Before I get started on today's post, I just wanted to let you know about a cool blog I found: A Music Plus. The writers are DJs based in Denver, Colorado, but their blog touches on wedding topics from favors to photography. I like it a lot, and I think you will, too! Now, onto today's post...If you're not a born Martha -- and who is? -- then you may think that DIY pew bows are not for you. Speaking from experience, making pew bows can be a frustrating experience for those of us who don't have an entire room devoted to hand crafts. That doesn't mean, however, that we shouldn't attempt to make our own pew bows...or invitations, favors, and jewelry. It just means that we need to give ourselves a little more time and be patient when we don't get it right on the first try.
While it may take a few attempts to finally master the art of making pew bows, you'll be able to crank out bows fairly quickly once you've got the hang of it. Below are instructions for two different types of bows that can be layered for a more elaborate effect.
To make them both you'll need approximately 4.5 feet of 1" wired ribbon; approximately 4.5 feet of 6" tulle (more or less depending on how long you want the tails); craft wire, wire cutter and scissors.
The Tulle Base
- Lay the ribbon horizontally. Find the middle of your strip of tulle and pinch it together with your left hand.
- With your right hand, pinch the tulle on the right side about 8" away from the middle.
- Bring the second pinched spot to the center, moving underneath. This should form half of a bow. Pinch together the middle with your right hand.
- Repeat the same thing with the left side, only this time instead of bringing the tulle underneath to form the bow, bring it over the top.
- You should now have a simple bow. Secure the middle by twisting craft wire around it. If you'd like to stop here, hot glue a silk flower in the middle to finish this simple project. However, if you want your bow more ornate, follow the next set of instructions to add a second layer.
- Lay the wired ribbon vertically on a table or flat surface, moving away from you. Take the end closest to you, bring it up and then tuck it in to form a small loop. Pinch the loop in place. This will be the middle of the ribbon.
- Just after where you are now pinching, twist the longer end of the ribbon 180 degrees. Keep the twist tight and "hide" it underneath the middle loop. Grab the long piece of ribbon about 6" away from the middle. Then form a loop by bringing the ribbon underneath and back to the center. Pinch together.
- Twist the long piece of ribbon again just after the center pinch. Make an equal sized loop on the other side using the same technique.
- Continue making equal-sized loops that rest directly underneath each other by using the same technique. Stop when you have three on each side.
- Secure the middle with craft wire and leave some extra wire in order to attach it to the tulle base.
- Cut off any tail you might have left over from the ribbon.
- Spread out the loops to create the look you desire.
- With the extra wire from the second layer, attach the ribbon bow to the middle of the tulle base. Consider adding long wire hooks or extra ribbon to the back for easy attachment to the pews. If you like, embellish your pew bows with anything from flowers to pearls.
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