Pat Catan's Crafting & News Blog: Creative Angle

Creative Angle | Festive Fall Wreath | August 2008

Festive Fall Wreath
By Marie Vetrano

Supplies:
18" Grapevine Wreath # GPV18
2 Ea. 2' PE Fall Ribbon (contrasting colors) shown: #PE-1004F)
2 Ea. 1.5" PE Fall Ribbon (contrasting colors) shown: #PE-1001F)
Bowdabra # BOW1003
Bowdabra Wire #BOW3030
Floral Picks of Choice
Berry Vine of Choice
1 Pkg. Feathers #1207-90 *Optional
Scissors, Wire Cutters, Hot Glue

*Wreath consists of 10 bows attached to a grapevine wreath. Assemble 5 bows of each using the 1.5" and 2" contrasting ribbon

Instructions For Bows:

1. Cut three 8" lengths from the 2' ribbon and dovetail* the ends.
2. Cut five 7" lengths from the 1.5' ribbon and dovetail the ends.
3. If using a berry vine - pull up on the individual secetions at the base of vine and cut. Set aside two sections for each bow.
4. Clip flowers from stems - leaving at least 1" of the stem under flowers
5. Cut bow wire 22", fold in half and place into Bowdabra lengthwise - tuck wire ends under the Bowdabra to keep them out of your way.
6. Push each of the 2' ribbons down into the center of the Bowdabra and then each of the five 15" ribbons.
7. Next place the ends of the berry sections into the Bowdabra.
8. Tuck flower stem into Bowdabra.
9. Bring wire ends up to the center, open loops end and slide ends through. Pull straight up on the ends. Separate wires and bring them around to the back of the bow and tie ends. 
10. Fan out the ribbon sections and separate some of the berries. Wire ends can be twisted around a pencil to form curly Q's
11. Once all of the bows are made, arrange them on grapevine wreath and either tie them on or hot glue them into place.
12. Cut a section of bow wire and tie onto the back top of wreath for hanging.

*Dovetail Ends: To create a dovetail simply put both pieces of the bows tails together and fold in half longways (like a hot dog bun!). Take a sharp pair of scissors and cutting from the inner fold (where the middle of the ribbon would be) cut across to the end of the ribbon tails. This creates a V shaped cut also known as dovetail!

If you need help with using your Bowdabra our craft coordinators would be more then happy to give you a hands on demonstration so you can learn! Just ask!

Creative Angle | It's Knot That Hard | August 2008

It's Knot That Hard
by Jen Langman

Supplies:
Hemp # 1936-89 or your choice
Fimo Beads #1995-26 or your choice
Scissors, Tape

Instructions for A:
Cut two strands of hemp 1 yard ea. Knot one end leaving 3" at end. Leave a 2" space, knot and slide a bead onto one of the hemp strands.  The other strand will be on the outside of the bead. Bring hemp together and make a knot. Repeat step but alternate the strand that you slide the bead on.  When desired length is achieved, knot end leaving about 3" from the end.

Instructions for B:
Make quick braided bracelets by cutting two strands each of 3 different colors of hemp - about 20" long. Knot the ends, leaving about 1" from the end. Secure knotted end to a stable surface with tape or a clamp and begin braiding hemp.

Instructions for C:
Cut 3 strands of hemp into 1.5 yards ea. Gather and knot ends together - leave about 2" at end.  Secure knotted end to a stable surface with tape or a clamp and begin making square knots.  Separate strands - left-center-right- the center will remain stationary- the left will first cross over right to form an X. left over right and under; right over left and under or the reverse whichever is handiest for you. After about 1" of square knots slide a Fimo Bead onto the center strand of hemp. Repeat steps above making square knots, adding a bead about every inch.