After more time spent winding ribbon than I expected it to take, I have this to show:
Much as I love ribbon, for years I’ve done a lousy job of storing those leftover pieces or strips of lovely ribbon off of packages of some sort. Tired of sorting through this:
I went on a walk through my house to see if I could find something better to keep it in. I saw an awesome ribbon organizer back at Christmas time in a local craft store, but I didn’t want to spend any money and I don’t have room in my studio for some big thing. Then I remembered this:
This old 7-up crate hung on the wall in my kitchen at our old house. I kept little jars in each compartment and it served as my spice rack. It didn’t work in my new kitchen when we moved, so it’s been waiting in the basement for a new use. Well, it just found it.
I measured the size of the compartments and cut several pieces of aqua cardstock to fit. Then, using a bit of masking tape to secure the ends, I started wrapping.
And I kept wrapping.
Did I mention that I spent some time wrapping?
Little matter. It took many more 5 minute segments of stolen time than I anticipated, but it’s finally done and I’m happy with it.
Wide ribbons were given a card to themselves, and narrow ones were grouped together on a card. Organized by color (somewhat), I can now see at a glace what I’ve got, which means that I’ll actually use it! I’m a big fan of being able to see what’s available, which is also why I opted to prop my new organizer on a little shelf in my studio.
The shelf is a vintage piece for holding handkerchiefs. It belonged to my great grandmother. My parents gave it to me for my birthday a couple of years ago, and it’s been hanging in a corner of my studio ever since. It means a lot to me to have it. I had another decoration on it which I removed to make room for the ribbon. Below it I have framed another piece of linen from my Marghab collection, which is a post for another day.
I added my wish, hug and kiss tickets to the top and a little bird on the corner and we’re set. I like how this corner of my studio is now bright with color.
I have to say that the current trend for re-purposing is fabulous to me. It’s become a little contest I have with myself all the time, walking around my house in search of something I can use differently to meet a new need. It costs nothing, but forces me to think more creatively, to focus on line, size, shape and color in new ways. It saves money, helps us use what we have more efficiently, and the challenge brings me joy. As it has become more mainstream, I’ve really enjoyed seeing pictures of what others are doing.
So here’s my question for you: What have you re-purposed lately?
And if you feel like you haven’t done it at all, my challenge is to take a walk around your house and find some small way in which you can use something differently, in a new way that makes you happy.
And please, tell me about it!
Jennifer
