Ribbon Girls: Wind, Weave, Twist & Tie; Dress Up Your Room, Show Team Spirit, Create Pretty Presents

By Maryellen Kim

Tips and tools for budding artists to beribbon their lampshades, clothes, jewelry, totes, and more! 
 
Here is a boundless source of inspiration for crafty kids to turn their headbands, belts—even paper clips—into works of art, using ordinary ribbons, buttons, and string. The project materials are inexpensive and easy to find—you probably have most of them in a junk drawer right now! This book will instill a lifelong love of all things handmade in young artists. From brightening up their bedroom decor and hair accessories to personalizing their school supplies and jewelry, these projects are the perfect antidote to rainy day boredom.
 
“Wind, weave, twist, and tie—that’s the premise behind 26 projects created from ribbons, buttons, rickrack, and string. Kids ages 8 and up can dive right in and make these projects themselves.”—American Sewing Guild Notions

• Language: English
• Publisher: Open Road Integrated Media
• Release date: Dec 1, 2014
• ISBN: 9781607059882

Book preview

Introduction

Hello, Crafty Kids! I’m so glad you like to make stuff, too! I’ve spent my entire life making things. There is not much that can compare with starting a project and then seeing the end product. Sometimes people tell me that they are not creative, but I believe they just haven’t given themselves permission to BE creative!

So I’m giving you permission! I think you’ll like the projects I’ve designed, but you know what would be really cool? If you make them a reflection of you and what you love!

The nice thing about crafting with ribbon is that you can easily turn something you already own into something totally new and super cool with just a bit of glue or stitching. Some of the projects in this book are a little more involved than others, but that doesn’t mean they are hard.

Look for the project skill level to help you decide which craft you would like to start with. If you have been crafting for a while, you probably will not find any of these techniques tricky at all. But if you are new to making things, try beginning with projects designated Skill Level 1: Start Here! If you are comfortable with scissors and a hot glue gun, move on to Skill Level 2: Now Try This! If you are a more experienced crafter, try the Skill Level 3: You’ve Been Crafting Awhile! projects.

If you don’t know what a particular supply or technique is, check out the Good-to-Know Glossary. The pictures and information there will help you figure out what you need.

And remember, if things don’t turn out perfectly the very first time, just keep on making more. The more experience you gain, the easier the techniques will become!

Your Style File

All about Ribbons and Trims

Making Embellishments

We each have a unique style all our own. If you aren’t sure what your style is, try making a style file.

All you need is a notebook, sketchbook, some wall space, or even just an old school folder. Start looking through magazines and catalogs. When you see something you like, give it another look and decide what about that image makes it appealing to you.

Is it the color? Is it the texture? Or did a particular element grab your attention, like a bird or flower? Maybe it’s a shape or a pattern that you like?

Cut out the image and glue or tape it in your style file. After a while, your file will start to have a feeling. That feeling is your style! I’m guessing that your favorite color is showing up a lot in that file! Do you love animals? I bet you are seeing a lot of horses and puppies in your style file.

Remember, there is no right or wrong when it comes to creativity! Do what you love, and combine things that make you happy. And don’t be afraid of making mistakes. If something doesn’t turn out the way you want it to, think about what you can do to turn it into something good. Your style will come shining through!

Hint: I like to use colored pens to make notes in my style file. Sometimes I draw an arrow or jot down a crafty idea, so I don’t forget what I had in mind when I chose the image.

All about Ribbons and Trims

Ribbon offers so many ways to be creative! You’ll be using ribbon and other trims to create projects that are fun and useful. But first let’s talk about some of the different types of ribbon and trim and how you might want to use them.

The ribbons you’ll use for the projects in this book are all made of fabric. These aren’t the type of curling ribbons used on top of a present, although you could use them to make a gift extra special!

Ribbons come in lots of different widths and lengths. At your local craft store, you will find many, many types of ribbon to choose from! They are usually sold on a spool containing between three and ten yards. Some of the projects use A LOT of ribbon, so before you start, make sure you have enough on hand.

Types of Ribbon

A. Grosgrain Ribbon: This ribbon has tiny ridges and lines, which give it a lovely texture. It comes in zillions of colors and is not too stiff. But it is stiff enough to hold its shape very well. It’s great for making bows and loopy ribbon flowers.

B. Satin Ribbon: I use this ribbon a lot! It’s shiny and soft and very fancy looking. It also holds its shape pretty well but is not quite as stiff as grosgrain.

C. Jacquard Ribbon: This really heavy-weight woven ribbon is great for clothing and belts, and it comes in many beautiful patterns and colors. Most craft stores don’t have a huge selection of these ribbons, but they can be ordered online.

D. Wired Ribbon: Some of the previous types of ribbons also come in a wired variety. The fun thing about wire-edged ribbon is that it is very easy to shape and holds its shape very well. The wire can also be pulled out from one side of the ribbon to create a ruffle that you can make into a swirly flower.

E. Silk Ribbon: Silk is very soft and wispy. It does not hold its shape well, but it comes in many beautiful colors