Curly Ribbon Crafts

 Rock your party with curly ribbon party lights! 

        It's almost time for a firecracker Fourth of July celebration, so let's get our red, white and blue craft on and create a few simple party lights to light up the night!  Here's a couple of ideas to start with...

Here's what I used:

• Gwen Studios Curly Ribbon - Red, White & Blue
• Gwen Studios 3/8" Grosgrain Taffy Stripe ribbon - Red & White
• Double-sided Adhesive Tape
• Glow Sticks
• Solar Light Mason Jar Lid
• Small Crystal Mason Jar
• Scissors
• 3 Small wood beads - 2 Red & White
• Empty plastic bottle - Small
• 12" Bakers twine, or jute (to hang)

Glow-Stick Light

 

1. Cut about 2" off the bottom of the plastic bottle. Make sure to include about 1/2" of the flat side of the bottle.

2. Use the point of your scissors to make a hole at the center of the bottom of the bottle. Tie one end of the twine to the glow stick cap then thread the other end through the hole up from the inside. Thread the beads onto the other end then make a loop at the top to hang. This will be the top of your light.

3. With edges aligned, adhere the double-sided tape around the cut edge.

4. Cut equal numbers of each color of curly ribbon into 15" lengths then curl each piece by carefully running the length of ribbon between your thumb and the blade of your scissors.  You will need enough pieces to go around the edge of the bottle. Adhere the end of each curled piece to the adhesive tape around the edge of the bottle. 

5. Adhere grosgrain ribbon around the edge to cover the ends of the ribbon and, if desired,  tie a small bow around the hanger at the top of the beads. Trim the lengths of ribbon as needed then push the glow stick into the top and hang.  Remove the glow stick to activate then replace. 

Mason Jar Solar Light

        You probably have a mason jar, but you may need to purchase the solar light lids. I purchased mine from Amazon.

        This is quick'n EZ to make. You don't even need to use a mason jar since the fairy lights will simply hang down from under the solar lid among the strands of curly ribbon. All you need to do is adhere the double-sided adhesive tape around the edge of the lid, add the curled pieces of ribbon then cover the ends with the grosgrain ribbon to finish.  Note: The wire ring of the hanger that comes with the solar lid, is sized to fit around the neck of a jar. You will need to make an adjustment to it if you plan to use it around the lid if you don't use a jar.

Time to light up the decorations! 

      

 

        There are so many other colors of curly ribbon to choose from and with glow-sticks in abundance at different times of the year, I can imagine glow-stick lights with white curly ribbon and google eyes as ghost lights for Halloween in Fall, shades of blue, green and a little pink would make a fabulous jelly fish! What would you make?

Enjoy!

Yours truly,

Julie 💝

KEEP CALM AND CARRY ON CRAFTING!

Curly ribbon used in my projects was provided by Gwen Studios. It is available in a variety of colors at Walmart and online at Walmart.com  All other supplies were purchased by me. 

Look for more curly ribbon projects on the Designer Crafts Connection blog

 

 

Mothers Day!

 It's Mothers Day in a little over a week! Are you ready?

Mothers Day is always celebrated the 2nd Sunday in May in the US, but in England "Mothering Sunday" was celebrated on the fourth Sunday in Lent - not quite as easy to remember since, like Easter it would change from year to year.  You can read about the history of Mothers Day here if you're interested, but nowadays the biggest question top of mind is, what to get mom! 

How about a gift basket?

            Everybody loves a gift basket, right? This mom loves the beach so a basket filled with something special for the beach would be my top choice.  I loved these "Seas the Day" flip flops from my local Dollar (& a quarter) Tree, but they needed a little extra pizzaz. I had some white, star studded suede ribbon, blue Taffy striped and white grosgrain ribbon from Gwen Studios. I also found two, star shaped, silver buttons in my stash and got to work.

1. Measure then adhere pieces of the suede ribbon to the top of each strap. NOTE: I planned to use double-sided adhesive tape, but found it did not stay securely on the plastic straps, so I used hot glue instead. Please use an adhesive that works best for the flip flops you plan to decorate.

2.  To make the rosettes, cut a 7" piece of the blue Taffy ribbon and a 5" piece of white grosgrain ribbon.  Gather each piece with a small running (up and down) stitch along the bottom edge. Pull the ends together to create the ruffle, leaving a larger circle at the center of the stripe ribbon as shown. Stitch ends together to secure.  Place the white ribbon ruffle on top of the stripe ribbon and the button shank thru the center hole, then glue to the top of the flip flop straps to finish.

Don't they look cute!

All that's needed now is a sun hat, sun glasses, beach towels and sunscreen and mom is good to go to her favorite beach where she can "seas the day" in style.

But wait! Not just for beach flip flops, I can see all kinds of potential for up-cycling some older flip flops for later in the day.  I also had some Gwen Studios satin and rhinestone trim and decided to go all out and bling it on!!!

1. Measure then cut the wide trim to fit over the fabric straps on these older flip flops. Secure with double sided adheive since it works well on fabric. You can also stitch the trim in place to make it really secure.

2. I covered the center with additional trim from the same card.  To make the short piece a little wider, I adhered one layer of trim at the center of the satin trim. Cut to size then adhere to the center as shown.

 

This mom is definitely walking out in style when heading out for a sunset cocktail don't you think...

It's amazing what can be done by simply adding ribbon and trim!

                You can find more Mothers Day project inspiration using Gwen Studios ribbons from industry designers on the Designer Crafts Connection blog. Check it out and let us know what you think!

Yours truly,

Julie 💝

KEEP CALM AND CARRY ON CRAFTING

Ribbons and trims used in these projects was provided by Gwen Studios. It is available at your local Walmart store and Walmart online 

 

Spring Forth with Ribbons

The theme for this month's Design Team ribbon project for Gwen Studios is Easter and Spring. 

 

        Spring has to be my favorite time of year.  After the dark and dreary days of Winter, Spring arrives with the promise of new life. Trees start to bud and flowers burst from the bleakness of Winter filling our world with color - nature's resurrection together with Easter heralding its own special promise of new life for us all....

 

          

To create this special project for Easter you will need the following:

• Gwen Studios 3/8" x 36 yards Grosgrain Pastel Ribbon Favor Pack
• Gwen Studios 5/8" Grosgrain Ribbon - White
• Canvas Wrapped Frame.   6" x 9"  used here
• Double Sided 1/4" Tape
• Lo-Temp Glue Gun
• Large Glue Dot
• Scissors 

             

Step 1:

    Working on the back of the frame, cover the stapled edges with white, 5/8" grosgrain ribbon using double-sided tape. Secure the ends on the other side (front) with the glue gun.

Step 2:

    Using your choice of colors, glue one length of ribbon across the center of the frame, securing each end at the back with the glue gun. Add 3 additional colors on each side as shown below.

Step 3:

    Cut about a 4" piece of the 5/8" white ribbon. Wrap around the 7 strands of ribbon about 3" from the edge. Pull tightly to pinch the colored ribbons together then overlap the end and glue to secure. Trim away any excess ribbon.

Step 4:

    Using the same 4 colors of ribbon in the same order, wrap the ribbon around the frame across the first pieces of ribbon as shown. Secure each end of the ribbons at the back with glue. 

Step 5:

    Wrap the center with a piece of the white ribbon.  Overlap then glue the end to secure; trim away excess ribbon then roll the loop of ribbon around so the overlapped ends are underneath.

Step 6:

    Create a small bow of green, 3/8" ribbon then glue to the top of the white band, or simply thread the ribbon under the white loop and tie a small bow.

Step 6:

    Create a ribbon rose to add to the center of the bow as follows.  Tie a knot at the end of a 6" piece of 3/8" ribbon. Trim end even with the knot then push the knot into the center of a large glue dot. Twist/fold the ribbon over then push into the glue dot next to the knot. Continue folding the ribbon and pushing the edge into the glue dot all the way around the knot until the glue dot is covered. Carefully lift the edge of glue dot from the backing paper then tuck the end of the ribbon underneath. Trim away excess ribbon, remove the glue dot from the backing paper then adhere to the center of the bow.  If necessary, use the glue gun to ensure the rose stays in place.  See a how-to video here....

Step 7: (Optional)

For a neater finish, cut a piece of card stock slightly smaller than the size of the wrapped canvas and adhere to the back with double sided tape to cover the ends of the ribbons.

        Since Easter is a big part of our Springtime celebration, we'll also need to decorate some Easter eggs, so head back here in a few days for instructions on how to create this "beribboned" Easter egg! 

Yours truly,

Julie 💝🐣

KEEP CALM AND CARRY ON CRAFTING!

*Ribbon used in these projects was provided by Gwen Studios and can be found at your local Walmart and online at walmart.comWalmart.com

Look for more ribbon crafts featuring Gwen Studios ribbon here:

Leprechaun Gnome

       Guess what! It's almost March! Whether it comes in like a lion or a lamb, it'll be here before we know it! We'll be springing forward, cleaning out flower beds, planting spring flowers,  pruning rose bushes and, if you're like me, you'll be ready to get your green on and celebrate St. Patrick's day!  

       Before we start thinking corned beef and green beer,  let's put together a few Leprechaun gnomes and decorate! After all it isn't St. Patrick's day unless we have a few shamrocks,  gold coins and Leprechauns (even if they do look like gnomes).... 😜 

You'll need:

• Gwen Studios* 3/8" single face satin ribbon - Green
• Gwen Studios* 3/8" Polka Dot grosgrain ribbon - Green
• Kunin® Presto Felt - Green
• Double stick 1/4" tape
• Smoothfoam® 1" ball
• Small wood bead
• Orange/Red yarn
• LoTemp glue
• Scissors 

Instructions:

1.  Cut a 6" circle from the felt, then cut into quarters. You'll need one quarter for each hat.

2. Remove the backing from one piece of felt then cover the adhesive with alternating strips of solid and polka dot ribbon. Place the first strip along one straight edge allowing about half the width of the ribbon to overlap the edge.  Flip over and trim the ends even with the felt.

 

3. To make the beard wrap the yarn around a ruler.  Wrapped yarn should be long enough to go along the curved edge of the felt piece.  Place a piece of double stick tape along the wrapped yarn.  Remove the backing.  TIP: Extend one end of the tape past the end of the yarn to make it easier to remove the backing paper.  Cut the yarn along one edge of the adhesive strip then attach to the bottom edge of the felt.

 

   

4.  With the beard on the inside, fold the felt into a cone shape overlapping the ribbon edge as shown. Glue in place with lo-temp glue.

 

5.  Flip the hat upside down, allowing the yarn to fall away from the inside, then push the foam ball into the hat. 

6. Cut a 1" x 4" piece of felt then remove about 1" of the backing from one end. Fold 10"-12" of grosgrain ribbon in half then press onto the end of the felt.  Roll up the strip of felt with the ribbon at the center and the adhesive to the inside. This will be the body and "legs". Glue the top of the roll to the base of the ball inside the hat. Tie a knot at the end of each ribbon leg then glue the small wood bead to the front for a nose to finish.  

 

        Much like an an elf, these little Irish gnomes can be found anywhere around the house; hiding in the center of a decorative shamrock, chilling on the mantel, or hanging from a wreath.  You can even attach one to your sweatshirt or jacket when you head out on the seventeenth so you don't get "pinched"..... 

  

 

 

May the road rise up to meet you

 

May the wind always be at your back

 

May the sun shine warm upon your face

 

and rains fall soft upon your fields... 

 

And, until we meet again

 

May God hold you in the palm of His hand

☘☘☘☘☘

Enjoy!

Yours truly,

Julie 💝

KEEP CALM AND CARRY ON CRAFTING! 

*Ribbon used in these projects was provided by Gwen Studios and can be found at your local Walmart and online at Walmart.com

Look for more ribbon crafts featuring Gwen Studios ribbon here: