i'm trying... again... to make a bow for a present like cake... i have all of the "ribbons" hanging on a broomstick right now drying but i was wondering how you attach them all together... i'm using buttercream and mmf so if anyone can help me out, thanks ahead of time

Check this article out http://www.cakecentral.com/article17-How-to-Make-a-Fondant-Loop-Bow.html
I've also read that after your loops get set up (usually overnight), take them off of the broomstick and place them on their sides, that way they don't crack.

you can attach your bows together by using candymelts or royal icing.

This is probably not the "correct" answer, but i have attached all my bows with butter cream. It has worked just fine and I've never had any problems. I do put the bows on last or when the cake is delivered so it doesn't have to sit too long. I guess it's risky but I haven't had and problems yet!

Good question. I attach the ribbon ends on the cake first...then assemble the bow in the middle with stiff royal icing that matches the bow colour.

My friend uses a ball of soft fondant in the centre, and she pokes each ribbon curl into that instead. She says it works really well because you can angle the pieces and you don't get royal icing showing at all. (Haven't tried that myself!)