My go-to signature messy bow is always a hit in my DIY projects. However, today I’m excited to show you how to give it a unique twist by upcycling an affordable drop cloth. The result is a beautiful and versatile drop cloth messy bow that can be used to adorn wreaths, banners, gifts, and many other creative endeavors. For those eager to get started, I’ve got a step-by-step DIY tutorial waiting for you, along with some of my other favorite messy bows.
Be sure to PIN this one for later!
If you were intrigued by my previous post featuring the denim messy bow, I’m excited to build upon that idea today with a creative spin on the same concept. This time around, I’ll be showcasing the versatility of drop cloths as we add another unique and eye-catching piece to our beloved messy bow collection!
For those who may not have had the pleasure of working with drop cloth yet, let me assure you – it’s an incredibly affordable and adaptable material that can be used in a wide range of craft and home decorating projects. From DIY decor to functional items, the possibilities are truly endless when you get creative with drop cloths!
WHAT IS CANVAS DROP CLOTH FABRIC?
Drop cloth fabric, also known as painter’s drop cloths, is a versatile and practical material that offers a neutral color palette with various shades of tan. Its remarkable durability and thick canvas construction make it an ideal solution for painters to use as a protective barrier over furnishings and flooring, preventing unwanted paint splatters.
Beyond its primary purpose, this fabric is perfect for crafting a wide range of DIY projects, including drop cloth curtains that add a touch of elegance to any room, reusable cloth towels for everyday use, neutral slip covers that blend seamlessly with surrounding decor, and pretty drop cloth pillows that bring a pop of color and texture to your space.
IS DROP CLOTH CANVAS WASHABLE?
These products come equipped with a distinct pungent aroma that stems from the presence of a chemical compound designed to impart water-repellency properties.
How do you get the smell out of drop cloths?
Rather than allowing any lingering odors to linger, you can either air out your drop cloths or give them a wash. The good news is that these versatile tools are indeed washable – just be aware that they may shrink slightly in the process. To minimize this effect, it’s best to wash them in cold water and dry on low heat. For my DIY project, I opted for the straightforward approach and used my canvas drop cloth without pre-washing it. The result?
A stress-free crafting experience that will leave you hooked – literally! You’ll be eager to create more of these messy bows, and before long, you’ll find yourself hooked on making ‘all the messy bows’!
Take a look at several other DIY messy bows I’ve shared:
Get ready to unleash your creativity and make a beautiful mess! To create these stunning messy bows, you’ll need just 5 minutes of your time. Start by gathering your materials: lace, denim, burlap, or any other fabric that catches your eye. Now, let’s dive into the process.
Begin by cutting a piece of fabric into a long strip, about 2-3 inches wide and as long as you want your bow to be. Don’t worry too much about the edges being perfect – we’re going for messy charm here!
Next, take one end of the strip and tie it around the center of the other end in a simple knot. Keep the ends loose and relaxed, just like a messy bow should be.
Now, let’s add some texture and interest to our bow. You can use a needle and thread to stitch on some embellishments like buttons, beads, or even tiny pom-poms. Or, if you’re feeling extra adventurous, try wrapping the bow with some twine or ribbon for added dimension.
And that’s it!
With these simple steps, you’ve created your very own 5-minute messy bow. You can use them to decorate a gift, add some charm to a outfit, or even create a stunning centerpiece for your next party.
SUPPLIES needed for DROP CLOTH MESSY BOW
All the supplies needed can be found HERE in my Amazon Shop!
The essential tools for any crafty project include a trusty drop cloth to protect your workspace, precise fabric scissors that can handle various materials, sturdy zip ties for securing loose ends, and rhinestone embellishments to add a touch of sparkle. A reliable craft cutting mat provides a stable surface for cutting and crafting, ensuring accurate results.
How to make A DROP CLOTH MESSY BOW
Begin by laying out a drop cloth on your cutting mat and cut a manageable section approximately 8.5 x 11 inches in size. This will make it easy to work with and provide ample material for multiple projects or dozens of messy bows. The versatility of this fabric is one of its greatest charms, making it an excellent choice for various DIY endeavors. As you work, consider using a cutting mat to keep your pieces aligned and organized, as this will help streamline the process.
To create the strips for your bow, make small cuts about 1 inch apart across the length of the drop cloth. The more strips you cut, the fuller and more textured the finished product will be. Once you’ve started cutting, simply continue to cut as many strips as desired for your messy bow. The length of the strips will directly impact the size of the finished bow, so feel free to experiment with different lengths to achieve the look you want.
Cut the drop cloth strips in half
To create your messy bow, cut the strips into halves again. The beauty of this style lies in its versatility – you can easily adjust the size by adding or subtracting fabric strips. For my example messy bow, I used around 12-15 half-strips of drop cloth.
NEXT…
To begin assembling the drop cloth pieces, lay them out in a crisscross pattern, overlapping each piece slightly as you go. This process is surprisingly quick, taking only around three minutes from start to finish. Once all the pieces are in place, thread a cable zip tie under the bottom edge and gently pull it into position. Then, flip the bow over and guide the zip tie around to the rear. Finally, trim any excess tie using wire nippers or scissors.
ADD EMBELLISHMENT
With a flair for all things sparkly, I opted to add a touch of bling to my bow by pinning a rhinestone embellishment onto the zip tie. For those without a pinned embellishment, a small amount of hot glue can secure it in place. Additionally, if you prefer a neater appearance, consider trimming any excessive frayed edges from your bow. While I appreciate the texture and charm of frayed edges, I found that there were an abundance of stray threads, so I trimmed them down to my liking.
DECORATE WITH YOUR DROP CLOTH MESSY BOW
BE SURE TO CHECK OUT THESE OTHER EASY DIY BOW IDEAS!
Create a charming summer door hanger by combining a few simple DIY elements. Start by crafting a messy bow using some basic fabric scraps and a needle. This unique and easy-to-make embellishment will add a touch of whimsy to your front porch. Alternatively, try your hand at making a DIY bandana bow for a stylish and effortless look. And if you’re looking for something a bit more elaborate, consider creating a $2 wreath with a tulle bow – the perfect combination of elegance and affordability.
DIY Drop Cloth Messy Bow
Transform a humble drop cloth into a versatile and stylish accessory by creating a simple yet effective messy bow. This DIY project requires minimal materials and effort, making it an ideal activity for crafty beginners or those seeking a quick creative outlet.
Equipment
Materials
When it comes to crafting, having the right tools can make all the difference in creating a masterpiece. For instance, drop cloth zip ties provide a versatile solution for organizing and securing loose items, such as threads or beads. Similarly, rhinestone embellishments add an extra touch of elegance and sophistication to any project. On the other hand, a high-quality craft cutting mat is essential for protecting your work surface from damage caused by cuts and snips.
By having these basic yet crucial components in your crafting arsenal, you’ll be well on your way to creating stunning pieces that showcase your creativity.
Instructions
To begin, unfold the drop cloth and cut it into a large square shape. Next, create small incisions along one edge of the fabric, spaced evenly apart by the desired width of your bow. Continue making these cuts across the entire end of the square until you’ve reached the opposite side. Then, simply tear the fabric along this starting point, allowing the strips to fall away from each other. I ended up with around 12-15 individual pieces in total.
Following this, arrange the fabric strips in a crisscross pattern within a circular formation, using all the available material. Once your design is complete, thread a zip tie underneath the center of the bow and gently pull it tight to secure everything in place. Finally, trim any excess fabric that remains. To add a touch of glamour, attach a rhinestone embellishment to the bow’s center.