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.

Why should little girls get all the cute stuff?

I've decided to go on a quest and target an older audience. Don't worry, I'll still be making hair bows & other accessories for little girls. I'm just trying to up the ante and focus on some cute items for the older generation. Personally, at 35 years old, I find it difficult to find items that are not too young or too old. It's like I can be a teeny bopper, plain jane or an old lady. So, I pick the plain, boring stuff.

Well, I'm not going to be plain jane anymore. I've started wearing cool headbands and hair bows to make my wardrobe less stale. Hey! I have personality too. I will say that I'm not overly found of a single hair bow an on adult head, but I do love headbands with bows on them. I'm going to start making some with lace bows on them in the near future (actually as soon as I find the narrow headbands I order). Such chaos in the world of hair bow making! =)

Use Hair Bows to Decorate Presents

Why not dress up a little girl's present with a hair bow over a traditional bow? Decorations for packages can be very expensive. I'm always look for practical ways and more green ways to decorate. I like reusing items for packing and wrapping gifts... like kraft paper, the comics and magazine pages.



So, I made these bow with that in mind. I started putting them on gifts for my nieces and friends little girls. They really look very similar to those that you would find on a present. I just simply apply regular ribbon around the package and use the alligator clip on the hair bow to attach it to the gift. You can also attach these to gift bags.

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.