Ribbon Impressions - Page 43 of 45 - by Coller Industries Incorporated

Avoiding Boring Badge Ribbons – Part 2

The boring badge ribbon has proven functional at many professional gatherings. Keep this in mind when choosing badge ribbons as they are meant to improve the effectiveness of a name badge. The five previous tips were aimed to help decide which type of badge ribbon was the best for each ribbon project. Here are five more tips to help with the overall design of any badge ribbon.

TIP #6 Avoiding Boring Ribbons: Choose a distinctive font.

The easiest way to drastically improve how your ribbon looks, and to keep it from being boring, is by using a nice font. There are many fonts available that will meet most any need. Keep in mind that most fonts will require a metal die.

Badge ribbon printing requires the use of dies, which are made to imprint onto the ribbons. A die is basically like a stamp as it presses a printing foil down on to the badge ribbon. Wherever the stamp touches the foil to the ribbon, the foil will stay printed, or dyed, onto the badge ribbon.

Many badge ribbons may be printed using a polymer die. Polymer dies are faster and less expensive, but they do have a few drawbacks. They are made from a softer material than metal dies; they also wear out quickly, so they can’t be used for large runs of the same ribbon; and they don’t hold detail well, so only thick, plain letters and shapes can be used. Small holes in the design, like the inside of a letter “a” or “e” may fill in because the die can’t press hard enough to ensure a clean impression.

A metal die, which is much stronger than the polymer die, can hold much more detail and will ensure a much cleaner imprint. Using a metal die no longer limits the choice of font; text may be made smaller or even add a logo or other image. Metal dies give much more freedom in the design of a badge ribbon and are well worth the additional cost. They can also be saved to use again and again.

TIP #7 Avoiding Boring Ribbons: Have fun with your text.

Text doesn’t have to be boring like straight side-to-side or up-and-down. Depending on the badge ribbon chosen, the text can be set at an angle or even on a curve. This is a great trick to get longer words to fit on a narrower ribbon and doesn’t always require a metal die.

TIP #8 Avoiding Boring Ribbons: Don’t limit yourself to one color.

For a better looking badge ribbon, use a combination of colors. A plain badge ribbon suddenly seems less boring when changes to a few elements are made. If the badge ribbon really needs to make an impression, try a Full Color Custom Ribbon. This badge ribbon will be printed in full color and has no limits to fonts or number of colors and no metal dies. You can even get a photograph printed on these badge ribbons.

TIP #9 Avoiding Boring Ribbons: Plan the shape and size of your ribbon.

Each ribbon should take content and function into account when adjusting the length or shape. If there is extra empty space, make the ribbon smaller or request options for making the text fill it better. Each badge ribbon should fit the text comfortably and not be crowded or empty. Make the badge ribbon unique by replacing the pinked ends with a fishtail.

TIP #10 Avoiding Boring Ribbons: Add a company logo.

Nothing spices up a badge ribbon like an image. Use a company logo or find a basic image that will set off the design on the ribbon; it will instantly increase the ribbon’s appeal. Remember, a metal die will be required.

So the next time you find yourself in need of a ribbon for that upcoming event, keep these 10 tips in mind and the planning stages should be a bit easier and more enjoyable.

*Tips and graphics provided by guest author Melanie Bunch, Graphic Artist at Coller Industries.*

Avoiding Boring Badge Ribbons – Part 1

The boring badge ribbon makes its debut at many business conventions, corporate retreats, or any number of other professional gatherings. One can usually find these badge ribbons attached to someone’s name badge or possibly just pinned onto someone’s shirt or jacket. The boring badge ribbon is meant to be functional in presenting a word or short phrase, usually in all capital letters and a very plain font. Please note that there is nothing wrong with this ribbon type if the purpose is to simply designate a particular person as a “Speaker” or any other title.

Badge ribbons that are going to be given out as prizes or promotions are ribbons that aim to get the viewer interested in asking about a particular topic, business or cause you are representing. These badge ribbons are meant for something more, but sometimes they look just as plain as the examples described above. It is this ribbon type that deserves a little extra planning to really perform in their function the best way possible.

TIP #1: Remember what medium you are working with.

You are printing on a ribbon not a brochure or flier. Your text should be concise and to the point.

TIP #2: Consider the badge ribbon size you are ordering.

A horizontal ribbon that is four inches wide can fit words like “promotional” or “team leader” and still be big enough to read from a short distance. But, if you’re getting a vertical ribbon that is only two inches wide, try to use shorter words.

TIP #3: Vertical text should be limited.

Vertical ribbons typically have printing running vertically stacked down the ribbon. Usually you can only get away with having one word like that; any more and it becomes hard to read.

TIP #4: When lots of text is acceptable.

There are promotional ribbons with entire poems that are used as bookmarks, ribbons with wedding details for favors, and keepsake ribbons from family reunions or church events. But, if you want your ribbon to say a lot, plan on having small letters and be prepared to order a metal die to be able to imprint the fine details that are required to have this small print.

TIP #5: Consider the tone of your words.

A corporate meeting would be a great setting for the boring badge ribbon with a simple ribbon saying “President” but, if you have a smaller or less formal meeting why not have a ribbon saying “Man In Charge” or “Big Cheese” instead?

Take some time to consider these five tips when choosing which badge ribbon is the best for your purpose. There will be five more tips to follow up after you make your choice to help solidify what you really need. These final tips will help you maximize your badge ribbons and promotional ribbons.

*Tips and graphics provided by guest author Melanie Bunch, Graphic Artist at Coller Industries.*

Buying The Right Personalized Ribbon Type

You have the perfect logo and the perfect personalization, but do you know what ribbon type you need to buy? This simple guide might be just the ticket to help you figure out which ribbon type you need. While we do have an idea gallery available for several ideas, sometimes you just need to know which type of ribbon is best for what type of project you have.

The most important bit of information is to figure out what ribbon type is going to suit your project best. We have three main ribbon types: rosettes, badge/promotional ribbons, and ribbon rolls.

Rosette Ribbons

Rosette ribbons are typically used to recognize achievements. They are perfect for fairs, festivals, contests, shows and more.

Badge/Promotional Ribbons

Badge ribbons help identify roles or rewards, or just break the ice when attached to a name badge. These are perfect for conventions, meetings and other events for which this type of identification is necessary.

Promotional ribbons are great for getting the word out for promoting a sale or event. Or you can use them for a “save the date” notification, bookmarks, gift tags or keepsakes.

Ribbon Rolls

These ribbons are probably the most versatile of the bunch. Use these ribbon rolls to promote a sale or event, decorations for a party or convention, product packaging or gift wrapping, floral arrangements, and more. Ribbon rolls are also very flexible as they come in different ribbon types, colors and sizes. Each type of ribbon comes in four sizes and at least 30 different colors; some even have over 100!

Satin Ribbon Rolls

This comes as single face, satin sheen on one side with matte finish on the other, or double face, satin sheen on both sides.

DYNA Floral Satin Ribbon Rolls

A soft floral ribbon with a slight satin sheen which is great for flowers or decorations for parties.

Grosgrain Ribbon Rolls

These are a heavily corded, or ribbed, the texture shows through any imprinting creating a unique look.

Organza Ribbon Rolls

Organza ribbons are translucent and light weight; these work well for product branding or wrapping.

How To: Gift Bow Tying

Gift bow tied around a box for a thank you present.

Gift wrapping keeps the secret of what is in the package until the perfect moment of unveiling, and we all love that moment of surprise when a present is unwrapped. Whether the gift is for a wedding, a baby shower, a birthday or some other get together does not matter. We all like receiving and giving presents with flair and finesse. So, here are a few suggestions for tying that perfect gift bow using personalized ribbons.

Classic Gift Bow

The first bow, and probably the easiest to tie, is a classic one seen on many gifts. It is similar to the bow we all learned when we tied our shoes as children. Start by taking a length of ribbon and creating two loops. Second, cross the loops, one in front and one behind. Third, bring one of the loops through the resulting hole (almost a third loop at the bottom). Finally, pull both loops tight and adjust, forming the bow. You will most likely make this bow with the same ribbon you wrap around the present or gift box.

Two Colored Gift Bow

The second bow is a two colored gift bow. Make this bow separately and then secure it to the present or gift box. For this bow, you will need two widths and two colors of ribbon; let your imagination go wild! Place the skinnier ribbon on top of the wider ribbon and secure it in place, either by stitching or gluing it down. When completed, you should have a solid, single piece of ribbon. Fold the two edges into the middle of the ribbon to create a continual loop and glue the edges together. To hide these edges, take a smaller length of either ribbon and tie it around the middle. Pulling this ribbon tight will also gather the center to help create the look of a bow. Tie this off, or secure it with a small amount of glue.

Classic Pom-Pom Gift Bow

The third bow is a classic pom-pom bow with tails. Again, make this bow and then secure it to the present or gift bow. Pom-pom bows have many loops and are typically quite large, making them perfect for bigger gifts. To make this bow, you will need one very long piece of ribbon. Two sided (each side is a different color) or printed ribbon is beautiful when used for this type of bow. The longer the piece of ribbon, the fuller and bigger the bow will be.

Start by folding the ribbon in half to find the middle of the ribbon. Once you have the center, twist the ribbon and create a loop on one side. Do this for both sides until you have the same number of loops on each side with some ribbon remaining for the tails. Once you reach this step, take a smaller length of the same ribbon and tie it around the center of the bow (where you were twisting the loops) to secure the whole thing. Once it is secure, trim the tails so they are the same length, and then gently pull the loops apart to make the pom-pom.

Classic Gift Bow:

Two Colored Gift Bow:

Classic Pom-Pom:

Personalized Ribbons for Your Bow Tying

Decorate your gifts with the perfect ribbons. Order imprinted ribbons with your custom message for wedding and baby showers, birthdays, anniversaries and so much more. You can also add logos for product branding, corporate advertising or retail packaging.

Single faced satin ribbon — Single Face Satin

Double faced satin ribbon — Double Face Satin

Summer Reading Reward Ribbons

summer reading alpha mom award ribbons reward ribbons

It’s hot outside, the barbecues have been dusted off, the lawn chairs have been pulled out, and all the kids are out of school for the summer. They are running through the neighborhood without a set schedule to keep them entertained and out of trouble. Places like libraries and book stores seem to experience a decline in seeing the younger crowd around for now. Enter the summer reading programs!

But, enticing kids to keep their minds active can be a difficult and sometimes daunting task. How do we help kids stay reading throughout the summer? Why not a summer reading program with reward ribbons as recognition for completing the program? Many libraries, school districts and book stores are all on this summer reading bandwagon.

From reading charts to freebies, there are many ways to keep those youngsters involved in their books. Local libraries strive each summer to provide these reading programs, yet it is still difficult to keep any child’s attention when it’s so nice outside. This is where providing reward ribbons for any made effort to keep on reading helps out. It also helps them to stay interested and not distracted from completing the books they have selected.

Reward Ribbons

Personalized ribbons are a great way to keep the kiddos involved. Design each reward ribbon to make a great marketing and reward tool for all of these reading programs. When selecting prizes your company might use for a summer reading program, make sure they are both diverse and as inclusive as possible. Make sure to know how tactile your prize needs to be; if the reward ribbon is high in contrast, it will better suit a wide age range.

Getting the word out using personalized ribbons makes any summer reading program easier for children to find and join. Give them a reward that says “congratulations” or “good reader,” or just create your own saying. Try a ribbon bookmark with pinked edges to brighten up any book. Or, create full color bookmarks as a reward for children who meet their summer reading goals.