Berwick Offray Ribbon

Reported by Heather Strenzwilk

If you have purchased "store brand" ribbon or holiday bows from Target, Walmart or JoAnn's, chances are they made by Berwick Offray. In 2002 Berwick industries bought out Offray and continues to produce ribbon under several names. Offray ribbon has held Olympic medals, wrapped Godiva chocolates and Williams-Sonoma cookware and blue ribbons. The company also produces Cleo brand gift packaging products as well.

Recently, I relocated to the Hagerstown, MD area and I learned that there was a processing plant and an adjoining outlet store. Before my move, I owned about 20 rolls of ribbon (coincidentally many of them were Offray ribbon.) The prices in the outlet store are excellent and I quickly acquired 300 rolls of ribbon. I am not the only "local" with ribbonitis- local resellers, florists, crafters and scrapbookers are frequent visitors, too. As you can see, I am extremely partial to polka dots!



Adding ribbon has been a simple and cost effective way to recycle clothing. I recently decorated my daughter's plain white cotton shirt with flowers made with polka dot grosgrain ribbon and I added satin ribbon for the stems and trim around the sleeves. The project required a small amount of hand sewing to attach the flowers and trim. To prevent the ribbon from unraveling, I lightly dabbed the cut ends with clean nail polish. I have washed the shirt by hand without any problems.

Highlights of a visit to the Berwick Offray ribbon outlet in Hagerstown include:

• Large bins containing 10-cent rolls of ribbon- Rolls can contain anywhere from a few feet to 12 yards. These bins contain overruns, discontinued, defective or private label ribbon. For example I recently purchased rolls of Halloween ribbon labeled for the defunct Rag Shop. The selection varies from visit to visit and if you needed a large quantity of a particular ribbon it might not be available.
• Multiple tables of ribbon priced by the roll- The ribbon is roughly sorted by type- holiday, wire edged, organzas, velvets, etc. Great way to save money on shower or wedding favors or other large projects.
• Grab bags of pre-cut ribbon- Value priced and always a generous quantity of 2-3 styles. Prices range from 35 cents to $1.29 for the "stuff a bag full of ribbon remnants" option.
• Large bins of pre-made package bows- If you visit the store with children let them pick and choose their own bows to fill a plastic grocery size bag. For 25 cents per bag this is a very cost effective way to entertain kids while you shop.
• Large bins of scrapbooking embellishments- Cute bows, printed ribbon, flags and much more are priced from 50 cents to one dollar. Plan to spend some time "digging" into the pile.

You might wonder- do the extremely low outlet prices for ribbon speak for its quality? Many E-Bay resellers refuse to sell "Offray outlet ribbon". I consider myself a careful shopper because I inspect things before I purchase them. The Hagerstown facility doesn't manufacture the ribbon but rather it dyes and prints on it (12 million yards per week). Thus, I have seen very small lots of ribbon with misspelled words, misaligned polka dots and inconsistent color and it is priced accordingly. The inconsistent color might appear as variations between dye lots or satin ribbon that is darker along one edge than the other (I actually like some of those rolls!) For the most part, the ribbon appears defect free.


Several people have asked me how I organize my ribbon. I am in the process of removing it from the rolls and storing it in an Iris chest sorted by color. I have grand dreams of creating a master swatchbook which includes samples, color names and item numbers. For now swatches of some of my favorite ribbon adorns the spirals of the book.

Probably my biggest issue with ribbon in general (not just Offray) is that sometimes I don't have the right color for my project. I have used various online tutorial and have custom dyed ribbon with reinkers and inkpads. Both satin and grosgrain ribbon from Offray take color extremely well and I am partial to the 3/8 inch white satin ribbon for many projects.

Pros:

• Diverse product line- wide variety of colors and widths
• High quality product/ great value for the price
• Widely available in major chain craft stores
• 2 outlet stores with discount pricing

Cons:

• Very traditional styles- nothing very "trendy"
• No coordinating paper line

I have used Offray ribbon for many years and I have been very happy with their consistent quality and reliability. Offray ribbon is available at most major chain discount and craft stores, outlet stores in Berwick, PA and Hagerstown, MD and online at RibbonDeals.com. Before moving to Hagerstown I rated Offray: 8/10. Now that I have discovered their outlet store, I rate them 9.25/10.

Have you used this brand of ribbon for many years like me? Let us know what you think!

Close to my Heart - Ribbon Rounds

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.

Papertrey Ink Perfect Match Ribbon

Reported by Tracy Schultz

If you love perfectly coordinated ribbons that are luxurious to the touch and work for both paper crafting and gift wrapping, then you will love Papertrey Ink's perfect match ribbon!

Unveiled just a few short months ago, Papertrey Ink is following suit in what some companies have already started- coordinated cardstock, decorative paper, and ribbon. And while I'll usually be the first to say, "Ribbon is ribbon- it's all the same." I want to tell you how Papertrey's ribbon differs from the other brands on the market.

First, there are the colors. Papertrey's ribbon uses their new Perfect Match custom color system. While I have found their colors to be similar to some already on the market, I usually can't find ribbon to match my paper. I love that the matching is already done for me here.


Secondly, each color of their ribbon comes in five different styles: luxe satin (1/2" wide), swiss dot satin (5/8" wide), topnotch twill (3/8" wide), classic grosgrain (5/8" wide), and saddle stitch (5/8" wide). Using the same color ribbon, you can switch out the style to really change the way your project looks.

Lastly, I'm sure you already noticed that each style comes in a different width. Their ribbon ranges in size from 3/8" wide up to 5/8" wide. Personally, I'd love it if each style of ribbon came in all of the sizes or a wider range of sizes. I tend to stay away from wide ribbon but would love to use their grosgrain or saddle stitch, if only it were a little narrower.

All of their ribbon, regardless of the style or color, is just $3 for a five yard spool. That comes out to be just $0.60 per yard. While it certainly isn't the cheapest ribbon out there, it's still a good value. Especially when you consider its uniqueness and the quality of the ribbon.

I also wanted to mention that their twill ribbon is stamp-able! You can stamp sentiments or designs directly onto the ribbon for an added touch. I would recommend using Palette or another fabric-ready ink. Be sure to test on a small piece of ribbon to see how the stamped design will work. There will be some slight bleeding, but the twill holds up to the ink really well.

Pros:

• Coordinating colors
• Five different styles for each color
• High quality

Cons:

• Each style is only available in one width
• Price: $0.60 per yard isn't bad, but I've purchased quality ribbon as low as $0.25 per yard!
• Limited color palate

There are a few things I dislike about this ribbon- the limited widths and price being top on my list. And right now there are only seven colors available. New ribbon colors are added monthly, usually two at a time. But this makes it hard to plan my ribbon purchases, and as a result I've found myself only buying one or two styles of the colors I like as they're released (sometimes none at all).


Despite that, I'd still give Papertrey Ink's ribbon a rating of 7 out of 10. Their ribbon is currently available in seven custom colors (five different styles in each color, with new colors added monthly), and it retails for $3 per five yard spool. You can only purchase it online at Papertrey Ink's website.

So- do you love Papertrey Ink's ribbon? Dislike it? Have a great use for it? We'd love to hear what you think!

Ribbonrie :: A Book Review

Reported by Lexi Daly

I have a huge collection of magazines and not many books, so when it came time for book review articles, I had to go in search of something newer than what I already had. I also wanted something with more than what I get out of my magazines. As I strolled up and down the aisles of Michael's looking for just such a book, Ribbonrie by Making Memories caught my eye. While it has card making in it, the main focus is on using ribbon, and it includes scrapbooking, home decor, and gifts as well. Here is how Making Memories describes it:

"From the purely functional to the highly decorative, ribbon is the hardest working embellishment out there. In this book, we've set out to push the limits and discover just how versatile and wide ranging it can be. Learn from our award-winning artists as they show you how to weave the textures, colors and patterns of ribbon into your everyday living and the most special of occasions. Whether you use a hint here or an entire spool there, you'll start using ribbon in ways you never imagined."

Beginning with a beautiful cover, Ribbonrie is a paperback book with 126 pages full of beautifully photographed projects. It is divided into ten chapters as follows.

• one :: all about ribbon
• two :: cards & stationery
• three :: tags & wrapping
• four :: home decor
• five :: scrapbook pages
• six :: party ideas
• seven :: gifts
• eight :: fashion & jewelry
• nine :: children & teen projects
• closing :: supply lists and artists & author

Like my favorite magazines, the focus is on the projects with large beautiful pictures and caption-like instructions. The opening chapter, All About Ribbon, provides a nice overview of ribbon types and a focus on specific tips and techniques that are shown up close without projects, such as finishing the ends, gathering and pleating, printing on it, making flowers and tassels, and storing ribbon. Each chapter that follows focuses on projects that fall in a given category. A specific technique is shown in projects on a page or spread and some spreads include projects that demonstrate intricate, moderate, and simple uses of the same technique.


One of the reasons I chose this book is that I have tons of ribbon (and since it's so light, that's a lot of ribbon!!). I was eager to find new ideas to get me using it more often and in more interesting ways. And this book did not disappoint. Actually the only disappointment is that I didn't have time right now to do more of the projects to share with you! Here is what I did have time for. I'm primarily a card maker, so they're all cards, but I was inspired by projects in different sections.

One project that caught my eye was creating "custom striped" ribbon by layering a smaller ribbon over a larger one. They used a striped ribbon and added a different color solid ribbon over the center stripe to match a photo for a scrapbook page. For my card, I also incorporated another technique from the Cards & Stationery section--cutting slits and weaving it in--and finished it off with a v-cut highlighted in the opening chapter.

I was inspired by a tag in the Fashion and Jewelry section to create this little ribbon purse. The artist used it as an embellishment, tied to a purse with a birthday tag, but I immediately pictured it on a card. Using the same custom stripe technique from the last card along with the same base ribbon, I created a different color combo and a different striped ribbon. Isn't that purse cute? If you glue or sew the edges and add a magnetic closure, you could even tuck a treat inside!

With the end of school and graduations looming, it's no surprise that making tassels caught my eye! Following the directions in the opening chapter, I created my tassel and used it on a card. I remember doing this with yarn and embroidery thread when I was younger, but I love the look of ribbon. I chose to cut the ends of mine, but the author also suggests leaving the loops sometimes for a different look. I can't wait to make more and use them on gifts and home decor projects!

There is so much more I didn't get to try. Some that top my list for summer projects are looping ribbon to make a topiary (p. 63), ribbon monograms on cards (p. 21), ribbon belts and lanyards (p. 114), and refrigerator magnets with ribbon backgrounds (p. 102). I could go on, but these will get me started! In closing, here's a final break down...

Pros:

• inspiring projects
• easy to follow instructions
• beautiful photography
• supply lists

Cons:

• most supplies are Making Memories
• some ideas are pretty basic
• published in 2005, it's not exactly "new" anymore
  

Okay, so the cons are a bit of a stretch, but I figured I should come up with something! Ribbonrie retails for $19.99 and is available at Michael's or online directly from Making Memories. I highly recommend it--especially if you hoard (I mean collect) ribbon like I do! If you've read this book, leave a comment and let us know what you think or, better yet, show us something you were inspired to create.

Bead & Button, Ribbon & Felt Jewelry

Reported by Donna Lannerd

I first mentioned this book, Bead & Button, Ribbon & Felt Jewelry, here at Craft Critique back during the holidays. It was on my Christmas lists of gotta haves that I already owned and thought it would make a great gift as well as be a guide to making great gifts. I still think so and it's one of my favorite books full of great ideas with really simple supplies. It is published by CICO Books and authored by Deborah Schneebeli-Morrell.

The photography is superb. It is crisp and clear and the pieces are shown to you close-up. The only down side to this is that nothing is shown worn. Although we get great shots of the items we don't know how a necklace made from ribbon is actually going to hang on a person. One other little thing that I didn't like was I wish they had included instructions for the crochet circles they used for some of the pieces.

The instructions are kept simple using well drawn color diagram so you can make the items shown. On the other hand, I like the book more for its inspiration while incorporating some of its techniques. For example, the earrings below were made based on a necklace. I used shank-style buttons instead of regular buttons. I've sewn them each to a yo-yo or as the book calls it a "patchwork circle."

Another project I made is based on the several necklaces and bracelets made with beads and buttons together. I put together the bracelet shown below with 3/8" organza ribbon, red glass beads and 3/8" shirt buttons. This took much less time than the earrings and I already had the supplies on hand except for the callottes, which holds the ribbon ends together to attach the clasp. Instead, I sewed the clasps to the ribbon ends by hand. This is a very elegant bracelet that only took me 20 minutes to make.


Overall, this is a book perfectly suited for the crafter who has that eclectic stash of buttons, beads, ribbon and fabrics. By just using these items and adding some jewelry findings, if needed, you can have a beautiful piece of jewelry in no time.

Pros:

• Beautiful photos
• Easy-to-follow instructions with clear diagrams
• Supplier list included with websites listed

Cons:

• Projects not shown on people or even mannequins
• No instructions for the crochet circles and flowers used
• I didn't have time to make all the pieces

The book can be found at Hobby Lobby, Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Stitchncraft beads (for those in the UK) for $19.95 U.S./25.95 CAN .

If you have this book, what are your favorite projects? If you own a similar book you love, please share it with us and tell us why you love it so much.

Free Ideas: It's a good thing!

Reported by: Lexi Daly

Christmas is a time for crafters to really shine, the perfect opportunity to showcase hip new projects and to use all that stuff we hoard--I mean, collect. As I was walking around Michael's looking for a fun Christmas kit or product to review, the Martha Stewart Crafts idea cards caught my attention and got me thinking. Did I really need to buy something new when I have a studio full of stuff? Could I follow the directions on these free cards and use up some of my stash? So I grabbed a handful and off I went!

First, let me describe the "cards." They are brochure weight, about the size of a half sheet of paper, with beautiful photos on the front and instructions on the back. They also have holes punched on them, probably to fit a binder sold with the collection, but I did not explore that. If I keep collecting them, I may have to! New ones show up with each seasonal restock and they include a shopping list of exactly what you need to complete the project, all of which can be found right there next to them on the Martha Stewart Crafts aisle. The list is great for those of you just starting out or if you want the project to look exactly like the photos. But, as I mentioned before, my goal was to see if I could create these projects with product I already owned. I should mention here that the first aisle I shop at Michael's these days is the Martha aisle, so I own quite a few Martha products, which you will see in some of my projects! But I made sure to use a variety, too. I think I was pretty successful in meeting my goal, but I'll let you be the judge...

photo frame ornaments

I did not have the metallic framed labels these ornaments were based on, so I used punches to create my own. I can't wait to make more to fill a tinsel tree we put up every year. These would also be great for photo gift tags or embellishments on a bottle of wine that can be placed on the tree after the wine is opened.

ribbon bookmarks

These were so much fun and the easiest of all the projects. I did have all of the Martha supplies for this project-- MS ribbon and the starburst circle punch, but really, any ribbon and punch is perfect, as you can also see. Most of these ribbons and all of the little pieces were scraps left on my desk. Talk about big bang for *no* buck! These will definitely be added to any books I give this year. Of course, the orange and green one with the "L" is a gift for me--and I can't wait to use it!

weaving ribbon

I loved the photo on this idea card. Again, this is all about ribbon, which I have a lot of! And my finished gift is beautiful and unique. I'm glad to have seen the idea and played with it, but it wouldn't work with the high number of gifts I wrap. Even so, it will show up on a few special gifts here and there!

paper poinsettias

I do not own the leaf stamp used to create these pretty poinsettias, so I went on a short search for a different leaf stamp. I probably have a better one buried somewhere in my stamp shelves, but my Kitchen Sink Stamps caught my eye, so I thought I'd try a modern poinsettia using a couple of "pretty petals." It's not as perfect a poinsettia as the ones in the picture, but it still makes a pretty embellishment!

sewn candy dishes

This card includes a template that you can photocopy and enlarge, but in the spirit of my article, I opted to attempt the directions with a square scallop punch. After looking at the diagram and photos, it seemed that this would work and that the scallops would make the hole placement and sewing easy. And it did. I think the actual template creates a cuter box, but this worked too. And if you have nestabilities dies, you could create slightly bigger sizes.

So, what do you think? I, for one, am thrilled. The directions were easy to follow and my projects look very similar to the pictures. And I didn't buy anything extra to create them! Next time you're in Michael's pick up a few of Martha's idea cards and use up of some of your own collection of supplies. Do it soon and you could end up with some pretty cool gifts to give for Christmas. It's a good thing. And it's free!

Martha Stewart Halloween Ribbon

Reported by Jen del Muro

What could be better than crisp fall air, bright red and yellow leaves floating to the ground, the smell of pumpkin seeds roasting, the giggles of giddy, spookily clad children?

Two words...Martha Stewart (duh!)

This woman has done for crafting what Denise Austin has done for buns. Maybe you've seen Martha's show or possibly picked up her magazines, but have you worked with her product that is now available at Michael's? If you answered, "no," then I want you stop reading (actually, go ahead and finish reading this) and run (not walk) and get you some of this good stuff. When the stuff first came out there were rumors that the employees had to stock the product while wearing white gloves. Well, I understand why now...her stuff is as good as gold. The "stuff" that I am directly speaking about today is her Halloween Ribbon.

Why do I like this stuff? Several reasons...

1. Quality-It's so good, that you'll probably pet it and then hoard it for a while.
2. Quantity (4-5 yards of each style)-There is plenty of each design to be used on multiple projects. I know from experience that not all companies are like this, and it is very frustrating to get to get to the end of spool and need/want more.
3. Coordination-All 5 designs are color and style coordinated so that you can use them on multiple projects and not have them appear to have a hodge podge of ribbon on them. They also coordinate with her other Halloween products.
4. Price-$5.99 for 25 yards of ribbon!! I beg you to try to find a better deal! PS~I have also heard that the 40% Michael's coupon can now be applied to Martha product.
5. Quality-Oh, did I say that already? Well, it really matters and therefore I find it worth repeating.
6. Versatility-This ribbon can be used as an embellishment, as packaging ribbon or even as a sentiment! (see pic)


This is one card I completed using the Martha Stewart ribbon. As a general rule, for myself, I do not like to use ribbon in more than one place on a card or project. On this project I stepped out of my comfort zone and used the ribbon as the sentiment, in addition to the embellishment. I like how the letters are clear and all aligned, unlike some ribbon where you can see thread striations through the letters.

This ribbon is available online at Martha Stewart Crafts or at your local Michael's store.

American Craft Ribbon..A Must For Crafters!

Reported By: Colleen Schaan

I must warn you...if you read this article, you WILL go out and spend your hard earned money on the product I am going to talk about. If you are a crafter, you will WANT it...I guarantee!

There is nothing like the sight of colorful ribbon - all bundled up neatly on spools just waiting to be used, and nothing makes me happier than the site of American Craft ribbons all packaged up in coordinating sets. American Craft ribbons can be found at most of your local craft or hobby stores and are well worth the price of gas to get there.

In general, American Craft ribbons are premium ribbons in the latest colors and most popular patterns. Most of the ribbons are available open stock or in boxed sets. American Craft ribbons come in a variety of styles and widths. The quality of American Craft ribbons is amazing. I have been using it in my papercrafting for years and have never had a complaint or negative experience. It is thick and stiff, yet easily manipulated, the color is vivid and true, and the ends have never frayed or pulled. I just love the selection and quality. While many people like being able to buy just one or two rolls of ribbon, I love that I can purchase a whole "set" that coordinates perfectly.

There are currently nine different styles of American Craft ribbon sets.



Classics:
Beautiful colors and simple designs, this set is a classic. The double-sided ribbons in this set come in five different widths. A staple for every crafter's cupboard.




Essentials:
A public favorite, the essentials set contains superior quality, classic colors, and simple designs. The sets are coordinated by color and each ribbon is 3/8" wide. An essential addition to a supply list.




Duets:
Just like it says...these sets showcase two color combinations. Elegant yet simple designs in the most popular color combinations to date. All ribbons in this set are 3/8" wide. "Just Du-et" and add them to your collection.




Tie Rack:
An eclectic collection full of interesting color combinations and designs. These unique ribbons come in five different widths and are double-sided. Not your typical tie, I just love the oxford set!




Seasons:
Each of these sets corresponds to a specific holiday or season. The themed ribbons are all named after food and you can't go wrong with the Cider, the Pumpkin, or a Snowcone. You will always be in season with these adorable ribbon sets.



Midtown:
With the stylish feel of a metropolitan city, these sets are full of fashionable colors and sophisticated designs. Perfect for crafting elegant pieces




Downtown:
A bit more lively with the feel of the city nightlife. Fun, hip colors meet exciting patterns to create this gritty set. Who wouldn't want to be seen Downtown?




Boardwalk:
Head over to the beach and stroll the boardwalk with these splashy and colorful ribbons. Double-sided ribbons in five widths coordinate beautifully together in this set.





Boutique:
My favorite style, the Boutique includes unique shapes and textures. Coordinating sets of rich satin, sheer organdy, smooth velvet, and wavy ric-rac create the perfect collection of specialty ribbons. Just the thing for any special occasion.


With all the choices available, it might be hard to pick a favorite. The good thing is...you don't have to. Visit the American Crafts link to see the complete collection of ribbons and start your collection today.

Do you have a favorite American Craft ribbon set? Leave a comment and tell me about it.

*All pictures were taken from the official American Craft website.

Queen & Co. Felt Ribbon

Reported by Julie Fei-Fan Balzer

I have been lusting after the delicious felt ribbon from Queen & Co. It is so deliciously scrumptious looking! Three inches wide, Pepto-Bismol pink, and just screaming my name; I took a three-foot roll home to play.

It was harder to use than I thought.

I should be more clear. The product itself isn’t difficult. It’s felt. You can do most things with it that you can do with any synthetic felt. I inked it (with pigment inks), painted it (with acrylic and fabric paints), and dyed it (with Walnut Ink TintZ). I cut it apart into individual flowers and smaller strips of flowers. I even tried to melt it with a heat gun and an iron.

The difficulty was in using it in my artwork. You see, it dominates any page it’s used on. It’s not some embellishment that fades into the background. It’s the main event. Once I accepted that the viewer’s eye would naturally be drawn to it, I had some success. On this layout, I used blue thread to machine stitch over the felt ribbon.




It was very easy to machine stitch over. I did not adhere it before I began. I simply began sewing. Even though the ribbon has a lot of dimension, there was no problem going from ribbon to paper and back again.

On this layout, I cut apart several individual flowers, dyed them with Walnut Ink TintZ, placed brads through the center of each flower, and adhered them to the layout.




Painting and rubbing with a stamp pad didn’t give me the kind of coverage that I wanted. The felt seems to suck up a lot of the color. That’s why I used dye on these flowers. Much more full coverage.

Finally, I made these fabulous earrings!



They’re super simple:

1. Cut out two sections of the ribbon that you like. Use a little or a lot; it’s up to you.
2. Run both sections through a Xyron machine to apply adhesive. If you don’t have a Xyron, you can use any kind of glue that will hold glitter and adhere to felt. I’d try Elmer’s white glue if you’re unsure.
3. Dip each section into glitter. Be sure to use a clean paintbrush to brush off any excess.
4. Optional: Spray seal to ensure that the glitter isn’t going anywhere. You could also use Diamond Glaze or something similar for a more plastic look.
5. Using a thread and needle, sew your altered felt sections onto your earring hooks.
6. Voila! You have a wonderful, lightweight pair of earrings!

As a side note, if glitter isn’t your thing, you could simply sew two sections of felt to earring hooks for pretty, flowery earrings without the fairy dust effect!

Have fun!

The Beauty of May Arts

Reported By: Amy Westerman


I can’t help it. Every time I walk into a scrapbook/stamp store my eyes start to scan the perimeter of the floor on a quest to find “it”. When I do finally spy “it”, my eyes flutter in delight and my pulse quickens as I gently reach out my hand to touch “it”. I’m guessing many of you experience this same phenomenon when you walk into a scrapbook/stamp store and spy YOUR “it”. It’s different for all of us. For me, every time I spot May Arts Ribbon I can’t keep my little paws off it!

May Arts makes beautiful, stunning ribbon for all your crafting needs. It is most often sold by the yard at your local scrapbook store, but you can also purchase it by the roll at many crafting internet store sites.

Using ribbon is one of my favorite ways to embellish my cards, and May Arts makes it so easy. They have hundreds of different colors, styles and sizes of ribbon for me to choose from. The hardest thing about using May Arts ribbon is narrowing down which ribbon I’m going to use! Seriously! Should I use polka dots today? Stripes? A solid? How’s a girl to decide when she’s faced with so many beautiful choices??!

Beyond being pretty to look at, the quality of May Arts ribbon is second-to-none. They use beautiful fibers and colors to create works of art in every ribbon they sell. Colors are vibrant; patterns are sharp and clean. It’s clear they use top-of-the-line material for all the products they manufacture. If you buy May Arts ribbon, you know you are buying quality. And you know your cards and scrapbook pages will look amazing once you add May Arts ribbon to them!


There are many beautiful ribbons available on the market today, but in my opinion, May Arts creates some of the best there is!

Altered Ribbon

Reported by Julia Stainton

I love ribbon...who doesn't?! It always seems to call my name! The strangest thing though, is that even though I have a huge collection of it, there are times when I need a little something different than what I have in my stash! Since I started papercrafting a few years ago, I've picked up a few ideas on altering ribbon. It is always fun to find new ways to use things or make things work that you already have.

Dyed Ribbon

There have been many times when I would have loved just the right shade of ribbon but I didn't have it on hand. A great idea is dying your own ribbon. This actually isn't as difficult as it sounds. A little messy perhaps, but with care, you can deal with that. A really quick way to dye ribbon is to use dye ink from an ink pad. You can simply run the ribbon across the pad and press down with your finger. Markers also work well and if you want a dual-toned ribbon, simply color one edge one color and the other edge another color. Organdy ribbon as well as grosgrain ribbon can be colored easily this way. If you wish, you can iron the grosgrain ribbon to heat-set the ink. Do not try this with the orgrandy or you will end up with a melted mess. If you have twill ribbon, sponging ink on with a sponge will give you a great textured and distressed look.

Going Wireless

Going wireless... No, I'm not talking about internet or other technology. I'm talking about removing the wire from wire-edged ribbon. Visit your local craft store and I'm sure you can find lots of gorgeous ribbon that comes with a wire in it. For the type of crafting I do though, wired ribbon is not easy to deal with. This really limits my choices. There is a LOT of gorgeous wired ribbon out there that I was wanting to use. I broke down and bought some and yes, it IS possible to remove that wire. Simply cut off just a little more than the required length of ribbon as you'll want to re-trim the edges. Fray the ribbon back a little until you can see the end of your tiny wire. Pull it out carefully, trim the ends, and your ribbon is ready to use. One thing to note when using wired ribbon, use old scissors as it is really hard on your good ones and this technique works best for short to medium lengths of ribbon.

Heated Ribbon

Vintage, Shabby and Distressed styles are still hot right now. This suits me really well as I love altering and distressing. A great idea to give your organdy ribbon a different look is to heat it. You will need a heat gun for this. Carefully hit the already tied ribbon with short bursts of heat from your heat gun. The ribbon will start to shrivel up with the heat and get a great, distressed textured look. Make sure you don't overheat! Your ribbon will begin to break apart and leave holes in it! For your first few tries you may just want to heat up some samples until you get the hang of it. Once you do, you'll love the love and how quickly this technique is accomplished.

Stamp it!
Do you love the look of printed ribbon? Why not stamp your own? It is so quick and easy and adds a fun little touch to any of your crafting projects. The thing I love about stamps is that they can be used over and over. Use your stamps on your project and then use them again on the ribbon or twill for a coordinating look.

To stamp on ribbon, simply ink up your stamp with some good quality dye, solvent, or hybrid ink and stamp away. I suggest trying it out on a scrap of ribbon first. Some inks work better than others and you want to make sure that you can get a good impression with your stamp, ribbon, and ink combination. If you do decide to use Craft ink on your ribbon, be sure to heat set it with your heat gun to avoid smearing.


The next time you pick up your ribbon, take the time to look at it in a new way. You just may have the supplies you need already on hand to give it a new look. A great money-saver is to buy white ribbon and then dye it to match. If you have a great altered ribbon idea, please feel free to share it below. If you've tried out one of these ideas, we'd love to hear from you as well. Ribbon is one of those crafting stand-bys that we all seem to own. Why not have some fun with it?

Ribbon Carnival

Ribbon is a staple among all types of crafters. It can be used anywhere and everywhere. And everyone loves writing about it and giving us good hints and tips. So that means it's Ribbon Carnival Time!! As always, please head over and check out these blogs. And let them know Craft Critique sent you. If you find yourself listed here today, we would love it if you let all of your blog friends know and link back to us! Thanks for sharing with us!



Our own Emily gives us some great tips on storing our ribbon.



Ribbon shares are a great way to get a huge sampling of quality ribbon for a great price and Jody always seems to have one going on.



Trudee shows us how to dye our ribbon with the fabulous Copic markers.



Ribbon Cutting 101? Melanie takes us "back to school" and shows a fun, different way of cutting our ribbon.



Amy has different ideas when it comes to dying ribbon.



Offray has a lot of tutorials and ideas for ribbon uses on their site.



Ever wondered how to tie that famous Tiffany bow? Instructions are now available from Mrs. Moore.



We all love re-using everyday items. Toni show's us how to store our ribbon in a strawberry container.



Ann has a tutorial for creating frayed ribbon.



CraftBits has instructions for making your own ribbon storage box, just like those in the stores.



Another great ribbon storage idea from Little Bit.



50 ways to use ribbon in crafts. Antaunette wrote an article right up our alley.



Favor ribbons has tutorials on tying bows for favors and gifts.



Here is a lot of information for ribbon used in embroidery.



Our Sharon shares her ribbon organizing ideas.



I wrote a tutorial of sorts on straightening your ribbons.



For all of the ribbon horders out there (we know who we are), Susan has tips for conserving your ribbon.



Julie printed on her ribbon with the computer. I don't think my printer is that nice to me.



Frances also has a tutorial on dying ribbon with alcohol markers.

ScrapTime has an episode on covering chipboard with ribbon and fibers.

And last, but certainly not least, reporter Sarah show's us her ribbon storage ideas.



And if you didn't read them, go back and check out our Organizational Carnival (post 1, and 2) because there were also tons of ribbon storage ideas there.



Did we miss something? Leave links in the comments and let us all know. And be sure to keep an eye out for announcements for our next carnival!

Bobbin Ribbon

Reported by Melissa Norris

When I began my journey into cardmaking this past Christmas, I was looking for some cute printed ribbon. There was a large display at Michael's where I found and fell in love with Bobbin Ribbon.

It was definitely love at first sight. All the patterns on these tiny bobbins were just too cute. And the price couldn't be beat, only 99 cents per bobbin (they were on sale, usually around $1.99 US). But I will start off giving you the details (because I know you all love them).

Bobbin Ribbon is made by Morex, which produces lots of different types of ribbons, especially floral and crafting wholesale ribbon. Bobbin Ribbon began specifically to market card makers and scrapbookers. They knew how people often look for patterns, themes, and designs for special occasions. And of course, that we all want affordable prices! Bobbin Ribbon comes in 3/8" and 5/8" widths in over 300 styles, sayings, and designs. Some of the styles include printed themes (holiday, baby, celebrations, sports), reversible stitch, dots & stripes, textures (fibers, twill tape, ric rac), trims, and vintage (gingham, stitched grosgrain). And all the bobbins are only 1 and 1/2" round and most feature at least 4-8 feet of ribbon.

I think what really made me fall in love with them is the size. As I mentioned I wanted some Christmas ribbon for my cards but didn't want a big spool of it. That's the beauty of the bobbins, I get a good amount of ribbon for the price, but don't have a huge spool to deal with. They don't have all that wasted space in the middle. They're perfect to also throw in a bag if your going to a friends house or a crop, instead of having to bring big spools of ribbon.

Here's a small selection of my Bobbin Ribbons. I placed the tape dispenser in the background so you could get an idea of their size.

And my favorite part, how I store my Bobbin Ribbons. Now please note that not all of these ribbons are Bobbin Ribbon. I save my empty spools and add ribbon from larger spools, swaps, etc. They all fit perfectly in an embroidery floss box, and the lid actually closes!! You can fit two 5/8" and one 3/8" roll in each compartment. How perfect is that?! Now if you buy a lot you don't have these little spools floating around, they all fit perfectly in one place.

You can purchase Bobbin Ribbons at stores like Michael's and Hobby Lobby as well as a few online ribbon stores. These are quality, fun ribbons at a great price. And I am definitely in love!!

Wire-Edge Ribbon

Reported by Donna Lannerd

Wire-edge ribbon which can also be found as wired ribbon, is a very versatile ribbon to use in crafts. You can find the ribbon in craft and fabric stores or your local florist may have an ample supply. Wire-edge ribbon is most commonly seen in bows on floral arrangements or on fancy gift wrapped packages. You can find directions for bows throughout the Internet or try a book like Creative Bows Made Easy by the ribbon maker Offray. The ribbon is called wire-edge because a thin wire is encased along the edges of the ribbon giving it body and the ability to be shaped.

Below is a basic bow made with a 2 1/2" wide ribbon which has been embellished. I like using wire-edge ribbon for big basic bows to adorn wreaths and such because I can twist and manipulate it into the way I want it to look. I just can't do that as easily with regular ribbon. I was inspired by the 4th of July to add a little pizazz to the plain bow by adding a rosette I made with a piece of the ribbon and then adding a button and a length of grosgrain ribbon to give it a patriotic look. This can be hung by itself, attached to a wreath, or the rosette can be detached (use a pin back to attach to the bow) to be worn as a patriotic pin.

My favorite thing to do with wire-edge ribbon is to make flowers, especially roses. You can find great ribbons sold by the spool or you can get some fancier ones by the yard. I like using variegated and ombre ribbons for the flowers. Variegated ribbons are shades of one color while ombre ribbons use a blend of different colors. The following photos show the different ways flowers can look by how they are manipulated.

This is a rolled ribbon rose that is made by gathering one long edge of the ribbon. Do this by pulling out part of the wire along one edge and then gather. You then roll the ribbon along the gathered edge.

This is a gathered rosette and a folded rose. The rosette is made by sewing the short ends of a length of ribbon together forming a continuous loop, then use a basting stitch about one third of the way from one edge and gather. The folded rose is shown at the end of the article.

These two roses are made from the same ribbon. The bottom one is the rolled ribbon rose while the top one is the folded ribbon rose.

Here are leaves made from various widths of ribbon. Notice how the leaves changed when using different sides of the variegated ribbon. I used the directions for boat leaves found in The Artful Ribbon by Candace Kling. The rosette instructions can also be found in this book but the roses are made a little differently plus there are several more types of roses as well as many other flowers.

Here are a couple of different looks to the folded ribbon rose by using checked and plaid ribbon.

Here are the steps to make a folded ribbon rose:

First cut a length of ribbon 18" - 24" (ribbon length will be shorter for narrower ribbon - 1" and longer for wider - 1-1/2"). Begin by folding down one corner as shown in photo.

Second, roll the pointed end to the inside as seen in the next photo.
Next, fold the long length of ribbon down as shown. Then begin turning the small end toward you.

Continue to fold the ribbon down as you continue to turn the flower. When you reach the end pinch the bottom to temporarily secure the rose. Most instructions I've found say to use floral wire to secure but I find it stays better if you take a few stitches with needle and matching thread through the bottom.

Here are a couple of quickie projects using the flowers and leaves I created. The great thing about the flowers is that they are quick and easy and can beautify projects taking something very simple and making it just a little bit fancy and elegant and maybe just a little whimsical depending on the print of the ribbon. Try adding a few to a basket, a pre-made purse or even a denim jacket.