Today’s is a do-it-yourself gift bow.  There’s something about springtime because as I look at the calendar it seems as though we have a birthday party every weekend from now until eternity.  Now, I love me some parties- they give me an excuse to shop, so I’m not complaining!  But I will say that I despise spending money on gift wrapping.  It’s such a rip!  You budget for a gift, but then you throw in the wrapping paper, bow, tissue paper, box and card and next thing you know you’ve spent an extra $10.  Well, I’m here to help you with one of those things: the bow.  I learned this trick around Christmas and used it for many of our gifts.  I can’t tell you how many people commented on my little trick.  I just knew I had to share it with you (please forgive my horrible pictures).  Here are the steps:

1.  Grab a scrap piece of wrapping paper (preferably a strip somewhere around 5″x8″) and a pair of scissors.

2.  Fold the strip in half hamburger style (that’s the Kindergarten teacher coming out).

3.  Cut 1/2″ slits starting at the “open” side of the paper, leaving about 1/2″ uncut near the fold.

4.  Zoop (for lack of a better term, that’s what my mom called it) the paper with a pair of scissors until curled. Make sure the designed side of the wrapping paper is showing on the outside of the curl.

5.  Fold the folded end up twice — does that make any sense?

6.  Voilá!

7.  Tape your bow on the gift.