Creative Ribbon Flowers and Roses

Who needs a garden when you can have flowers all the time?

Spring is in the air, and flowers are blooming everywhere. But, if you’re like me, you want flowers all year long. So, here is a quick ribbon tutorial to make some bright, fun flowers that will last a very long time.

Simple Loop Daisies

These fun flowers can be as bright or as mellow as you want them. Choose anywhere from one to three or four colors when you create this masterpiece. These particular flowers were made from 3/8 inch grosgrain ribbons.

Cut each ribbon to your desired length remembering that exterior colors will need to be longer than the inside ones. Using a needle and thread, start sewing these ribbons into small loops. Start by stacking your ribbons with one end of each ribbon lined up square with the others. Once this is done, push your needle through. Then, line up the other ends to create your loop. Repeat this process until you have eight to ten loop sets finished.

Once you have these done, remember to tie off the ends of the thread. Then, apply a little dab of glue to connect the two ends to form the flower. If you want, add a button or other accent piece to the top of the flower to embellish it to your taste!

Knotted Chrysanthemums

This flower will use about 24 ribbon strips. How full your flower will be is dependent on the ribbon width and length. Start by placing a knot in the middle of each ribbon strip. You can make the knots as loose as you want. Remember that the tightness of the knots will make your flower vary in appearance.

Once each ribbon strip has a knot, form them into loops and either sew or glue them together. Sewing will allow for shaping once the flower is all put together. Continue sewing each ribbon strip to the others until you reach the desired look. And, when that is finished, add any center embellishment you wish.

Ribbon Roses

One of the easiest ways to turn a strip of ribbon into a flower is with this rose tutorial. Start with about two feet of ribbon roll. Use a running stitch along one end of the snipped ribbon and down one side of the ribbon the full length. Finish the stitch by running it along the other end and tie your thread off.

Once this is done, tie one ribbon end into a knot and carefully gather the ribbon together around this knot. Then, hold the knot in one hand and wrap the rest of the ribbon length around it. Arrange the folds and petal shapes into the desired effect and sew the bottom of the rose together so it will hold its shape.

Finishing Touches

Add stems to each of these ribbon flowers and put them in a decorative vase to display in your favorite place. Or, add a clip to the back and wear them in your hair or on a lapel. How about using them as table scatter? No matter your choice, each flower is sure to find its place in your home and your heart!

Homecoming Mums: A Perfect Tradition

Ribbons and flowers are perfectly synonymous. And in Texas, mums are no different!

Have you heard of homecoming mums? While this is typically a Texas tradition, it is something we can see happening pretty much anywhere! With a simple creation made from chrysanthemums and custom ribbons, any dance or school activity would gain popularity.

Tradition of Homecoming Mums

From China to Japan to Sweden, chrysanthemums have been around for centuries. Tracing the first recorded information about these flowers takes you to China about 3,500 years ago. Decorative mums traditionally consist of artificial chrysanthemum flowers, originally real chrysanthemums, surrounded and decorated with floor-length ribbon and little trinkets.

Now, mainly in Texas high schools, mums are worn to the homecoming dance after the football game. The tradition is that the boys create a personalized mum for their date to wear. Girls make garters for the boys which are similar to mums but shorter and worn on the guy’s arm rather than around their neck like mums.

Mums Today

use custom rosette ribbons for your next homecoming mum and garter — Photo by Jana D. Nelson

While it is still debated, the University of Missouri has been recognized as the official place of birth of homecoming. In 1911, the athletic director at Mizzou presented the incentive to attend the homecoming football game by having a huge celebration. In turn, these gatherings turned into homecoming dances. And, at some point, the tradition of a boy giving a chrysanthemum to his date as a corsage was born in Texas.

Around the 1980s, mums were usually about a maximum of three Chrysanthemum flowers and a few ribbons, but as the years have gone by, the size and expectations of mums have increased and have become more elaborate. The size of the mums and garters tend to grow along with the grade in which the person is that is receiving the mum.

For the longest time, homecoming mums were a Texas-only tradition, but in the last few years, it has expanded into neighboring states such as Oklahoma and Louisiana. A huge mum can be a source of pride for a girl in both her school and her homecoming date. Even though homecoming mums have cropped up in other states, like most things, they are still bigger in Texas.

How To Make A Mum

While there isn’t a specific way to make a mum, we recommend that you start with a rosette ribbon. Rosettes are the perfect base for small to large mums! Choose your favorite colors or go more traditional with school pride. Then just add your embellishments as you would like.

Just don’t forget to personalize the ribbons! Add names, dates and other school details that your date is sure to enjoy.

Creative Embroidery Ribbons

Flowers, houses and hats are perfect subjects for the artwork created with this creative ribbon embroidery!

When most people think of ribbon rolls, they consider wrapping presents or decorating for a party or some other function. Some people, however, think “what can I do with this that will make it quirky?” Here’s another idea to get your creative juices flowing!

Embroidery is the handicraft of decorating fabric or other materials with needle and thread or yarn.

The basic techniques or stitches on surviving examples of the earliest embroidery (chain stitch, buttonhole or blanket stitch, running stitch, satin stitch, cross stitch) remain the fundamental techniques of hand embroidery today.

The fabrics and yarns used in traditional embroidery vary from place to place. Wool, linen, and silk have been in use for thousands of years for both fabric and yarn. Ribbon embroidery uses narrow ribbon in silk or organza blend ribbon, most commonly to create floral motifs.

While the most common things embroidered are flowers, these twisted and folded ribbons are perfect to make any artwork piece come to life. And the best part is these ribbons look great as framed wall art or on throw pillows on your favorite chair.

embroidery using satin ribbons to make flowers and other art pieces

embroidery using satin ribbons to make hats and other art pieces

embroidery using satin ribbons to make houses and gardens and other art pieces

With so many different stitches available, each look and flower will be as unique as the person making the art piece. And remember not to limit yourself to your design. Flowers are lovely, but so is a lady wearing a hat. Try making a house with a garden. And what about birds and other animals?

If you try your hand at this beautiful form of art, don’t limit yourself. Try different ribbon types and also different stitches. Keep your imagination flowing!

We’re always looking for new ideas for your favorite creative ribbons. Send us a message with your favorite way of using custom and stock ribbons today!

Creative Ribbons: Candles and Decorating

Candles and ribbons go hand-in-hand and can dress up any drab corner you might have.

Ribbons are a great way to fancy up those old, dusty candles you might have on your mantel or bookshelf. And, most everyone has a least one candle somewhere around their home. They can be such a fun decoration! Here are a few ways to use them around your house and make it feel homier.

Ribbon candles are perfect for creating pretty table centerpieces. Make them for birthday presents, wedding decorations or just because you want to. Candles and ribbons go great with nearly every setting. Other uses could include bookends, temporary lighting or anything you can think up!

And don’t forget the holidays!

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.

Use either scrap ribbon you already have, or order some custom ribbon rolls for any of these designs. And the great part is that any candle will look great with any ribbon we have available! Choose your favorite color or match it to a room’s existing decor. Secure each design with hot glue or small pins. Or simply tie it on!

candles and ribbons go hand-in-hand and can be used for almost any decorative purpose

Adding personalized or colored ribbon to any candle is a great way to add character without too much expense. From wide width ribbon to smaller widths that are layered, you can create almost any look! Choose from satin, grosgrain or even organza to customize your candle. And, add an embellishment such as a rosette or button to hide the seam or any small defects in ribbon you might already have on hand.

There are so many ways to decorate any size candle. From wrapping wide ribbon around them to adding them to a holder that has a simple bow on it, candles are definitely a fun piece to have around.

9 Perfectly Creative Projects

There are so many creative projects out there for ribbons! What happens to these projects when you add a bit of personalization?

Too often we’ve all seen personalized and custom ribbons used in the same boring ways. Now, that isn’t to say that using these wonderful ribbons in traditional ways is wrong, but today we’d like to explore the less known. Let’s look at a few ways we can add some extra pizzazz to your custom ribbons!

Yes, there is the age-old wrapping with ribbon that has a custom message. And traditionally these are given during the holidays. But they aren’t the only reason to have personalized ribbons around. So, what else can you do with personalized ribbons?

Let’s flow with the holiday theme for a moment!

How about personalized ornament projects? Look how great these are by adding a special holiday message to them! And don’t stick with Christmas. These are great for the upcoming St. Patrick’s Day or Easter holidays. Use them as decorations all year round!

Other great holiday ribbon projects include: seasonal and holiday wreaths and greeting cards! Again, don’t limit yourself to the traditional Christmas stuff. These are both great projects for birthdays, anniversaries and any other special occasion throughout the year.

Truly, personalized ribbons make everything better!

What about children’s toys? When was the last time your little one asked for a fairy wand? While traditionally these are used for weddings or May Day activities, any child would love running around with their name on ribbons streaming behind them! And don’t limit it to names. Make them as personalized as you want! From choosing a child’s favorite color to imprinting a special message, these make a unique gift and toy for almost anyone.

DIY jewelry and accessories are great projects for personalized ribbons. From bracelets with someone’s name to necklaces and even shoelaces or hair bows, let your imagination soar!

Don’t forget the rosettes and classic ribbons!

Do you have a plethora of award ribbons from 4-H clubs and equestrian shows? Make an enchanting pillow or blanket to show them off. While we don’t have a tutorial, there are many people out there that will help you accomplish this great task. And, they look great to have on your bed or a couch where people can congratulate you on a job well done!

Classic ribbons are perfect for many projects too! Make your own custom bookmarks with your favorite quote or saying. Include simple graphics or design your own. These are great to share at your next book club meeting or to give to a group of friends.

No matter what your next project is, make it stand out with personalized ribbons!