Bow Making Series--Part Two--Hardware, Ribbons, and Embellishments

Definitely the most fun part of making hair accessories are all the wonderful ribbons and goodies to put together!!

Again, I had NO CLUE when I started making bows what to start with...these are just my thoughts from a few years experience behind me :o)

Hair Hardware--I buy my hair hardware online.  I can find what I am looking for more easily and the quality/price can't be beat.  I used to go to Sally's all the time getting single prong alligator clips, but they were always out of stock!!  Here are some of my favorite sellers:

• Single and double prong alligator clips--I buy a lot of supplies from Etsy...these are mostly women like me trying to make a few extra dollars for their families and I am all about supporting that!  For my alligator clips, I buy from Accessory Junction on Etsy.  The owner is FAST and has quality clips.  I buy 400 at a time since the price is better as you purchase more.
• French clips and headband forms--Hip Girl Boutique, LLC  

Ribbon--Yet another thing I have a HUGE preference for!!  I have tried them all and let me tell you, they are not created equal!!  The very best ribbon brand for making hairbows, in my opinion, is Offray, without a doubt.  They don't have a huge selection of printed ribbon, so that is something I go outside the brand for, but they have an enormous selection of plain colors and polka dots!  The Offray ribbon is sturdier and stiffer, so it keeps its shape much longer without a stiffener.  I buy my Offray ribbon from Tea Party Ribbons...they have the best prices and decent shipping time.  If you don't want to buy online, JoAnn's carried a full stock of Offray ribbon.

Printed Ribbon--There are TONS of printed ribbon places on eBay and Etsy, but I usually go to Oh*My*Gosh*Goodies.  She has fast shipping and a huge selection!

Embellishments--Swarovski crystals, buttons, etc can be found at crafts stores like Michaels and AC Moore. I have even found vintage clip-on earrings that are super cute for hairbow centers!

Now...want to know what to do with all this stuff?? Tune in Monday for my first tutorial on how to make a loopy flower bow...just in time for Spring!