Crafts Unleashed

The Mini Bowdabra is one of my favorite bow-making tools.  I have been using both the  Mini Bowdabra and the original Bowdabra for several years to create bows for seasonal themed crafts, wedding bows, hair bows, and kid crafts.   

When purchasing the Mini Bowdabra I would recommend purchasing the Bowdabra Bow Wire.  The Bowdabra Bow Wire is a great product to hold your bow together tightly without having to sew it or use hot glue.  I personally “heart” Bowdabra Bow Wire.  It is so easy to use, it holds the bow together awesome, but still allows you to adjust your loops, and fluff your bow.  The other great thing about the Bowdabra Bow Wire is that it easily curls and holds its shape!

For those of you who are unfamiliar with the Mini Bowdabra I have provided step-by-step instructions on how to make a bow using the Mini Bowdabra and Bowdabra Bow Wire.

Begin by removing both the Mini Bowdabra and the Mini Bowdabra Wand from its packaging.

Next cut a 24” piece of Bowdabra Bow Wire and fold it in half.

Place the Bowdabra Bow Wire into the center of the towers and fold it under the Mini Bowdabra so that it doesn’t come loose.

If you want your bow to have tails, cut some with straight edges, angled edges, or dovetailed edges.  I seal the ends of my ribbon by running the very tips of them through a lighter quickly.  However, clear nail polish or fray blocker works, as well.

To begin making the loops of your bow, place the end of ribbon into the center of the Mini Bowdabra towers.  The towers are spring-loaded and hold your ribbon easily in place for you.

Fold your ribbon over, form a loop, and press it into the Mini Bowdabra.

Make several loops before cutting away your ribbon.  To make your next colored loops begin the same way, insert the end of the ribbon into the center of the Mini Bowdabra Tower, fold and press ribbon into the Mini Bowdabra to make several loops.

Add smaller loops to the top of the bow for a great finished look.

Using the Mini Bowdabra Wand scrunch the bow down.

Next, take Bowdabra Bow Wire and thread the two ends through the center loop that was formed when you folded the wire in half.

Pull the Bowdabra Bow Wire tightly.

Remove the bow from the Mini Bowdabra, pull the Bowdabra Wire around to the back twist it, and then knot it in place.  Fluff and form the loops of the bow by pulling and twisting them into place.

(Optional) Bring the wire back to the front and attach at button or other embellishment.

Attach you bow onto a Grapevine Star from ConsumerCrafts.com!

If you’re looking for a great project using bows, check out the “4th of July Wreath!”

Consumer Crafts is now also carrying the Bowdabra Hair Bow Tool and Ruler.   The ruler fits easily over a Mini Bowdabra.  The Hair Bow Tool and Ruler kit comes with the Hair Bow Ruler to measure bows and loops easily, Bowdabra Bow Wire to hold bow together, and interactive software to make 70 different hair bows.  The software includes helpful hints, frequently asked questions, a ribbon length chart, finishing tips, and step-by-step pictures instructions for make a total of 70 different hair bows including the pinwheel bow, the boutique bow, loopy bow, cheerleader bows, stacked bows, pet bows, and the hard-to- make baby bows.

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