Close to my Heart - Ribbon Rounds

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Reported by: Katie Renz

Ribbon is one of those embellishments that most of us cannot get enough of. Today, I'm reviewing Close to my Heart's (CTMH) Ribbon Rounds that are sold through their Independent Consultants. The majority of CTMH's ribbon is sold in what they call Ribbon Rounds which consist of six small rounds of ribbon that color coordinate with each other.

The Ribbon Rounds Collection is divided into 2 separate types of ribbon. One set is called Designer Ribbon Rounds and are approximately 1/2" wide, are mainly grosgrain, and come in different patterns. There are 6 spools in each color collection that contain 4 feet per spool. CTMH did introduce a new Ric Rac Collection in their latest catalog (see picture).

The other category is called Organdy Ribbon Rounds (page 92), which are sheer ribbons and are 5/8" wide. This collection is divided into seasonal color palettes that coordinate with CTMH's cardstock and ink palettes. Again, there are 6 spools of individual colors, but the organdy spools contain 3 yards per spool. Both the Designer Ribbon Rounds and the Organdy Ribbon Rounds are dyed to coordinate with CTMH's inks, cardstocks, and printed paper.

And finally, there is also a neutral set of Ribbon Rounds called White Daisy Collection that consists of various sizes of ribbon and textures. There are only 5 spools in this collection.

I own and have used just about all of the ribbons that CTMH offers. The quality is excellent, the color combinations work perfectly with their own line of products, and I have also found that I can coordinate their items with other products on the market. Another aspect that I enjoy about CTMH's line of ribbons is the probability of seeing new color combinations in their new catalogs. I was excited to see their newest ric rac line and can only hope that there will be more in the future.

For me, what makes these ribbon collections so wonderful is also the same reason that makes me go grrr... Here is an example of why I love these collections. (Just a note: this particular set of rounds that I used on this card has been retired)

No matter what collection you may purchase, the ribbon within the collection work perfectly with each other. As long as I follow the main color scheme I am good to go without any worry or fuss. If you love to alter things and add ribbon as a main embellishment (think handles on anything, rings on notebooks, etc.) these Ribbon Rounds are awesome, but like I said, this is the very reason that makes me bang my head sometimes. There have been many times that I SO wished that I had more of "that" ribbon or there may have been a project where I only wanted to used one specific designer ribbon. Unfortunately, these Ribbon Rounds aren't necessarily the best for very large projects unless you know you can use the entire variety.

All in all, I do prefer having a variety of coordinating ribbon as a collection, but it does take some fore thought when deciding on the types of projects I may want to make using this ribbon.

Pros:

• Wonderful quality
• Great assortment of colors (combinations and within the sets as well)
• Nice variety of ribbon available

Cons:

• Small amounts of ribbon in each spool
• Can't order just one specific style of ribbon

Close to my Heart is a direct sales company, so it is necessary to find an independent consultant to purchase these items. Many consultants offer websites that you can purchase from directly if you choose not to meet with a consultant. It's very easy to find a consultant in your area. Just follow this LINK and then follow the links on their website to find a consultant in your area.

Retail cost of the Designer Ribbon rounds are $9.95

• 6 different spools of 1/2" wide ribbon with each spool containing 4 feet
  

Retail cost of the Organdy Ribbon Rounds are $8.95

• 6 different spools of 5/8" wide ribbon with each spool containing 3 yards

The ribbon is easy to use and the value is so so. In breakdown mode, the Designer Ribbon Rounds are equivalent to $1.25 per yard which is rather expensive and the Organdy Ribbon Rounds break down to $0.50 cents a yard which is more affordable.

I would rate this product an 7 out of 10.

So is ribbon your choice embellishment? If so, are you a one design ribbon crafter or do you like lots of variety? Leave us a comment and let us know.