Wrapping Presents Like a Pro

How to wrap a present in four easy steps!  These instructions and instructional picture are from Southern Living Home for The Holidays, Mid October 2007, p.102.  Refer to pictures shown:

1. Flip over the box, and place it in the center of the cut paper.  Tape one edge to the center of the box.
2. Fold the other edge under to create a neat crease, and bring it all the way around the side of the box to overlap the taped side.  Make sure the flap extends to the edge of the box.  Adhere the flap with double-sided tape.
3. For the sides:  Push the shorter flaps to the center, and crease.
4. Fold the top flap down, then pull the bottom flap over it, and secure with double-sided tape.  Repeat on the opposite end.  Turn over your package; it's ready for ribbon!

To make your own bows you'll need 3 yards of ribbon to create a poofy bow.  Southern Living recommends using wired organza ribbon.  I love these instructions because when I got home from learning how to make these bows at a Relief Society Activity, of course I couldn't remember how to make them and this reminded me how Jennifer taught us:

1. Starting about 7 inches from the end, make your first loop with the finished side of the ribbon facing out; use about 6 inches of ribbon to make this loop.  Pinch and hold the piece together with your thumb and forefinger.  Make an identical loop on the opposite side.  You should have a ribbon figure eight.
2. Create three more sets of loops, gradually getting smaller, for a total of four loops on each side.
3. Still holding the loops in place, create a center loop by wrapping the ribbon loosely around your thumb, and then tucking the excess under your thumb.  Thread a piece of florist wire (we used pipe cleaners), through the center loop, and twist the ends tightly to fasten the bow together.  Make sure your wire ends are under the bow.
4. Fan out and shape the loops.  Cut the ends of the tails so they are equal length.  When using on a gift, wrap leftover ribbon around the wrapped box and secure with double-sided tape.  Attach the finished bow with the florist wire.