Wondering what to do with that extra wrapping paper you have? Why not make a wrapping paper and bow tree for the holidays! Wrapping paper is so versatile to blend in with any type of decorating scheme. And the fun part is topping your tree with an adorable bow made using your Bowdabra to complete the look! This post first appeared on Bowdabra.com where I'm on the design team.
Supplies Needed:
Paper Cutter (optional)
Wrapping paper tube (30")
Ruler, scissors, scotch tape, glue
How to Make the Paper Cones:
First, cut the wrapping paper into 8" squares. I found the easiest way to do this is to cut 8 inch strips from the wrapping paper and then cut the strips every 8 inches into squares. Next, take an 8 inch square sheet and lay it down on your work surface in a diamond shape with the corners at the top and bottom. Then bring the side corners together loosely, forming a cone shape overlapping, while adjusting to form a narrow closed triangle at the top and open at the bottom.
The paper edge should be located in the side back. Secure with pieces of tape near the bottom and top sides.
This is how it should look - back . . .
and front.
Then make about 7-8 cones for the first layer, depending on the width of the wrapping paper tube. Attach a finished cone against the bottom of the wrapping paper tube for placement and fit and tape in place.
Tape on cones around the tube to finish the first row.
Make additional eight inch square cones with different complementary wrapping paper for each row and tape in place, staggering between the previous row.
Continue taping on cones, row by row, until nearing the top.
Then, for the top row, instead of taping the cones to the tube, glue the tip of each cone together first at the top and along the top side for a separate group of cones.
Then add it to top of tube, pushing down to secure.
To make the bow:
Start by folding a 18" length of bow wire in half and place in the Bowdabra, tucking ends under. Take a 1.5 yd length of ribbon creasing the ribbon for a four inch tail, twist and insert ribbon down into the Bowdabra.
Next, make a 2.5" loop and twist down into the Bowdabra.
Continue to fold and twist ribbon making matching loops on opposite sides, down into the Bowdabra . . .
for a total of five loops on each side. Then, scrunch down the loops using the Bowdabra wand. While the bow is still in the Bowdabra, thread the two loose ends of the bow wire through the loop, pulling tightly and tie in a knot at the back, gently pulling bow out and cutting off excess bow wire.
Dovetail the ribbon ends by folding the ribbon together and cutting at an angle from the fold down to the corner tip. Fluff the loops and glue bow on to the top of the wrapping paper cones.
Place cones and bow on top of tube to complete the tree.
How cute is this!
Thanks for stopping by
and take a little time
to enjoy,
Happy Holiday Crafting!