Meet Our Staff: Nikki

Time for another Meet the Staff Monday! This week we're introducing me, Nikki, the Artistic Ribbon social media intern. I have been with Artistic Ribbon for about 1 month handling the Facebook, Twitter, and this blog as well as working on our Etsy and Pinterest.

Crafting for Good

One of the things I'm most passionate about is crafting for good. What does that mean, exactly? To me, that means crafting with the purpose of giving the finished product to someone in need. I'm a big knitter and love using this skill to make hats and scarves for low-/no-income individuals and families in the winter. Sometimes I'll donate to established foundations, but other times I like giving it to people I come across when I'm out and about, often those without homes. Though I tend to create "useful" items (like hats, gloves, scarves, etc.), I also enjoy creating cute, decorative items to give away. Kids love them! I love knitting brooches to put on hats or jackets with little ribbon adornments. While it isn't anything particularly helpful, I understand what it means to be a kid who wants to look cool for their friends and have something new to show off. Believe me, even the small things matter.

Meet Our Staff: Steve

Good afternoon, everyone! This week we'd like to try something new. For the next while, we'll be introducing the faces behind our company. To start this off, please meet Steve, the driving force of Artistic Ribbon!

Tartan Ribbon

Once in a while, we all need to be reminded about the beauty and versatility of tartan ribbon.   You can use this plaid ribbon in fashion accessories, as garment trim, as accents in home furnishings, in floral decorations and as a distinctive packaging wrap.

A Simple Project

Kids love to twirl and whirl, and this is likely the easiest ribbon project you'll ever find.  Who knows... today's twirling child might well be our country's next Olympic rhythmic gymnastics gold medal winner...  Thanks to Mary LeBaron's post at makesandtakes.com for this inspirational idea.

Alligator Clips

One of the most popular components in the world of hair accessories is the alligator clip, and we thought you might enjoy a glance at some of the more novel ways that ribbon has been used on this clip.  Creativity certainly abounds.   

Making a Ribbon Rose

It's actually rather easy to make a ribbon rose (which might, in part, explain their popularity).  The trick is to wait for a rainy day when you won't be tending your flowers outside... then just find some quiet time to stitch the edge of a nice piece of ribbon and gently pull the thread until it gathers a bit.  Next, form the gathered ribbon into the shape of a rose starting with tight coils on the inside of the flower that gradually relax as you work your way to the outside edge.  Finish the rose with a few stitches to hold the shape in place -- and you're done!

Father's Day Ribbon

With Father's Day coming up soon, it's time to start thinking about a gift for Dad.  We recommend something under a nice ribbon bow.

Larger Flowers

We've noticed that artificial flowers are being offered in larger and larger sizes.  Is it a trend yet?  We can't be certain... but we do know that one supplier has taken the time to organize their flower collection by size.  Have a look at the offerings here.

Ribbon & Footwear

On our tour of ribbon usage from head to toe, today's stop takes us to the wonderful world of fashion footwear.  From ribbon shoelaces to shoe clips to ribbon leg-wraps to ribbon used as trim, fashion designers have long recognized the versatility that ribbon offers in footwear.  Here's a thought... why not take a moment and come up with some cute bows to attach to your kids shoelaces?  ...or better yet, turn it into a project for them to do!

Ribbon & Rings

Yet another foray into the world of costume jewelry to pick up on a classic summer ribbon trend -- the ornamentation of finger and toe rings.   The examples depicted here illustrate the use of dot, sheer, satin, and microcheck ribbon (although, as well all know, the ribbon choices are almost endless and most certainly are no more than a reflection of one's own personal style).  The styles are certainly easy to make... so go have some fun and spice up your look for the season.

The Beginning

We believe in crafting, in the Do It Yourself community, in the arts. Many of us began crafting as kids in school. I remember watching my mom put together the most elaborate invitations when she worked for a invitation and paper goods company as I was growing up. She taught me how to curl ribbon for birthday presents. To this day, out of all my friends, I still assemble the nicest looking gifts. She showed me how to create my own thoughtful, beautiful wrapping paper you couldn't find in stores. These little lessons have stuck with me throughout my life. How did you get into crafting?

Elegant Simplicity

Every so often, a ribbon creation really stands out... pictured here is an item found while browsing the web that came from the knottygbdesigns shop on Etsy.  The bracelet is described by its creator as sophisticated and cosmopolitan, and we agree.  The item is beautiful, elegant and inspired. 

Ribbon Sliders

Long used primarily by packaging specialists, ribbon sliders are an elegant way to enhance any presentation.  Most recently, however, we've come to notice the increased use of ribbon sliders in the scrapbooking world (in which the possibilities are almost endless).  If you'd like to learn more about how to use ribbon sliders in scrapbooking, have a look at this nice short instructional video here.

Crafting Communities

Crafting communities like Craftster are all around the web. You can find project ideas, tutorials, post your creations and make friends. We're working on a Craftster account and Etsy shop in the coming weeks. What online crafting communities do you like best? Why? We're always interested in finding the best online platforms!

Swarovski Pendants

The world's finest crystal pendants are, of course, manufactured by Swarovski, and they offer a world of design opportunities.  You can view a collection here.  Think about using these pendants with ribbon necklaces and bracelets for a very refined and upscale look.

Korkers

This morning we thought we'd take a quick look around the web to see what's new in the world of korkers.  Stylings seem to be favoring bright and nautical color combinations at the moment, although admittedly, we only took a short tour of the product range that's out there... is there some trend that we're missing?  Let us know.

A timely choice

In our never-ending search for different ways to creatively use ribbon, we came upon a timely approach -- designing ribbon wristbands for watches.  With a host of ribbon choices available, and almost all available in sizes to fit the timepiece of your choice, this is the perfect time to think about updating and personalizing this fashionable accessory.

Ribbon Rainbows

A rainbow appears on the horizon and everyone is delighted.  Perhaps that's why we see so many rainbow stripes around us in our daily lives.  Rainbows are the feel-good color combination that brings contentment to so many.  Perhaps you should try using the rainbow stripe ribbon in your next creation...