How I Make My Bows

Edited to add: Try to use wired ribbon because it holds it's shape better. It is so much easier to work with.

Hi everyone! My friend Marla from http://alwaysnesting.blogspot.com/ asked me if I could do a tutorial on how I make my bows. I’m sure there are different ways to make bows but this is how I make mine.

I am linking this post to

http://thediyshowoff.blogspot.com/2009/12/holiday-highlights-4.html

&

http://itssoverycheri.blogspot.com/ who is hosting It's So very Creative.

Please visit these two lovely blogs I recently found. :)

This is how I made the bow for the topper on my Christmas tree. You can see my Christmas tree here. http://mybellarose.blogspot.com/2009/12/our-tree-is-ready-to-receive-gifts.html

Please excuse the quality of some of my pictures. My 11 yr old took the pictures as I was making the bow.

To hold my bow together, I use floral wire.

Most of the time for bows, I like using two different ribbons.

Loop the ribbon like this. I loop the ribbon to mid-point.

To look like this. Scrunch the ribbon in the middle.

As you make each loop, twist the ribbon so that the ribbon you started out on top at the beginning is still on top.

Keep looping as you hold the ribbon with the other hand. Don’t let go of the ribbon or you’ll have to start all over again. I’ve let go and it’s a hassle to start all over. lol

Remember to twist your ribbon as you make each loop.

And keep looping until you have enough loops on each side. I usually have four loops on each side.

Keep looping.

Yay! I have all the loops now. Like I said, I usually have four loops on each side.

I like to have ribbon hanging down from the bow like a streamer. So I cut some ribbon with the gold ribbon on top just like my bow.

Scrunch it up in the middle.

And attach it to the bow. Make sure your wire is long enough. I cut mine too short. *blush*

Separate each loop like this.

Until they are all separated. Ta da! A bow!

With the same wire you used to make the bow, tie it to the top of your tree. You might have to fold the top branch first though. If your ceilings are high enough, then you probably don’t need to. Once you place it on top of the tree, work on your bow so it looks perfect. I then placed streamers all around the top of my tree but underneath the bow and left them curled up.

Marla, I hope you understood my tutorial. *blush*

Let me know if you have any questions. :)

Sandra