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Thursday, November 29, 2012

Tying-One-On....To Bow Or Not To Bow?





Since it is the Holiday-Gift-Giving season we will all be wrapping up packages, and tying pretty bows.


Today I want to talk about BOWS!!! 

I love a beautiful bow, and trust me I have tied many in my years of holiday gift wrapping, and decorating for weddings.

I even made my own pew bows in 1970 for my wedding. 



CHANGES:

Over the years my taste in bows have evolved, and the big abundant,fluffy bows of the 70’s & 80’s  are no longer the bow of my choice.

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However, I do realize that many are still tying-one- on, so to speak. 


Source: designmom.com via Allie on Pinterest

Please know that I am not saying it is wrong, or right. I am just saying I prefer the softer side of ribbons, and bow making.



CAN WE TALK?:

I just wanted to open up a dialogue about when we should, or should-not use the big pew bow style. When is it just too much!?


I prefer a beautiful double faced satin ribbon to a stiff looking ribbon with wire on its edges. 




I do use it from time to time, but my preference is an elegant, loosely tied bow.


There will always be those in both camps. 

Which camp do you fall into?

Big fluffy pew bows
OR
Soft loosely tied bows


One more question:

Do we really need to put a bow on everything? When is it just too much?

I would love your feedback on how you feel about ribbons, and bows!!

BTW: Be sure to come by The Enchanted Home blog. I am one of the guest on her Bloggers gift list post. There are a wonderful line-up of bloggers and some great ideas for gift giving! Click HERE!

21 comments:

Linda {Calling it Home} said...

Oh Kathysue, we are about to have our first disagreement....sort of. I do love the first two images. When it comes to holiday gifts, let the fun, out of the box eye catching stuff happen. Recently, I gave a gift and used straws on top, like on my "Great ways to wrap a gift" Pinterest board. They kept asking me how I made that. Long answer, go for it with the bow.

The enchanted home said...

I am all for a big fat bow....but loosely tied bows are pretty too, depends what its going on to set "the mood". When it comes to bows, there's no wrong in my book!
Enjoy your day and thanks for being my guest today!

NanaDiana said...

The only thing I really love the big fluffy bows on is when it is used as a topper for a Christmas tree. I just think it is a nice "dressing"...rather like a veil on a bride. Other than that I love the soft sweet bows on packages. xo Diana

Teresa Hatfield ~ Splendid Sass said...

I am with you on the satin, Kathysue!
You have chosen some gorgeous images here. Pinning of course.
Happy Thursday.
Teresa
xoxo

Patty Day @Pattys Epiphanies said...

I prefer the double sided satin ribbons...by far!!!
There is a place for the ones with the wire edges, but on gifts....nothing is softer or prettier than a simple single double satin bow!
I found a great source when we lived in Norfolk, Virginia. Norfolk Wholesale Florist. They have a ribbon ROOM! Now when I need any ribbons, I call them and they ship them to me....quickly!
And...on your last question...I think it's a pop of whimsy to have one gift unbowed!

Confessions of a Plate Addict said...

Headed over over to see your gift suggestions, Kathysue...fabulous! I have definitely reigned in all the bows at my house...used to be a bow explosion! lol Hugs...Debbie

Julie Taylor and Danni Greenwalt said...

Anything goes....be creative is my suggestion......have fun with it!

Sandy said...

I wish I had your talent for bows. Do you have a bow tying tutorial?

Barb @ The Everyday Home said...

I don't know, on my tree topper and on my swags, I still love my fluffy bows, but I agree on packages...very softly tied satin ribbons. This year, I am even going to use raffia with the brown paper and plain white satin ribbon. But I do agree that people can go a little overboard with the fluffy bows. But, I saw whatever floats your boat - or fluffs your ribbon. LOL

Can't wait to read your gift post.

xxoo

Merlin said...

BOTH!! franki

Sue said...

I am all over the place with bows. Some are the big ones, saved from year to year, I use some of them on my garland or a wreath or my tree. Then, I like the simple bows, on a candle or a wine stem or a package, and then I like NO bows, I have 2 plain pine wreaths with no bows this year. So, a few of each please?
Merry Christmas Kathysue.

Wendi @ Classic Chic Home said...

I've used multi-loop bows in the past, but, they're a bit of work and usually get flattened as the pile of presents grows! This year, I'm changing up my Christmas wrapping and making simpler bows with pretty gift tags.

michele said...

i'm not a big bow girl, but my little sister in arizona is known as a bow mama! in her free time, she makes hair accessories, bows for dogs, bows for christmas trees...you name it.

:)
michele

carolyn bradford said...

LOVED your guest post today on Tina's blog! I also LOVE This post on bows and totally agree with you! Gone are the days of the easy to stick on bows that you pull out quickly to make them into one big round bow! We are all moving towards the delicate, dainty, lazily tied bows if you will…so much more elegant but understated! I found an entire box of those twist it and stick it on bows in our back room at the shop yesterday and just got tickled at it!

debra @ 5th and state said...

i agree with you completely, 100%, bravo!
xoxo
debra

Jeanie Cash said...

You made my day, Ms Kathysue because I have never learned how to make a big puffy bow! I tie my bows like I tie my shoes; however, the wire edge ribbon has made the look pretty!

Ann from On Sutton Place said...

I'm with you on the soft, drapey bows. Love them. You can compare bows of the 80's to hair of the 80's. Sort of big and fluffy. :o) I adore bows though and decorate with them often. The soft satiny ribbon is my favorite. I always have a bolt of ivory ribbon on hand. Loved this post and all your pics!

Melinda said...

I love wrapping and bows of every kind. I have crates of ribbons of every colour and width and fabric, and to me it depends on gift, the size, shape, wrapping paper, whether it's patterned or plain etc. As long as effort is involved and some thought, I don't care!

Eddie Ross said...

Love all of the pretty bows! Enjoy the season, Kathysue!

xo,
E + J

Karena said...

I love the soft bow; and then in certain circumstances, some of the beautifully wired ribbons are gorgeous for shape.

xoxo
Karena
2012 Artists Feature and Giveaway from The House of Edward

Anonymous said...

Such lovely pieces! Truly, the ribbon can really make a difference. Your post gave me an idea of the beautifully made ribbon ties. Thanks for sharing this!

HairbowCenter.com