Sometimes you need a smaller, funky bow with short tails that won’t get in the way of your other wreath elements. If so, this Funky Bow with Short Tails is for you! It’s so easy to put together but packs a serious punch.
How To Make Funky Bow With Short Tails
I love a bow with a short tail! I think they’re very underappreciated. Long tails are fantastic and definitely have their place, but a short tailed bow is perfect in so many situations. Maybe you have a really busy wreath and want to add a bow without adding too much bulk. A short tail bow is perfect for that. Maybe you are making a garland and need a bow to help anchor it. A short tail bow is excellent for that, so you don’t have long tails hanging down.
Whatever reason you need a short tailed bow, this Funky Bow with Short Tails is an excellent option for any grapevine wreath, swag, or centerpiece because it is so versatile. You can switch out the ribbons to make it exactly what you need! Add more or less loops for a completely different look. It’s also so easy to do, so you won’t spend much time putting it together.

The best part is that it’s an easy bow to pull together! 100% beginner friendly and so simple to do. It adds a fun touch to any wreath or garland and looks much more complicated than it is. Perfect for a quick bow to add a finishing touch to your wreath.
Ingredients
Directions
- Start by dovetailing your first tail by cutting a V in the end of your first ribbon. I decided to use a fun, summery sunflower floral ribbon.
- I made my first tail about 8” long. Put your ribbon in between the pegs on your bow maker, and give it a nice twist.
- Make your first loop by guiding your ribbon out, then back to the center pegs, adding a twist between the pegs by twisting your right hand forward and your left hand back. I made my loops 6 inches. Repeat this step to make a matching loop on the other side.
- One of your tails will go up, one will go down. Measure and cut your second tail at 8” to match your other. Cut a dovetail in the second tail.
- Add two more tails to your bow by cutting a piece of ribbon about 12” long, dove-tailing each tail to match the other tails, and place it between the pegs on your bow maker.
- Prep your second ribbon by dove-tailing the end of your ribbon. I decided to do a brown striped ribbon to match my fun sunflower ribbon.
- Create a 6” tail, then repeat the loop step again with your second ribbon, so there are 2 loops on each side of the pegs. I made these loops about 5.5”. There will only be 2 this time, one on each side, with two tails, one pointing up and one pointing down.
- Run your cable tie behind the ribbon between the pegs, loosely tighten it, then carefully pull it up and off your bow maker.
- Rotate the tail of your cable tie to the back of the bow, add a cable tie through the first cable tie to help you attach the bow to your wreath or project, and tighten it as tight as you can.
- Take a little strip of your ribbon (I chose the brown striped ribbon) and wrap it around the center of your bow to cover the cable tie, securely tie it in the back, then fluff your bow, and you’re done!
TIPS AND TRICKS
- I think that a cable tie works really well for bows because it helps when you are fluffing the bows up. If you’d rather use wire than a cable tie, 18 gauge works perfect for bows.
- Make the bow your own! If you’d like more loops, add them. You can follow the same steps to create as many loops as you’d like.
- Switch up your ribbons to create some unique looks, if you’d like. I think that wire-edged ribbons work best, but you can try a variety of sizes and patterns. This will switch up the way your bow looks and can help it match your wreath perfectly!
How do I attach my bow to my wreath?
I love using cable ties. I think they are easy to use, give me a secure hold, and are the best bang for your buck. I use them to secure the center of my bow and to attach them to my wreaths or garlands.
You can use wire if you’d like. I think 18 gauge works the best, because it is thick enough to be strong and secure. I do think that the wire is harder to work with, though, so it’s up to you!
Can I use more than one bow on my wreath?
Absolutely! You can make your wreath your own. This bow is a perfect way to add a couple of bows because the tails are already short. Add one to the top and one to the bottom, or a couple scattered around your wreath for a fun look. This bow is also perfect for a garland because it is smaller and has those short tails. Whatever you decide to do with it, make it your own!
Are you searching for a unique DIY project this Halloween? Look no further than the Frankie Centerpiece Kit, perfect for adding a personalized and cute spooky touch to your Halloween decor. This DIY arrangement kit blends creativity with simplicity, making it an ideal craft for all skill levels.
DIY Frankie Centerpiece for Halloween Home Decor
Crafting your centerpiece is straightforward and enjoyable. You’ll need some basic tools like styrofoam, wire cutters, scissors, and hot glue. Begin by setting styrofoam inside the bucket, strategically place the twig sprays and, and use the eyeball picks for a finishing touch of flair.

Let me show you how to create your own DIY Frankenstein Halloween Centerpiece that is a cute not spooky decoration for Halloween. Mixing your spooky decorations with old and new gives you fun times spent crafting together now while reminiscing about the Halloweve of yester years. It’s a wonderful way to start a family tradition or simply enjoy some seasonal crafting magic.
Ingredients
Directions
- Start by finding cutting the styrofoam so it is nestled inside of the Green Frankenstein Bucket so that it sits nicely inside and glue down. I like to use both Gorilla Glue and Hot Glue to really secure it for both now and long term.
- Cut Black Garland Base into small sections and set your base, spreading for maximum coverage.
- Prep your picks by grabbing your Purple Green Orange Felt Ball Twig Sprays. Sseparating them into smaller picks. You can also twist the black chenille around your finger to create a fun effect.
- Trim your Glitter Eye Ball Picks and add to the stryofoam. Be sure to space them for the best visual display.
- Cut and prep the White Black Chenille Curly Stems add some dimension to them by curling with your fingers to really give them life.
- Stem back and look at your your centerpiece. Are thier bald or blank spaces? Fluff you black garland to fill and use the wires in your products from Keleas.com to really get the pieces where you want them.
- Grab one of your Glitter Curly Velvet Ball Picks and trim the stem down to a couple of inches. Fluff out your pick, and then place it to the left of your bow, tucking it behind the bow to have it peek out from behind it.