Monday, July 28, 2008

Where can I purchase instructions?

Are the free tutorials not giving you the info or creativity you crave? Why not try ordering some from the many talented ladies out there? Many have reasonable rates and can email them to you within 1-3 days of ordering unless otherwise noted.

  1. punkynmunky.etsy.com- She is super creative and always coming out with new designs. Lots of sport specifics and princesses!
  2. www.littlecansofbeans.com - She has a wonderful tutorial for woven headbands for a decent price. There is also a forum in which to discuss the instructions once they have been purchased though the hipgirls website.
  3. dkazoriginals.etsy.com - She has a line of Halloween clippies that are to die for! Not sure you'd like to attempt them but would love to put one in your little one's hair? She also sells her designs already made.
  4. hairbowswonderworld.etsy.com -One of the top set of instructions for ribbon roses/flowers. She gets rave reviews across the board.
  5. www.theribbonretreat.com/Catalog.aspx?cid=153 - As previously mentioned in one of our posts TOTT is one of the most widely purchased directions. TOTT stands for Tricks of the trades and teaches just that. all the basics are included with a wooden bow maker.
  6. sugarpopribbons.etsy.com - Always wanted to make those super cute clay centers but it never came out right? Why not try these instructions which will show you how to make cupcakes, lollipops, etc.
  7. www.lookatmebaby.com - On the other hand there is LAMB instructions they are comparable to TOTT. It just depends on your preference. You can purchase these with the Gator Bite and let me tell you that thing looks awesome and really allows room for your loops to poof up when you are creating your crease. :)
Remember to support all the bow makers out there. Without them we wouldn't have fresh and exciting ideas! For the love of Bows!

Saturday, July 26, 2008

Where are free instructions?

Lots of sites offer free instructions:

    1. www.hipgirlclips.com/forum - This is one of the informative and helpful places on the web. Not only do they have tons of helpful tutorials but the forum is a wonderful place to discuss bow making topics and dilemmas or even get an opinion on a new bow.
    2. http://bowdesigns.50webs.com/index.html - Has some good tutorials for basic bows and some ribbon art.
    3. www.theribbonretreat.com/custom/free_projects.aspx - This website has a few freebies for some cute stuff but is also one of the biggest seller for online instructions. You will see them mentioned as TOTTS. They are for sell on a different part the site and I believe they come with a bow maker .
    4. http://www.theartfulcrafter.com/ribbon-two.html - A very cool way to make a woven fish.
    5. http://heatherbailey.typepad.com/photos/how_to_make_a_yoyo/index.html -How to make a Yoyo out of fabric.
    6. http://www.theribbonretreat.com/custom/modules/FreeProjects/PDFHowtoMakeKorkerRibbonandBows.pdf- How to kork ribbon. It can get VERY addictive!
    7. http://angrychicken.typepad.com/angry_chicken/2007/06/this_house_is_w.html-A super cute to cover snap clips with felt. I have yet to try but it looks pretty easy.
    8. http://www.instructables.com/id/Pinwheel-Hairbow/- The hugely popular pinwheel hairbow.
There are lots of fun and different tutorials on the web in regards to hair bows. There are some for sell for more complicated and personalized bows/sculptures for the serious bowmaker.

Look for our next post which feature sellers who have some wonderful bow secrets/templates/tutorials for sale!

How to make Clips Non slip.

One of the most asked questions out there:How do you make your clips nonslip?

There are several options:

  1. Velvet Ribbon: Lots of ladies line their clippies with 3/8 velvet ribbon for a hassle free way to keep them in position. Can be purchased through: Local Craft stores, www.theribbonretreat.com, www.tabbywabbyribbons4bows.com, www.hipgirlclips.com/store,www.ribbonandbowsohmy.com
  2. Grippzies: They go over a previously 3/8 grosgrain lined clippie. A bonus is it is Latex Free. Can be purchased through: www.lookatmebaby.com or www.ebay.com.
  3. Shelf Liner: Just cut to fit and either A) hot glue B) E6000 or C) use double sided tape to adhere to a lined clippie. Can be purchased at: Walmart or your local dollar store.
  4. Foam: You can either purchase craft foam and adhere it to a lined clip using one of the ABC's or you can purchase the stuff that already has the glue on the back and just cut to size. Can be purchased at: Hobby Lobby, Michael's, Walmart, and sometimes even the dollar store if you have a good one.
  5. Duct Tape Carpet Tape: This is applied like the foam. Can be purchased at: Walmart in the by the Glues and adhesives in Home Repair.
  6. Magnets: You can cut a strip of magnet with adhesive already on the back into the correct size and put on the inside of the TOP of your clip and then cover it as usual. Can be purchased at: Hobby Lobby, Michael's, and Walmart.
  7. Velcro: You can cut a strip of the loop side and and adhere to a lined clippie. Can be purchased at: Hobby Lobby, Michael's, and Walmart.

It seems the most popular method is shelf liner as it is cheap, fast, and easily accessible.

What's Going On Here ?

Well after MANY hours of browsing several crafting/bow making forums I have noticed multiple requests or questions asked about the same subject over and over. I would like to use this blog as a way to make each entry specific to one subject. That way I can post all of the options for each part by itself in a non confusing format.. Well at least I HOPE it's not confusing! Stay tuned kiddos it's bound to get interesting! :)