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Awareness Ribbons, Colors and Symbols

From awards to weddings and event decorations to awareness, all ribbons have one thing in common: they create a social atmosphere. Whether it is part of a craft project or using them for decorations at your next party, ribbons inevitably accomplish the same thing. They drive your need to socialize.

Awareness ribbons are meant to show support or raise consciousness for a cause. They are also a perfect way to participate in that social atmosphere. And, ribbon rolls make wonderful awareness ribbons as they are easy to shape and perfect to attach to anything.

Different colors and patterns of awareness ribbons are associated with various issues. Many advocacy groups have adopted ribbons as symbols of support or awareness. Awareness ribbons date back to 1917, when the yellow ribbon showed up to support the US military. Since then, ribbons have been used for various causes and different colors symbolize various concerns.

Making awareness ribbons

Tying an awareness ribbon is a simple process, and it is a meaningful way to show support for various causes. While awareness ribbons are used year round, some of the most prominent reasons for wearing them happen around the start of the school season and in October. Many schools acknowledge Red Ribbon Week while others include breast cancer awareness, literacy awareness and cultural diversity awareness.

For a complete list of awareness ribbon colors and months, a simple reference website is Understanding Ribbon Colors.

Showing support and creating awareness with ribbons

Follow this easy step by step guide to show support with your own awareness ribbons.

Step One

Select the ribbon color that represents your awareness needs. Then customize your ribbons with the name of your cause, a person’s name or the date of an event. Remember, when ordering personalized ribbons, make sure to properly space the text and graphics. See our blog on How To: Creating Custom Ribbon Ends.

Once you have your ribbons, consider the finish of the ribbon and choose a length based on the desired size. Cut a section of ribbon that includes your entire message. For a standard sized awareness ribbon, around nine inches is a good starting point. If you need a slanted end, cut the section at an angle.

Step Two

Start by folding the ribbon in half and holding it at the fold. Then take one end and bring it across the other end, forming an “X” shape. After creating a loop at the fold, you should now have two hanging pieces forming the “tails” of the ribbon.

This center crossover should not cover any text, allowing your message to remain clearly displayed. Adjust the loop so it is even and symmetrical. You can pull on both ends to tighten or loosen the loop as needed. Shape the ribbon by adjusting the loop and tails to ensure the ribbon has a neat, uniform appearance.

Step Three

Once satisfied with the shape, now you need to secure your awareness ribbon. There are several ways to secure it. Each method offers a different combination of durability and aesthetic appeal, depending on your needs.

Use hot glue for a quick, durable option, applying it where the tails meet the loop, though it may be hard to adjust once set. Fabric or tacky glue is a good alternative as it dries clear and is flexible, but it requires drying time. If you prefer a more permanent solution, sewing the ribbons at the crossover point with a needle and thread provides a neat, clean finish.

Step Four

The final step is to choose a fastener for your awareness ribbon. When selecting one, make sure it matches the ribbon’s thickness and design. When choosing a fastener for your awareness ribbon, consider various options such as pins, clips or magnets. If the fastener does not come with adhesive, use hot glue to secure it.

Pins are the most common and easy to use, allowing you to attach the ribbon to clothing, bags or accessories. Clips are great for securely attaching the ribbon to items like bags or hats, while brooches can add a decorative touch if you want something more elegant. Magnets offer a no puncture solution, ideal for attaching the ribbon to metal surfaces like a refrigerator or car.

Tips for success

Remember to practice! It might take a couple of tries to get the hang of it. So, don’t be discouraged if your first attempt is not perfect. Try using thinner, more flexible ribbons, which are generally easier to work with. Stiffer ribbons might not hold their shape as well. And the size of your ribbon matters too. Adjust the initial length of the ribbon to create larger or smaller awareness ribbons.

Learn About Ribbon Colors

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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

Making the Most of Stackable Badge Ribbons

stackable badge ribbons with a reusable name badge

Badge ribbons help make the wearer stand out from the crowd. They are also an effective way to make an initial introduction and break the ice for those attending a social meeting. Find these crowds anywhere, but most people obtain ribbons from trade shows, conventions, conferences, meetings or other social functions.

As people collect badge ribbons from a conference or convention, they serve different purposes. So, what happens when these ribbons are all combined? And where do you put them all? People use every badge ribbon they get as an identifier and visual stimulant for themselves.

Badge holders are one of the best places to attach any badge ribbon. They extend the name and title of the person wearing them. The ribbons are “stackable,” so the wearer does not have to pick and choose which ones to add to their name badges.

Each title can range from Council Member and President to Greeter and Sponsor. Personalized Ribbons offers an abundance of these stock badge ribbons, and each title comes in several choices of color. Each title will help anyone stand out in any crowd.

Benefits of stacking badge ribbons

It is always fun to think outside the box and develop unique ways to personalize badge ribbons to meet the needs of any social function. Custom order creative titles, so not everyone has to have an official title attached to their name badge.

You do not have to limit badge ribbons to just professional functions. Find these ribbons at parties, weddings and other intimate or family events.

Fundraisers are also a common place to see these ribbons. They are an excellent tool for identifying each fundraiser’s cause or support group. Choose a color, such as pink for breast cancer support or a rainbow ribbon for autism supporters, and then add a title or function for the wearer to attach to their name badge.

Customize these ribbons in horizontal and vertical designs to meet any need for any function. They are not only versatile but also affordable. Do not limit yourself on these great personalizing tools. You can even order blank ribbons to identify specific groups by a single color worn by each person.

Badge ribbons are an excellent way to break the ice and stop awkward stares or uncomfortable moments when someone does not know what to say or how to introduce themselves. Stacking personalized ribbons on name badges is an effective way to identify any role at these events.

badge holder with stacked vertical and horizontal ribbons

>> SHOP ALL BADGE RIBBONS <<

badge holder with customized insert and horizontal badge ribbon

>> SHOP ALL BADGE HOLDERS <<

Personalized Ribbon Greeting Cards

If you are like many people, you may want to get a jump start on your gift purchases for the year. And one of the most important things is the need to keep the cost down, after all, no one is made of money. This comes into play when you are trying to personalize the gift to each person, and what better way to personalize than to make cards that come from the heart. After all, it isn’t the gift they will remember, it’s the way they felt knowing it was from you.

So, why not make your gifts personal? Choose from a wide variety of our ribbon rolls and create your own home made cards! We have anything and everything (seriously, we have an actual “ribbon room” in our building)!

Custom ribbons make the best cards!

Don’t limit yourself by doing this to only birthday cards. Cards can range from birthdays to thank yous and even include wedding invites and baby shower invites. We can print almost anything on our wide stock of ribbons. We also have several different ways of printing on them.

It's your special day ribbon personalized cards

custom made happy birthday gift card using custom ribbons

Use scraps of ribbon to create shapes for each card. These possibilities are endless; create Christmas trees, snowflakes, bunnies, hearts and anything else your heart desires. Use snippets from a ribbon roll with a personalized message. Messages can include happy birthday, thinking of you, happy holidays and so forth. Each card becomes an individualized way to express yourself. Say you are sorry, send best wishes for a special occasion or simply personalize the card just because you can.

When you add personalized ribbon to a card as an embellishment, it creates a 3D effect and makes everything stand out. Show your friends and family members that you really care by mixing in ribbons on your homemade greeting cards. Not only have you now created personalized cards, but you should still have plenty of the personalized ribbons to wrap any presents that coordinate with the card!

No matter your purpose, ribbon rolls are a great way to make any card special with a unique, personalized touch. With all the options available in our selection, you will find the perfect ribbon to make your card that much better.

Check out everything we have to offer on our website: www.personalized-ribbons.com.

Displaying Award Ribbons and Rosettes

It’s that time of year again when we are all receiving award ribbons. Whether it is from a prize horse or dog show or just a recognition award, they sure come in hoards. So, what are we to do with all of them? Many suggestions have been offered over the years. In fact, if one was to browse Pinterest or equestrian show sites, others who have faced this problem are offering solutions.

Here are a few display ideas.

A grape vine wreath with multiple rosette ribbons and streamers glued to it. — Rosette Mulit-Colored Wreath

A wreath made from dozens of cut rosettes and a few short and two long streamers. — Rosette Mulit-Colored Wreath

Use each of your ribbons to create a one of a kind wreath for your home. These can even be holiday themed or color coordinated.

Use our tutorial to make your own! How To: Rosette Award Ribbon Wreaths

A decorative pillow made from the streamers of award ribbons with a single, large rosette with three streamers in the middle. — Recycled Rosette Award Pillow

A patchwork quilt fashioned from multiple streamers and award ribbons. — Recycled Rosette Award Pillow

Or, make something a little more homey, such as a pillow or quilt. While this idea may take a few more ribbons, there is no need to worry about where to get the extras you might need.

A rosette ribbon with longer streamers framed into a wooden box. — Custom Frame Rosette Award

The front of a scrapbook that has been covered with award ribbons and the center of a rosette. — Custom Frame Rosette Award

If you want something a little easier, create a shadow box or custom frame to show off your hard earned, and well deserved, award ribbons. Or create a scrapbook using your ribbons for the cover or inside as embellishments on the pages. Need a unique frame for that special show picture? Use the rosettes as a border or to update an old frame and give it new life.

Whatever your decision, display your ribbons proudly!

From first place to special events, rosettes are perfect for awarding winners.

You worked hard for those and they deserve a place in the spotlight and in your life. Use them in any way you can think, these are only a few brief ideas. And don’t forget that, especially if you don’t have enough ribbons to create one of these wonderful crafts, to visit our website for even more ideas and more custom ribbons.

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