badge ribbons - Ribbon Impressions

Making Ribbons as Flair Work for You

We all have them. Lanyards and lanyards of name badges and badge holders we have received over the years. We get them as we attend conference after conference. Whether these conferences were for our jobs or entertainment, we still all have at least a couple of these event name tags hanging around somewhere.

You only wear them while you are at the conference, so why do you still have them? Is it the lanyard that makes the name tag so special? What about the name tag itself? Do we cling to everything that has our name emblazoned on it? Or, is it simply because we want to remember what we did while at that particular conference or convention? Or maybe, it’s because of all the RIBBONS AS FLAIR!

stacking badge ribbons on a badge holder with a lanyard to show some ribbon flair at a convention

From cosplay to ancestry conventions, ribbons as flair is everywhere.

Badge ribbons are a tradition that started at sci-fi conventions. World Con (where the world’s supposed first cosplayer was present), may have started this trend. To quickly identify the role of other staff members, World Con employees put ribbons on their badges that denoted positions such as “Dealers,” “Artists” and “Guest of Honor.” World Con attendees took notice and made their own, silly badge ribbons to share with fellow fans. Today, you can find ribbons being passed out at many sci-fi conventions and Anime cons as well.

So what are they? Badge ribbons are little colorful, often shiny ribbons with a phrase printed on them and an adhesive strip to attach it to your badge or to another ribbon. The standard size is four inches by one inch and five-eighths. They can be custom ordered on many websites, and a pack of fifty can range from twenty-five to forty dollars. Depending on which site you use, the ribbons can be made in any color, with any phrase and any simple image.

Lots of badge ribbons used as convention ribbon flair

Much like the above author, we find that these little ribbons can cause excitement around any event booth. Everyone must have one to add to their name badge. And, with the nearly endless printing possibilities, these badge ribbons are the perfect marketing and networking tool to have at any event.

The Marketing and Networking Hack

Step 1: Design your custom ribbons with fun titles or witty sayings. Or, choose from our available stock titles.

Step 2: Pass your new badge ribbons out during any event to attendees and everyone who walks past your booth.

Step 3: Sit back and watch as more and more people show up to your booth, excited to learn about your brand and business.

Yes, it really is that easy! These little ribbons can do all of the talking for you and your business. No matter the event, badge ribbons are a must-have. From stock titles to going a bit crazy with full-color printing and fun messages, your ribbon flair is sure to stand out among the crowd.

Stack your ribbons as flair till your heart’s content!

The best thing about these fun ribbons? You can stack them onto a name tag, a badge holder and even another ribbon! With the adhesive strip that runs along the top of every ribbon, these marketing tools just got even easier to use. Now you really can sport all the ribbons as flair you want. Even if you are a presenter at an event, you can still add additional ribbons to the bottom of your credentials.

And, even if you don’t have a name tag to stick them on, the tape allows you to attach these fun ribbons to a notebook, backpacks and so much more. You can literally spend hours collecting every ribbon. So join in on the fun of ribbon flair by creating your badge ribbons today!

stacked badge ribbons for added ribbon flair to a badge holder

PRO TIP: ORDER BLANK RIBBONS

blank badge ribbons to use as DIY ribbon flair at a convention

Let attendees come up with their ribbon flair with blank badge ribbons and a permanent marker or pen. They can add notes, titles and fun quips to show off their unique flair!

Shop Badge Ribbons

Holiday Decorating with Custom Ribbons

Have you ever asked yourself how to use custom ribbons for holiday decorating ideas?

Well, we’ve said before that using custom ribbons for decorations is a great idea. But, what about the holiday season? Are they any good for Christmas or Hanukkah? What about the New Year holiday? Of course, they are! We have ideas ranging from holiday door wreaths to ribbon walls for a photo booth (and nearly everything in between). However, we want to prove to all of our customers that ribbons can be used for everything, especially holiday decorating.

So, here are some surprising ways to use custom ribbons for your holiday decorating!

Ribbon Rolls: Decorating a Tree

Start at the top of the tree and roll a ribbon straight to the floor. Or, run a ribbon entirely around the tree for a more traditional look. But, no matter how you use those ribbon rolls, make sure to pick the right colors to match the rest of your decorations. Go with red, green or white to match the holiday. Maybe you have a theme for your home this year? Try matching colors or use contrasting colors to brighten up any living space for the holidays.

use custom ribbon rolls for your holiday decorating by wrapping them around a Christmas tree

Ribbon Rolls: Ornament Ties

No ornament is complete without a way to hang it. So, make your tree stand out this year with custom ribbon rolls. Maybe you have a ribbon roll with names from your wedding or your company party. Tie them around each ornament and add a touch of personality to your tree. Or, get creative with where you hang ornaments. They look great dangling from the mantle or a staircase.

Rosette Ribbons: Ornaments

Speaking of a fun idea for custom ornaments, do you have any rosette ribbon awards lying around? Maybe you don’t quite know what to do with them. Well, how about using the string or fastener on the back of those ribbons and adding them to your holiday tree. They are sure to add a pop of color and spark some charm.

Rosette Ribbons: Gift Bows or Tags

We’ve shared before how badge ribbons are the perfect to/from gift tags for every gift. But here’s a new idea. Use the rosette on a ribbon as your tags or the bow. Cut off the circular portion and add it to any gift box for a magical and unique touch. Nothing will quite say, “Happy Holidays” like a fun and festive way to distinguish your gifts from others this year.

red, green and white stock star rosette ribbons are perfect for holiday decorating

Badge Ribbons: Table Runners

One of the best things about this time of year is all of the homemade crafts and goodies. So, get to work and let your badge ribbons do the talking! Although you might require a sewing machine for this craft, using bright, custom ribbons is one way to get everyone excited for your decorating. Either run the badge ribbons in straight lines the length of your table or create a pattern. But, no matter what you do with them, you’re sure to get all of the attention for your crafty thinking!

Badge Ribbons: Christmas Stockings

Another idea that might require a sewing machine is to make everyone matching Christmas stockings. Line up your badge ribbons end to end and get to decorating your home with this fun craft project. These stockings can also make wonderful neighbor or colleague gifts. Fill them with all sorts of goodies and give them away. The recipient is sure to love everything about their new Christmas stocking.

use badge ribbons to make a Christmas stocking for unique holiday decorating

So, no matter what type of ribbons you have, we guarantee you can find something to do with them for the holidays. Now, get back to decorating!

Honoring a Special Olympics Coach

From brand exposure to product promotion, donations benefit our company in many ways. But the joy we get from them does not come from those benefits. It comes from knowing we have helped others in some way. Here at Coller Industries Incorporated, we take our responsibility to the community seriously. So, we are always looking for donation opportunities. Recently, we had the privilege of giving back to our local community here in Salt Lake County, Utah. Give a big cheer to our latest donation recipient: The Panthers Special Olympics Utah Team.

Examples of Coller Industries Incorporated products, including name tags, badge holder, name plate, award plaque, lanyard and rosette ribbon.

A Special Olympics team pays tribute to their coach a month after her passing.

The mission of Special Olympics is to provide year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities, giving them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes and the community.

Vertical Graphic Ribbons

A purple ribbon with a vertical orientation, imprinted with gold text and a heart graphic used for special olympics.

Made of quality satin, Vertical Graphic Ribbons are a popular choice for fundraisers, conventions and trade shows. While they are often used to promote products, services or sales, graphic ribbons can serve almost any purpose. And, they let you add a graphic or logo to go with your text. Customize the size, font, imprint and material colors to make these ribbons right for you. With different fastener options available, attach the ribbons to a piece of clothing or wear them with a name tag.

We donated 500 Vertical Graphic Ribbons to help the Panthers pay tribute to their former coach, Agnes Marino. A long time volunteer, she passed away September 17, 2019. Keith Tondro, an Assistant Equipment Manager for Special Olympics, spoke highly of Marino. “She gave many years of service and has been an icon for Special Olympics. These ribbons will be worn by the athletes as they compete in the Fall Sports Classic on October 18 and 19, 2019 in golf, bocce and soccer.”

The athletes wore purple badge ribbons to honor their coach as they competed in different locations in Salt Lake City, Utah. The ribbons included a heart with the name of their team and former coach. With the memory of Marino in their hearts, they played bocce ball at Northwest Middle School, golf at Rose Park Golf Course and soccer at Salt Lake Regional Athletic Complex. They did Marino proud by placing third in soccer, even while playing in stormy weather. Tondro said, “The Panthers fought hard and played well.”

Tondro, whose son, Darrell Tondro, is on the Panthers team, describes how Special Olympics benefits people with disabilities.

“Developing skills, building self-esteem and having fun, all while participating in year-round sports training and competition, is the life of a Special Olympics Utah athlete. Whatever their skill level, with eight sports to choose from, plus the Motor Activities Training Program (MATP), Special Olympics Utah has something for every person with an intellectual disability.”

No matter what product we donate, it is always a privilege to support organizations like Special Olympics. And this time, we got to help pay tribute to a woman who, like us, wanted to give back to the community. For us, giving back through donations is a way of saying thank you to those who make our company successful. After all, where would we be without the people in this community, our customers. So, thank you Special Olympics Utah for letting us serve you and your remarkable athletes. Go Panthers!

The Panthers Special Olympics Utah Team honor a former coach by wearing custom badge ribbons during their Fall Sports Classic in Salt Lake City, Utah on October 18 and 19, 2019.

Fall Ribbons from Home to Office

With the current trend being pumpkin spice, everyone knows Fall is on its way!

Every season and holiday deserves some fun with ribbons. That being said, Fall is no exception to this! Here are some past and current ideas to get your creativity flowing with all of your festive Fall ribbons.

celebrate fall in style with custom ribbons

No matter what you are celebrating this Fall, custom ribbon roll decorations are a must. Make everything from weddings to festivals better with Fall ribbon roll decorations. Whether you are hosting a company party, Fall Festival, bridal shower or wedding, custom ribbon rolls have you covered. Use them to accent centerpieces, wrap party favors and create ribbon garlands or chandeliers. Not only do these ribbons come in Fall colors, but they let you add your personal touch with custom names, graphics or logos. From double face satin to organza, we have the ribbon rolls you need to impress your attendees.

Decorating Your Home

Christmas, Easter, Halloween, St. Patrick’s Day and Valentine’s Day are all great ideas to display themed candles. Use a color theme that will help them stand out. And, personalize them with sayings, greetings or names to make them unique.

Do you have a pool noodle or two that are falling apart from summer use? Here’s a great idea! Use one to form a circle and create a door wreath with festive colors. Make it unique by using different types of ribbons such as organza or grosgrain. These ribbon rolls are sure to make an impression and leave your guests a little bit jealous; you might have to give them your secrets to amazing Fall decor.

Ribbon Topiaries

fall and halloween ribbons used to make a ribbon topiary

(These faux trees) are fun to decorate with as well. First, choose several different, festive ribbon colors. Find a foam or floral ball and dress pins. You will also want a small dowel, or a pencil works well. Finally, you will need a base such as a vase or other stand that can hold the topiary upright.

Cut each ribbon piece into approximately four-inch strips. The more strips you have, the larger the topiary will look. Then start rolling the ribbons, so the ends meet. Secure these together with a pin and push it securely into the foam ball. Cover the entire ball with these ribbon rings. Make sure to stagger the ribbons and colors and alternate directions the ribbons are being placed to give it a fluffy look. Add a finishing touch with a bow on the dowel that has a spooky message.

For your holiday parties, don’t forget your award or badge ribbons. Maybe even incorporate the ribbons into your costume! But make sure those who attend your party know how appreciated they are with awards for everyone. From “Best Dressed” to “Spookiest Costume,” create exactly the awards you need. Or, go for a blank badge ribbon and make the whole thing up as you go.

Making Your Office Ready for Fall

Decorate your office door with fun, festive ribbon rolls. Choose from your favorite Fall colors such as Torrid Orange, Scarlet, Willow and more. Or use traditional brown, black, orange and green. No matter which colors you end up choosing, make sure to have fun, and set your creativity ablaze with these fun ribbons. Create a draping or curtain effect or weave the ribbon rolls for fun designs.

Use badge ribbons as gift tags on treats for employees, customers and other visitors you might have. Or, use custom top ribbons to announce your Halloween office party. Is your company having a costume contest? Rosette ribbons are perfect for that first prize winner.

Get your colleagues into a festive mood with new badge ribbons for their name tags. Translate their job titles or functions into something Fall themed to have imprinted onto ribbons. Your sales team could now be the Acorn Gatherers or your customer service representatives can now be part of the Cornucopia Team. Get creative and give your clients something new to smile about.

But, no matter what you decide to do with your fall ribbons, don’t forget to share your ideas with us!

Best of Show: Festivals and Fairs

State festivals and county fairs have two things in common: the elusive best of show and award ribbons.

From incredible horse shows, food demonstrations and live music to fried food, butter sculptures and roller coasters, festivals and fairs can be an incredible experience. And, don’t forget the best part: those best of show ribbons! But, before we get into our favorite topic of ribbons, let’s talk about the difference between a festival and a fair.

a festival and a fair both have something in common: best of show award ribbons

FESTIVAL vs. FAIR

Briefly, a festival is a gathering of people to celebrate something, historically religious holidays (feast days), but now also secular ones, e.g., Kwanzaa, or the Burning Man, initially held to celebrate the summer solstice. Mardi Gras is a famous New Orleans festival, a religious one celebrated more quietly in other areas.

A fair is a gathering of vendors or tradespeople for the entertainment, commerce or other purpose. There are job fairs (hardly a festival), book fairs, farm shows (also called fairs) where people show their prized livestock or farm products for the entertainment (and often sales for charity) of both fellow farmers and non-farmers alike, county fairs (mostly just summer entertainment), etc.

So, now that we know the difference between a festival and a fair, we can focus on more important things. Things like how to win your Best of Show ribbon!

While we don’t have specifics, especially when it comes to things other than ribbons themselves, on what the best looking cow is or if you have the best tasting chili, we do have a little bit of advice. No matter your location, from Texas to Minnesota, the best thing you can do to win that coveted prize ribbon is to try your hardest. Work on your craft and put the required time in to make sure you know what you’re doing.

Here at Coller Industries, that’s exactly what we do with our custom ribbons (and every personalized product we sell). We have been working on our craft for nearly 25 years, and are top in our trade. So, while we can’t really award ourselves with Best of Show ribbons (judges consider that cheating), we might just try.

But, don’t take our word for it!

Jeff Halbach, a poultry judge at last year’s Minnesota state fair, said, “The birds that end up on champion row usually are sound in body, correct and bright in color, have been cleaned and prepared for showing by their owners. And, finally, they have that winning personality.”

Emily Griffiths, also a judge (beef cattle) at the 2018 Minnesota State Fair, said, “I have always believed that beef heifer shows are very comparable to a beauty pageant in that it is about combining desirable female traits in a well-presented form with poise and style. You want an amount of body and muscle that is proportional and well suited to the animal’s frame with excellent structure. What separates an ordinary cow in the pasture from a champion at the state fair are those heifers with an extra amount of class, style, and grace. Those characteristics are not just limited to people—cattle can have those, too!”

Okay, on to those elusive Best of Show ribbons!

best of show stock rosette ribbon from Personalized Ribbons

Rosette ribbons are seen everywhere at a fair. From giant pumpkins to those cute baby piglets, they are the classic touch at your local state or county fair. There are plenty of titles and stock ribbons from which to choose or make custom fair ribbons. They can have any award or honor imprinted to meet all of your needs.

From county fairs to holiday festivals, personalized ribbons are sure to bring home the Best of Show! And, no matter your ribbon choice, we have something to meet all of your festival and fair needs. Whether it’s a pie eating contest or a 4-H event, ribbon rolls are sure to amaze with the right customization. Rosette ribbons are available as stock titles (yes, Best of Show included) or customize your own. They are a great way to make sure all winners are recognized for any achievement.

But, enough about us, what about you? Are you planning on taking home Best of Show this year? Will it be your prized pig or your mom’s best blueberry pie?