POLOKWANE – Decorating presents/gifts for the festive season is always fun with the family, especially for kids who love helping their parents to wrap gifts. Local wedding/event designer, Tshepo Makhura gave Review some tips on when you want to add something extra for your gift or add another element of creativity to your gift wrapping skills.
“When it comes to wrapping, try making your own ribbon bow, try be creative and you’ll be surprised by what you can actually come up with. There are many types of bows such as floral bows, pom poms, layered bows, dior bows and tailored bows. It might take you a few times to get it right the first time, but practice makes perfect,” he said.
You will need:
• a pair of scissors
• a bow/ribbon roll (any colour preferred)
• a box of your choice
• a gift paper wrapper (colour and pattern of your choice)
• a small rope (wool/threat to tie ribbon in place)
How to make it:
• Cut a long length of ribbon which is about 200cm.
• Make a circle loop measuring about 3cm then pinch it (with your thumb and forefinger) to hold in place.
• On the other end of the ribbon, make the same loop, only on the right side this time. Continue in this same way of making loops, alternating each time to create pairs.
• Make about three to four (same size) loops to complete.
• Secure the bow and wrap a thin rope or wool around the center of the bow. (You can sow the middle part too if you don’t want to tie it). Twist it tightly to secure and trim off any excess rope/wool (thread), and conceal the wool or rope.
• Wrap ribbon over the rope, wool or thread to cover it. (Glue or stitch in place).
• Fan it out (spread) the loops until they’re shaped in a rounded form, which will give it an appearance of a flower.
“And you’re ready to wrap your gift/box and decorate it any way you prefer with your beautiful floral bow ribbon. The person you give it to will be more than grateful, knowing that you actually made it yourself with love,” Tshepo concluded.
