Making pretty bows had never been my strong suit. No matter how hard I tried I just couldn’t get them right. The loops ended up looking floppy, were different sizes and just ‘eh’. I’m convinced that one has to either have an innate knack for making bows, or be in a position that requires making bows regularly, resulting in practice, practice, practice.
Most of us don’t fall into either of those categories. So what to do? Ask a friend who’s good at it (inconvenient), buy a ready made one (too limiting and expensive), or just deal with ugly bows (ummmmm, no).
It doesn’t have to be that way. I spent some time looking on-line on how to make multi-loop bows, and although there’s lots of info, none of the instructions hit home. They were either too complicated to implement or not very clear.
Then I remembered Ann on Sutton Place has a tutorial on how to make bows that’s the best I’ve ever seen. The only problem is it’s for a simple, two looped bow, and I was searching for instructions on how to execute multi-loop bows.
Then it hit me. Why not expand on Ann’s instructions and add a couple of loops?
I cut three pieces of wired ribbon 24″ long and one piece 36″ long (same as Ann’s instructions). After stapling the ends of the 24″ pieces together, I simply laid them on top of each other as pictured.
The exact placement of the loops don’t need to be precise. Since you will be using a wire ribbon, you’ll have lots of opportunity to move things around at the end.
I then gave them a squeeze and secured the center with gauzy ribbon. Now, Ann’s instructions call for one more piece of fabric 6″ long to be folded lengthwise and stapled and used as the center piece. I decided not to do that for this ribbon and it turned out fine. (You’ll have to play around with the loops for a couple of minutes or so to get the poofy results you’re after.)
Notice the little ribbon ‘tail’ in the middle. That’s the ribbon I used to secure the middle and decided not to trim it. Totally optional.
As you can see, I like big bows on small packages ;).
I followed Ann’s specific instructions exactly for a burlap ribbon though, and was equally pleased with the results. This wreath is one I made a couple of years ago. (I spent HOURS cutting out these individual burlap and paper leaves and gluing them to a wire wreath form). I put this linen ribbon on it but always felt it was a little bleh.
I replaced it with a burlap ribbon that has a bit more oomph to it, and used two loops instead of three (only because that’s all the burlap ribbon I had). I really like the way it came out, and notice how it even covers the door knocker! Bonus!
I did come across an interesting video on YouTube about making bows which you might be interested in looking at. It involves using the side of a box as a tool for holding the ribbon in place and insuring you’re getting even loops. I thought it was a pretty interesting. You can see it here.
So now let’s get to the ‘wreath’ part of this post. On Monday two friends and I volunteered at the local Berkshire Botanical Gardens to make some wreaths.
This is the first wreath I made…
This next one was put together by Penny, and is a good representation of her style. Notice the ribbon and feathers and how they coordinate? And take note of the vine wreath placed on top of the evergreen. It adds depth and interest, don’t you think? (In case you’re wondering, the white tag on the wreath is required and indicates who designed the wreath).
This was my second wreath, and yes, I totally stole Penny’s idea.
This beautiful wreath was put together by Cheryl. Love the ribbon detailing!
And last but not least, Penny took a square wreath and manipulated it into a diamond shape. Simple, elegant and different.
Between the three of us we made ten wreaths but I didn’t get all the pictures. As you can see, a pretty ribbon can make or break a project, so it’s well worth the time it takes to figure out a method that works for you. If you’d like to see how Penny does her ribbons, check out this post from a few years ago.
In other news…
The other day it was so windy, the ribbon on my burlap wreath literally blew away (I found it and did a better job of securing it), but generally it’s been warmer than normal. Not so warm that I’m not looking forward to hittin’ the road with BAM in a couple of weeks :).
Sharing At
Tweak It Tuesday
Cecilia says
I do like the wired ribbon; so much easier to shape! Love the wreaths…I might have to “borrow” Penny’s idea of a grapevine over the green wreath. Looks great!
Mary-the boondocks blog says
Such beautiful bows Doreen. I also fall into that catagory of not making enough so that I’m good at them. But you certainly must have improved tremendously by the looks of your photos. And next time add some cement glue to that ribbon to keep it in place. Now I’m off to check out that video and see if I can improve my technique.
Donna says
Wired ribbon is easier to shape. You did a dandy job on your bows!
kelly says
Thank goodness for good bow making tutorials. I’m not very good at making bows either. I didn’t make any this year, but if I did, I would have to consult a tutorial for sure! Those wreaths all look so pretty! It’s fun to make your own wreath and less expensive too.
Brenda Kula-Pruitt says
I always envy someone who can make a bow look pretty, as I’m not one of them. I still tie my shoe laces backwards!
Brenda
Cindi says
I LOVE all the wreaths!
Your burlap one is very much my style
but I also love Cheryl’s because the Red would POP in my otherwise blah outdoor decor. LOL!
About the bows, VERY pretty!
But I cheat.
I wrap my presents in either brown packing paper (large gifts)
or in watercolor paper (for small gifts) and then I either use watercolors or markers and “paint” the bows and ribbons and tags. LOL!
OR I’ve been know to wrap gifts in very festive paper and when I drop them off, I exclaim “OH! the bow fell off!”
xoxo
Doreen says
You’re killing me Cindi! The bow fell off?! Love it so much I may have to borrow that one ;).
Kris @ Junk Chic Cottage says
Hi Doreen,
All these wreaths are so pretty. Have a great new week ahead.
Kris
Benita says
Surprisingly, making bows is one of my strong suits. 🙂 A friend taught me years ago and I always enjoy making them. Wired ribbon is definitely the key to a great bow! This tutorial is great and I may give it a try to see how it turns out! I’m always willing to learn a better, and easier, way to do something! 🙂 Hugs!!
Doreen says
Absolutely Benita! Wired ribbons are a must!
Now I have the Ghostbusters song in my head…’who ya gonna call? (For a bow) BENITA!!!
Rose L. says
Job well done-so lovely an outcome. Love the first wreath and its golden bow.
Kim says
The wreaths are gorgeous! I love them one and all! I have never been good at tying bows, all thumbs! When I starting blogging, a bow making company contacted me and asked me if I wanted to be a designer and they would give me the bow maker for free. I was skeptical, but tried it and fell in love. I’m no longer a designer for the company, but I am a still a perfect bow maker. I guess blogging has its perks! 🙂
Doreen says
Oh yes Kim, I would definitely consider that a perk ;).
AnnMarie says
Love all the wreaths! The bows are gorgeous. I learned how to make a looped bow when I worked at a florist. Very simple and works every time. Maybe someday I’ll do a tutorial!
Doreen says
You definitely should AnnMarie! Is your method the same as Penny’s? You probably didn’t click over but she just twists the ribbon while holding it in the middle. I find that to be relatively easy unless the ribbon is slippery. She used to own a florist shop and that’s where she learned too.
Pinky says
As a florist I guess I should do a tutorial! I have made LITERALLY tens of thouseands of bows. In my last job they paid me to take ribbon home and make bows at night and I got a dollar a bow. I would make 80 to 100 bows every night!!!!!! They quit doing that after a few years when they realized how much I was making, LOL!!!! All the wreaths are so pretty. Your method was very strange to me but whatever works!!!!
Doreen says
You probably use the same method my friend uses Pinky…just hold it in one hand and keep twisting, right? She used to own a floral shop and said in their downtime that’s all they would do is create bows. You certainly must have bow making down to a science if you were able to make that many in one night!
Kimberley says
Hi Doreen,
This was such a great tutorial, I have saved it to try! I usually just fumble my way through bow making and hope for the best! I went to a flower arranging class a couple of weeks ago and the florist was whipping up bows like she was a Ninja Bowmaker…I kept saying, can you do that again Ms. Ninja Bowmaker! Ugh, I still don’t get it…but hopefully your tutorial will help me become a Ninja Bowmaker! 😉
I love your wreath and the burlap bow is so pretty! Loved all the wreaths!
Have a wonderful week!!
Hugs, Kimberley
Red Rose Alley says
Doreen, this post hit home for me, as the girl’s made these pretty creative bows, and I even did a post about it. These are all creative, but I love that wreath with the red bow and berries. That looks so merry and bright. wow, you all made about 10 wreaths, that’s amazing! It looks like you are getting into the Christmas spirit, Doreen.
Enjoy the season!
~Sheri
Olympia says
How pretty are those bows Doreen! And how useful to know how to make them, especially now! Thanks for sharing dear!
Olympia
Jemma says
Good Morning Doreen,
You know I LOVE wreaths, so this post is extra special to me.
How I would have enjoyed having this opportunity to make wreaths with other ladies, you must have had the best time while creating such artistic beauty! Your bow tutorial is excellent and I too am a fan of Ann’s blog and her stunning crafts and photos.
Loving your wreath on your door, Doreen!
xo
Jemma
Doreen says
Of course, you KNOW I was thinking of you while I was making the wreaths and writing the post :). Wish you could have been there too Jemma. This year, more than any other, there were so many beautiful materials that were supplied it made it easy to create pretty wreaths.
Debbie from MountainMama says
The talent you have is amazing – those wreaths are incredible!! Are you sticking around for the holidays or heading off before Christmas with BAM?
Doreen says
Thanks Debbie! We are heading out before Christmas. We need to be in Florida by the 28th so it will be less stressful that way.
Vickie says
I had a friend who is now deceased that taught me how to make multiloop ribbons out of sasheen ribbon and now I want to see if I remember how! Your method works well with wired ribbon, so I’ll give it a try with the ribbon I’ve got. Thanks!
Your wreaths are absolutely gorgeous!! They’re all different styles, but beautiful in their own way.
Amy @ Ms. Toody Goo Shoes says
I’m a bow-maker “fail.” But, you’ve inspired me, Doreen. Thank you (and Ann!) for the tutorial. The wreaths are all beauties. Lots of talented ladies in that room, including you!
carrie@northwoods scrapbook says
I’m so impressed Lady! I’m so multi-loop bow challenged. Lol I’ve never been able to figure them out. I loved admiring yours and the others too, though. Such pretty wreaths – love seeing the variety and different ideas. 😉
Thanks for sharing Doll!! xoox
Deb @ Frugal Little Bungalow says
My grandmother used to make intricate bows and wreaths…the most I learned from here was how to curl ribbon : ) Your bows and wreaths are lovely here; you and your friends did a great job.
Pattie @ Olla-Podrida says
How pretty! Thanks for the great tutorial. I love that wreath with the lotus pods on it. You have inspired me (but first I have to buy a wreath!).
rue says
I’ve given up on doing “projects”, because I suck at it, but you did a beautiful job with the bows and the wreaths, Doreen.
I think I’m finally over this stupid flu, so hopefully pictures to come of my “no-project-decor” 😉
love to you,
rue
Julie says
Hi Doreen,
I love the bow tutorial. This will come in handy for the holidays. What pretty wreaths you and your friends made!
Enjoy the end of the week.
Julie
Feral Turtle says
I love your tutorial Doreen. I too have trouble with bows so this is an awesome post for me! Have a great weekend!
Magali@TheLittleWhiteHouse says
So many beautiful wreaths! You are a bunch of talented ladies.