Sympathy & "Cheater" Bow Tutorial

This week our Ribbon Carousel Crewmate, Andrea Ewen is challenging us to create Sympathy cards.

I don't think anyone actually enjoys making Sympathy cards, but it's a good idea to have a few on hand just in case.  I used Papertrey Ink cardstock (Ripe Avocado, Kraft and White) and a simple striped patterned paper.  I created the background on the Kraft cardstock with a script rubber stamp from Inkadinkado and Antique Linen Distressing Ink.  The Botanicals stamp set from PTI was stamped with Peeled Paint and Walnut Stain Distressing Ink as well as PTI Fresh Snow.  Using Brown Cotton Twill ribbon and my Bow Easy, I tied a simple "cheater bow".  The image panel was popped up for depth and dimension using Helmar Zap Dots.

I'm often asked how I tie my bows and I'm kind of embarrassed to admit that 99% of my bows are considered "cheater" bows.  Which really just means that the bow is done in two parts rather than with one piece of ribbon.  I like how I have more control over the look of the bow and I use LESS ribbon than with traditional bow tying.  

First you will need:

Two Strips of ribbon

Twine

Scissors

Bow Easy  (Optional)

Hot Glue Gun

Your first strip of ribbon needs to be long enough to cover your card front panel and tape around to the back.

The other strip needs to be long enough to tie your bow.  You can tie it yourself or use a Bow Easy like I do.  It's very simple to use and it gives me perfect bows every time!!  Seriously, it's $6 bucks and is the best money I ever spent!!  :)  HERE is a YouTube Video if you need to know how to use it. 

Next, I use a small piece of twine and tie it tightly to the strip of ribbon where I will be placing my bow.      The crimped/scrunched look will give the appearance that the bow has been tied here rather than placed on top of the ribbon.

Snip the ends of the twine off and this is what it will look like.

Finally, hot glue the bow over the twine and Viola!!  :)

I LOVE my hot glue gun....it's a SureBonder Mini Detail High Temp glue gun and I use it all the time. I love that it also comes with it's own stand so you don't get those drips of glue on your desk and has a fine tip nozzle.  (I took it off the stand for the photo above).

Here it is again finished.  See?  You'd never know it was a "cheater" bow...even in person.

I hope my creation has inspired to you play along with us this week at the Ribbon Carousel Challenge Blog,  Remember, your creation can be anything you'd like, just be sure you use ribbon, bakers twine, lace, thread...(anything that comes on a spool) on a Sympathy card.

Thanks so much for stopping by today!