A few of you might remember that my first stint with blogging began back before John was born when I was working on building my children’s clothing and accessories business, Lizzie & Coco. The blog name was virtually the same (Running with Scissors), but at a different web address. Today I’m re-sharing one of those original posts from 2012 when I provided a tutorial on how to make a children’s hair bow. It was lost in cyber-space and I wanted to give it a new home here. Here’s a look at the types of things I was making back then. Look at little John. I wish I could go back and give him more kisses on those chubby cheeks.

I kept the business alive for about six months after John was born, but it became too much to juggle. That’s when the reality of life with three kids set in. I was overwhelmed. I was doing too many things and I wasn’t doing any of them well. Or not as well as I’d like, at least. So I put it on the back burner for awhile.

Now my creative fire is burning again and while writing this blog helps me release some of my pent up creative energy, I’m being called to create more. So, I’ve been giving very serious consideration to reviving my “business”. I have very little time to devote to it, so it’s really more of a hobby at this point. I’m thinking I’d work under a new name (just my first and middle names) and with more of an emphasis on decor (some for kids but also for the rest of your home). Here’s a draft of a “logo” idea I’ve been working on. I would sell framed prints of my nature photographs as well as throw pillows I make from fabrics I love. I would also sell the children’s wall art I used to do. I’m still not sure if I would sell the little baby shirts and bows I focused on before. There’s so much of that out there already. My first and most important job is raising my children and running my household, but photography and creating things is a passion of mine that I feel driven to express and share with others. Like running, these crafts are an escape, a sort of therapy, that makes me feel more whole and, well, happy. I will keep you posted as I consider this more and possibly work toward getting this off the ground. I’d love to hear what you think of the idea.

But back to the bows, here’s the original post I shared in March of 2012. I hope it helps you utilize some of your own creative energy to make something special and unique for your own children.

HAIR BOW TUTORIAL

With two daughters, one who was born with a full head of hair and the other who idolizes Rapunzel, I figured I should learn how to make hair bows. Caroline’s hair has always been difficult to manage. At one point she had a chunk of hair that always stuck up in the back… for several months straight. I called it her “peacock feather.” I would slick it down and it would pop right back up. As she has gotten older and her hair has grown longer, it has become even more unkempt. I couldn’t find hair bows or barrettes that would keep her hair back, so I decided to take matters into my own hands.

I began by making barrettes embellished with felt flowers. Soon after I started making headbands and hair bows. Today, I’ll show you how I make hair bows. There are various methods, but this is what I have found works best for me. It takes a little practice, but once you get the process down, it’s really quite easy. Soon you’ll be hooked and you’ll want to make a hair bow in every color of the rainbow. Here’s what you will need:

 

• One piece of 1.5″ ribbon cut 24″ long
• One piece of 3/8″ ribbon cut 2″ long. Here it is fun to use a ribbon that is similar in color but includes polka dots, ticking stripe, etc.
• Thread in coordinating color
• Needle (Thread the needle and knot it before you begin the project).
• Scissors
• Lighter
• Hot glue gun
• Barrette of your choice (not pictured here). I  like to use medium-sized french barrette clasps as they keep Caroline’s hair in place all day. I have also used alligator clips for bows I have made for babies and children with less hair. You can also attach the bow to a headband wrapped in grosgrain.

Supplies

Step 1: Fold the long piece of ribbon in half. Cut off the very ends of the ribbon diagonally. Using the lighter, quickly run the flame along the cut edges of the ribbon. This will melt the edges and keep the ribbon from fraying.

Step 1

 

Step 2: Loop the top portion of the ribbon around and on top of itself. The pointy part of the ribbon’s diagonal cut edge should point toward you not away from you.

Step 2

 

Step 3: Loop the loose end of the ribbon back up on top of itself and away from you. You now have formed the top two loops of the bow.

Step 3

 

Step 4: Loop the loose end underneath the other loops forming the third loop of the bow. The loose end should now be pointing toward you. 

Step 4

 

Step 5: Loop the loose end over top of the other loops forming the fourth and final loop of the bow. 

Step 5

 

Step 6: Flip the bow over, careful not to let go of it. Look at each loop to ensure they are equal in size. Adjust accordingly. Now working with both hands, you will fold the center part of the bow four times. Use your right hand to fold and your left hand to gather and hold the bow. Hold it tight!

Step 6

Step 7

After Step 7

Step 8

Step 8

 

Step 9: You’re almost done! Now, you just need to glue your barrette to the back. Place a strip of hot glue along the back side of the barrette of your choice. Before you do so, make sure to figure out which way you want the barrette to close based on how you would put it in your little one’s hair. Quickly (hot glue dries pretty fast) press the bow onto the center of the back of the bow.

Step 9

That’s it! It will take a little practice getting each loop the right size, but I promise it will become easier the more you do it. Here’s one I made and attached to a headband instead of a barrette. (I can’t believe how little Elizabeth looks here in the summer of 2012.)