With the increased popularity of Bows Affair, I would like to take one step further and advice my ardent fans on how to better take care of their hair accessories namely bows, flowers and clippies!
Many people are unaware that most bows and flowers from Bows Affair are actually hand stitched.I cannot do without my trusty sewing box.The clips at the back are of course glued on and so are the resins and other embellishments.Millions of needle pricks later, I am proud of my hardy bows.Stitching it in does make it last way longer.As a bow novice when my daughter was born ,I had bought every kind to match every possible outfit.Needless to say with such frivolous expansive bow buying experience under my belt(before the birth of Bows Affair), I would be a good as any authority on all matters of bows.
Most bows as we know are tied tightly by embroidery floss.This however does nothing for the bow in the long run.Many of my daughter's unused bows mock at me with their undone flaps sticking out at me.The ribbon from one side tends to fall out once the tie loosens over time.Would have loved to show you a picture but I have since been Bow Spring Cleaning and have binned the mockers.
My bows have been eaten, stomped on, soaked and abused in so many ways my daughter's vivid imagination has let her.They have none the less survived the battery.
For most hair accessories, the clips at the back would fall out over time.You will need a Glue Gun to conquer this mishap.Ditto for resins and other embellishments.Plug the gun in(make sure you have inserted a glue stick), wait for it to heat up and voila!you are now officially a Bow doctor:)
I use this little fellow(pic below).Glue gun costs less than $10 and are necessary for any hair accessory upkeep.
With so many clip options these days,which should you go for?
Bows Affair uses partially lined double pronged alligator clips for all hair accessories.I find that a double prong balances the weight of the bow better and sits better on the hair.
Below is a pic of my double pronged clip on a bow as compared to a single pronged one.
Attached below is another pic of my flower as compared to the other mass produced flowers.A clip is carelessly just stuck onto the flower and these clips do not last!It's tiny and do not hold the weight of the flower well.I am a regular flower user so I do know where I am coming from.My hair gets stuck in these tiny teeth thingies.Hmm..maybe that's how it is suppose to stick longer onto hair..hahahha!
Some parents with younger babies prefer clips that are totally lined(no exposed metal) in the belief that clips with exposed ends would hurt their infant's head.A myth since the flat clips used(not the ones with teeth) sits flat against the hair.Also to note the prongs are blunt.I have adorned my daughter with these fully lined hair accessories since birth and these are actually more painful.Firstly , you are unable to get a good grip into the hair.Secondly, the anti slip does get tacky after a while rendering the bow obsolete unless you pry out the anti slip.Here is a pic of what I am talking about.
For younger babies, get the bow or flower stitched onto a headband or use the crochet variety headband.Not only are they comfortable, their weaves allow you to slip any clip in.Gives more bang for your buck because your little one could wear it as a lone flower or bow without the headband as she grows older(or more hair, whichever comes first :)))
Here are some other tips to keep your bows , flower and other stuff in tip top condition.
2.Treat your bows and flowers well.
Tossing them into a bag just like that would ruin them.Instead you could clip them onto your clothes or the outside of your bag.Another great use!
At home do use bow holders.Not only are you able to see what you have, it also helps keep these accessories in shape.Does not require much place.Just a flat backdrop.Here are pictures of the bow holders i did up for my daughter.
3)If there is a slight stain or spot on your beloved accessory, you could try spot cleaning with a bit of dish washing liquid.Simply wet that small (I hope!) spot and use some soap.Air dry it.Giving it a spin in the dryer would send it right to its grave.
All said and done do not leave a child younger than 3 years old unattended with any hair accessory.Never underestimate the strength of small prying fingers and these small embellishments could potentially be a choking hazard.
Let your love affair with bows and flowers begin!!
