Darice 00407001410 Bowdabra Bow Maker and Craft Tool, Gray

Easy to use. Makes bow making a breeze.

Works wonderful and at a great price.

I first bought the bowdabra when it first came out on the market. It was only available through TV orders at the time. I used it for years with most excellent results. The first one burned in a fire. I decided to purchase a replacement because it worked so well.This new model is spring loaded for expansion and easier removal of the finished bow.If you are planning on getting married or are in a wedding party that will help with decorations this product will prove to be invaluable to you. You can make all sorts of bows and decorations with this product from flower ties to pew bows and you can make bows for table centerpieces with it and for the back of the chairs at the reception. The thing that I like about it is you can make a bow out of all sorts of items, adding branches and other decor into the bow, you can make a huge variety of bows for all occasions and totally customize them. You can make them from just a few inches in diameter to more than two feet or more easily with this simple to use gadget. If you make a few well ahead of time before you need them you will quickly improve the end product. You can use a variety of different items within the one bow. After I got the hang of it. I made up a variety of bows ahead of time so I would have a few to choose from for gifts at a moments notice.

I said it all in the title. The product itself is relatively easy to use and is effective - but the instructions are awkwardly worded and hard to understand, and the pictures too small to see what they're talking about. It does come with an instructional DVD - but we got rid of the DVD player years ago, and our laptops do not play DVDs either. They saved themselves by giving access code to the members only section on their webpage. This is a good website that has clear to understand instructions that are downloadable and printable. Once I got the hang of how to use this, it is easy and makes nice bows.

This device is a good little invention. I learned how to use it by watching a variety of you tube videos, rather than the printed instructions. It takes about 5 yards of 2.5” wired ribbon for a nice Christmas bow with six 5” loops on each side, and nice tails. Don’t skimp on ribbon if you want a nice full bow. The special gold wire that comes with it allows you to tie it nice and tight……much better than floral wire! But floral wire can be used to attach the completed bow to something else. It’s a little pricey, but I guess we are paying for someone’s very creative invention! I love it!!

I was really amazed by this little machine! I cannot make a bow to save my life, but this made all of my Christmas decor bowes, and it was quick, easy, and gave professional looking results. I watched a few Youtube videos on how to use it , because it made it easier to learn, to actually see it being done rather than simply following an instruction manual. My family was very impressed with the results of the Bowdabra as well :)

Even after reading the instructions, I still felt lost.

My daughter does crafts to sell at flea markets and sales. She will get a lot of use out of this.