Save Money by Making Your Own Beautiful Ribbon Bow
Date Added: December 27, 2007 12:10:09 AM
When it comes to adding an impressive touch to a gift a nicely hand tied bow does the trick. It has been used many years as a trade secret in the gift basket and floral industry, but not anymore. It is out in the open, these ribbon bows are cheap to make and make an impression.
We are going to give you some easy instructions on making and tying either a small or large ribbon bow for use on any gift or gift basket you choose.
You probably know that large bows are not cheap to purchase, so you will save money by making your own. It is a simple process.
The most popular color for bows is red followed by blue and yellow. It is a matter of personal taste so you can use whatever color you desire. Don’t stop with the color as you can also choose from different materials including silk, velvet, satin and others.
So let’s get on with the how-to tie and make beautiful ribbon bows.
The first thing you want to do is cut a piece of ribbon that is eight or nine feet long. You can use your choice of color and thickness, but at least one inch wide works the best. Also using wired ribbon will make it easier to shape and work with later.
You can use some cheaper ribbon to experiment with different widths and find your comfort zone. As you get better, try some of the more expensive wire ribbon.
Take the ribbon and make a loop over your thumb to make the center portion of the bow. If you happen to be using thinner ribbon you will want to make a larger number of loops by using two or three times the length of ribbon. If you don’t, the bow will be flimsy.
Now tightly pinch the ribbon between your fingers and twist it counter clockwise between your thumb and fingers. The patterned side of the bow should be facing outward.
Work your way from the top down making loops that are the same size and returning to center, then rotating so the pattern is out.
You ensure the pattern is out by pinching and twisting the loop counter clockwise when you return to center.
Each time you make a loop the tail will come out on the opposite side of the bow.
Continue looping the ribbon in this manner until you have achieved the desired size.
Then take a piece of wire and twist it around the center, then tightly wind it a few times into place.
Twist the wire tails together behind the bow while leaving enough room so you can attach it to the gift, Christmas present, gift basket birthday present or other gift.
When complete with this part fluff and shape the ribbon to the look you desire.
You can usually find inexpensive or cheap ribbon at places like dollar stores around the holidays.
If you are planning on making many different bows a good resource for ribbon may be a wholesaler that you can find on the internet with a basic search.
By using these instructions and watching the video you should be able to make beautiful ribbon bows that are tied by you personally which will give your gift a nice personal touch.
The ribbons that you choose can also add to the personal nature of the gift with the color or style. They will work for all types of gifts including Christmas, birthday, baskets or wrapped gifts.
