How to Paint a Bow for an Easter Basket

You can embellish Easter basket ribbon with paint.

You can add personal detail to Easter baskets by painting designs on the ribbon with which you tie the bow. Many people feel their Easter basket is incomplete until they tie a ribbon bow on the front or the handle. Use the ribbon as a canvas for customization or personalization. You can paint Easter imagery, basic patterns, like polka dots or stripes, or you can emblazon the ribbon with the name of the basket carrier and the Easter date.

Things You'll Need

• Ribbon (grosgrain, satin or paper)
• Scissors
• Easter basket
• Measuring tape
• Fabric paint (small bottles with built-in applicators or pens)
• Grease pencils, if desired
• Easter imagery, if desired (for a guide)

Instructions

1. Measure the basket with measuring tape, around the area where you will tie the ribbon, to determine how much ribbon you need. Allotting for the bow may be tricky. If there is already ribbon tied to the basket, remove and measure it, as a guide for the new ribbon you will cut.

2. Cut a piece of ribbon on which you will paint. Wide ribbon will allow you more room to paint larger pictures and letters. Use a thick ribbon like satin or grosgrain, which will hold onto paint well. Martha Stewart Weddings also recommends using paper ribbon if you want to embellish with paint.

3. Cut a small piece of ribbon one or two inches long. Test the paint on the ribbon, to make sure you are using compatible products. Acquire paint supplies with built-in applicators, so you do not have to bother with brushes. Use fabric paint markers or small fabric paint bottles with a built-in fine-point applicator. You can also use grease pencils to write on ribbon.

4. Lay the ribbon straight and flat on your work surface.

5. Start painting on the side opposite the hand with which you paint and write. For example, if you are right-handed, start painting on the left end of the ribbon, so that you are not dragging your hand through wet paint as you work across the surface.

6. Paint Easter imagery, names and messages on the ribbon, including Easter eggs, bunnies, carrots, chicks or other baby animals, baskets or carrots. Use photos as guides.

7. Follow the manufacturer's instructions to determine drying time. Allow the paint to dry thoroughly before you tie it on the basket.

References

• "Martha Stewart Weddings": Expert Advice from a Style Setter; Fall 2009
• "Martha Stewart Weddings": Dressing Up the Basic Box; 2005
• Stampington & Company: Fabric Painting Basics: Sharilyn Miller