How to make an upcycled ribbon scrap gift bow

Join Sandy Sandler, the creator of the Bowdabra, as she shows you the easy way to use up leftover pieces of ribbon to make a beautiful ribbon scrap gift bow.  Use this bow to make your gifts stand out. It also adorns wreaths and swags, so the uses are endless!

Materials:

Bowdabra 

Bowdabra Bow Wire  

Variety of scrap ribbons in assorted widths, lengths, and patterns, featuring a mix of autumn colors and gold accents

Example:

5” wide ribbon tails – 12” long

One 5” wide ribbon for center, 10” long

2.5” wide ribbon tails – 10” long

1.5” wide ribbon tails – 10” long

Fall leaf pick

Berry pick

Instructions:

First, cut a piece of Bowdabra bow wire.  Then, fold it in half and insert it into the Bowdabra.  You will have a loop on one side and two loose wires on the other side.  This will serve as your slipknot. Tuck the ends under to stay out of the way while you are making your bow.

Next, place the 5” wide ribbon on which the ends have been dovetailed.  To dovetail, fold the ribbon in half and cut at an angle away from the fold.

Now place several pieces of 2 ½” wide ribbon, making sure the wrong side is facing down.

Continue placing ribbon pieces of various coordinating colors into the Bowdabra, shaping as you go.

Then, add a berry and a leaf pick directly into the Bowdabra.

Finally, use the 5-inch-wide ribbon to make a scrunchy bow. Insert it from the top and scrunch down like an accordion. Make sure you scrunch from the center, and when you get to the ends, turn it under to hide any fraying.

Now scrunch everything down with the Bowdabra wand.  Then, insert the loose wires through the loop and pull tight while the bow is still in the Bowdabra. Then, remove the bow from the Bowdabra, separate the ends, turn to the back, and tie a knot.  Tie a double knot for extra security.

Shape out the bow by pulling the ribbons in opposite directions. You have an adorable and elegant scrap gift bow!