Hmm...I wish the photo was a bit clearer, but here's the idea: Tear out heavy stock advertisements from magazines and make them into colorful gift toppers.
It's easy! Cut lots of 1" strips from the magazine page. Gather them in your hand and place one strip on top of the other, moving each strip about 2" away from the next one until you eventually have a stack that is totally fanned out. Staple them together in the center.
Then using sharp scissors, curl each side of the strip, from the center out. This can take a while and if you try to curl them too aggressively, the strips can tear, hence choosing the heavier paper stock advertisements.
Then take two extra strips and make the ribbon "strings" on the bottom. Attach those to the back of the curly top with double stick tape.
nice! i often wrap small presents in magazine pages, and these bows will make a nice addition.
Posted by: Ruth singer | September 04, 2007 at 07:00 AM
Brilliant!
I am putting you into my links so I can find you again. I am all for making a bit of a change.
Posted by: Sandi @ the whistlestop cafe | September 04, 2007 at 11:00 AM
I like this idea! I will have to add it to my bag of wrapping tricks!
Posted by: boogiemum | September 04, 2007 at 12:47 PM
That's a great idea! I know that if I tried to do this, it wouldn't look half as great.
Posted by: Gwen | September 04, 2007 at 03:13 PM
Love it - and love projects with receycled bits -THANKS!
Posted by: Joanie | September 20, 2007 at 01:52 PM
I am always looking for crafts to make with magazines and this is so clever, thanks for sharing!
Posted by: Wen Rou | September 20, 2007 at 03:04 PM
What I love about your projects is that they are not only green but functional and beautiful. You are a treasure, Danny. I'm so glad I found your blog.
Posted by: Amy | September 27, 2007 at 11:33 PM
I just tried this and love the results - it works well with narrower strips, too. Also if you cut the edges of the strips on an angle, the flat assembly looks like a pretty cool snowflake. I am making them out of the holiday catalogs that come to the house, so the colors are right on. The only issue is that the staple and tape, do not seem very green - any alternative ideas for fastening them?
Posted by: DNH | October 02, 2007 at 05:10 AM
DNH, I thought of that too, I glued the strips, I waited till they were dry and them curled them.
Posted by: Wen Rou | October 25, 2007 at 12:11 PM