Instructions for Making Raffia Bows
Raffia fibers are long and thin strands that resemble grass. Natural raffia comes from the raffia palm tree and may be as long as 60 feet. Raffia is a versatile fiber that some people use for weaving baskets and other creative projects. Use raffia simply by making raffia bows. Choose raffia in a color that complements your project, and make a raffia bow with multiple strands of raffia.
Instructions
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1
Measure a 5-inch square onto the cardboard, and trace the shape with the pencil. Cut the square out of the cardboard with the scissors.
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2
Place the raffia over the center of the square so that approximately 10 inches extends off one edge of the square and the bulk of the length of raffia extends off the opposite edge of the square.
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3
Wrap the raffia around and around the cardboard square until approximately 10 inches of raffia remain. Wrap the raffia loosely enough to enable you to slip the wound raffia off the cardboard square.
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4
Slip the raffia off the cardboard square, and pinch the center of the wrapped raffia with your thumb and index finger to hold it.
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5
Grasp one 10-inch tail extending off from the raffia and pull it to the center point of the raffia where you are pinching it. Wind this tail around the center of the wound raffia tightly until approximately 7 inches of tail remains.
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6
Grasp the other 10-inch tail, and pull it to the center point also. Wrap this tail around the center of the wound raffia in the opposite direction until 7 inches of tail remains.
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7
Tie the two tails together in a tight double knot. Allow the excess tails to extend down from the knot as the tails of the bow.
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8
Separate the raffia strands that make up the bow to make them attractive and full. Arrange the ties so that they look nice hanging from the center knot.
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References
- Photo Credit rosemary sprig image by Karin Lau from Fotolia.com
