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Tuesday, April 29, 2008

How to make a Korker Bow

Basic Supplies:
-Ribbon 3/8 inch
-Wire (or 1/8 inch ribbon)
-Wire nippers
-Needle nose Pliers
-Lighter, wood burning tool, or fray check
-Barrette
-Oven
-Dowel rods (1/4 inch diameter)
-Mini clothes pins (I got mine at Hobby Lobby in the wood section for around $2.00)

1. Before you begin, preheat your oven to 250 degrees. I don't have convection, so I don't know if that makes any difference LOL!

2. I like to curl 1 yard at a time. Only 3/8 inch ribbon should be used, it gives the best look. If you only curl one yard at a time cut your dowel rods into 18 inch long pieces, that length will hold one yard PERFECTLY!

3. Be sure to wrap the dowels tightly or otherwise your ribbon won't be tightly curled. And some ribbon will naturally hold a looser curl. The pink/brown ribbon used in this Tutorial is an example, in the oven the same amount of time, just a little looser curl. And that's ok because it adds uniqueness to your korker!

4. Bake for 15-30 minutes. Keep checking on them because they may be finished before 30 minutes is up. I haven't noticed a difference in the tightness of the curl if it's kept in longer.

Tips and Tricks:
-When you've finished cutting your korker ribbon into your desired lengths, go through and seal all the ends now. It takes too much time to do each piece individually as they're cut.
-To get the stickers off your dowel rod, just bake for 10-15 minutes. When you take them out of the oven, the sticker will come right off!
-Let the ribbon cool before taking it off the dowel. You won't burn your fingers, and you won't loosen the curl.
-If you are using red, keep one dowel aside just for red. If you use it later on a lighter color, the inside of those lighter colors will have a red tint.
-Try not to use ribbon or string to tie these. It's INCREDIBLY difficult and will result in much frustration. The wire is MUCH easier to handle and control.
-Light colored ribbon has the potential to turn brown if baked too long so keep an eye on it. If this happens, just wash it and start over.
-If the dowels seem scratchy when you take the ribbon off, just take a fine grit sand paper and run it down the dowel. It may be necessary to do this after the first few bakes.

Now for the pics!

1 comment:

Andrea said...

The pics aren't showing up - I'd love to see them!

Andrea (andreastamps)