How about a Christmas tree bow topper with 2 ribbons, each of a different color? That would look pretty cool. Find out how in this tutorial.
This topper uses 2 different colors together, which can later be fluffed out to reveal the accenting colors. You can use any 2 colors or patterns that you like. And this topper could be used for other occasions, so the colors don’t even need to be Christmasy.
If you haven’t used ribbons in this way before, it might take a couple of tries to get acquainted with this method. Have a couple of practice runs first if you don’t feel confident.
Supplies Needed
- Gold ribbon x 25 yards
- Plaid ribbon x 25 yards
- Pliers
- Scissors
- 20-gauge wire, 18-inch length
Step-By-Step Instructions
Preparing The Streamers
- Put the ribbon together and measure out 6 feet, cut.
- Take the ends, and fold the outer edges down.
- Gather the ends and squeeze them together, ensuring the outer edges are pointed down.
- Take a wire, and place the center of the wire behind the gathered section about an inch down the ribbon.
- Wrap the wire around and use the pliers to twist and tighten the wire.
- Repeat twice so that you have 3 streamers ready to go.
Creating The Bow
- Put the ribbons together, measure out 10 yards, cut. The ribbons are used together as one.
- About 2 inches from the end of the ribbons, fold the edges down and gather the ribbons, making sure that both edges are pointing toward the inner ribbon.
- Hold it between your thumb and forefinger, and place your third finger on the other side of the ribbon to brace it for extra control.
The 4 3 2 1 Method
This method uses decreasing numbers to help us keep track of where we’re up to. The ribbons will be folded as follows:
- 4 Ribbons on the left at 14 inches
- 4 Ribbons on the right at 14 inches
- 3 Ribbons on the left at 13 inches
- 3 Ribbons on the right at 13 inches
- 2 Ribbons on the left at 12 inches
- 2 Ribbons on the right at 12 inches
- 1 Ribbons to form the “nose” at the center at 10 inches
Applying The Method
- Measure 14 inches, gather at the 14-inch point, ensuring the edges are pointed downward.
- Tuck it between your fingers and twist.
- Repeat on the other side for 14 inches.
- Repeat, following the 4 3 2 1 list above.
- When you get to the last bow, cut off the excess, leaving the 10 inches.
- That ribbon comes to the middle. Tuck it into the bundle and gather.
- Get 2 wires, and poke them as one through the center.
- Bend them down on each side.
- Have a look at the beginning of the ribbon, and make sure it’s on the correct side of the wire.
- Twist the wires carefully 3 times with the pliers, keeping the wires separated. Don’t twist the wires so hard that you break them.
- For each bow, separate the pair of colors and twist them so you can see both colors. Start at the outside and work your way in toward the center.
Repeat the whole bow creation procedure for your second bow.
Attaching The Bows Together
- Locate the wires on each bow.
- Take 2 wires from each bow and hold them 2 or 2.5 inches from the center of the bows.
- Twist them twice.
This will hold the bows together. The other 2 sets of wires will be used to tie the topper to the tree.
To Make The Streamer Bows
- Cut 2 feet of gold ribbon, or your choice of color.
- Fold in half.
- Cross the ends over about two-thirds of the way down.
- Flip it over.
- Take the middle of the top of the ribbon and push it to the center of the crossed-over section.
- Tuck it and gather the center to form a bow shape.
- Place a piece of wire at the center of the front of the bow and bend it over to the back.
- Twist the wire.
- Fluff your ribbon.
Repeat until you have 12 streamer bows.
Putting The Topper And Bows On The Tree
- Use the wires on each streamer to attach them to the top of the tree.
- Place the streamers at the points of a triangle around the tree.
- Twist 4 of the streamer bows on each of the 3 streamers at intervals.
- Take the topper and place it at the top of the tree.
- Use the spare 2 sets of wires to secure the topper by twisting them together.
- Fluff up your tree topper.
Now you have a cool bi-color Christmas tree topper!