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138 Comments

  1. Sandi
    November 27, 2012 @ 10:20 am

    I will never try this. Because I am inept with anything that isn’t a keyboard. Or a turkey baster. Neither of which will do me any good in the realm of bow-creation. But. I wanted to say that your OTHER DIY skill is the How To Blog and I hope to goodness that you’re considering a YouTube channel or something.

    You can even bring a stapler. 🙂

    Reply

    • Victoria Elizabeth Barnes
      November 27, 2012 @ 11:07 am

      I considered a video. But I would first need to write my dialogue. Because A- I am a control freak. And B- I am a rambler. And C- I LOATHE when people ramble on and on…

      Plus, the obvious benefit to simply blogging—I am wearing a ten-year-old sweatshirt and looking not at all holiday-glam-ish. 🙂

      Reply

      • Clarissa Porche
        December 3, 2014 @ 11:24 pm

        YOU ARE HYSTERICALLY FUNNY!! I came here for the bows..but I STAYED because you made me laugh and now I don’t so much care about whether or not I can master a bow. HA!!!

        Reply

        • Misti Gray
          November 14, 2015 @ 12:46 am

          I completely agree. You are a hilarious delight!

          Reply

        • Ida Cribb
          October 4, 2016 @ 3:39 pm

          Me too … I was so relating and laughing

          Reply

        • Mona Allen
          November 28, 2016 @ 1:55 am

          Sooooo funny! You are a riot….I’m reading this, cracking up and trying not to wake up my 1 year old! Thank you for making my Sunday night.

          Reply

        • Judy
          November 21, 2019 @ 9:54 pm

          Me too!😂😂😂

          Reply

        • Jo
          December 7, 2019 @ 10:30 pm

          I thought this bow was in a few easy steps ??!! Never seen something so complicated and then the instructions omg I need a lie down after that …

          Reply

      • Dayanara
        November 28, 2015 @ 10:05 pm

        NICE and EASY!

        Reply

    • Ida Cribb
      October 4, 2016 @ 3:37 pm

      That sounds awesome

      Reply

    • Ddrhl
      December 10, 2016 @ 9:46 am

      Just a warning…as I look down and see tiny sparkles EVERYWHERE around me…if you’re going to make your own bows, stay away from glittery ribbon! OK…I like how it looks, but I don’t want to think what it’s going to take to clean up after the 15th one!

      Reply

      • Ann Harlow
        December 23, 2016 @ 2:54 am

        Sadly, I didn’t read the sparkly part till now. I have gold glitter EVERYWHERE! Maybe hairspray? Love this blog. And my bow turn out out quite acceptable. Far from perfect but oh well.very sparkly and pretty. Thank you.

        Reply

  2. travelgardeneat
    November 27, 2012 @ 10:23 am

    I can hear it now. . . Stuart Smalley’s “Bow Affirmations” . . . “I’m good enough. I’m pretty enoug. And doggone it, I don’t care if you like me or not.” Great post ~ Kat

    Reply

  3. TKraft Art & Interiors
    November 27, 2012 @ 10:47 am

    GREAT READ. I totally relate… however my mother is a cross between Martha Stewart and Rachel Carson. I just found your blog last night and already I’m obsessed with your banter, I consider myself lucky for this find. Not only did you pull off and create a fabulous door bow but you managed to make two matching ones. hehe

    Reply

    • Victoria Elizabeth Barnes
      November 27, 2012 @ 11:15 am

      The reason the bows match is because I stood outside on a ladder yesterday afternoon for FAR longer than is remotely reasonable. Twitching and adjusting and fidgeting and generally acting like a meth addict. But, thank you.

      p.s.- I am the crazy vegan environmentalist in my family… I’d love to add Rachel Carson to my mom’s personality hybrid. If I could keep Edith, that would be the ultimate combination.

      Reply

  4. the home tome
    November 27, 2012 @ 10:56 am

    Looks so professional! Am impressed – and don’t think I didn’t notice the sparkly hanger. 🙂 I do in fact have a bit of a ribbon collection – will have to see if they are wire rimmed…I think I will have to start small with this project and build up to your fabulous-ness. 🙂

    Reply

    • Victoria Elizabeth Barnes
      November 27, 2012 @ 11:36 am

      The sparkly hanger is the best part!

      I kind of worry that I have either not explained well enough, OR made the post so incredibly long that no one will read the whole thing… but oh well. It’s my contribution to the blackhole of Christmas DIY posts. I now have greater appreciation for the effort behind how-to blogs.

      Reply

  5. patinaandcompany
    November 27, 2012 @ 11:03 am

    HAHAHA! The running out of ribbon, calling all the stores and asking to have it mailed, all because of “minuscule details that are both irrelevant and of utmost consequence”! Been there! And I’m adopting that phrase as my personal mantra from now on, by the way.

    Since you are the Julia Child of Bows, then I am going to have to link you when I post about my Christmas planters later today, so that readers will be able to upgrade from the lame bow-making technique that I used!

    You’ve definitely started my day with a few LOLs.

    Reply

    • TKraft Art & Interiors
      November 27, 2012 @ 11:19 am

      “Julia Child of Bows” how clever, she crossed my mind as well as I read Victoria’s blog. Then proceeded to check out your blog… it’s a snowy morning and somehow it just feels right to be doing twenty things at once… one being reading blogs.

      Reply

      • patinaandcompany
        November 27, 2012 @ 11:22 am

        Yes, I’m into avoidance again, knowing the next project is to go out in the snowflakes and do my outdoor planters! I was thinking of how Julia Child says “don’t apologize; nobody knows what you’re doing in the kitchen” or words to that effect.
        Have a good one and good luck with your twenty things.

        Reply

    • Victoria Elizabeth Barnes
      November 27, 2012 @ 12:02 pm

      That IS good ribbon, isn’t it?? It was stupidly expensive compared to the standard stuff… but I loved it so much I couldn’t resist. Julia would approve—the craft equivalent of using 5 sticks of butter.

      I can’t wait to see what your Christmas planters are… I thought I’d kind of run out of steam for decorating, but that perked me back up, so maybe I just need something new!!

      Reply

      • patinaandcompany
        November 27, 2012 @ 12:12 pm

        The bows really are gorgeous and, yes, it’s the choice of over-the-top components like your ribbon, that really make it something you couldn’t run out and buy imported from China at a fraction of the cost of making it.
        I am enjoying your Christmas decorating–keep writing!

        Reply

        • Victoria Elizabeth Barnes
          November 27, 2012 @ 6:32 pm

          You know, when I was at the craft store I saw some pre-made bows that they wanted $29.99 for. That is outrageous! I mean, they were nice bows. But not THAT nice!! Who pays $30 for a bow?

          Reply

          • patinaandcompany
            November 27, 2012 @ 6:59 pm

            That is NUTS to just WRAP the gift–you may as well buy another gift with that! I did not get my floral arrangement posted today, but I just came from the grocery store where they had large outdoor “inserts” arranged/slapped together for $99 each. They were not unique either, let me tell you. Somebody must be buying an awful lot of this stuff, though.

            Reply

  6. Karen B.
    November 27, 2012 @ 11:34 am

    Victoria,
    If I make typos in this comment, it’s because my eyes are teary from laughing so hard! Does your mom try to “help” you become more of a MS or does she just let you run wild? 🙂
    I am the family bow expert. It’s because when we were transferred to Dallas from our homeland of Southern California (years ago) I took a bow making class. It WAS before the internet, where you can find out how to build a car if need be. I’m not sure my bows are quite as pretty as yours, so I will be practicing your technique in hopes of honing my skills.
    Karen

    Reply

    • Victoria Elizabeth Barnes
      November 27, 2012 @ 12:15 pm

      Lol… What did we do before the Internet? Paul and I were just joking the other day that he doesn’t need to go in for minor surgery—I can just look it up on YouTube and do it for him in the kitchen!

      I’ve watched my mom make bows a million times (her neighbors/friends ask her to make them.) At first, she did try to help me… but (as you know,) I kind of think it’s one of those things where you really just have to do it, and the more repetition you have, the better they turn out. My mom will whip out a set of six in no time at all, while simultaneously making pie… but I am MUCH slower.

      p.s.- my ribbon is a perfect example of how I said to you that now the blog is my best excuse for buying stuff. Even if other people are totally inconvenienced and have to mail it to you…

      Reply

      • Karen B.
        November 27, 2012 @ 7:55 pm

        Well, clearly, you are a multi-talented blogger and I can only wait in anticipation of what other DIY project you have for us. 🙂
        I confess, I’m not sure my bows have ever turned out as perfect as your example, but maybe it’s all about the ribbon, I don’t think my ribbon has been wide enough. It’s wired but maybe I need to graduate to wider ribbon, I’ll get back to you on that.
        I’m borrowing your excuse for purchasing items…Mr. B. will be none the wiser that I got the idea from a blog friend!

        Reply

        • Victoria Elizabeth Barnes
          November 28, 2012 @ 7:59 am

          If nothing else, the wider stuff cuts down on the sheer number of loops… which makes it easier. I also think the simpler look is nice. Although it’s possible that if there was more ribbon on the spool, I would have kept going and it might have been twice as good…

          Reply

    • Darlene F
      December 13, 2012 @ 2:30 pm

      Like you Karen B. I am the family bow expert. I love making all my pkgs. beautiful and looking like I spent hours decorating then when in fact all it took was a few minutes. These beautiful pkgs make the person on the recieving end feel special, that’s becaust they are.

      Darlene

      Reply

      • Victoria Elizabeth Barnes
        December 15, 2012 @ 10:35 am

        A gorgeous bow REALLY does make a gift look special! (In my case, they may have actually upstaged the gift, on occasion.)

        Reply

  7. Alex @ northstory
    November 27, 2012 @ 12:26 pm

    You know what I am most impressed with – aside from your calling your mom’s Michael’s and the priority mail thing b/c I do that all the time with my mom’s Walmart and Joe Fresh – is that you took photos that were clear while holding the ribbon with your hand. That is one of the biggest challenges of a craft post. Add glitter and you’re SOL and cursing for weeks at digging that crap out of the shutter release button come Easter. Bows are hard. This is talent.

    Reply

    • Victoria Elizabeth Barnes
      November 27, 2012 @ 6:29 pm

      LOL… well, the other 50 photos I *didn’t* post are completely out of focus. And I think actually, a few of the above are maybe not as clear as they could be.

      Okay, I’m glad you ask your mother to mail you stuff… I felt bad calling mine. I mean, I am an adult who theoretically understands she has better things to do than run around and mail me ribbon. But true to form, she claimed it was totally fine and did it right away.

      Reply

  8. Tia Lavoria's Famous Salsas
    November 27, 2012 @ 1:32 pm

    Reblogged this on Tia Lavoria's Famous Salsas.

    Reply

  9. justjamee
    November 27, 2012 @ 8:36 pm

    Awesome!!

    Reply

  10. Stacey
    November 27, 2012 @ 11:49 pm

    Oh Victoria you never cease to amaze. I bow to your bow… PERFECTION! Honestly people think these might be easy but I have really screwed up a bow or two. The bigger the bow, the bigger the screw ups (at least for me) Bravo you little bow maker, you! And hugs to your mom for being there when those bow emergencies occur. Now that is true (crazy) love!

    My mother also taught me to make bows but they were mostly for gifts and I got pretty darn good at it. I don’t think, my entire life, I ever saw her buy or use a store bought bow. To this day I haven’t either. Your doors are beautiful, classy, and bowtastic! A reflection of the people inside, no doubt.

    Reply

    • Victoria Elizabeth Barnes
      November 28, 2012 @ 9:38 am

      Bowtastic is the title I was looking for but failed to think of… I hate that.

      The bow also works like camouflage, on gifts you are not sure meet the recipient’s personal style… the Christmas before Paul and I got married, I gave my MIL a scarf, and put a giant bow on the box… I have seen the bow on the tree every year since, but never seen the scarf… LOL.

      Reply

      • Stacey
        November 28, 2012 @ 10:35 am

        GREAT STORY! (bursts of laughter)
        I decided to go the very personal and thoughtful route with my MIL for that very reason. She gets a box full of cash! With a homemade bow, of course.

        Reply

        • Victoria Elizabeth Barnes
          November 28, 2012 @ 3:44 pm

          LOL… smart!
          I am not one of those daughter-in-law who is excellent at shopping for their family-in-law. Paul always looks at me with dread when I tell him he needs to TELL me what to get them.

          Reply

  11. RedCandy
    November 28, 2012 @ 2:48 am

    I adore your bows. There’s no shame in having only one crafty skill, especially when you’ve mastered it! They look beautiful. 🙂

    Reply

    • Victoria Elizabeth Barnes
      November 28, 2012 @ 9:34 am

      Thanks! It would be better though, if my sole craft skill were not limited to four weeks of the year… ☺

      Reply

  12. Danielle
    November 28, 2012 @ 2:52 am

    Victoria, you continually crack me up! This is the perfect bow making tutorial… I’m sure you are making your mama proud. I was just thinking I need to redo the one on my front door wreath and now I KNOW I absolutely have to.

    Making sure you have the right amount of ribbon is a great tip. One year I bought 5 rolls of red ribbon for our Christmas tree. They had 15 feet on each roll and it was the perfect amount. Several years later when I wanted to update our tree, I bought 5 more rolls of gold ribbon not realizing it can come in such a variety of lengths. I am now the proud owner of 500 feet of gold ribbon. If you are ever in need of gold ribbon to go with that styrofoam turkey, I am the gal to hook you up!

    Reply

    • Victoria Elizabeth Barnes
      November 28, 2012 @ 10:04 am

      Laughing… Well, I hope you REALLY like that ribbon! At least you got a bargain. And you will never have to buy ribbon again. (Or you will buy new ribbon in a few years and feel vaguely guilty for not just using the stuff you have.)

      The spools I bought were only 3 yards!! I literally could not believe I didn’t even think to check that… I mean, what can you do with three yards of ribbon? Not much…

      Reply

  13. our heritage home
    November 28, 2012 @ 3:39 pm

    Love the bow and the post (had a good laugh, you know how to lighten my day), makes me want to put a bow around my entire house!

    Reply

  14. Stefanie
    December 1, 2012 @ 10:56 pm

    I found your blog searching for how to make bows (because I found wired-ribbon in my Christmas box and decided I wanted to try to be crafty). Your blog is absolutely the most humorous! I laughed nearly the entire time. I’m not sure how much ribbon I have on that spool, and it will probably be the situation – I think this is actually gonna work … oh NO! I ran out of ribbon! … no store has the same because I have NO idea when or where I bought it! … well I have to buy new ribbon because it’s going so well!! haha But I am going to try 🙂

    Reply

    • Victoria Elizabeth Barnes
      December 2, 2012 @ 8:05 am

      I’m so glad you found me among ALL the other nine million, bow-tutorial blog posts!!

      I hope it goes all right for you… expect your first few to NOT look the way you had imagined. Unless you’re already pretty crafty? If nothing else, maybe you get an excuse for a trip to the craft store to buy ribbon (and probably ten other things you don’t need). 🙂

      Reply

  15. patinaandcompany
    December 2, 2012 @ 4:32 pm

    Alright, I think I just may have made the loudest, proudest bow in my town after these instructions! Using, I must add, 5 1/4-inch wide red ribbon with a glitter pattern all over it! No, not out of my ribbon bin, either, but having had to buy more new ribbon again. Looking forward to seeing it hung in all its wild and crazy glory tomorrow, by somebody who climbs very tall ladders (not me).

    Reply

    • Victoria Elizabeth Barnes
      December 3, 2012 @ 7:43 am

      Literally laughing out loud… can’t wait to see it!
      The wide ribbon makes ALL the difference in the world, doesn’t it? 5” PLUS glitter? You have outdone me…

      Reply

  16. donnellday
    December 7, 2012 @ 1:53 am

    Thats so cool! I know the feeling, my mum was an occupational therapist who could whip up teddies, basket making, hessian figurines, leatherworks, silver work, baking in the blink of an eye. I couldnt handle fabric If I tried and sewing machines give me the jitters (give me a piece of timber however and i’m fine to design you something grand). BTW, menioned you on my blog re: a Leibster award (if you follow those kind of things, im not too good with pass the parcel things – but hey if I can spread the blogging love then its all good).

    Reply

    • Victoria Elizabeth Barnes
      December 8, 2012 @ 8:49 am

      Well, architecture is amazingly creative! So you must have gotten a version of your mom’s ability. I can think stuff up, but lack the skills with a sewing machine (or wood) to actually make it happen. Also I DON’T enjoy cooking or baking. Even though technically I can do it, I really don’t find it relaxing… where as my mom seems to genuinely love it.

      Thank you so much for the mention, you totally made my day!!!

      Reply

  17. helpwithyourlife
    December 10, 2012 @ 10:54 am

    Beautiful! Thank you! 🙂

    Reply

  18. Char Henderson Wegleitner
    December 10, 2012 @ 8:16 pm

    Forget making the bow! This is the funniest tutorial I’ve ever read! You are hysterically funny!

    Reply

    • Victoria Elizabeth Barnes
      December 11, 2012 @ 7:57 am

      I hope it’s obvious that you are now my favorite person in the world.
      You totally made my day, thank you.

      Reply

      • Char Henderson Wegleitner
        December 11, 2012 @ 9:34 am

        And I hope it is obvious to YOU that you are now my favorite blogger! I can’t wait to read the other stories, and I am so thankful that I had to make a ridiculous bow for the office holiday tree or I never would’ve found you! And your instructions DID work; I focused heavily on the “get the center really scrunchy” and “you can just shove your stapler in there and go to town”. Those tips were critical to my new-found hobby (career?) of making bows. So, I thank you, my office holiday tree thanks you, and my insatiable need for laughter as often as possible thanks you!

        Reply

        • Victoria Elizabeth Barnes
          December 11, 2012 @ 6:26 pm

          I’m glad you embraced the stapler. It’s an underrated craft tool.
          AND I’m relieved it worked for you. I was afraid people would try it and end up with nothing you’d want to display… Although? I guess it’s possible those people exist, and simply failed to leave me comments.

          p.s.- your picture is fantastic. We have the exact same taste in wigs and glasses.

          Reply

  19. Becky Elmuccio (@craftygrdenmama)
    December 22, 2012 @ 9:23 pm

    I now have a plan for my doors for next year. Good tutorial and since I read a newer post first, it was very cool to see you on page 1 of Google Images search!!

    Reply

  20. Marjorie Flowers
    November 20, 2013 @ 10:51 am

    Beautiful!! Just a question though — what did you do with the ends? When you started, did you start with the end flush with the center of the bow? And when you finished, how did you get the streamer to fall flat behind the loop? Thanks!

    Reply

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