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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

shop for the perfect ribbon; ribbon rolls, rosettes, flat ribbons.

Shop for Your Perfect Ribbon

Using Personalized Wedding Ribbons

While wedding season is typically in June and July, that doesn’t mean the ideas stop flowing. Especially for planning all the details using your personalized wedding ribbons. Yes, typically personalized ribbons are used for adding detail to flowers and centerpieces, but here are a few extra ideas for using all of that personalized wedding ribbon. And, if you run out, you can always order more!

Decorate that wedding cake!

It doesn’t matter how many tiers you have on your wedding cake, what matters is that it is special to you. By adding some personalized wedding ribbon around one, two, or more tiers on the cake, you can bring out that special meaning of your day. Make sure to order this ribbon in your wedding colors and add personalized information such as the date, names and maybe a fun phrase that means something special to both the bride and groom.

Wedding aisle decorations

Using personalized wedding ribbon on guest’s chairs is a great way to add decorations to any wedding. Make a large bow that can sit on the aisle chairs from any personalized ribbon. Using your wedding colors and a unique message will help to express how special this day is to you.

Wrap any utensils in personalized wedding ribbon.

Simply put, make these items special by adding your dated personalized wedding ribbon around the handles of the cake knife and server. Or, bundle the silverware for the wedding luncheon or dinner with personalized ribbon reflecting the bride’s and groom’s initials or the wedding date.

Another fun idea, along this line, is to wrap the salt and pepper shakers or any other serving pieces with your personalized wedding ribbon. This adds to the table centerpieces and overall decorations.

Add personal flair to wedding favors or thank you gifts.

No matter what you’re sending home as a thank you for the hours spent on your special day, make it really personal with some added personalized wedding ribbon. Have the ribbon imprinted with a simple thank you, or add names, dates or any other suitable detail that will help a brides maid or even a guest remember your special day.

Use Ribbons as Motivation for Students

Ribbons can be used as tools to help motivate children to learn. School is back in session and many mothers and fathers are relieved that they no longer have to provide entertainment for their children. However, this now puts educators in the position of teaching these children. Many teachers are searching everywhere for the perfect tools to keep these kids motivated in their learning and education.

Every child is different and has their own abilities that deserve to be praised. Customize and design any ribbon to celebrate any achievement. From school colors to school mascots, we can help that special student stand out. Receiving a ribbon for a special achievement can be exciting, or giving a ribbon just for effort can help a student raise their self-confidence.

Here are a few ribbon ideas that should keep their attention.

Custom Top Ribbons designed for schools and student achievements.

Custom Top Ribbons are great for students as you can customize and order them with any title or placement. Not only can a student hang them proudly but they can also double as a bookmark for a quick reminder of why the ribbon was received. With several styles and multiple colors, these place ribbons are sure to be a hit with any student.

personalized ribbons stock rosette ribbons award ribbons

Rosette Ribbons are great for place ribbons. So, when you have a classroom contest or a need to represent several students for the quality of their work, choose from a variety of styles and colors. Most ribbons represent up to nine places and also participation awards. All our rosette ribbons are high quality and can be ordered as unique custom or stock rosette award ribbons.

grosgrain ribbon rolls achievement and recognition ribbons

Customize ribbon rolls to meet any need. Choose a special message that will let any student know of his or her achievement. And, choose from an abundance of colors and styles.

Ribbons are a great way to show that special child just how special they really are. Sometimes it is the little gestures in life that make someone want to strive for excellence. Immediate and tangible rewards can make reaching this goal more enjoyable and can really help them strive for and achieve that excellence.

How To: Canning Jar Gifts

Is it time to start thinking about holiday neighbor or group gifts? If so, check out these great ideas! And don’t forget to personalize them!

Vanilla-Brown-Sugar-Scrub The Frugal Girls Gifts in a Jar

I-Love-You-to-Pieces The Frugal Girls Gifts in a Jar

Hot-Cocoa-Mix The Frugal Girls Gifts in a Jar

Reeses-Chocolate-Cookie-Mix The Frugal Girls Gifts in a Jar

Canning jars can be used for other things besides flower vases. As scary as it sounds, it is coming to the point of the year when people are starting to think of great group gifts for the upcoming holidays. (Dare one say Christmas?) One of these group or neighbor gifts can be to create large quantities of homemade recipes that only require adding minimal liquids or perishables to make yummy homemade treats. The benefits of making these is that not only do you get to let people sample your recipes, but their homes will start to smell of fresh baking for the holidays. Examples for these homemade canning jar gifts may include (but, of course, are not limited to): hot chocolate, wassail or chai mixes, candy in a jar, cookie or cake mixes, or even a good sugar or salt scrub.

And don’t forget that those canning jars don’t just decorate themselves! While a canning jar itself isn’t something spectacularly beautiful, by adding satin ribbon to compliment the contents of the canning jar, you can really create something special. Add a personalized ribbon with a “Thank You” or “Happy Holidays” and let that neighbor know you really care. Or, add any message you desire to your personalized ribbon.

So, don’t forget to throw in your own personal touch by adding embellishments to your canning jars. Not only are you sharing your recipe and the joy of homemade goodies with those around you, but you can also create your own personal flair with these gifts. Go to it; decorate those canning jars however you want! Just don’t forget to use some personalized ribbons to really make these wonderful gifts really special and memorable.

How To: Canning Jars and Ribbons

No matter what the occasion is, when the urge hits to give someone flowers, keep in mind to never just steal them from your neighbor’s garden! Put some thought into the arraignment and make it a personal gift that will mean something for a long time with thoughtful personalized ribbons. And what better way than to make a personalized vase?

So, take those flowers from last week and create a home made project that is sure to please for years to come. We’re all into up-cycling anything these days. Why not incorporate all those old Mason Jars? While it isn’t required to actually use a Mason Jar, find a few of those old canning jars that are lying around your home. And here’s a couple amazing ideas to get you going in the right direction for that something special and personal. All you need is a canning jar without a lid and some scraps of ribbon!

Spring Tulips and Burlap Wrapped Mason Jars flower arrangements

gingham and mason jars a pretty cool life

mason jars with satin green ribbon and white doilies

flowers in clustered mason jars, held together with a ribbon

The simplest way to create a personalized masterpiece is an old canning jar, a wide strip of burlap and a favorite piece of old scrap ribbon. Simply wrap that burlap around the canning jar and secure down with a bit of hot glue. Next, take that ribbon and tie a pretty bow. It’s that simple!

Another way to create these simple vases is to just take a ribbon of your choice and wrap it around the top part of the canning jar. This example used gingham ribbon, but any ribbon will work. Make it personalized by ordering (or using some you already have) personalized ribbon rolls. Dress up this version with a simple paper doily wrapped around the canning jar before tying the ribbon around it.

The final suggestion is to arrange several canning jars together and secure them with a long piece of ribbon. Finish this with a simple, or maybe a more extravagant bow. Whether they be in clusters, like this example, or individual canning jars, these are sure to impress and be a keepsake for years to come.