My latest project! {Abigail's Bow Holder}

I totally used to be one of those people that thought it was a little strange to take pictures of what you are working on as you go, but I now REALLY appreciate all the bloggers that explain to me step by step how to make something cute and not spend a lot of money.  That being said, I thought I would share how I learned to make a Tutu Bow Holder for Abigail!  

I had my eye on the cutest bow holder at Once Upon a Child and I would stare at it each time I went in the store, but it was $35.00 and I couldn't justify spending that much on one, so I decided to search Pinterest for a way to make my own.  It turns out they are really inexpensive and easy to make so I thought I would share what I learned!

This is what you will need:

~cardboard box
~batting material
~scissors
~glue gun
~ribbon 
~fabric
~tulle

First, you want to make your bodice.  The easiest way to do this is fold a piece of paper in half and draw the shape you want and cut it out.  That will give you a symmetrical shape.  

Now you can use this cut out to trace the shape onto your cardboard and cut that out.  I used an old box that Abigail's baby gate came in. 

Then, you will cut out your batting material and glue that to your cardboard like this. 

Next, you cut your fabric to fit your bodice leaving a little extra material around the sides.  Cut small slits in the fabric being careful not to get too close to the cardboard, and then pull the material around to the back and glue it down.  You will want to start with the middle first and then the shoulders.  Leave the top and bottom for last so you can pull out any wrinkles and get a smooth fit.  

To make your skirt, you will need to decide how long you want it to be and then make several bundles of tulle.  I read a blog that mentioned buying a bolt of tulle but I didn't have that so I used what I had and wrapped it around an old chalkboard and then cut it at one end.  The idea is to have several layers of tulle and then tie it off at the end you didn't cut.  I also used twine that I had because it was smaller than my ribbon and easier to get a good knot.  Once you have made all your bundles you can line then up and get an even cut at the bottom. 

Once you have finished making your bundles, glue them to your bodice starting with the outer two, then the middle, then the rest.  

Next, cut the ribbon you will use to hang your bows the length of your skirt and glue each one near the top of the bundles.  I chose three pieces of ribbon for this one.  

To make your waistband, cut 2 pieces of ribbon in a different pattern to place over your bundles and to hide the top of the ribbons and glue that down.  Then cut one more piece of ribbon to lay on top and cover your seam.  

Now, you can add any embellishments, flowers, ribbons, etc.  I wanted a simple one, but there are lots of cute ideas to dress these up!  Last, you will glue a piece of ribbon at the top so you can hang your bow holder and voila!  You are finished!

This was a super fun little project and only took about 2 hours to make.  Mine is definitely not perfect but it was fun to make and I love having somewhere cute to hang all of Abigail's cute hair bows!