Ribbons and Bows

Ribbons and bows placed on top, around, or in-between gift items sets your special gift apart from the rest.

Your bow need not be gigantic, especially if the gift is petite. Most of all, a bow with many loops and added curling ribbon creates a dazzling and attractive gift that the receiver cannot wait to open.

There are three ways to make a bow.

• Bows are made by hand from ribbon of all widths, colors, and sizes. The yellow/orange, red, and gold bows above are made by hand.

• Handmade bows are also made with help from a bowmaking machine which is sold at most craft, retail, discount, and hobby stores.

• Pull bows are premade (ready to attach to a gift) and sold in party and retail stores. The green-and-white checked bow above is a pull bow example.

No one is born knowing how to make a bow, so creating these gorgeous toppings takes practice. That's why bowmaking machines, videos, and books are available in craft stores and on Web sites to aid your creativity.

If you need many bows for an upcoming event and must make them ahead of time, you can make your bows and maintain their shape until needed. Attach a pegboard to the back of a door. If you don't have a pegboard, find a large piece of cardboard and punch small holes in it to thread the curling ribbon tails through the holes.

Depending on its size, the pegboard or cardboard can accommodate many bows whether handmade or premade. Be sure to tie the curling ribbon ends in a shoestring tie rather than in a knot.