Bow Making 101

Okay, for those of you who want to know; here is how I make my bows. Sorry about the quality of some of the photos. I was using my point and shoot instead of my other camera, but when you're trying to do two things at once the little one is easier/lighter to use.

Here are the supplies you will need. (This picture wanted to be sideways no matter what I did to fix. Sorry!)

* ribbon - I like the grosgrain, but you can use any you'd like. Most of my ribbon I get in the dollar section at Target. Each roll will only make one bow, so pick up extra if you want two. Great deal though. Otherwise Michael's is good too.

* for the non-slip I use silicone aquarium sealant. It works so well. It will take a couple hours to dry once you put it on, but that gives you time to make the bows. You can find this at most pet stores.

* Glue gun. I've found this is the easiest way to make them.

* jewelry wire for cinching the bow. Again I got this at Michaels in the jewelry making section.

* alligator clips. There are two prong and one prong. I have one, but might try two next time. You can get these from suppliers. I got my off of E-Bay. Good deal too.



First you'll want to cut the ribbon that the clip will be lined with. I've measured this out to about 4 1/4 inches.



The next step is to put on the non-slip silicone. This will be a line about 1 1/4 inches long. Remember this will need to set for a couple hours. You'll know when it's ready.



While this is "setting" you can make the bow. You can just start with the end and trim once you're done or measure and then cut them all the same length. I cut them the same length, but it will depend on how poofy you want your bows. I didn't measure mine.

After you get the bow formed you need to pinch it and cinch it with the wire. The wire is about 1 1/2 inches long. You'll twist it and wrap it around the middle. I've found the cinching of the wire is the trickiest part of the bow and may take a little practice.

I have still shots of the bow in progress and a video at the end because sometimes it's just easier to watch it being done.













Once you have the bow formed you want to add the center strip to cover the middle. Take your glue gun and put a dot on the back middle. Put the end of your small strip on it. Wrap it around the bow and put another dot of glue on the back to hold the ribbon down.

If your silicone strip is dry you can now line your clip. I make a line of glue down the inside top the clip. I suppose you could do it on the back side of your silicone strip too if you'd like. Then put the ribbon on the clip.





Then you'll put a line of glue on the top of the clip and fold the ribbon over the top. I then put a drop of glue on the top of the "pinch" part of the clip and a drop on the bottom of the "pinch" part of the clip. Fold the ribbon all the way over and your clip is now lined.





Now all you have to do is put a drop of glue on the bottom middle of your bow and place it on top of the clip. You're done!!





I hope this "tutorial" helps you to make your bows. If you have any questions about the process, just type it in the comments section and I will try to answer as best I can.

Have fun bow making!!