Using Ribbon to Create a Border with Christine

Happy New Year!  Christine joining you today to share a layout featuring some fabulous Ribbons Unlimited ribbon!  Have you ever created a layout and realized you were just missing something?  That was the case for this one today!  

I had started the layout and left it sitting for about a month.  I finally pulled it back out with the hope of polishing it off.  As I worked I realized that the top area really needed a punch of color....but not something overwhelming.  Yellow is my go to color for times like that!  I pulled out my organdy ribbon and just created a top border strip.  Ahhhh, so much better!  So the next time you get stuck...don't overthink it!  Pull out some of that gorgeous Ribbons Unlimited ribbon from your stash and see what you can do with it!

Supplies Used:

Organdy Ribbon - Bright Yellow

Doll Hair Bow Tutorial with Christine

Christmas is over and the recovery is on!  I have a little set of bows to share with you today that I created for my little girl as part of her Christmas present.  Her big dream for this request was an American Girl Doll.  It was a first for her!  She loves to do hair, so I wanted to make her some little bows to use in her new doll's hair that were just the right size!  

This lucky little doll has her own, one of a kind bows!  Today I am going to share with you how I created these bows.  And don't worry, they are quick and easy...especially with the right tools in hand!

I created several different little bows.  The key to making this work easily is to use ribbon that is less than 1/2" wide.  

I purchased some smaller clips that are about 1 1/2 inches long.  Perfect for a very little girl or a doll!  --To start you will want to cut a 4 inch strip of ribbon.

-Cover the top of the clip with fabric glue or hot glue (something that dries fast).  

-Then begin at one end and tack it down and create a loop until you get to the other side.  

-Add glue to the center and smash down the middle with your finger.

-Cut down the excess and use that to create the middle of your bow

-Add a dab of glue tot he center and wrap the piece around the center, securing it with glue to the bottom of the clip.

-Trim off excess.

-After allowing it to dry overnight, it should be ready for doll hair!

Now what colors should I make next?

Supplies Used:

Grosgrain Ribbon Neon Orange

Swiss Double Face Satin Ribbon - Flame Red

Grosgrain Striped Ribbon - Royal Blue

Grosgrain Striped Ribbon - Yellow

Framed Holiday Decor with Christine

Hi Ribbons Unlimited Fans!  Christine joining you again today! I'm so excited that it is the Christmas Season and today I have simple way to add some holiday decor to your home.

 One thing I like to do is switch out some of the pictures in my picture frames for a Christmas look.  I go very simple!  All you need is a vibrant piece of Christmas patterned paper.  This one comes from Doodlebug Design.  Then if you add ribbon you can make it look like the top of a present.

I added a real simple bow (that doesn't look simple.)  First of all the key to making this bow easy and with lots of dimension is to use wired ribbon (for this one I used the Luxor Wired Metallic Ribbon in red).  To make it simply cut 7 strips of equal sized ribbon.  Fold them in half and staple the ends together.   Then lay 6 out to look like the base of the bow.  Cover up the mess center with one more in the middle (use some good fabric glue and it sticks in nice and easy).  Then use your fingers to puff them up and make them pretty!  I also left the glass off the frame, so that my bow wouldn't get smashed back down!

Hope your holiday season has started off wonderfully!


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Reverse Canvas with a Ribbon Border by Christine

Hi Ribbons Unlimited Fans!  Thank goodness it is finally Friday!!!  We're in the final haul before we head to the full blown excitement of the holidays and today I thought I'd share a canvas with you that I created using some holiday leftovers from last year!

As you have probably noticed, I like to use crafty items in different ways and today's project is no exception.  First of all I flipped over my canvas and created a reverse canvas.  Why? Because I wanted some wood to show that would coordinate with the wood on my embroidery hoop.  To create my border I used red satin ribbon (Double Face Satin Ribbon in Camellia Rose - 5/8") and laid it out so that it was right in the middle of the wood and white (leaving a little of each showing).  I wanted a little bit of pattern to things so I then topped it off striped washi tape.  My heart on my embroidery hoop is made up of tinsel garland that is attached to a big paper heart.  Once I glued all the garland on I simply trimmed off the excess around the edges and then added a pearl border. 

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Christine Meyer - Ribbons Unlimited Design Team Member

Frayed Knot with Christine Meyer

It's November and I for one am excited for this month where we can focus on all the things we are grateful for!  Today I am here to share one of our beautiful Lyon French Wired Ribbons that is the perfect addition to fall projects.

I really love this ribbon (Sandstone) because of the golden hues that come out in it, making it a perfect match for some fall projects.  First, I used the ribbon as a border strip underneath my photos and then I tied a knot and topped one end of the border with it.  Then to bring out those golden hues, I frayed the ends of my knot.   It's a simple, quick, but striking way to add some different texture to your layout! 

Ribbons Unlimited Supplies Used:

Lyon French Wired Ribbon: Sandstone

Embellishing Paper Clips with Ribbon

Good morning Ribbons Unlimited Fans - Christine joining you today!  I am always on the lookout for ways to use ribbon in new ways on my cards.  I was recently playing around with paper clips and came up with a simple and different way to incorporate ribbon!

Paperclips are trendy and easy to find...so why not find a way to incorporate them on a card!  I simply tied a knot at the top of mine and slid it over a ribbon strip on my card.  Think of the possibilities on this - you could do anything from cute to elegant depending on your ribbon choice and make use of it on layouts, tags, cards and more.  

What unique ways do you use ribbon on your cards?  We'd love to have you share some ideas with us on our facebook wall!

Ribbons Unlimited Supplies Used:

White Organdy Ribbon

Christine Meyer - Ribbons Unlimited Design Team Member

Ten Minute Headbands with Christine

Hi Ribbons Unlimited Fans!  Christine back with you today!  Do you remember that 6 year old that always loses hairbows (check out the five minute hairbow tutorial here)?  Well she loses headbands too!  Today I am going to show you a quick way to make a stylish headband!

 All you need for supplies is ribbon and a traditional elastic rubber band!  Ribbons Unlimited has a great selection of ribbons from patterned, to glittery, to the always popular animal prints...you can definitely find what you are looking for!

I used ribbon that was about 18 1/2 inches long....this will be dependent on the size of the head of your girl.  I then folded it over the rubber band about an inch and stitched back and forth.  I went 3 times each way to ensure it would hold well.  Do the same on the other side.  Then simply slide it on and you are done!  I made up a whole bunch of these and now she's got a bunch to match different outfits!

Ribbons Unlimited Supplies:

Grosgrain Striped Ribbon - Navy

Pink & Turquoise Polka Dot Ribbon

Weaving together a beautiful card by Christine

Happy October Everyone!  Christine, back with you today, sharing another weaving card!  I promised last week I would show you one that is different and I am here to do just that!

Last week I used the a wide white organdy but this week I used a Delight Satin Edge Ribbon in black that is just 5/8" wide.  It is a little more challenging to weave and keep things straight...but in the end it worked!

If you look closely you can see that I used it in my circle.  

To create this look, I traced almost a whole circle on the edge of my card and cut that out.  I weaved my ribbon onto a rectangle piece of black cardstock that would fit behind the circle.  Once done, I attached it with strong wet adhesive and set in under a book to flatten it out.

This technique is fairly new to me, especially with ribbon, but is one that I plan to use again to add texture and sophistication to my projects!  

Ribbons Unlimited Supplies Used:

Delight Satin Edge Ribbon

White Organdy Ribbon

Christine Meyer - Ribbons Unlimited Design Team Member

Weaving Ribbon with Christine Meyer

Halfway through our work week and I'm back to share a way to add some pretty texture to your card creations!  I thought it would be fun to try weaving for a background and I have to admit, I was beyond pleased with the end result!

I used the White Organdy Ribbon to create my background.  To create this effect I cut out my one inch frame (the aqua striped background) leaving a square in the center.  I then added adhesive all around the border and laid out my ribbon pieces diagonally.  I then slowly went through and weaved my rows for the other direction.

It kind of reminds me of the look of vellum!  And doing the weaving on the diagonal instead of straight across adds a different interest.

Love this look?  Next week I will be back with a less subtle, but still just as fun weaving project with our Delight Satin Edge Ribbon!  See you then!

Christine Meyer - Ribbons Unlimited Design Team Member

Five Minute Bows with Christine!

Christine with you today to share one of my favorite bows to make!  I have a 6 year old daughter who loves to wear hair bows.  But because she is six, bows tend to get lost, get dirty, or just plain fall apart from use.  I have found a quick, easy way to make hair bows for her that makes it so I always have a bow to match those special outfits and I don't have to spend hours creating them! I even created one at 11:00 pm the night before school started. Best of all you don't have to be able to tie a pretty bow to create these because these ones take a shortcut! 

 Today I have several varieties to share with you, but first let's start off with a tutorial!  

 Using your fingers as a guide, wrap the ribbon around them as many times as you wish to create your bow.  For this bow I went around three times.  I start in the middle and end in the middle so the ends are hidden beneath the knot.

Cut an additional piece of ribbon to use to create your knot and tails.  Again, the length is up to you and the look you are going for.  I usually err on the side of long and then trim it up. Tie a tight knot and adjust the tails to look as you want them to.

Attach it to a hair clip either using some liquid adhesive, sewing, or a glue gun.  I use alligator clips for this type of bow and slide the top part into the knot, so liquid adhesive works great!  As you can see, these would also work great for a card or gift wrap!

Ribbons Unlimited carries many different types of ribbon and I wanted to show you how this bow looks using different styles of ribbon.  I had a lovely 6 year old model help me out :)

This one uses the Strawberry Organdy Ribbon, I wrapped it around three times, and I notched the tails.

I was surprised to find out that wired ribbon works really well for these.  I wouldn't use it for little girls, but for a big girl it will be fine.  The wire is very thin and actually reminds me of fishing line.  the wire makes for a beautiful, fluffy bow!  This one uses the Champagne with White Dots ribbon.  I wrapped it around twice and angled the tail.

Another wired ribbon! This one is the Berry Ombre Ribbon.  I wrapped it just once and angled the tails.

This last one uses the Celadon Lyon French Wired Ribbon.  I wrapped this one around twice and trimmed the tails short so you can't see them.

Thanks for joining us here today!

  

Ribbon Flower Sash and Flower Tutorial by Christine Meyer

Hi Ribbons Unlimited Fans, Christine with you today to share a sophisticated ribbon project!  Stephanie Smokovich, the owner of Bella Blvd, recently got married.  She shared on her blog these gorgeous sashes that she created for her bridesmaids and I was completely inspired by them!  So much so that I wanted to try my hand a creating one.  Before I go any further, let me share with you her original post, no doubt you'll be inspired too!  

I created this one with the plan to use it with either a white or black dress.  When I saw this lovely young lady at church, I knew her dress would be a perfect match (and then begged her to be my model, Thanks Jen!).  I love that it can jazz up a little black dress and make it wedding appropriate or just something a little more special.  

I went with a fairly neutral color palette but imagine the possibilities with some bright and bold colors!  You could really jazz up an outfit or add a pop of color to something plain.

For the back I just tied a simple flowing bow.  The organdy ribbon works beautifully for this!

Here's a close-up of the flowers.  They are created using organdy ribbon, a little frayed linen, and a round epiphany crafts epoxy dot (handmade to match the flowers).  Now for the nitty gritty on how I created the main part of the flower.

I cut a twelve inch piece of the ribbon and then did a simple running stitch thru the entire piece.  I used a coordinating color when doing this but to make the tutorial I used pink (so it would be easier for you to see).

I gathered it all together on my needle.

Then pull the thread all the way thru.

Once you let go it will look like one big gathered ruffle.

Tie the two ends of the thread together tightly with a double knot.

Trim your threads and then flatten out all the ruffles.  Quick, easy, and striking.  And best of all it doesn't take long at all!  I have used these flowers on headbands, hair clips, and now a sash.  All you have to do is add something to the center (rhinestones work great too) and stitch it on to the item you are creating.

We'd love to see your version if you create one!
Share it with us on the Ribbons Unlimited Facebook Wall.

Supplies Used:

Organdy Ribbon White - 1 1/2"

Organdy Ribbon Buttercup - 7/8"

Creating a Pinstripe Background with Christine

Christine blogging with you today!  Here's one fun technique you can give a whirl: create a background with your ribbon.  For my card today I created a background using the velvet ribbon and then added a chipboard heart cut-out above it making use of the negative space

I first ran my glue runner over the square cardstock and then started creating rows of the ribbon.  I love how it looks like pinstripes because of the pewter color!  I added the chipboard heart frame atop it and voila....a different look with lots of dimension and texture!  Have a great weekend and I hope you can find a way to play with ribbon!

Supplies Used:

Nylavalour Velvet Ribbon - Pewter.

Patterned Paper: Pink Paislee and American Crafts

Chipboard: Crate Paper

Sticker: SRM Stickers

Cute Storage + Pretty Ribbon with Christine Meyer

Hi Ribbons Unlimited fans!  Christine back with you today and ready to share some more simple storage pieces that I added a little ribbon to to jazz them up.  Sometimes the perfect finishing touch comes in the form of a simple ribbon tie or bow!

These simple storage pieces are designed by fellow Ribbons Unlimited Design team member Jamie and cut out on my Silhouette Cameo.  After decorating each piece with paper, washi tape, and stickers; I went back and added in bows and ties to give them a final touch.

For this holder I used the ribbon as the pull for the drawer at the bottom.

Here I just tied a simple bow around the marker box.

A bow at the top of this desktop caddy was the perfect touch.

A bow overwhelmed this washi tape box so I opted to just do a simple tie instead.

The next time you are looking spruce something up don't forget to look at your Ribbons Unlimited stash.  With the variety of colors and designs you are sure to find several fabulous options!

Supplies Used:

Ribbons Unlimited Organdy Ribbon Bright Yellow

Websters Pages Patterned Paper

My Minds Eye Washi Tape

American Crafts Cardstock

Silhouette Store Cuts by Jamie Cripps

Prettying Up Storage with Christine

Happy Friday Ribbons Unlimited Fans!  Christine up with you on the blog today!  I can't believe we are already smack dab at the end of July!  One of my summer goals was to work on putting together this storage piece and Ribbons Unlimited had the perfect ribbon to help me finish it off!  Organdy ribbon is probably my favorite (and go to) ribbon on most projects.  I love the selection that Ribbons Unlimited has of this gorgeous ribbon!

This storage piece comes from Gina's Designs and you have to assemble each drawer.  I covered mine with various patterned paper from Echo Park's "Beautiful Life" line.

I then tied bows using the Strawberry Organdy Ribbon .  I stuck a large brad through the bow and then put them through the drawer hole.  The ribbon is perfect for being the pull to get the drawers out and adding a feminine and pretty touch!

Supplies Used:

Ribbons Unlimited Strawberry Organdy Ribbon

Gina's Designs 15 Drawer Storage Cabinet

Echo Park Paper "Beautiful Life"

We R Memory Keepers Brads


You can find our collection of Organdy Ribbons HERE!