Best Way to Ship Hair Bows?

Through trial and error, I've discovered the best way to ship hair bows. Whether your an online retailer or simply shipping a gift to a loved one, a hair bow can be shipped different ways.

You'll want to take into consideration that boxes weigh significantly more than an envelope. However, you'll also have to take into consideration that a korker bow is just not going to mail well in an envelope.

For pinwheel bows or other styles that won't deform or smash in shipping, I simply place them in a packet of air, inside an envelope. This is done two different ways.
1) Wrapping the bow in bubble wrap.
2) Placing the bow in a bubble of air, like a ziplock bag filled with hair, or a sealed plastic sleeve.

For bows that can wrinkle or smash easily, I recommend a box. I buy mine from Uline in bulk. However, if you are only shipping a very few, this is not economical. I've used food boxes wrapped in kraft paper, just be sure the box is clean. Like a cookie box or other item that was sealed on the inside. Boxes are avaiable at stores like Target and Walmart. However, at 40 to 1.00 a pop, that's pretty expensive. You might consider making your own box. This wonderful tutorial shows you how...
Make Your Own Shipping Box

Of course, if you are planning to ship priority mail, the USPS provides the boxes for you. Hair bows weigh light, so unless in a hurry, use First Class, it is enough savings to pay for a box.

If you use a box as the best way to ship hair bows, make sure you wrap the bows inside with plastic or tissue paper. You want to eliminate the shuffle and possibility of dampness, etc..

Is Grosgrain Ribbon Washable?

You might find yourself in a situation that leaves you asking "Is grosgrain ribbon washable?" Most varieties/brands of grosgrain ribbon is made from 100% polyester. Unless the ribbon is of poor quality, it's really durable and can stand a washing. However, before you wash grosgrain ribbon, there are a few things to consider...

• Seal the ends! Sealing the ribbon will keep it from raveling out during a washing. Once that weave starts raveling, it doesn't take long for the entire strand to fray out.
• Be aware of color fasting. Some prints and colors (especially red) will run or rub off in the wash.
• Do not bleach or use harsh detergents and soak stains before washing.
• Hang the ribbon to dry so it doesn't melt or wrinkle. Wrinkling will be unavoidable, but hanging it to dry will help some. If you do use a dryer, use a low setting. There are ways to remove wrinkles from ribbon.

Why would I want to wash my grosgrain ribbon?

Well, it's not actually necessary if you are just using it for decorations, but I always recommend washing anything that will be worn against the skin. You can never be too careful of dyes and chemicals that might be there. You'll also want to make sure you wash any excess dye before attaching a trim to something like a dress. You don't want the ribbon to bleed off on the fabric in the wash. Now, if you're like me, I can't count how many times I spilled my soda on ribbon. So, I've found myself washing it for that reason. It usually comes out really well. Then some ribbon, with time can become very dusty. You might consider just spot cleaning already shaped items like hair bows.

Non Slip Grips for Hair Bows

Some hair bows come with non slip grips, but for those that do not, you can add your own fairly easy. I add them to the hair bows I sell upon request.

GripZies - This brand of non slip grip inserts are made just with the hair bow in mind. They are free of toxins and latex. The only down side I see is that these can be a bit expensive or unhandy to get, since you have to order them. Hard to get them when in a hurry.

Thin Mounting Foam - A strip of thin mounting foam can be applied to an alligator or french clip to provide a non slip grip. Some of this comes with self adhesive, if not, you can use permanent double stick tape or glue.

Silicone - Some people will apply a thin stream of silicone to the clip. This is a cheap method and easy to find at hardware stores. However, I find it messy and difficult to find a way to prop the clip open while it dries. You can find silicone already made and double side tape or glue it in.

Rubber shelf liner - That foamy type, not the sticky back type. Cut it into little rectangle strips (see picture) and glue it in. I cut some of these up and tried them. I had a hard time gluing them in.

I don't use shelf liner on my bows. Upon request, I add a nice, non hair pulling foam grip.

How to Get Wrinkles Out of Hair Bows

Kids are rough on their stuff. Sometimes they wad up their hair bows or shove them in drawers causing wrinkles in the ribbon. How can you give new life to those old hair bows? Well, it depends on the type of bow and ribbon, but most bows are easily taken care of.

Most likely your hair bow is made of polyester. Most grosgrain and satin is polyester. However, some are blends.

Organza-
I don't recommend steaming organza at all. I once steamed a dress and it altered the texture of the organza. Getting the wrinkles out of an organza hair bow will be nearly impossible, to retain the shape. You can try wetting it and shaping it, but I've never had much luck.

Polyester-
Take the part that is wrinkled and hold both ends, sort of stretching the wrinkled part. Hold it over (not on) a burning light bulb of a lamp. Careful not to burn yourself or touch the ribbon directly onto the ribbon. Don't hold it in the same spot too long either. The heat of the light bulb acts as an iron, but gives a good shape to work with the loops of the hair bows.

You can also use a narrow, low setting flat iron. I would only use a cheap one! No Chi flat irons!

*Warning - My advice is based on my experiences with my bows. I'm not there and can't verify what type of bow or ribbon you have. So use this advice with caution and at your own risk.

How to Fix Fraying Ribbon

Learn how to fix fraying ribbon and add more life to your hair bows and dress sashes. Ribbon will ravel out and fray if the ends are not treated or sealed in some fashion. Even when they are sealed, with extended wear, ribbon can begin to ravel and fray. Try these tricks to fix your ribbons.

1) Heat Seal - It's VERY important to use this method on 100% polyester ribbon only. Most (but not all) organza, satin and grosgrain ribbon are polyester. Simply trim off any excess frayed ribbon on the ends. Then take a lighter and quickly run the flame across the ends. It must be quickly to just seal and not melt the ends. It might be necessary to run the flame across the end more than once. Some ribbon has rough, thicker edges than others. Organza and Satin ribbons will burn the quickest, so be careful!

2) Liquid Fray Check - This product will send the ends of any type of fabric or ribbon. However, you should check the fabric/ribbon ahead of time for staining. I don't like using liquid fray check unless necessary because it can stain or leave watermarks on the material. This type of sealing method seems less permanent to me as well. It doesn't hold up as well as the heat method. However, it is best to use the fray check if you are unaware if the ribbon is polyester or not and if there is a danger of ruining other parts of a hair bow or dress by using a flame.

To apply the liquid, place a small, thin stream directly above the end of the ribbon. Allow it to dry, then trim off the edge. It might take it several hours to dry. I would wait at least overnight before trimming. Be careful where you lay the material to dry. I like to hold the wet part up off any surface. The substance is kind of sticky.

If you have any questions about fixing your hair bows or sealing the ends of ribbon, please don't hesitate to ask me. I'm happy to help you get the most out of your hair bows.

How to Make a Hair Bow for Daisy Scouts

Learn how to make a hair bow for your little Daisy Scout!

I put together this tutorial so that mother and/or scout leaders can make hair bows for the Daisies. This is pretty simple as long as you have some patience. I made this one rather large just for the purpose of the tutorial. You might want to scale your Daisy Scout hair bow down.

Supplies Needed:

• 10 grosgrain ribbon stripes that match Daisy Scout colors (these are cut 7 inches long in this tutorial, but I made one using 6 inch ribbons after)
• Lighter to seal the ribbon
• Long needle and embroidery floss
• Small piece of felt (optional)
  
• Got glue or fabric glue
• Buttons or other garnish for the center
• Hair clips, bands, etc..

Step 1:
Gather your supplies and seal the edges of the ribbon. Do this by quickly running the ends of the ribbon through the flame of the lighter. *Make sure your ribbon is 100% polyester or else!*
Step 2:
Arrange the ribbons in the "color wheel" of the Daisy Scout.
-Green, light pink, lavender, light blue, yellow, bright green, red, orange, purple and hot pink

Step 3:
Beginning with the first color on your "wheel", fold the ribbon strip in half.

Step 4:
Now fold the edges over on each side, lining the ribbon up on all ends. It will resemble a heart, sort of. *Picture explains this better*
Step 5:
Run the bottom edges through a piece of thread, placing it in the middle of the thread.


Step 6:
Continue doing step 5 for all of the ribbons, being sure to hold them all near the middle of the strand of thread.


Step 7:
Once you have finished all of the ribbons, you can might want to put a small dot of glue between the ribbons and then tie them in a circle OR tie them off in a circle, then add the glue.Be sure you don't tie the ribbon off too tightly though. If you are gluing your bow to a large hard surface, like a plastic headband, you can wait and glue it on there. However, I glue mine onto a small felt circle to hold the shape after I tie it off. This worked well for me. The flower hair bow needs some sort of support.



Step 8:
Once your flower structure is secure, you can add a middle by using a button, flower, or some other type of garnish. *The one I used is just something I had on hand, wasn't the best pick*



*You can also fan out your hair bow as seen in the picture, but do that before gluing it together!

Step 9:
Attach your made to match Daisy Scout hair bow to a clip, headband, etc.. You can also make a brooch out of these or attach them to a hat, even flip flops. *You might want to do a better job than me at aligning the colors, I didn't pay attention when I glued it down until it was too late.*


Please visit my Etsy store for hair bows. I plan to include a full line of "Made to Match Girl Scouts" hair bows and accessories as I find time to add them to my library. In the meantime, you can contact me at my shop or my facebook page about custom orders.

To keep up-to-date on the latest Girl Scout happenings, visit this awesome blog from MommyMommyMommy... After all, she knows best!
Girl Scout Leaders Blog

Thanks for visiting!

Tutus - Easy Project for Kids!

By using the no sew instructions for tutus, children can make their own very easily. My 7 year old son actually made the one in the photograph for his cousin. I prefer to sew mine, but for the kids or perhaps someone who isn't too crafty or one who doesn't have a sewing machine, this is a great way to make your own tutu.

You simply stitch a piece of elastic, or get a headband that is the size needed. Many headbands stretch really well.

Get some tulle on a spool that is 6 inches wide. You can get some off the bolt that is wider, but it's rather hard to cut. For small children, the less cutting involved the better.

Decide how long you want your tutu. Take the length desired and multiple it by 2, then add about 1 inch on it. Now cut several strips of tulle that length. For example, an 8 inch tutu: 8 X 2 +1 = 17 inches. So cut the tulle into 6" X17" strips. For an easier method of cutting, Take a piece of cardboard that is 17 inches long and wrap the tulle around it several times. Then cut it at the end of one side.

Now all you do is tie slipknots all around the headband. If you are using more than one color, be sure to alternate your colors. You can make it very full, or not so full. Use as many colors as you like. If you use one of those crocheted headbands, you can layer your colors. However, be sure to get one that is sturdy. We used a cheaper one before and it fell apart.