After the glue is spread, I immediately stretch the silk along the bow and work the backing on with my finger.
![](http://i793.photobucket.com/albums/yy217/gferlitsch/HazelnutBuildALong/hzb113.jpg)
After the backing is applied, I use a little water and my finger to smooth the surface and ensure that the silk has completely bonded.
![](http://i793.photobucket.com/albums/yy217/gferlitsch/HazelnutBuildALong/hzb114.jpg)
I let the bow dry for a few hours and then trim the excess silk off with a razor blade.
![](http://i793.photobucket.com/albums/yy217/gferlitsch/HazelnutBuildALong/hzb115.jpg)
Then I smooth the edges with sandpaper and a block making smooth strokes from the back to the belly.
![](http://i793.photobucket.com/albums/yy217/gferlitsch/HazelnutBuildALong/hzb116.jpg)
And viola, the silk backing is finished. The tips are bare because I will be painting them later.
![](http://i793.photobucket.com/albums/yy217/gferlitsch/HazelnutBuildALong/hzb117.jpg)
Next - applying snakeskins