Gift Baskets - Bows that are part of the Basket Theme

Usually the last step in creating a gift basket is the bow. Bows can be made of all sorts of different things. There are dozens of different kinds of ribbon on the market. And in addition there are other fibers that can be used with great success when creating the bow and at the same time will add to the theme.

Of course, French Wire-edge Ribbon is very popular today. And for good reason. A person with little bow making experience can create a beautiful bow using Wire-edged ribbon without even having to actually tie a bow. Stack the desired number of loops, twist in the middle, add a knot with long tails, carefully pull the loops into a bow shape, squeeze, fluff, and attach to the package. It's really that simple. (Check the internet for precise direction as well as variations). For example you can pull the wire on one side and form a rose. Or try beading over ruched ribbon. (ruching is a technique where a zigzag like of stitches is sewn by hand along a piece of ribbon about an inch wide and 12 inches long. When the thread is pulled it will form what is called ruching. It's a very pretty ribbon embellishment that can be added to many decorative things including a package bow. Look it up on the internet for more information. It's a very simple technique to master.)

Curley ribbon is another quick, festive way to make a bow. Tie a dozen 1-yard long lengths of curley ribbon at the top of your cellophane. Use either a ribbon curling tool or the edge of a pair of scissors to quickly add the tendrils and you are done. It comes in several widths and 100s of different colors. It is inexpensive and easily found. Often the lowest price too. 500 to 700 yards will last a very long time too. Consider that when you art tempted to buy one of each color.

A popular ribbon that adds a chic look is actually a fiber with humble beginnings. It began life as a grass skirt. But in the past 15 years or so it has been a desirable bow of choice at up-scale bath and kitchen shops. Raffia has the ability to add just the right touch to give the appearance of value though it is very inexpensive. An ordinary $2 glass jar with a cork closure, filled with $1 worth of macaroni, suddenly becomes a $79.95 designer piece fill with "Pasta" when 4 or 5 strands of raffia are tied in a knot at the neck and cut blunt about 2 inches from the knot. Although natural raffia is usually the specialty shop color of choice, it comes in many dyed colors and even has a faux cousin made of paper which looks very much like the real thing.

Smokey sheer Chiffon ribbon, so delicate as to be almost invisible, is without equal for elegant beauty in the bow making world.

No bow making list would be complete without at least mentioning a few other old dependable members: regular sasheen ribbon (with the ability to give you a nasty "paper" cut; printed cotton fabric ribbon, in prints to suit any design or theme; and a number of other old standbys are still being used today. And there are a number of other suitable members of the ribbon family to choose from that we didn't cover here today. Don't be afraid to try combining 2 or more different ribbons in the same bow. It is often done with great success.

One of my favorites and the simplest to use is grosgrain (pronounced "Grow Grain") ribbon. All you need to do is wrap it around once and tie it into a single, simple bow. Cut the ends either diagonally or dove-tailed and you have a stunning finish for a simple package, gift bag or gift basket. Most people love it so much that they will carefully untie it, press it and use it as a hair bow or to adorn another perfect gift for someone else. Grosgrain ribbon is also used for making korker curls used in hair bows and gift baskets. Look on eBay to find many seller who sell the ribbon, directions for making korkers or ready made korkers. Fun to make and fun to use. Search for Grosgrain ribbon or Korkers for an amazing list of choices.

One final bow making material deserves being added to the list. But anyone who remembers the first time they tried to make it into a bow will laugh when I offer it as a qualified member of the list without also offering lessons in how to tie it. Paper Twist Ribbon can make a beautiful bow. And it can also ruin a perfectly good afternoon by dooming a poor novice bow maker to tears. It is worth the effort needed to learn how to conquer it, however. And for certain kinds of baskets, there are few materials that will yield a nicer result.

If any of these ribbons and bows have sparked your interest, there is all kinds of information to be found in a simple internet search. Patterns, instructions and steps are all out there.

Before I end this guide I wanted to list a few suggestions for embellishing the bow so it actually becomes part of the gift. Using floral wire, look a few spools of thread in among the bow loops when making a basket of fabric and sewing notions. Or add a few yards of old fashion RickRack to the bow. It comes in many widths and colors and would be a fun addition to the package.

Be careful with those hooks but fishing flies tied into a bow for your favorite fly fisherman's gift creel would be the perfect finishing touch.

What about stringing some Lifesaver candy pieces along the curly ribbon for the birthday boy or girl.

The list could go on and on but hopefully this will give you a few ideas to get you started. If you keep the bow in mind as you create your gifts, I am sure more things will quickly come to mind. By the time you are ready to design and arrange the basket or container, you will know if you will be embellishing the bow as part of the basket.  You may have decided that just the right bow, and nothing more, would be the perfect finishing touch. 

Enjoy!