DALLAS, Nov 9, 2000/ FW/ --- Where will visual merchandisers be without those fancy Christmas bows?

Tied and twisted into a myriad of brilliantly colored loops and banners, bows add a final touch to Christmas trees, garlands, wreaths and gifts.

Prepare these bows well in advance before making your Christmas trees, wreaths or garlands. That will save you time in putting up the Christmas decorations. Another reason - you make hundreds of them.

Different kinds of bows

• Single Bows - Uses one length of ribbon with two pairs of overlapping loops, both of them twisted into figure-eights, and two trailing ends. Cut diagonally at the end.
• Double Bows - Made the same way as the single bow, but uses two or more ribbons usually with different colors or design.
• Multi-loop Bows - Usually made of thin ribbon, string or cord and usually have several loops and long ends.
• Rosette Bows - Created by making several loops falling in all directions and resembles a flower when finished.

• ribbons
• wire
• wire cutters
• scissors

1. Unloop a length of the ribbon, loop one end over the rest of the ribbon while holding it in place with thumb and forefinger.
2. Form the second loop of the bow, bring the rest of the ribbon back over the top making an X-shape in the center.
3. Make a third loop, (using more of the ribbon) bringing the long end over the front of the bow.
4. Make a fourth loop (using more of the ribbon) and bring the end back over the middle of the bow to make a second X-shape in the middle.
5. Pleat the center of the bow and secure with wire. Fluff the loops of the bow and arrange the trailing end. Cut diagonal or V-cut the trailing end.

1. Make several loops around your hand (as if making several circles with the ribbon).
2. Rotate the ribbon as if to make a figure-eight. Secure the middle of the eight with wire or the same material of the ribbon
3. Fan out the loops and curl the trailing ends by pulling them over a straight edge.