Simple Homemade Bows! - Dior Bow

I was asked by the company I work for to coordinate a banquet. I decided to use this as an opportunity to show of my crafty talents to my boss. (teehee) So, I am going to demonstrate how to make your own bows for gifts! There will be follow-up blogs to show the different bows that come of this. This first bow is called a "Dior Bow."

 Materials:

Ribbon: I used wired ribbon, because it's easier to use.
Scissors: Yup
Tape or a Stapler: I personally like to use the stapler, because tape doesn't always stick well to satin ribbon.

As a reminder, this blog is centered around crafting on a budget. Fear not - depending on how big you make your bows, a spool of ribbon will cost you around $2-$5. Assuming you already own a stapler, tape, and scissors, that should be all you spend on this project.  The amount of materials you need will be completely dependent on how big you make your bows and how many layers you put on your bow.

 

Let's Begin!!

Making Your Layers

 (1) I cut the ribbon spool into four strands. I started with a base strand of 10 inches. I made each proceeding strand 4 inches longer than the previous one. 

(2&3) Once you have your ribbons cut, connect the ends of the ribbon using your tape or staples.... or both!!

The Optional Steps

(1) Connect the ends of all of your ribbons strands.

(2-4) These steps are optional. I wanted to better include the colors of our high school for the banquet, so I added an orange ribbon layer. Simply tape one end of the smaller (orange) ribbon to your ribbon from step (1), and trail it around. Tape the other end of the small ribbon in the same spot that you started it. Repeat this for all the ribbons. 

Stacking Your Layers

(1) Next, pinch the center of the ribbon so you are holding the taped/stapled area between your fingers. The ribbon smallest in circumference will be on top. 

(2) Pinch the other ribbons in the same way, and layer them underneath going from the smallest to the largest. 

(3) Staple the stack of ribbons in the center.

Making the Center/Covering up the Ugly

(1) Cut a small piece of the wide ribbon to wrap around the center of your bow.

(2) Make sure that the ends of the ribbon piece are placed under your bow, and tape or staple them there. You don't want all of your tape and staples to show!

When you're satisfied with your bow, place it on your gift. I would normally wrap mine, but that is highly unnecessary in my current case. 

Questions, Suggestions, and Comments are Welcome!!!

Happee Crafting -Ash