How to Prepare for a business in Bow Making: Beginning Steps

So you've decided to start making bows. For your family, for business, for whatever reason. And now you're facing an entire aisle 6 feet tall of ribbons in a rainbow of colors, textures, and patterns. How do you decide which to choose to begin your bow making business? Here's a breakdown of what I looked for when beginning my bow business and some words of advice.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• List of local arts/crafts stores
• A color chart
• A couple of handy internet resources
• A budget
• A shopping list
• Applicable Coupons
• An open, creative mind

1. Just like a great book report, making bows requires a bit of research. First step, gather a List of local arts/crafts stores in your area. By this, I do not mean just physical stores, but also online stores. You'd be surprised how many bargains you can find simply by buying online. You may not have as much variety of patterns in ribbon, but your basics (ribbon & Metal Hardware) are always best bought in bulk and online. The shipping time is worth the wait, as you'll be madly creating in mind before obtaining your materials, so you'll have a better idea of what to do with them when you receive them. But what if you want to start right away?
2. Gathering a couple of handy internet resources prior to buying in store or online may be helpful. Depending whether you want to focus on ladies, girls, or infants, browse what is already online for ideas on what colors, patterns, and trends are already out there. Chances are you will have better success in selling if your item can coordinate with something in your client's wardrobe.
3. Basic Color Wheel Consider looking at a color wheel. There is an article on Color Theory available at: http://www.tigercolor.com/color-lab/color-theory/color-theory-intro.htm. The reason a color wheel is so helpful is that it allows you to understand coordinating and opposite shades. Depending on the look you are going for, this may help you understand what colors you'd like to pair together when making your bow. Colors opposite each other on the color wheel provide the most contrast, whereas colors closer/side-by-side can be used to make bows that are more subtle and soothing.
   
   That being said, consider fashion' s classic colors when coming up with your ribbon palette. Red, Navy, Brown, Green, Light Pink, Silver, Gold, Black, Tan, White are among some. Of course every season has a new "hot color" but having the basics on hand and enhancing with pops of "in" colors assures that your product will remain classy year after year.
4. Before going to the store or online, make sure you have a budget in mind. Once in the store it may be difficult to resist darling designs, embellishments and shiny trinkets. Remember, if you order your basics and solid ribbons and metal hardware online, that gives you flexibility to shop for the "fun stuff" - like enhancing ribbons, embellishments, etc. I was able to start my bow-making business with $250, including ribbon, storage, adhesive, metal hardware, and embellishments. A web presence, including domain & website will cost you more.
5. Make a Shopping List. This step is SO critical. I made a couple needless trips to the store b/c I didn't make a list the first time I went. I recommend at least the following: Elastic Thread, Glue Gun & Glue Sticks, Ribbon, Metal Hardware of Choice, Measuring Pad, A couple needles and thread, Ribbon Storage Device, Sharp Scissors, Decorations, Zip Lock Bags, as you see fit.
6. Ribbon Type: Research your options and decide what look you'd like your product to have. Sheers can be very elegant touches and give an added element of grace to something normally playful. Grosgrain Ribbon is easy to use, heat-seals well, and is abundant in terms of color and patterns. Satin/Silk are pretty and shiny, providing a fancier look, but let it be known that these also snag more readily and are less forgiving.
7. Hunt for and use applicable Coupons. Don't be afraid to ask at the register if they are offering any coupons to use with your purchase. You may be lucky and be able to get a senior or student discount in some places if that applies to you.
8. Keep an open, creative mind. Once you begin your business, listen to your customers, your peers, your family, your neighbors. Chances are they will be first in line to want to take a peek at your creations. Take advice to heart and be open to suggestions. Don't be afraid to get out of your comfort zone and try something different. It could be that one item that becomes your signature product. You never know. Most importantly, have fun. If you love what you do, and portray that positive attitude when you present your items, then in the end people are buying your warmth and happiness and they get a bonus of a hair accessory. That's just how I see it.

Tips & Warnings

• For the price of a tiny plastic ribbon organizer, I bought a gigantic unfinished pine flower box. I drilled holes on each of the ends and threaded a dowel through it. I used the dowel to hold my spools of ribbon sideways, making it easy to see what I have in stock at all times. I had plenty of room left for some extra supplies including scissors, glue gun and glue sticks.
• You must be very careful while using a hot glue gun. There are serious dangers including burning. Be sure to keep this and all sharp items, and small choking parts far from the reach of children. I find small zip loc baggies inside twist top jars works for my kids, not to mention a special safety handle on the door of my crafting area. Jiggling on the door is enough to get my attention as I am usually only steps behind the kids.