Getting to Know You

Hello everyone! For a long time, we've posted about the variety of projects you can use ribbon for and we'll continue to do that... but today we're going to shake things up a bit. We want to hear about you! Our customers have been a loyal support system to us for the past 84 years and we want to extend that same gratitude you've so kindly shown us. Tell us a little (or a lot!) about yourself. What kind of crafts do you like? How do you use ribbon? What projects do you have next? Where do you find inspiration for your crafts? Feel free to answer this and much more.

An Updated Picnic

As the days get warmer and the weekends beckon, what could be more fun than planning the perfect picnic?  Colors are brighter and we see a variety of ribbon being used for napkin rings and picnic baskets.

Memorable Prom Accessory

With the prom season upon us, it's no surprise that flowers and ribbon are on our minds.  Whether it's wrist corsages, pin-on or hand-held corsages, or boutonnieres, all are designed to match a dress or formal outfit with a beautiful blend of ribbon and flowers.  Wrist corsages are especially important these days -- proms typically involve dancing and keeping a traditional pin-on corsage in place can be difficult (and often impossible).  Solving that issue is the wrist corsage that allows girls to either wear their corsage or simply pull it off and place it in a safe place until they want to wear it again.

Ribbon & Ballet

As the school year comes to a close our thoughts turn to the summer camp season.  Before long kids will be attending summer dance camps, ballet camps and enjoying life as only kids can... which makes it time to start thinking about tulle, and netting and satin ribbon.

Sparkling Creations

The allure of crystal leads many to ask, "What's the easiest way to get started with Swarovski's Elements?  Can you show us some examples?"  The images shown here depict the crystals shown as accents... an accent on stationery, on a ribbon bracelet or as a few beads on a hair comb.  To get started, remind yourself that a little sparkle goes a long way.

Unity candles have become a recent addition to the traditional wedding ceremony, and they are so beautiful... but as beauty comes in many forms, it's not surprising to see creative and innovative uses of ribbon on candles in other settings.

Ribbon Dragonflies

Variations on a theme:  Ribbon dragonflies have always been a popular creation and we thought that it might be interesting to see what form some of the latest creative efforts have taken.  This year it appears that the dragonflies are being used mostly as a hair accessory motif.

Ribbon & Flip Flops

Perhaps you noticed all the colorful ribbon-laden flip-flops being worn over the Memorial Day Weekend.  While many are using the curling ribbon technique, a good many take advantage of classic ribbon bow shapes. 

Baby Ribbon

Whether it's for a baby shower, for infant hair accessories or simply because your little one is OH SO SWEET! and absolutely deserves the very best that mommy can find, ribbons for babies are becoming an important part of our life...

Ribbon Sculptures

We're inspired by the many forms that creativity can take, and an emerging trend can certainly be found in this charming use of ribbon sculptures.  All of the delightful creations shown above are to be found on the Little Pink Ladybug website. 

Exploring the World of Coral Ribbon

We thought that it might be interesting to pick a ribbon color, in this case "coral", and see what kinds of items are currently making their way onto the web.  In this case, we find examples of coral ribbon being used in floral arrangements, accessories, stationery and beachwear.  Perhaps you'd like to begin your adventure by trying some Coral Rose Double-face Satin.

Election Season

As we start moving closer to Independence Day and election season perhaps these red, white and blue renditions will inspire.

Having a Red Moment

Take a color that everyone loves and have some fun with it... from bobby pin ornaments to lanyards to stationery to jewelry, the color just lends itself to inspired designs. 

Designing with Swarovski Elements

It's easy to design with Swarovski Elements, and a touch of ribbon always adds so much flair.  You can find a collection of instructional guides here.  

The Bold & the Beautiful

It appears that artificial flowers are in full bloom, and a touch of ornamentation with ribbon, feathers, pearls and rhinestones seems to be just the ticket for success.

Neon Ribbon & Crystal Pearls

A new item has been introduced into the fashion market -- a line of neon crystal pearls from Swarovski -- and when coupled with classic neon grosgrain ribbon you'll have everything necessary to start your summer season with style.

A Natural World

More and more we see natural trims and ribbons coming to the fore... matte raffia, jute cord and wire-edge Charisma ribbon are the perfect choices for a natural adventure.

Ribbon Artistry

Wow!  We'll admit to being impressed.  This ribbon violin was crafted by master ribbon sculptor Karyn Ranzau and epitomizes the pinnacle of creative ribbon design efforts.

Ombre Ribbon

Ombre -- n. A French term meaning "shaded", usually with colors graduating from light to dark.  While ombre fashion is typically seen on the runways during the fall season, emerging trends are showing ombre colorations in light pastels. 

Leopard Ribbon

Animal prints have long been a mainstay in the fashion world,  and every year a new series of animal prints come out that instantly grab our attention -- this year it's the "jeweled series" -- jeweled snake, jeweled cheetah and jeweled zebra ribbon.

The Jade Ribbon

While browsing the Internet today for ribbon in the world of fashion, we came upon a color that is making its way into the realm of haute couture -- jade.

The Noble Ribbon

Long associated with nobility, velvet today is still associated with finery.  Select from the world's finest Swiss velvet, crushed velvet, stretch velvet, grosgrain velvet or double-faced velvet.

Ribbon & Bridal Accessories

As we approach the month of June our thoughts turn to bridal traditions and in particular to the use of white satin ribbon.

A Home with Charm

Ribbon is making its way into the home with decorative touches that add charm to even the most commonplace of items -- from tabletops to foyers to counter-tops, ribbon bows and flowers help a house feel like a home.

Ribbon & Invitations

Special occasions call for a special look, and the most beautiful invitations are always adorned with ribbon.  Whether it's a simple bow or one with an eye-catching flower or jewel, these ribbon elements make all the difference.

Ribbon & Home Décor

From the Japanese craft book "Easy & Cute Ribbon Flowers" by Yoko Nogi...

Fashion for Our First Friend

"When the Man waked up he said,
'What is Wild Dog doing here?'
And the Woman said,
'His name is not Wild Dog any more,
but the First Friend,
because he will be our friend
for always and always and always.'"
- Rudyard Kipling

Ribbon & Plaiting Techniques

We sometimes need a reminder that old techniques can be revitalized again, and certainly braiding or plaiting techniques have been with us as a form of string art since at least the medieval ages.  Put your creative imagination to work and have some fun!

The Transformative Power of Ribbon

Sometimes all it takes is a touch of ribbon to transform a common item into something truly special...

Hanging Inspiration

Decorative wreaths are no longer a mere seasonal item -- instead, they've become a focal point to showcase one's own unique personality with ribbon design possibilities that are almost endless.

The Beauty of Ribbon Flowers

Every year when flowers come into bloom we are reminded of the beauty around us.  While ribbon flowers have long been used with apparel and to adorn accessories, it's refreshing to now see their growing use in stationery and home decor.  So... how will we next use ribbon flowers?

Formal Occasions

Formal wear has long been characterized by black and white satin adorned with the added touch of sparkling crystal or pearl.  Whether it's a garden party, cotillion or dinner, the look bespeaks refinement.  Use this opportunity to craft an elegant ribbon accessory for your next formal occasion.

Ribbon in the Hands of a Master

The world's foremost ribbon craftsman can be found in Turkey's Sakarya Province along the coast of the Black Sea.  Extraordinary ribbon-embellished accessories are crafted with a rare sense of beauty by designer Nigar Hikmet.  Enjoy his photostream collection here.

The Ribbon Artistry of Baku Maeda

The whimsical ribbon art sculptures shown above hail from the Baku Maeda Ribbonesia art project wherein the creations are used as gift wrapping, lapel ornaments, hanging mobiles and for interior décor.  Inspirational.