To Bow or Not to Bow?!!

To bow or not to bow, that is the question? Why would I ask that question? After all, it is the season of gifts, trees and decorations, so of course we have to “BOW!”

Not necessarily! This is where I have to tell you that I have  a love-hate relationship with bows. I know that sounds so silly, but I have my reasons.

In the eighties (dreaded country decor gone badly era) everyone was putting a bow on everything. When in doubt put a bow on it! Wroooong!

Over the years design has become a bit more sophisticated and now bows are thoughtfully put on certain items like presents, trees, wreaths etc.

Now comes the hate(such a harsh sounding word) part. Pleeeeeez do not put bows on everything!!!

Sometimes I think certain vignettes or accessories can stand on their own and they do not require a bow.

Since it is the Holiday season we will obviously be putting a bow on our presents, trees and wreaths. I love ribbon and at times I would call myself a ribbon fanatic. If I see a beautiful ribbon I have to stand and stare at it, feel it and imagine what gift I can put it on.

I am going to show you the good, bad and ugly uses of bows and I will let you all be the judge on whether to bow or not to bow!!!

 

I like this bow! It is simple, laying naturally and looks elegant to me. My favorite ribbon to use is a beautiful velvet or a double sided satin. I also love a cute grosgrain, especially in polka dots. I put this bow in the good category.

This is a very typical bow we all see at Christmas time. Notice how stiff the ribbon looks and it is made to look perfect.

The ribbon is perfectly made to make an un-natural wave pattern. This bow is what I would put in the bad column.

I made these types of bows for my wedding in the 70’s and for floral arrangements and wreaths in the 80’s. That was a realllllly long time ago!

Gorgeous use of ribbon! No bow needed here and yet it still gives the affect of a bow in a more sophisticated natural look.

This is double sided satin in at least 3-4in. width. The length of ribbon is long enough for it to hang naturally from the sophisticated knot that holds the pine and pine cone.

So simple and so elegant. This is double sided satin in a nice width. Notice the way the bow lays naturally on the package. The tail of the bow is long enough to drape and not stick out stiffly. This is  a perfect bow to me. This bow is definitely in the Good group!

In this image you can see a less expensive looking package tied with double sided satin ribbon. Notice how the loops are large and yet the tails of the bow were cut off to short in proportion to the bow. This would look more lovely if the bow did not look so stiff and the tails were draping over the box.

 

Here is  a fun use of ribbon that does not have any need for a bow, although I would imagine most people would have put a bow on the chandelier. This person chose to just tie a nice knot and the let the ribbon do what it does best if left alone, it just flows.

There is no bow needed here. The wreath has some nice wide ribbon holding it up and some ornaments are attached to the end. I would not mind a nice loose bow with long tails on this wreath, but this look is so much more interesting.

Lovely satin ribbon tied loosely in a knot.

After writing this post I am realizing I had better take a closer look at the bows I make also! Isn't it funny when you really think about a subject you realize certain things about yourself too. Like I say, "I am still on the learning curve too."

I must leave you with one more image of a bow!!

Now that is what I call, “ A BOW!!!”

“Enjoy the Process” Of:

Making a bow and placing it with love on top of your gifts, that will be the best bow ever!!

Kathysue

Holiday Hint:

Remember to check out ribbon in the sewing notions at Walmart. You can purchase it by the bolt for around $6 for a 10yd bolt. That is much cheaper than in the Holiday wrap section.

Always check how much ribbon you are actually getting and you will be surprised at how little there actually is on the pre-package ribbons in the Christmas wrap section at any store.

  I buy mine early because it goes fast!!