Tag: Ribbon

Ribbon Napkin Rings

Ribbon

Are you like me?  Do you save bits of ribbon from this gift or that bag because it’s just too pretty to throw away?

I save ribbon, but sometimes wonder what to do with all these little pieces of beauty.

Today I decided to put some of them to use.  I made a bunch of napkin rings to use in anticipation of some out of town company we’re expecting for Easter.

basket of napkins
They’re simple to make.  I simply cut scraps of ribbon into four inch lengths:

pieces of ribbon
then folded each one in half (right sides together) and stitched the ends closed.


Then turn the circle right side out, roll up a napkin and you’re good to go!

ribbon napkin rings
I used a variety of brightly colored and pastel ribbons because I’m longing for spring.  Some of them are wired and some are not.  I found that both worked fine.  I made two of each and I like the way they all look together.

ribbon napkin rings 2
It’s a great way to dress up a simple paper napkin or add a touch of color to the table.   They’re the sort of thing you could take on a picnic or use them with cloth napkins for a more formal meal.  I think it would be fun to make a bunch for a baby or wedding shower.

Because I used scraps, the project cost me nothing.  It took about 60 seconds to make each one, and they’re the kind of thing you could store in a little ziploc bag.  Zero cost, minimal time, easy storage, pretty.  I like it when all those things combine in one project.

basket of ribbon napkin rings
I can’t wait to use them!  Hope you’ll try some, too.

Hopeful Homemaker Linked to DIY Day

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Ribbon Organizer

Organization, Ribbon

After more time spent winding ribbon than I expected it to take, I have this to show:

ribbon closeup
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:

disorganized ribbon
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:

vintage 7-up crate
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.

wood crate ribbon organizer
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.

ribbon organizer on shelf
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.

ribbon organizer corner
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

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