Project of the Day :: Ribbonrie

Ribbon is one of my favourite craft supplies, not least because you can use it on so many different types of creative project. It might not be the first surface you think of when it comes to stamping, but I'm hoping to maybe change that over the next few minutes. Each of the ideas below all have the same technique in common – stamping on to ribbon – and will hopefully inspire you to have a play and see what you can create.

To decorate the flower vase, I used a length of linen-coloured grosgrain ribbon, some dark pink Versamark ink and a circle stamp from the Retro Squares set. Before you start, gently run an iron over your chosen ribbon (or slide it through a pair of hair-straighteners) to make sure it's completely smooth and flat. If you're using a larger stamp like this one, spread out a piece of scrap paper to protect your work surface, then lie the ribbon on top. Ink up the stamp and, starting at one end of the ribbon, press it down firmly. 

Repeat, lining up the stamp to keep your pattern even. When you've covered the whole length, flip the ribbon over and stamp the reverse side, too.

Cut a scrap of fabric long enough to wrap around the centre of a glass jar and, where the ends overlap, secure with a dot of glue. Tie the ribbon around the centre to decorate and hold the fabric firmly in place.

I used the same basic technique on a handmade paper postcard, which would make a sweet Valentine's Day love-note.

The 'XOXO' hugs and kisses were stamped with the small-but-mighty FT Rosecube alphabet on to a wider, twill-style ribbon, and I also added some dots to a coordinating scrap of fabric using the Backgrounds set.

And, just in case you were thinking this ribbon malarkey was strictly for girls, it can totally be put to use on more masculine projects, too.

(The tiny star is from the Super Stars set, and the sentiment above it can be found in the new It's All About…Stars bundle.)

 

TIPS: 

• Don't just stick to plain ribbon – stamps can look great on top of simple prints, like spots or gingham, too.
• To experiment with different stamps and find out how they'll look on your ribbon, trim a scrap of paper or cardstock to the same width as the ribbon you want to use. Stamp on the paper, rather than on your more expensive ribbon, to make sure you're happy with the effect. 
• For projects, like the flower vase, where you'll see both sides of the ribbon, it's worth taking the time to stamp on the front and back. You obviously don't need to do it if the ribbon is for a flat card or layout.
• Oversized bows are a key style statement this season. Make your own by stamping on to a length of wide ribbon, then tying into a bow. Add a few stitches in the centre to keep it fixed in place, then sew to a top, skirt, bag, hairband, or add a brooch-pin to the back so you can pin it wherever you like.  

Ready to have a go? I'd love to see your ribbon-y results in the new Banana Frog Flickr group, or maybe even entered into Bev's love-themed February challenge below.

Have a wonderful week, Froglets!

Kirsty 

x 

Comments

[marion emberson]

Kirsty, I've often stamped words onto ribbon, but never thought of shapes, they look absolutely fantastic.

[Tricia Berry]

Wow, what a great idea! Love it!

[Julie K]

I love absolutely EVERYTHING you've done here!!! Totally inspired, beautifully wonderful ideas.

p.s i thought I was the only one who knew the hair straighteners trick!!!! So much quicker than dragging the iron out :D

[Laura Buckingham]

wow, these projects are gorgeous!

Defintely going to try this!

[Renata Pacheco]

I love this idea. But I have a doubt: could I use any kind of ink to stamp in ribbons? Or do I need a specific one?

[Kirsty]

Thanks so much for kind comments, everyone. :)

Renata - I used Versamark inks for all three projects, and have also successfully stamped on ribbon with Brilliance and Staz-On. If you want to wash the finished ribbon (ie. if you're going to use it on clothing or soft furnishings), I'd probably recommend a solvent-based ink, like Staz-On, and advise you try washing a test piece first.

You might also find that some inks bleed a little on very silky or shiny ribbons, although if that's going to happen it will likely do so whatever kind of ink you use - more about the weave and fibre content of the ribbon than the ink. Having said that, I stamped my test strip for the pink circles on a piece of shiny ribbon, and it was fine with the Versamark.

If you want to be absolutely certain, I'd suggest buying just a little bit more ribbon than you need - an extra 10 or 20cm - for any given project, so you have space to try your ink out first.

Hope that helps!

[Molly]

Ok, that was WAY too cool! I must must must try it!!!

[Linda Beeson]

I love, love, love that circle stamping on that ribbon - way cute!

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