The Bow Biz site has some good instructions with pictures and video to show you how to create your topknot and place your bow.
How To Put In Dog Bows : Dog Bows, Quality Dog Bows - Yorkie, Maltese, Shih Tzu - by BowBiz
I have been using the clip on or french barrettes lately. It's just kind of quick and easy. I just have to keep an extra close eye on her when she has any kind of bow in. She may leave it in for hours and then wander off and decide to take it out by herself. That can be really dangerous so if we are only hanging out at home I usually just have her grooming bands in.