Have you been given a gift that is so scrumptiously wrapped and adorned with beautiful ribbons and bows that you feel you can not open it ~ all you can do is admire and wonder, how did they do that? Wrapping should be fun and not a chore, it should conceal and enhance your gift, adding a little bit of mystery and excitement to present opening. Here are a few simple suggestions and a few crafty tricks and tips. “I CAN NOT TIE BOWS” At Crafty Ribbons we hear this all the time. You can tie bows with our three easy steps. Step 1. Find the centre of your ribbon and form a loop in each side. Step 2. Cross one loop over the other loop and tuck it under. Pull the centre tight and let the loops hang. Step 3. By pulling on one tail the opposite loop will reduce to the size you wish. Repeat with the other loop, keeping centre knot tight. Cut the ribbon tails.

If you are using wire edge ribbon you can sculpture and shape the loops and tails and they will stay in place! Try using our Chantel range of ribbons or our mixed packs they all make wonderful bows. A bow does not have to be placed in the exact centre of the parcel. Have a play and put it to one side. Try the top left, make the ribbon tails longer so that they cascade down the front of the present. If using wire edge ribbon you can then pleat these tails, by folding the ribbon tails back on itself several times like a concertina. Press the folds firmly flat with your fingers. Gently pull the pleats open so they look like zigzags. This adds an extra dimension to your bows.