how my brooches and your ribbon bows are look soooo similar. I absolutely LOVE your wrapping and bows, truly inspiring and would love to chat to you and compare notes.
Hope to hear from you soon
Emma-jane Yon