Do you want a super easy way to jazz up a wreath with all the Valentine’s Day vibes? Well, I have the perfect solution for you today. A perky, fluffy bow always does the trick. I’m super excited to share this long tailed bow tutorial with you today plus a hack to keep enjoying it past the holiday.
Not only does it look fabulous for Valentine’s Day, but you can customize it for any holiday or occasion. This tutorial hack will have you set throughout the entire year.
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Inspiration for the Long Tailed Bow
I like long wispy bows and recently I have seen a ton of these stacked long tailed bows coming through my feed. Love them. On my latest Dollar Tree run I saw burlap ribbons in Valentines day colors. I grabbed the burlap and white colors since I always use those in projects and on impulse I grabbed the red one just in case for some Valentines fun. I had no specific plan, but knew I would use them eventually And here we are.
These burlap ribbons are wired edged and a great basic and versatile supply for so many projects. I use them all the time. I shared how I used them in a different bow tutorial using the green family here {a Bow Tutorial – How to Create the most Fantastic Ribbon Masterpiece}. This bow is very different, but equally fantastic.
How to Create a Long Tailed Bow
Although we are creating a bow for Valentin’e Day here, you can use these steps and techniques to create any themed bow, by simply adapting the ribbon selections. Make it yours.
Supplies
- I main ribbon (approximately 80 inches long)
- 6-8 assorted ribbons | trims in varied widths (approximately 48 inches long)
- Floral wire or twine
- Safety pin
Tools
- Scissors
- Ruler or tape measure
Crafting Pro Tip: Read all the instructions through once and then re-read everything again. This way, you are familiar with everything you need and know what to expect.
Instructions
- Read instructions thoroughly and assemble all supplies & tools
- Remove all packaging and tags from supplies
- Using the main ribbon form a basic bow by creating two loops at the center of the ribbon and knotting them together
- Pull and tuck loops and tails until you have the proper size & composition of the bow and tighten knot
- Assemble all other ribbons cut to similar lengths (mine are around 48 inches long)
- Layer ribbons on top of each other with wider selections in the back and gradually stacking thinner ribbons on top
- Tie ribbons together in the middle with floral wire or twine
- Layer middle section of stacked ribbons folded in half on top of bow knot
- Cut a short piece of main ribbon which can wrap around entire center knot with stacked ribbons
- Safety pin the wrapped middle ribbon section on the back of bow
- Voila! Attach your pretty long tailed bow on your wreath and enjoy!
Tips & Recommendations to Keep In Mind
Versatility for the Win
Since I want to use and reuse this bow hack for other holidays and occasions, I chose a neutral color for my main bow. This way I can remove the valentines themed tails and add different tails next time. Think green themed for St. Patrick’s day or pastels for Easter and so on. Stay tuned you will be seeing more long tailed bows around here.
Ribbon Sources
Lavish and spendy ribbons are not necessary to create a fabulous bow. Five of the ribbons and trims I used on this project I found at the Dollar Tree. I always look at the craft section at thrift stores too, plus garage and estate sales are also a great resource. Big craft stores like Hobby Lobby, Michaels, etc. also run discounted sales regularly so be on the look out for those. The other ribbons I used here were all in my craft stash so I din’t buy anything deliberately for this project. Always shop your home first and try to use what you have.
Movement & Interest
I recommend using ribbons of different widths, varied patterns and mixed textures. This will add more interest and depth to your finished piece. Using trims as a ribbon option adds a touch of whimsy and gives movement to the ribbon tails.
Pinned with Purpose
The safety pin on the back makes it easy to add and remove the long tails without damaging the ribbons, which can then be used again on another project or saved for next year. Repurposing seasonal crafting supplies is always a good idea whenever possible.
Beyond a Wreath
The long tailed bow jazzes up any wreath but you can also use it in so many different ways. Hang it on a mirror to add seasonal decor to any room or hang it on a coat rack or peg in your entryway to greet guests with seasonal intention.
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Closing Thoughts
I hope you enjoyed this easy bow tutorial and hack. I will be using this in many ways for sure. Do you think you’ll give it a go? Let me know in the comments.
Thanks for dropping by today and can’t wait to see you next time. If you celebrate, wishing you a lovely Valentine’s Day. Au revoir!
Shop the Look
- Natural burlap wire edged ribbon
- White burlap wire edged ribbon
- Red burlap wired edged ribbon
- Lace ribbon crochet cotton lace trim vintage lace ttrim
- White pom pom trim
- Red tassel trim
- Fabric scissors
- Floral wire
- My favorite of all time Square Preserved Boxwood Wreath
Don’t forget to Pin It and save for later. You never know when inspiration will strike!
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When in doubt put a bow on it.”
Brandy Pham