Q: What is your favorite ribbon bow technique?A: Well, I’d like to say it’s a natural ability, but that wouldn’t be true! I’ve learned how to make a bunch of great bows through resources from Stampin’ Up! and my fellow demonstrators. Here are 5 of my favorite bows as well as tips for making them.

1. Two Colored Double Bow: Layer two 18” ribbons. Layer ribbons then tie a standard bow. Before pulling the bow loops to tighten the bow, take a moment to twist the ribbon ends so they lay straight. Pull bow loops to tighten, then fan the inside bow loops out from behind the top loops.

2. Elegant Bow: Lay a 5” piece of ribbon out flat. Add a dab of SNAIL to center of ribbon. Fold in right end and adhere to center. Add a dab of SNAIL on top of ribbon end. Fold in left end and adhere to center. Add a dab of SNAIL on top of ribbon end. Place one end of 2” ribbon over center of ribbon, creating a “T” shape. Add a dab of SNAIL on top of 2” ribbon end over folded ribbon. Wrap 2” ribbon around folded ribbon until it overlaps and adheres to itself. Pull ribbon snug so it is flat, but not so tight it causes the folded ribbon to gather. Trim off excess ribbon. Press bow flat or push the ends gently to puff it up a bit. Add to card or layer on top of a ribbon strip.

3. Perfect Double Bow: Select a brad and spread prongs out flat. Begin with 18” ribbon. Use a ruler or estimate the lengths. Fold ribbon 3” from end with 3” section on top. Hold finger over folded layers 1” from fold with loop to left. Fold long end towards your finger to create 1” loop on right. Keep finger over center to hold layers in place. Fold long end back to center to make 1-1/2” loop on left. Fold ribbon back to center again creating 1-1/2” loop to right. Pinch ribbon at center and pick up layers. Set layered ribbon on brad with opened prongs. Fold prongs over ribbon and press flat. Trim ends.

4. Hole Bow: Punch a hole in card stock with 1/8” or 1/4” punch. Thread both ends of a 22” long ribbon up through hole from bottom. Slide ribbon loop around card stock and tighten by pulling ends. Keep ribbon ends the same length. Split ribbon ends so one comes out above ribbon and one comes out below. Make sure ribbon isn’t twisted. Tie a basic bow. Fluff and adjust bow as needed and then trim ribbon ends.

5. Fork Bow: Begin with a standard dinner fork with four tines and a 10” piece of ribbon. Place ribbon across front of fork with 1/3” of ribbon to left of the fork. This end will stay stationary. Wrap right end of the ribbon around behind the fork, around left edge, over the top of the first end. Thread end down through space between the center fork tines below where the first ribbon crosses. Pull ribbon up behind the fork and through the space between center fork tines. Knot the two ribbon ends firmly. Slide ribbon from fork and trim ends.

Go Bow Crazy

Have fun practicing and experimenting with these bows and different types of ribbon. Pretty soon your friends will be asking you how your bows always look so great!
We have a number of ribbons retiring this month. Make sure to order your favorites before they are gone!