A pair of shoes that has been sitting at the back of the wardrobe for a while has more potential than it might appear. A set of ribbon bow clips is all it takes to make a familiar pair feel completely fresh, and the whole project comes together in minutes with minimal supplies.
Color options are essentially unlimited, which means these can be tailored to match or contrast any outfit in the closet.
What You Need
- Ribbon (wired ribbon is particularly useful here as it helps the bow hold its shape once tied)
- Clip-on earring backs
- Needle and thread
Most of these supplies will already be on hand for anyone with a craft stash. If not, all three are inexpensive and easy to track down.
How to Make Them
Step 1: Tie the Bow
Cut a length of ribbon and tie it into a neat bow. Wired ribbon has a natural stiffness that makes it easier to shape and keeps the loops from drooping once the clip is attached and in use.
Step 2: Attach the Clip
Position a clip-on earring back against the center of the bow on the underside and stitch it securely in place. A few firm stitches through the ribbon and around the earring back is all that is needed to hold everything together.
Step 3: Clip and Go
Fasten the finished bows onto the shoes wherever they look best. The toe area is the classic placement, but the back of the heel is an unexpectedly chic alternative that is worth trying out.
A Practical Note
With regular movement and wear, the bows may shift slightly from their original position over time. This is worth knowing upfront so it does not become a source of frustration. In most cases a small amount of rotation is barely noticeable and the clips still look great. If movement becomes a persistent issue, experimenting with stronger clip backs usually solves the problem.
Fair warning: once the first pair is finished, the temptation to clip bows onto every heeled shoe in the collection is very real. Stock up on ribbon before starting because one pair is rarely enough.
For another fun variation on the same idea, the Pom Pom Shoe Clip Tutorial is well worth a look as well.