How to make 3D paper bows

Nothing screams “birthday” or “Christmas” more than a paper bow decoration, but no matter the occasion, making your own can be a great way to add a personal handmade touch to your cards or gift wrap. 

With the fantastic Gemini papercraft die sets available here at Crafter’s Companion, bow making has never been easier! Follow our step-by-step guide below to get started.

 

You will need:

• Gemini Create-a-Bow Papercraft Die Set
• Gemini Die Cutting and Embossing Machine
• Hot Glue Gun
• Craft Tape
• 2pc Multi Purpose Card 
• Crafter’s Companion Bone Folder

Making your bow:

1. Remove the metal dies from your Gemini Die Set. (We’re going to be using die number 7 for todays creation which is the largest die in the set).

2. Take a piece of multi purpose card measuring approximately 6.5 x 6.5”. This is to create the main bow, so we’ve used pink card, but you can use any colour of your choice.

3. Place the large metal die on half of the card and secure it in place with craft tape. Take another smaller piece of card in a different colour for the bottom of your bow and secure the small dies to this. We’ve used a green colour, as shown in the video above.

4. Pass this through your Gemini Die Cutting and Embossing Machine in your chosen plate combination. If you’re not sure about which layers to use, check out our user guides here.

5. Remove the die cut pieces from the smaller card and put these to one side. With the largest die, flip this over so it’s now on the other half of the card, creating a butterfly-like shape. Secure this on place and pass it through your machine for a second time.

6. Remove your die-cut piece from the rest of the card and with your bone folder, run along each of the four bow pieces, curling the slightly into place. 

7. Turn your bow upside down and with your hot glue gun,  place and place a couple of dots in the centre of your bow. Secure each of the 4 pieces into place, sticking the end tabs together in the centre. 

8. You now have your bow shape, so it’s now time to bring it to life with the smaller pieces. 

9. Take the small rectangle and place it on the front of the bow, curling the edges around the back. Place a small dot of glue on the back centre to secure this in place, then add the longer piece on top of this. 

10. Your large papercraft bow is now complete! Follow along with our video above to create even more bows in different sizes.

Looking for more papercraft inspiration? Check out our blog page for a wide range of tutorials, video guides and more!