DIY Hair Bows

Hey y'all! As a Pinterest addict, I stumble upon some really great ideas. Also, I love hair bows (I mean, what prep doesn't?!) I don't like to spend a whole lot of money on something that seems so easy to make, so I search Pinterest to see just how crafty I can be!

Pinwheel Hair Bow

Materials needed: 

grosgrain ribbon 
24 gauge craft wire 
hot glue gun 
hair clip of choice

1) Cut the ribbon  

Adjust for size you want. For beginners, cut a piece of 1.5 inch grosgrain ribbon to 23 inches.

2)  Fold the ribbon 

• Make your first loop down with the ribbon making a long tail in front.
• Bring your ribbon "tail" up while keeping a grasp of your first loop.
• Bring your "tail" down to start making a second loop.
• Bring the tail up from the bottom of your newly formed second loop.

3) Create the center
Pinch and fold in the center twice this is what creates the nice crease. This may take a few times to get a neat fold.

4) Wrap the center
While holding on to your center fold tightly get out your craft wire and tightly wrap it around the center. You can also use thread or fishing line. I prefer wire as it provides a little extra control. If you are going to make a stacked bow I suggest handsewing your layers together.

5) Making the tails
Flip your bow over and even out your loops and then cut your "tails". I like the triangle but but you can use straight lines. Then take a lighter and quickly run the flame over the ends of the ribbon. This will heat seal it and prevent future fraying.

6) Make the center ribbon

• To complete the center knot get a smaller piece of ribbon. (use a 7/8 ribbon if bow is made with 1/2 ribbon).
• Cut a piece long enough for you to knot and work with.
• Loop it much like an awareness ribbon looks.
• Tuck one tail through the loop and pull.
• Once you have pulled it tight you may need to rotate the tails close to the knot so you have a smooth pretty tail coming from either side of the knot.

7) Add the clip 

Slide in your choice of clip.

8) Finishing touches

• Put a tiny dot of glue on the center of your bow and secure the knot in the center.
• Then fold each tail over one at a time securing it with hot glue on the alligator clip with the prong open.
• Trim the tail
• Repeat with the other tail. 
• Use your lighter once again to heat seal and exposed ribbon end that you just trimmed up on the back side.
• Adjust your "tails" so they are as you like them. 

Viola! Done! 

See pictures at: http://www.instructables.com/id/Pinwheel-Hairbow/?ALLSTEPS

For a more complicated version of a pinwheel/butterfly bow: http://www.girlythingsbows.com/perky_loops.html 
http://www.girlythingsbows.com/pinwheel_bow.html

More hair bow ideas in the link below: 
http://makebowsandmore.blogspot.com/2013/04/bow-tutorial-links.html