Introducing Crafty Corner: Christmas Edition! You may be thinking, “It’s way too early for Christmas.” But the fact of the matter is: It’s never too early to celebrate Christmas! I, for one, start listening to Christmas music before Halloween. This Crafty Corner edition is all about not wasting a scrap – literally! There are so many crafty things to make with leftover Christmas wrapping paper, so CAREFULLY open those presents to save the pretty paper!.

This article is all about making new bows for Christmas presents – save them to slap on for next year. Use these to put in your hair, as a bow-tie, etc.

Here are three ways to make bows out of wrapping paper.

This is the first bow.

1. Cut your wrapping paper in these shapes, the size depending on how big you want your bow to be. Try to keep the sizes proportional to the picture. STENCIL: http://chicfetti.com/parties/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/free-svg-file-bow.svg
2. Assemble! Place the bottom shape (looks like bowtie) as a base.
3. Place and glue the middle shape (looks like glasses) on top of that base, folding the ends inwardly.
4. Wrap the top shape (looks like a small rectangle) around the middle of that folded glasses-like shape.
5. Tada! The end result looks like this but with fancy wrapping paper: Use this to put on gifts.

Next is a different technique, but more traditional-Christmas, to making a Gift Bow. This method is a bit more complicated and requires more steps than the last method.

1. First, cut different sized strips out of your wrapping paper, small pieces and large pieces. Cut FOUR largest pieces, THREE medium pieces, etc. Cut extra pieces just in case.
2. Fold each of the strips like a Breast Cancer ribbon, then over itself into a figure eight shape, then tape/staple the middles. Fold the last strip simply into one loop, to fill in the center.
3. Overlap the different figure eights in the pattern shown in the picture, stapling as you go through. Staple that last loop into the center.
4. TA-DA!! A pretty traditional-type Christmas ribbon for either next Christmas, or for a friend’s birthday gift.

Last of all: you can celebrate Christmas year round by making a bow-tie or a bow for your hair with wrapping paper!!

1. Cut your wrapping paper into a square/rectangle, depending on what size your hair bow/bow-tie you want it to be.
2. Fold the paper back and forth, like a fan.
3. Pinch the middle and fold it, wrapping rubber band over it to secure.
4. Slip in a bobby pin and FLASH! You can wear and show your Christmas spirit any day of the year!
5. If desired, omit the rubber band, and tape/glue a paper strip to secure the middle. Slip in the bobby pin into the middle and you pin it on your shirt as a BOW TIE!
6. You can even refer to the FIRST bow and make it a hair bow/bow tie if you like that style better. Enjoy!

EXTRA: Make a paper-scrap Christmas Tree DECORATION here with leftover wrapping paper: http://www.gluedots.com/consumer/paper-scrap-christmas-tree/?pp=0

BAM, multiple crafts to make from leftover wrapping paper that would otherwise be trash! You can even use wrapping paper to make countless other things, such as origami figures, cards, or book covers. Use your imagination and happy crafting!