I will try to explain as simply as possible how to make this bow. I cannot take credit for the upper loop part of the bow which was from Bohemian Studio - LaDeBohemeBohemian StudioShe has many great tutorials on there so do check it out. I asked her permission to use her directions for the bow.

I experimented and made tails to go with the bow. You can color it as you go or make it white and then composite a background. If you do it this way, there will be a few added steps to it.

So let's get started.


Step 1. I used a clear background 100x140. Go up to DRAW - BEZIER.44,42 0,0 -10,25 -20,35 80,50 -20,65 -10,75 0,100 44,58 - Color WHITE or color of your choice if you are not going to use a background to color it later. Stroke color- black or a darker color of what you are going to use and for stroke width use one. Click on Draw.

Step 2. For the second half of the bow again go up to DRAW - BEZIER change numbers to: 56,42 100,0 110,25 120,35 30,50 120,65 110,75 100,100 56,58 do the same as in previous step.

Step 3. Make the center of the loop going up to DRAW and click on ROUND RECTANGLE and numbers: 44,40 56,60 3,3 Color - white (or your choice) and Stroke color same Stroke Width 1. You now have the upper part done but will add on the loop part after we color it.

Step 4. Now for the tails. Go up to DRAW - LINE. Stroke Color - black (or a darker color as above) Stroke Width 1. We have to color this in with white when we are done or whatever color you are using. First group of numbers: 42,59 6,135 Draw. Draw again: 50,59 22,139 --Draw: 6,135 18,123. Last one: Up to Draw: 18,123 22,138 (Your left tail is done.

Step 5. For the right tail it is done the same way. Each group of numbers is done individually. So for right tail, First one: 47,58 63,135 Second one: 55,59 79,128 Third one: 64,134 71,120 Fourth one: 68,124 80,130 Right tail is finished.

Step 6. Now if you are using a background, go to the tails and color them in using white. Now up to Composite, put in a background of your choice and use ATOP and MISC or depending on your upgrade some can still use IN and MISC. If you are not using a background - skip this step.

Step 7. Now we need to make that loop. Go to DRAW and BEZIER and numbers: 44,42 10,15 0,25 10,35 44,42 Stroke width - black and use a color to compliment your bow. Click on DRAW - right side: 56,42 90,15 100,25 90,35 56,42

Step 8. To distinquish that round rectangle loop between the bow, if you've used a background it covers it up so we will put it back in using just a stroke color same as you've used throughtout and stroke width use one: So go to DRAW - ROUND RECTANGLE and: 44,40 56,60 3,3 Now go to Transform and Trim(always check the box for Reset Geometry) and take off excess background or go to Gifworks and do smartcrop.

That's it. Check out some of my other tutorials.

My Page of Bows



Published April 5, 2005
ŠLee's Varieties