So it’s the festive season all around the world. People are happy, and a trail of gifts is being given and received everywhere. Presents, in any form, are a lovely way to make someone feel special. But decorating them is another art altogether. It can turn even a simple, plain box into something personal and beautiful.
Today, we will make a paper bow that can be pasted on any kind of gift box, paper bag or even a notebook, to give it a neat, festive and personal touch.
Things you need:
Coloured paper (your choice)
Double-sided tape
Hot glue (optional)
Scissors
Directions:
Cut coloured paper into a square. The size of the bow depends on the size of the paper. Then fold it into a triangle from two sides so that the creases form four triangles, as shown in picture 2.
Now fold it horizontally, picture 3.
Cut a rounded shape along the folded side from both ends, picture 4.
Notice the triangle creases and cut from both sides, but do not cut all the way through. Leave about half a centimetre at the top as a connector; picture 5.
Open this piece of paper and cut a small triangle shape from the bottom centre, but again, do not cut all the way through. Stop before the centre point so the paper stays connected. This cut will create two separate flaps on both sides; see pictures 6, 7 and 8.
Repeat the same cutting process on the other side. This time, leave a thin paper strip in the centre. Paste a small piece of double-sided tape in the middle. This strip will be folded later to form the middle knot of the bow, pictures 9 and 10.
Leaving the two flaps and the strip, fold and bring all the cut sections of paper towards the centre, sticking them onto the double-sided tape. This will form the bow loops; pictures 11, 12 and 13.
The bow is almost complete. Bring the flaps over the bow loops, paste another small piece of double-sided tape on top and then fold the strip over it to secure everything in place; pictures 14 and 15.
The writer can be contacted at ithecraftman@gmail.com
Published in Dawn, Young World, December 20th, 2025
