This is my plan. Use gum paste to make the strips, hang them over a rod, let them dry, then assemble the bow. Am I missing anything? Also, I want to paint with luster dust, when do I paint it? After is is dry? Before? You all have already given me so much help, thanks.

I paint the strips once they have dried...before I assemble the bow.Let it dry a bit more after you have painted with lustre dust!! Once everything is painted and dry..I assemble the pieces!!

Just one tip-roll your gumpaste thin. I think the bows look better when they are done.

Thank you thank you!!!

Make sure you post your photo! I have yet to try a bow....maybe I'll do one tonight. BTW...your avatar didn't show up when I read this post.

Have fun!

Ok, I have to ask something.... How can you be the worst bow maker if you've never made a bow??? Maybe I read it wrong and you tried making a bow and it didn't work out!!

I'll give my .02 on how I make mine... I don't hang my loops on a rod.. I make my strips a tad big thicker so I can set them on their sides. I also pinch the loops so they look like the ribbon is collapsing a bit. You can take a look at my pics to see what I'm talking about. I also vary the size of my loops. For example, If I need a bow for a 6" cake I use a 6" cake board for my bow to sit on. I cut my strips 6" long so when I loop them they become 3" long. For the next row I cut my strips 5 1/2" long and then next row 5".. I just think it gives a nice layered look.

Good luck!!!

Hey Adven68 and TamiAZ-

I have tried a bow ...twice....failed miserably. I used only MMF, and think that was the problem. I don't think I let them dry enough. And I don't have a avatar. Don't know how to get one. Guess I don't know a lot today....bows, avatars

TamiAZ-- If I might say, you do have very nice bows. About how many loops for a bow on a 6" cake?

You'll have much better luck with the gumpaste... I tried making a bow out of fondant and had problems with the loops collapsing...Very aggravating!!

Bulldog, I just noticed you question about the number of loops.. You know, I'm not quite sure. I usually make extras in case of breakage. I would probably guess about 9-10 for the bottom row, 7-8 for the next and then 5-6 to finish it off.. It's been awhile since I've made one, so those numbers may be high. I like my bows to be full looking so it takes more loops..

I am going to make the loops right now. Let you know what happens.